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Landaverde S, Sleep M, Lacoste A, Tan S, Schuback R, Reiter LT, Iyengar A. Glial expression of Drosophila UBE3A causes spontaneous seizures that can be modulated by 5-HT signaling. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106651. [PMID: 39197537 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106651] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Misexpression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase gene UBE3A is thought to contribute to a range of neurological disorders. In the context of Dup15q syndrome, additional genomic copies of UBE3A give rise to the autism, muscle hypotonia and spontaneous seizures characteristics of the disorder. In a Drosophila model of Dup 15q syndrome, it was recently shown that glial-driven expression of the UBE3A ortholog dube3a led to a "bang-sensitive" phenotype, where mechanical shock triggers convulsions, suggesting glial dube3a expression contributes to hyperexcitability in flies. Here we directly compare the consequences of glial- and neuronal-driven dube3a expression on motor coordination and seizure susceptibility in Drosophila. To quantify seizure-related behavioral events, we developed and trained a hidden Markov model that identified these events based on automated video tracking of fly locomotion. Both glial and neuronal driven dube3a expression led to clear motor phenotypes. However, only glial-driven dube3a expression displayed spontaneous seizure-associated immobilization events, that were clearly observed at high-temperature (38 °C). Using a tethered fly preparation amenable to electrophysiological monitoring of seizure activity, we found glial-driven dube3a flies display aberrant spontaneous spike discharges which are bilaterally synchronized. Neither neuronal-dube3a overexpressing flies, nor control flies displayed these firing patterns. We previously performed a drug screen for FDA approved compounds that can suppress bang-sensitivity in glial-driven dube3a expressing flies and identified certain 5-HT modulators as strong seizure suppressors. Here we found glial-driven dube3a flies fed the serotonin reuptake inhibitor vortioxetine and the 5-HT2A antagonist ketanserin displayed reduced immobilization and spike bursting, consistent with the previous study. Together these findings highlight the potential for glial pathophysiology to drive Dup15q syndrome-related seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Landaverde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
| | - Megan Sleep
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
| | - Andrew Lacoste
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
| | - Selene Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
| | - Reid Schuback
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States of America; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States of America
| | - Atulya Iyengar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America; Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America; Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America.
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2
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Elu N, Subash S, R Louros S. Crosstalk between ubiquitination and translation in neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1398048. [PMID: 39286313 PMCID: PMC11402904 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1398048] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is one of the most conserved post-translational modifications and together with mRNA translation contributes to cellular protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Temporal and spatial regulation of proteostasis is particularly important during synaptic plasticity, when translation of specific mRNAs requires tight regulation. Mutations in genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation and in ubiquitin ligases have been associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders. RNA metabolism and translation are regulated by RNA-binding proteins, critical for the spatial and temporal control of translation in neurons. Several ubiquitin ligases also regulate RNA-dependent mechanisms in neurons, with numerous ubiquitination events described in splicing factors and ribosomal proteins. Here we will explore how ubiquitination regulates translation in neurons, from RNA biogenesis to alternative splicing and how dysregulation of ubiquitin signaling can be the underlying cause of pathology in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Fragile X syndrome. Finally we propose that targeting ubiquitin signaling is an attractive novel therapeutic strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders where mRNA translation and ubiquitin signaling are disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagore Elu
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Srividya Subash
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susana R Louros
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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3
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Montani C, Balasco L, Pagani M, Alvino FG, Barsotti N, de Guzman AE, Galbusera A, de Felice A, Nickl-Jockschat TK, Migliarini S, Casarosa S, Lau P, Mattioni L, Pasqualetti M, Provenzano G, Bozzi Y, Lombardo MV, Gozzi A. Sex-biasing influence of autism-associated Ube3a gene overdosage at connectomic, behavioral, and transcriptomic levels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadg1421. [PMID: 38996019 PMCID: PMC11244557 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Genomic mechanisms enhancing risk in males may contribute to sex bias in autism. The ubiquitin protein ligase E3A gene (Ube3a) affects cellular homeostasis via control of protein turnover and by acting as transcriptional coactivator with steroid hormone receptors. Overdosage of Ube3a via duplication or triplication of chromosomal region 15q11-13 causes 1 to 2% of autistic cases. Here, we test the hypothesis that increased dosage of Ube3a may influence autism-relevant phenotypes in a sex-biased manner. We show that mice with extra copies of Ube3a exhibit sex-biasing effects on brain connectomics and autism-relevant behaviors. These effects are associated with transcriptional dysregulation of autism-associated genes, as well as genes differentially expressed in 15q duplication and in autistic people. Increased Ube3a dosage also affects expression of genes on the X chromosome, genes influenced by sex steroid hormone, and genes sex-differentially regulated by transcription factors. These results suggest that Ube3a overdosage can contribute to sex bias in neurodevelopmental conditions via influence on sex-differential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Montani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Luigi Balasco
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
- Autism Center, Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, USA
- IMT School for Advanced Studies, Lucca, Italy
| | - Filomena Grazia Alvino
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Noemi Barsotti
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Elizabeth de Guzman
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alessia de Felice
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Thomas K. Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sara Migliarini
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Pierre Lau
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Human Technologies, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mattioni
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael V. Lombardo
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, CNCS@UNITN, Rovereto, Italy
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Müller F, Jansen J, Offensperger F, Eichbichler D, Stengel F, Scheffner M. Cobalamins Function as Allosteric Activators of an Angelman Syndrome-Associated UBE3A/E6AP Variant. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400184. [PMID: 38573110 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400184] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Genetic aberrations of the maternal UBE3A allele, which encodes the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP, are the cause of Angelman syndrome (AS), an imprinting disorder. In most cases, the maternal UBE3A allele is not expressed. Yet, approximately 10 percent of AS individuals harbor distinct point mutations in the maternal allele resulting in the expression of full-length E6AP variants that frequently display compromised ligase activity. In a high-throughput screen, we identified cyanocobalamin, a vitamin B12-derivative, and several alloxazine derivatives as activators of the AS-linked E6AP-F583S variant. Furthermore, we show by cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry that cobalamins affect the structural dynamics of E6AP-F583S and apply limited proteolysis coupled to mass spectrometry to obtain information about the regions of E6AP that are involved in, or are affected by binding cobalamins and alloxazine derivatives. Our data suggest that dietary supplementation with vitamin B12 can be beneficial for AS individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Müller
- Department of Biology, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jasmin Jansen
- Department of Biology, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Fabian Offensperger
- Department of Biology, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniela Eichbichler
- Department of Biology, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Florian Stengel
- Department of Biology, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Martin Scheffner
- Department of Biology, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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5
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Clarke MT, Remesal L, Lentz L, Tan DJ, Young D, Thapa S, Namuduri SR, Borges B, Kirn G, Valencia J, Lopez ME, Lui JH, Shiow LR, Dindot S, Villeda S, Sanders SJ, MacKenzie TC. Prenatal delivery of a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide achieves broad biodistribution in the brain and ameliorates Angelman syndrome phenotype in mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:935-951. [PMID: 38327047 PMCID: PMC11163203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.004] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS), an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormal gait, intellectual disabilities, and seizures, occurs when the maternal allele of the UBE3A gene is disrupted, since the paternal allele is silenced in neurons by the UBE3A antisense (UBE3A-AS) transcript. Given the importance of early treatment, we hypothesized that prenatal delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) would downregulate the murine Ube3a-AS, resulting in increased UBE3A protein and functional rescue. Using a mouse model with a Ube3a-YFP allele that reports on-target ASO activity, we found that in utero, intracranial (IC) injection of the ASO resulted in dose-dependent activation of paternal Ube3a, with broad biodistribution. Accordingly, in utero injection of the ASO in a mouse model of AS also resulted in successful restoration of UBE3A and phenotypic improvements in treated mice on the accelerating rotarod and fear conditioning. Strikingly, even intra-amniotic (IA) injection resulted in systemic biodistribution and high levels of UBE3A reactivation throughout the brain. These findings offer a novel strategy for early treatment of AS using an ASO, with two potential routes of administration in the prenatal window. Beyond AS, successful delivery of a therapeutic ASO into neurons has implications for a clinically feasible prenatal treatment for numerous neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Clarke
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Laura Remesal
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lea Lentz
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - David Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 138632, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Slesha Thapa
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical, San Rafael, California, USA
| | - Shalini R Namuduri
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Beltran Borges
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Georgia Kirn
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jasmine Valencia
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jan H Lui
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical, San Rafael, California, USA
| | | | - Scott Dindot
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Saul Villeda
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephan J Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, United Kingdom
| | - Tippi C MacKenzie
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, California, USA; Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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6
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Sleep M, Landaverde S, Lacoste A, Tan S, Schuback R, Reiter LT, Iyengar A. Glial expression of Drosophila UBE3A causes spontaneous seizures modulated by 5-HT signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579543. [PMID: 38370819 PMCID: PMC10871353 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Misexpression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A is thought to contribute to a range of neurological disorders. In the context of Dup15q syndrome, excess genomic copies of UBE3A is thought to contribute to the autism, muscle tone and spontaneous seizures characteristic of the disorder. In a Drosophila model of Dup 15q syndrome, it was recently shown glial-driven expression of the UBE3A ortholog dube3a led to a "bang-sensitive" phenotype, where mechanical shock triggers convulsions, suggesting glial dube3a expression contributes to hyperexcitability in flies. Here we directly compare the consequences of glial- and neuronal-driven dube3a expression on motor coordination and neuronal excitability in Drosophila. We utilized IowaFLI tracker and developed a hidden Markov Model to classify seizure-related immobilization. Both glial and neuronal driven dube3a expression led to clear motor phenotypes. However, only glial-driven dube3a expression displayed spontaneous immobilization events, that were exacerbated at high-temperature (38 °C). Using a tethered fly preparation we monitored flight muscle activity, we found glial-driven dube3a flies display spontaneous spike discharges which were bilaterally synchronized indicative of seizure activity. Neither control flies, nor neuronal- dube3a overexpressing flies display such firing patterns. Prior drug screen indicated bang-sensitivity in glial-driven dube3a expressing flies could be suppressed by certain 5-HT modulators. Consistent with this report, we found glial-driven dube3a flies fed the serotonin reuptake inhibitor vortioxetine and the 5HT 2A antagonist ketanserin displayed reduced immobilization and spike bursting. Together these findings highlight the potential for glial pathophysiology to drive Dup15q syndrome-related seizure activity.
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Roy B, Amemasor E, Hussain S, Castro K. UBE3A: The Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and a Potential Candidate for Biomarker Studies and Designing Therapeutic Strategies. Diseases 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 38248358 PMCID: PMC10814747 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010007] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Published reports from the CDC's Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Networks have shown that an average of 1 in every 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2018. Many of the ASDs exhibiting varying degrees of autism-like phenotypes have chromosomal anomalies in the Chr15q11-q13 region. Numerous potential candidate genes linked with ASD reside in this chromosomal segment. However, several clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies selected one gene more frequently than others randomly and unbiasedly. This gene codes for UBE3A or Ubiquitin protein ligase E3A [also known as E6AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (E6AP)], an enzyme involved in the cellular degradation of proteins. This gene has been listed as one of the several genes with a high potential of causing ASD in the Autism Database. The gain of function mutations, triplication, or duplication in the UBE3A gene is also associated with ASDs like Angelman Syndrome (AS) and Dup15q Syndrome. The genetic imprinting of UBE3A in the brain and a preference for neuronal maternal-specific expression are the key features of various ASDs. Since the UBE3A gene is involved in two main important diseases associated with autism-like symptoms, there has been widespread research going on in understanding the link between this gene and autism. Additionally, since no universal methodology or mechanism exists for identifying UBE3A-mediated ASD, it continues to be challenging for neurobiologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians to design therapies or diagnostic tools. In this review, we focus on the structure and functional aspects of the UBE3A protein, discuss the primary relevance of the 15q11-q13 region in the cause of ASDs, and highlight the link between UBE3A and ASD. We try to broaden the knowledge of our readers by elaborating on the possible mechanisms underlying UBE3A-mediated ASDs, emphasizing the usage of UBE3A as a prospective biomarker in the preclinical diagnosis of ASDs and discuss the positive outcomes, advanced developments, and the hurdles in the field of therapeutic strategies against UBE3A-mediated ASDs. This review is novel as it lays a very detailed and comprehensive platform for one of the most important genes associated with diseases showing autistic-like symptoms. Additionally, this review also attempts to lay optimistic feedback on the possible steps for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of these UBE3A-mediated ASDs in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Roy
- Life Science Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (E.A.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
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8
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Chaudhary P, Proulx J, Park IW. Ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) mediation of viral infection and human diseases. Virus Res 2023; 335:199191. [PMID: 37541588 PMCID: PMC10430597 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The Ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A, UBE3A, also known as E6-associated protein (E6-AP), is known to play an essential role in regulating the degradation of various proteins by transferring Ub from E2 Ub conjugating enzymes to the substrate proteins. Several studies indicate that UBE3A regulates the stabilities of key viral proteins in the virus-infected cells and, thereby, the infected virus-mediated diseases, even if it were reported that UBE3A participates in non-viral-related human diseases. Furthermore, mutations such as deletions and duplications in the maternally inherited gene in the brain cause human neurodevelopmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome (AS) and autism. It is also known that UBE3A functions as a transcriptional coactivator for the expression of steroid hormone receptors. These reports establish that UBE3A is distinguished by its multitudinous functions that are paramount to viral pathology and human diseases. This review is focused on molecular mechanisms for such intensive participation of UBE3A in disease formation and virus regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chaudhary
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
| | - Jessica Proulx
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - In-Woo Park
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
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9
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Di Michele F, Chillón I, Feil R. Imprinted Long Non-Coding RNAs in Mammalian Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13647. [PMID: 37686455 PMCID: PMC10487962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes play diverse roles in mammalian development, homeostasis, and disease. Most imprinted chromosomal domains express one or more long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Several of these lncRNAs are strictly nuclear and their mono-allelic expression controls in cis the expression of protein-coding genes, often developmentally regulated. Some imprinted lncRNAs act in trans as well, controlling target gene expression elsewhere in the genome. The regulation of imprinted gene expression-including that of imprinted lncRNAs-is susceptible to stochastic and environmentally triggered epigenetic changes in the early embryo. These aberrant changes persist during subsequent development and have long-term phenotypic consequences. This review focuses on the expression and the cis- and trans-regulatory roles of imprinted lncRNAs and describes human disease syndromes associated with their perturbed expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Di Michele
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabel Chillón
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
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10
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LaSalle JM. Epigenomic signatures reveal mechanistic clues and predictive markers for autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1890-1901. [PMID: 36650278 PMCID: PMC10560404 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with a commonality in deficits in social communication and language combined with repetitive behaviors and interests. The etiology of ASD is heterogeneous, as several hundred genes have been implicated as well as multiple in utero environmental exposures. Over the past two decades, epigenetic investigations, including DNA methylation, have emerged as a novel way to capture the complex interface of multivariate ASD etiologies. More recently, epigenome-wide association studies using human brain and surrogate accessible tissues have revealed some convergent genes that are epigenetically altered in ASD, many of which overlap with known genetic risk factors. Unlike transcriptomes, epigenomic signatures defined by DNA methylation from surrogate tissues such as placenta and cord blood can reflect past differences in fetal brain gene transcription, transcription factor binding, and chromatin. For example, the discovery of NHIP (neuronal hypoxia inducible, placenta associated) through an epigenome-wide association in placenta, identified a common genetic risk for ASD that was modified by prenatal vitamin use. While epigenomic signatures are distinct between different genetic syndromic causes of ASD, bivalent chromatin and some convergent gene pathways are consistently epigenetically altered in both syndromic and idiopathic ASD, as well as some environmental exposures. Together, these epigenomic signatures hold promising clues towards improved early prediction and prevention of ASD as well genes and gene pathways to target for pharmacological interventions. Future advancements in single cell and multi-omic technologies, machine learning, as well as non-invasive screening of epigenomic signatures during pregnancy or newborn periods are expected to continue to impact the translatability of the recent discoveries in epigenomics to precision public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, MIND Institute, Genome Center, Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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11
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Zampeta FI, Distel B, Elgersma Y, Iping R. From first report to clinical trials: a bibliometric overview and visualization of the development of Angelman syndrome research. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1837-1848. [PMID: 35637341 PMCID: PMC9672030 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations affecting the chromosomal 15q11-13 region, either by contiguous gene deletions, imprinting defects, uniparental disomy, or mutations in the UBE3A gene itself. Phenotypic abnormalities are driven primarily, but not exclusively (especially in 15q11-13 deletion cases) by loss of expression of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene expression. The disorder was first described in 1965 by the English pediatrician Harry Angelman. Since that first description of three children with Angelman syndrome, there has been extensive research into the genetic, molecular and phenotypic aspects of the disorder. In the last decade, this has resulted in over 100 publications per year. Collectively, this research has led the field to a pivotal point in which restoring UBE3A function by genetic therapies is currently explored in several clinical trials. In this study, we employed a bibliometric approach to review and visualize the development of Angelman syndrome research over the last 50 years. We look into different parameters shaping the progress of the Angelman syndrome research field, including source of funding, publishing journals and international collaborations between research groups. Using a network approach, we map the focus of the research field and how that shifted over time. This overview helps understand the shift of research focus in the field and can provide a comprehensive handbook of Angelman syndrome research development.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Isabella Zampeta
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Distel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Iping
- Research Intelligence and Strategy Unit, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Latchney SE, Cadney MD, Hopkins A, Garland T. DNA Methylation Analysis of Imprinted Genes in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Cross-Fostered Mice Selectively Bred for Increased Voluntary Wheel-Running. Behav Genet 2022; 52:281-297. [PMID: 35988119 PMCID: PMC9463359 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-022-10112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that high runner (HR) mice (from a line genetically selected for increased wheel-running behavior) have distinct, genetically based, neurobiological phenotypes as compared with non-selected control (C) mice. However, developmental programming effects during early life, including maternal care and parent-of-origin-dependent expression of imprinted genes, can also contribute to variation in physical activity. Here, we used cross-fostering to address two questions. First, do HR mice have altered DNA methylation profiles of imprinted genes in the brain compared to C mice? Second, does maternal upbringing further modify the DNA methylation status of these imprinted genes? To address these questions, we cross-fostered all offspring at birth to create four experimental groups: C pups to other C dams, HR pups to other HR dams, C pups to HR dams, and HR pups to C dams. Bisulfite sequencing of 16 imprinted genes in the cortex and hippocampus revealed that the HR line had altered DNA methylation patterns of the paternally imprinted genes, Rasgrf1 and Zdbf2, as compared with the C line. Both fostering between the HR and C lines and sex modified the DNA methylation profiles for the paternally expressed genes Mest, Peg3, Igf2, Snrpn, and Impact. Ig-DMR, a gene with multiple paternal and maternal imprinted clusters, was also affected by maternal upbringing and sex. Our results suggest that differential methylation patterns of imprinted genes in the brain could contribute to evolutionary increases in wheel-running behavior and are also dependent on maternal upbringing and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Latchney
- Department of Biology, St. Mary's College of Maryland, 18952 E. Fisher Rd, Saint Mary's City, MD, 20686, USA.
| | - Marcell D Cadney
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | | | - Theodore Garland
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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13
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Dougnon G, Matsui H. Modelling Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using Mice and Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147550. [PMID: 35886894 PMCID: PMC9319972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.
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14
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Dodge A, Morrill N, Weeber EJ, Nash KR. Recovery of Angelman syndrome rat deficits with UBE3A protein supplementation. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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15
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Judson MC, Shyng C, Simon JM, Davis CR, Punt AM, Salmon MT, Miller NW, Ritola KD, Elgersma Y, Amaral DG, Gray SJ, Philpot BD. Dual-isoform hUBE3A gene transfer improves behavioral and seizure outcomes in Angelman syndrome model mice. JCI Insight 2021; 6:144712. [PMID: 34676830 PMCID: PMC8564914 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.144712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of the maternal UBE3A allele causes Angelman syndrome (AS), a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder. Here, we devised an AS treatment strategy based on reinstating dual-isoform expression of human UBE3A (hUBE3A) in the developing brain. Kozak sequence engineering of our codon-optimized vector (hUBE3Aopt) enabled translation of both short and long hUBE3A protein isoforms at a near-endogenous 3:1 (short/long) ratio, a feature that could help to support optimal therapeutic outcomes. To model widespread brain delivery and early postnatal onset of hUBE3A expression, we packaged the hUBE3Aopt vector into PHP.B capsids and performed intracerebroventricular injections in neonates. This treatment significantly improved motor learning and innate behaviors in AS mice, and it rendered them resilient to epileptogenesis and associated hippocampal neuropathologies induced by seizure kindling. hUBE3A overexpression occurred frequently in the hippocampus but was uncommon in the neocortex and other major brain structures; furthermore, it did not correlate with behavioral performance. Our results demonstrate the feasibility, tolerability, and therapeutic potential for dual-isoform hUBE3A gene transfer in the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Judson
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
| | - Charles Shyng
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities.,Gene Therapy Center, and
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Neuroscience Center.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - A Mattijs Punt
- Department of Clinical Genetics and.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Noah W Miller
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
| | - Kimberly D Ritola
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Pharmacology, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Scientific Operations Manager-Viral Tools, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David G Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, and.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, and.,Department of Pediatrics and.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
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16
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Yang Y, Zhou X, Liu X, Song R, Gao Y, Wang S. Implications of FBXW7 in Neurodevelopment and Neurodegeneration: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:736008. [PMID: 34512273 PMCID: PMC8424092 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.736008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) mediated protein degradation is crucial to maintain quantitive and functional homeostasis of diverse proteins. Balanced cellular protein homeostasis controlled by UPS is fundamental to normal neurological functions while impairment of UPS can also lead to some neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Functioning as the substrate recognition component of the SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, FBXW7 is essential to multiple aspects of cellular processes via targeting a wide range of substrates for proteasome-mediated degradation. Accumulated evidence shows that FBXW7 is fundamental to neurological functions and especially implicated in neurodevelopment and the nosogenesis of neurodegeneration. In this review, we describe general features of FBXW7 gene and proteins, and mainly present recent findings that highlight the vital roles and molecular mechanisms of FBXW7 in neurodevelopment such as neurogenesis, myelination and cerebral vasculogenesis and in the pathogenesis of some typical neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Additionally, we also provide a prospect on focusing FBXW7 as a potential therapeutic target to rescue neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Research Center for Quality of Life and Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xinpeng Liu
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruying Song
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yiming Gao
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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17
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18
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Sirois CL, Bloom JE, Fink JJ, Gorka D, Keller S, Germain ND, Levine ES, Chamberlain SJ. Abundance and localization of human UBE3A protein isoforms. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:3021-3031. [PMID: 32833011 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of UBE3A expression, a gene regulated by genomic imprinting, causes Angelman syndrome (AS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The UBE3A gene encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase with three known protein isoforms in humans. Studies in mouse suggest that the human isoforms may have differences in localization and neuronal function. A recent case study reported mild AS phenotypes in individuals lacking one specific isoform. Here we have used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate isogenic human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that lack the individual protein isoforms. We demonstrate that isoform 1 accounts for the majority of UBE3A protein in hESCs and neurons. We also show that UBE3A predominantly localizes to the cytoplasm in both wild type and isoform-null cells. Finally, we show that neurons lacking isoform 1 display a less severe electrophysiological AS phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa L Sirois
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Judy E Bloom
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - James J Fink
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Dea Gorka
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Steffen Keller
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Noelle D Germain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Eric S Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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19
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Milazzo C, Mientjes EJ, Wallaard I, Rasmussen SV, Erichsen KD, Kakunuri T, van der Sman ASE, Kremer T, Miller MT, Hoener MC, Elgersma Y. Antisense oligonucleotide treatment rescues UBE3A expression and multiple phenotypes of an Angelman syndrome mouse model. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e145991. [PMID: 34369389 PMCID: PMC8410092 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.145991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder for which only symptomatic treatment with limited benefits is available. AS is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene. Previous studies showed that the silenced paternal Ube3a gene can be activated by targeting the antisense Ube3a-ATS transcript. We investigated antisense oligonucleotide-induced (ASO-induced) Ube3a-ATS degradation and its ability to induce UBE3A reinstatement and rescue of AS phenotypes in an established Ube3a mouse model. We found that a single intracerebroventricular injection of ASOs at postnatal day 1 (P1) or P21 in AS mice resulted in potent and specific UBE3A reinstatement in the brain, with levels up to 74% of WT levels in the cortex and a full rescue of sensitivity to audiogenic seizures. AS mice treated with ASO at P1 also showed rescue of established AS phenotypes, such as open field and forced swim test behaviors, and significant improvement on the reversed rotarod. Hippocampal plasticity of treated AS mice was comparable to WT but not significantly different from PBS-treated AS mice. No rescue was observed for the marble burying and nest building phenotypes. Our findings highlight the promise of ASO-mediated reactivation of UBE3A as a disease-modifying treatment for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Milazzo
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edwin J Mientjes
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ilse Wallaard
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Kamille Dumong Erichsen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Horsholm, Denmark
| | - Tejaswini Kakunuri
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - A S Elise van der Sman
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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20
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Copping NA, McTighe SM, Fink KD, Silverman JL. Emerging Gene and Small Molecule Therapies for the Neurodevelopmental Disorder Angelman Syndrome. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1535-1547. [PMID: 34528170 PMCID: PMC8608975 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare (~1:15,000) neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe developmental delay and intellectual disability, impaired communication skills, and a high prevalence of seizures, sleep disturbances, ataxia, motor deficits, and microcephaly. AS is caused by loss-of-function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene. UBE3A is located on chromosome 15q11-13 and is biallelically expressed throughout the body but only maternally expressed in the brain due to an RNA antisense transcript that silences the paternal copy. There is currently no cure for AS, but advancements in small molecule drugs and gene therapies offer a promising approach for the treatment of the disorder. Here, we review AS and how loss-of-function of the maternal UBE3A contributes to the disorder. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of current animal models of AS. Furthermore, we examine potential small molecule drug and gene therapies for the treatment of AS and associated challenges faced by the therapeutic design. Finally, gene therapy offers the opportunity for precision medicine in AS and advancements in the treatment of this disorder can serve as a foundation for other single-gene neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nycole A Copping
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Suite 1001B, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Neurology, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Kyle D Fink
- Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Neurology, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Suite 1001B, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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21
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Elgersma Y, Sonzogni M. UBE3A reinstatement as a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:802-807. [PMID: 33543479 PMCID: PMC8248324 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Half a century ago, Harry Angelman reported three patients with overlapping clinical features, now well known as Angelman syndrome. Angelman syndrome is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited UBE3A gene, which encodes an E3-ubiquitin ligase that is critical for typical postnatal brain development. Emerging evidence indicates that UBE3A plays a particularly important role in the nucleus. However, the critical substrates that are controlled by UBE3A remain elusive, which hinders the search for effective treatments. Moreover, given the multitude of signalling mechanisms that are derailed, it is unlikely that targeting a single pathway is going to be very effective. Therefore, expectations are very high for approaches that aim to restore UBE3A protein levels. A particular promising strategy is an antisense oligonucleotide approach, which activates the silenced paternal UBE3A gene. When successful, such treatments potentially offer a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome and several other neurodevelopmental disorders. What this paper adds Loss of UBE3A affects multiple signalling pathways in the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that UBE3A plays a critical role in the cell nucleus. Trials using antisense oligonucleotides to restore UBE3A levels are continuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Deptartment of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Sonzogni
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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22
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Yang L, Shu X, Mao S, Wang Y, Du X, Zou C. Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Angelman Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:987. [PMID: 34203304 PMCID: PMC8304328 DOI: 10.3390/genes12070987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease that is caused by the loss of function of the maternal copy of ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) on the chromosome 15q11-13 region. AS is characterized by global developmental delay, severe intellectual disability, lack of speech, happy disposition, ataxia, epilepsy, and distinct behavioral profile. There are four molecular mechanisms of etiology: maternal deletion of chromosome 15q11-q13, paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15q11-q13, imprinting defects, and maternally inherited UBE3A mutations. Different genetic types may show different phenotypes in performance, seizure, behavior, sleep, and other aspects. AS caused by maternal deletion of 15q11-13 appears to have worse development, cognitive skills, albinism, ataxia, and more autistic features than those of other genotypes. Children with a UBE3A mutation have less severe phenotypes and a nearly normal development quotient. In this review, we proposed to review genotype-phenotype correlations based on different genotypes. Understanding the pathophysiology of the different genotypes and the genotype-phenotype correlations will offer an opportunity for individualized treatment and genetic counseling. Genotype-phenotype correlations based on larger data should be carried out for identifying new treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yang
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China;
| | - Xiaoli Shu
- Department of Laboratory Center, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China;
| | - Shujiong Mao
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China;
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China; (Y.W.); (X.D.)
| | - Xiaonan Du
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China; (Y.W.); (X.D.)
| | - Chaochun Zou
- Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
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23
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Sen D, Drobna Z, Keung AJ. Evaluation of UBE3A antibodies in mice and human cerebral organoids. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6323. [PMID: 33737669 PMCID: PMC7973473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85923-x] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is an E3 ubiquitin ligase encoded by the neurally imprinted UBE3A gene. The abundance and subcellular distribution of UBE3A has been the topic of many previous studies as its dosage and localization has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism, Dup15q syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. While commercially available antibodies have been widely employed to determine UBE3A localization, an extensive analysis and comparison of the performance of different UBE3A antibodies has not been conducted. Here we evaluated the specificities of seven commercial UBE3A antibodies in two of the major experimental models used in UBE3A research, mouse and human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells and tissues. We tested these antibodies in their two most common assays, immunofluorescence and western blot. In addition, we also assessed the ability of these antibodies to capture dynamic spatiotemporal changes of UBE3A by utilizing human cerebral organoid models. Our results reveal that among the seven antibodies tested, three antibodies demonstrated substantial nonspecific immunoreactivity. While four antibodies show specific localization patterns in both mouse brain sections and human cerebral organoids, these antibodies varied significantly in background signals and staining patterns in undifferentiated human pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA
| | - Zuzana Drobna
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7614, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA.
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Mono-ubiquitination of Rabphilin 3A by UBE3A serves a non-degradative function. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3007. [PMID: 33542309 PMCID: PMC7862399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82319-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by brain-specific loss of UBE3A, an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase. A substantial number of possible ubiquitination targets of UBE3A have been identified, although evidence of being direct UBE3A substrates is often lacking. Here we identified the synaptic protein Rabphilin-3a (RPH3A), an effector of the RAB3A small GTPase involved in axonal vesicle priming and docking, as a ubiquitination target of UBE3A. We found that the UBE3A and RAB3A binding sites on RPH3A partially overlap, and that RAB3A binding to RPH3A interferes with UBE3A binding. We confirmed previous observations that RPH3A levels are critically dependent on RAB3A binding but, rather surprisingly, we found that the reduced RPH3A levels in the absence of RAB3A are not mediated by UBE3A. Indeed, while we found that RPH3A is ubiquitinated in a UBE3A-dependent manner in mouse brain, UBE3A mono-ubiquitinates RPH3A and does not facilitate RPH3A degradation. Moreover, we found that an AS-linked UBE3A missense mutation in the UBE3A region that interacts with RPH3A, abrogates the interaction with RPH3A. In conclusion, our results identify RPH3A as a novel target of UBE3A and suggest that UBE3A-dependent ubiquitination of RPH3A serves a non-degradative function.
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Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Cabal-Herrera AM, Punatar RH, Clark CJ, Romney CA, Hagerman RJ. Overlapping Molecular Pathways Leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, and Targeted Treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:265-283. [PMID: 33215285 PMCID: PMC8116395 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are subdivided into idiopathic (unknown) etiology and secondary, based on known etiology. There are hundreds of causes of ASD and most of them are genetic in origin or related to the interplay of genetic etiology and environmental toxicology. Approximately 30 to 50% of the etiologies can be identified when using a combination of available genetic testing. Many of these gene mutations are either core components of the Wnt signaling pathway or their modulators. The full mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of monogenic origin of ASD, accounting for ~ 2% of the cases. There is an overlap of molecular mechanisms in those with idiopathic ASD and those with FXS, an interaction between various signaling pathways is suggested during the development of the autistic brain. This review summarizes the cross talk between neurobiological pathways found in ASD and FXS. These signaling pathways are currently under evaluation to target specific treatments in search of the reversal of the molecular abnormalities found in both idiopathic ASD and FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 00000, Colombia
| | - Ruchi Harendra Punatar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Courtney Jessica Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher Allen Romney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Arakawa H. From Multisensory Assessment to Functional Interpretation of Social Behavioral Phenotype in Transgenic Mouse Models for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:592408. [PMID: 33329141 PMCID: PMC7717939 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.592408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common heterogeneous disorder, defined solely by the core behavioral characteristics, including impaired social interaction and restricted and repeated behavior. Although an increasing number of studies have been performed extensively, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the core symptoms of ASD remain largely unknown. Transgenic mouse models provide a useful tool for evaluating genetic and neuronal mechanisms underlying ASD pathology, which are prerequisites for validating behavioral phenotypes that mimic the core symptoms of human ASD. The purpose of this review is to propose a better strategy for analyzing and interpreting social investigatory behaviors in transgenic mouse models of ASD. Mice are nocturnal, and employ multimodal processing mechanisms for social communicative behaviors, including those that involve olfactory and tactile senses. Most behavioral paradigms that have been developed for measuring a particular ASD-like behavior in mouse models, such as social recognition, preference, and discrimination tests, are based on the evaluation of distance-based investigatory behavior in response to social stimuli. This investigatory behavior in mice is regulated by multimodal processing involving with two different motives: first, an olfactory-based novelty assessment, and second, tactile-based social contact, in a temporally sequential manner. Accurate interpretation of investigatory behavior exhibited by test mice can be achieved by functional analysis of these multimodal, sequential behaviors, which will lead to a better understanding of the specific features of social deficits associated with ASD in transgenic mouse models, at high temporal and spatial resolutions.
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Michieletto P, Pensiero S, Diplotti L, Ronfani L, Giangreco M, Danieli A, Bonanni P. Strabismus surgery in Angelman syndrome: More than ocular alignment. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242366. [PMID: 33186391 PMCID: PMC7665582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report and evaluate strabismus surgery in children with Angelman syndrome, in order to optimize and standardize surgical approach. Other purposes are to understand the possible relation between ocular findings and motor ability, and between improvement in ocular alignment and changes in motor skills in this population. DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS Medical records of pediatric patients with Angelman syndrome, who underwent strabismus surgery, were investigated. Collected data included: genotype, gender, age at the time of surgery, refractive error, pre-operative strabismus, surgical procedure, surgical outcome, gross and fine motor development assessment pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS Seventeen subjects, aged 3-15 years, were investigated. Fourteen patients were exotropic, three esotropic. Most patients presented astigmatism. Considering the exaggerated response to standard amounts of surgery and the risk of consecutive strabismus on long term follow-up reported by previous studies in children with developmental delay, a reduction of the amount of strabismus surgery was applied. Post-operatively, all patients presented with a significative reduction of the baseline deviation angle, with all esotropic patients and 7 exotropic patients (59%) achieving orthotropia. The surgical outcomes were variable according to the type and the amount of baseline strabismus, but no case presented with exaggerated surgical response. At baseline, patients showed important delays in all motor abilities, and, post-operatively, presented a significant improvement in walking and fine motor tasks. Pre- and post-operative motor abilities were negatively correlated to astigmatism, anisometropia, and amount of deviation. CONCLUSIONS According to our data, the standard nomograms for strabismus surgery may be successfully applied in subjects with Angelman syndrome and exotropia. Our data suggest that the reduction of the deviation angle improves motor skills in strabismic pediatric patients with Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Michieletto
- Ophthalmology Service, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo (TV), Italy
| | - Stefano Pensiero
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Diplotti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Manuela Giangreco
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Danieli
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo (TV), Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo (TV), Italy
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28
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Molecular Evolution, Neurodevelopmental Roles and Clinical Significance of HECT-Type UBE3 E3 Ubiquitin Ligases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112455. [PMID: 33182779 PMCID: PMC7697756 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112455] [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: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination belongs to the best characterized pathways of protein degradation in the cell; however, our current knowledge on its physiological consequences is just the tip of an iceberg. The divergence of enzymatic executors of ubiquitination led to some 600–700 E3 ubiquitin ligases embedded in the human genome. Notably, mutations in around 13% of these genes are causative of severe neurological diseases. Despite this, molecular and cellular context of ubiquitination remains poorly characterized, especially in the developing brain. In this review article, we summarize recent findings on brain-expressed HECT-type E3 UBE3 ligases and their murine orthologues, comprising Angelman syndrome UBE3A, Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome UBE3B and autism spectrum disorder-associated UBE3C. We summarize evolutionary emergence of three UBE3 genes, the biochemistry of UBE3 enzymes, their biology and clinical relevance in brain disorders. Particularly, we highlight that uninterrupted action of UBE3 ligases is a sine qua non for cortical circuit assembly and higher cognitive functions of the neocortex.
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Zampeta FI, Sonzogni M, Niggl E, Lendemeijer B, Smeenk H, de Vrij FMS, Kushner SA, Distel B, Elgersma Y. Conserved UBE3A subcellular distribution between human and mice is facilitated by non-homologous isoforms. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3032-3043. [PMID: 32879944 PMCID: PMC7645710 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human UBE3A gene, which is essential for normal neurodevelopment, encodes three Ubiquitin E3 ligase A (UBE3A) protein isoforms. However, the subcellular localization and relative abundance of these human UBE3A isoforms are unknown. We found, as previously reported in mice, that UBE3A is predominantly nuclear in human neurons. However, this conserved subcellular distribution is achieved by strikingly distinct cis-acting mechanisms. A single amino-acid deletion in the N-terminus of human hUBE3A-Iso3, which is homologous to cytosolic mouse mUBE3A-Iso2, results in its translocation to the nucleus. This singe amino-acid deletion is shared with apes and Old World monkeys and was preceded by the appearance of the cytosolic hUBE3A-Iso2 isoform. This hUBE3A-Iso2 isoform arose after the lineage of New World monkeys and Old World monkeys separated from the Tarsiers (Tarsiidae). Due to the loss of a single nucleotide in a non-coding exon, this exon became in frame with the remainder of the UBE3A protein. RNA-seq analysis of human brain samples showed that the human UBE3A isoforms arise by alternative splicing. Consistent with the predominant nuclear enrichment of UBE3A in human neurons, the two nuclear-localized isoforms, hUBE3A-Iso1 and -Iso3, are the most abundantly expressed isoforms of UBE3A, while hUBE3A-Iso2 maintains a small pool of cytosolic UBE3A. Our findings provide new insight into UBE3A localization and evolution and may have important implications for gene therapy approaches in Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Isabella Zampeta
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Sonzogni
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Niggl
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Lendemeijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Smeenk
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke M S de Vrij
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Distel
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Buonfiglio D, Hummer DL, Armstrong A, Christopher Ehlen J, DeBruyne JP. Angelman syndrome and melatonin: What can they teach us about sleep regulation. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12697. [PMID: 32976638 PMCID: PMC7577950 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In 1965, Dr Harry Angelman reported a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting three unrelated children who had similar symptoms: brachycephaly, mental retardation, ataxia, seizures, protruding tongues, and remarkable paroxysms of laughter. Over the past 50 years, the disorder became Angelman's namesake and symptomology was expanded to include hyper-activity, stereotypies, and severe sleep disturbances. The sleep disorders in many Angelman syndrome (AS) patients are broadly characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep at night. Some of these patients sleep less than 4 hours a night and, in most cases, do not make up this lost sleep during the day-leading to the speculation that AS patients may "need" less sleep. Most AS patients also have severely reduced levels of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland exclusively at night. This nightly pattern of melatonin production is thought to help synchronize internal circadian rhythms and promote nighttime sleep in humans and other diurnal species. It has been proposed that reduced melatonin levels contribute to the sleep problems in AS patients. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests melatonin replacement therapy can improve sleep in many AS patients. However, AS mice show sleep problems that are arguably similar to those in humans despite being on genetic backgrounds that do not make melatonin. This suggests the hypothesis that the change in nighttime melatonin may be a secondary factor rather than the root cause of the sleeping disorder. The goals of this review article are to revisit the sleep and melatonin findings in both AS patients and animal models of AS and discuss what AS may tell us about the underlying mechanisms of, and interplay between, melatonin and sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Buonfiglio
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daniel L Hummer
- Department of Psychology, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ariel Armstrong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jason P DeBruyne
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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31
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Laukoter S, Pauler FM, Beattie R, Amberg N, Hansen AH, Streicher C, Penz T, Bock C, Hippenmeyer S. Cell-Type Specificity of Genomic Imprinting in Cerebral Cortex. Neuron 2020; 107:1160-1179.e9. [PMID: 32707083 PMCID: PMC7523403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian genomes, a subset of genes is regulated by genomic imprinting, resulting in silencing of one parental allele. Imprinting is essential for cerebral cortex development, but prevalence and functional impact in individual cells is unclear. Here, we determined allelic expression in cortical cell types and established a quantitative platform to interrogate imprinting in single cells. We created cells with uniparental chromosome disomy (UPD) containing two copies of either the maternal or the paternal chromosome; hence, imprinted genes will be 2-fold overexpressed or not expressed. By genetic labeling of UPD, we determined cellular phenotypes and transcriptional responses to deregulated imprinted gene expression at unprecedented single-cell resolution. We discovered an unexpected degree of cell-type specificity and a novel function of imprinting in the regulation of cortical astrocyte survival. More generally, our results suggest functional relevance of imprinted gene expression in glial astrocyte lineage and thus for generating cortical cell-type diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Laukoter
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Florian M Pauler
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Robert Beattie
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Nicole Amberg
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Andi H Hansen
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Carmen Streicher
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Penz
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Hippenmeyer
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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Identification of Small-Molecule Activators of the Ubiquitin Ligase E6AP/UBE3A and Angelman Syndrome-Derived E6AP/UBE3A Variants. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1510-1520.e6. [PMID: 32966807 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetic aberrations of the UBE3A gene encoding the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP underlie the development of Angelman syndrome (AS). Approximately 10% of AS individuals harbor UBE3A genes with point mutations, frequently resulting in the expression of full-length E6AP variants with defective E3 activity. Since E6AP exists in two states, an inactive and an active one, we hypothesized that distinct small molecules can stabilize the active state and that such molecules may rescue the E3 activity of AS-derived E6AP variants. Therefore, we established an assay that allows identifying modulators of E6AP in a high-throughput format. We identified several compounds that not only stimulate wild-type E6AP but also rescue the E3 activity of certain E6AP variants. Moreover, by chemical cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry we provide evidence that the compounds stabilize an active conformation of E6AP. Thus, these compounds represent potential lead structures for the design of drugs for AS treatment.
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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Humangenetik e.V., Berufsverband Deutscher Humangenetiker e.V.. Leitlinien für die molekulare und zytogenetische Diagnostik bei Prader-Willi-Syndrom und Angelman-Syndrom. MED GENET-BERLIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2020-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Human Cerebral Organoids Reveal Early Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Pharmacological Responses of UBE3A. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:845-854. [PMID: 32916124 PMCID: PMC7561513 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.08.006] [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: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by delayed development, intellectual disability, speech impairment, and ataxia. It results from the loss of UBE3A protein, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in neurons of the brain. Despite the dynamic spatiotemporal expression of UBE3A observed in rodents and the potential clinical importance of when and where it is expressed, its expression pattern in humans remains unknown. This reflects a common challenge of studying human neurodevelopment: prenatal periods are hard to access experimentally. In this work, human cerebral organoids reveal a change from weak to strong UBE3A in neuronal nuclei within 3 weeks of culture. Angelman syndrome human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids also exhibit early silencing of paternal UBE3A, with topoisomerase inhibitors partially rescuing UBE3A levels and calcium transient phenotypes. This work establishes human cerebral organoids as an important model for studying UBE3A and motivates their broader use in understanding complex neurodevelopmental disorders. UBE3A signals in neuronal nuclei in hCOs correlate to early stages of development UBE3A exhibits a change from weakly to strongly nuclear in cortical layers UBE3A is imprinted and aberrantly localized in Angelman syndrome hCOs Topoisomerase inhibitors partially rescue UBE3A and neuronal function in AS hCOs
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35
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Javed S, Selliah T, Lee YJ, Huang WH. Dosage-sensitive genes in autism spectrum disorders: From neurobiology to therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:538-567. [PMID: 32858083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorders affecting 1 in 59 children. Syndromic ASDs are commonly associated with chromosomal rearrangements or dosage imbalance involving a single gene. Many of these genes are dosage-sensitive and regulate transcription, protein homeostasis, and synaptic function in the brain. Despite vastly different molecular perturbations, syndromic ASDs share core symptoms including social dysfunction and repetitive behavior. However, each ASD subtype has a unique pathogenic mechanism and combination of comorbidities that require individual attention. We have learned a great deal about how these dosage-sensitive genes control brain development and behaviors from genetically-engineered mice. Here we describe the clinical features of eight monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders caused by dosage imbalance of four genes, as well as recent advances in using genetic mouse models to understand their pathogenic mechanisms and develop intervention strategies. We propose that applying newly developed quantitative molecular and neuroscience technologies will advance our understanding of the unique neurobiology of each disorder and enable the development of personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Javed
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tharushan Selliah
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yu-Ju Lee
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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36
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Lopez SJ, Laufer BI, Beitnere U, Berg EL, Silverman JL, O'Geen H, Segal DJ, LaSalle JM. Imprinting effects of UBE3A loss on synaptic gene networks and Wnt signaling pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3842-3852. [PMID: 31625566 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin E3 ligase 3A (UBE3A) encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase whose loss from the maternal allele causes the neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS). Previous studies of UBE3A function have not examined full Ube3a deletion in mouse, the complexity of imprinted gene networks in brain nor the molecular basis of systems-level cognitive dysfunctions in AS. We therefore utilized a systems biology approach to elucidate how UBE3A loss impacts the early postnatal brain in a novel CRISPR/Cas9-engineered rat Angelman model of a complete Ube3a deletion. Strand-specific transcriptome analysis of offspring from maternally or paternally inherited Ube3a deletions revealed the expected parental expression patterns of Ube3a sense and antisense transcripts by postnatal day 2 (P2) in hypothalamus and day 9 (P9) in cortex, compared to wild-type littermates. The dependency of genome-wide effects on parent-of-origin, Ube3a genotype and time (P2 and P9) was investigated through transcriptome (RNA sequencing of cortex and hypothalamus) and methylome (whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of hypothalamus). Weighted gene co-expression and co-methylation network analyses identified co-regulated networks in maternally inherited Ube3a deletion offspring enriched in postnatal developmental processes including Wnt signaling, synaptic regulation, neuronal and glial functions, epigenetic regulation, ubiquitin, circadian entrainment and splicing. Furthermore, we showed that loss of the paternal Ube3a antisense transcript resulted in both unique and overlapping dysregulated gene pathways with maternal loss, predominantly at the level of differential methylation. Together, these results provide a holistic examination of the molecular impacts of UBE3A loss in brain, supporting the existence of interactive epigenetic networks between maternal and paternal transcripts at the Ube3a locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jesse Lopez
- Medical Immunology and Microbiology, University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Integrative Genetics and Genomics, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Benjamin I Laufer
- Medical Immunology and Microbiology, University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ulrika Beitnere
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Berg
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacromento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacromento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Henriette O'Geen
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - David J Segal
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Integrative Genetics and Genomics, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Medical Immunology and Microbiology, University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Integrative Genetics and Genomics, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Panov J, Simchi L, Feuermann Y, Kaphzan H. Bioinformatics Analyses of the Transcriptome Reveal Ube3a-Dependent Effects on Mitochondrial-Related Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114156. [PMID: 32532103 PMCID: PMC7312912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The UBE3A gene encodes the ubiquitin E3-ligase protein, UBE3A, which is implicated in severe neurodevelopmental disorders. Lack of UBE3A expression results in Angelman syndrome, while UBE3A overexpression, due to genomic 15q duplication, results in autism. The cellular roles of UBE3A are not fully understood, yet a growing body of evidence indicates that these disorders involve mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. We utilized bioinformatics approaches to delineate the effects of murine Ube3a deletion on the expression of mitochondrial-related genes and pathways. For this, we generated an mRNA sequencing dataset from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in which both alleles of Ube3a gene were deleted and their wild-type controls. Since oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysregulation might not be exhibited in the resting baseline state, we also activated mitochondrial functioning in the cells of these two genotypes using TNFα application. Transcriptomes of the four groups of MEFs, Ube3a+/+ and Ube3a-/-, with or without the application of TNFα, were analyzed using various bioinformatics tools and machine learning approaches. Our results indicate that Ube3a deletion affects the gene expression profiles of mitochondrial-associated pathways. We further confirmed these results by analyzing other publicly available human transcriptome datasets of Angelman syndrome and 15q duplication syndrome.
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Luza S, Opazo CM, Bousman CA, Pantelis C, Bush AI, Everall IP. The ubiquitin proteasome system and schizophrenia. Lancet Psychiatry 2020; 7:528-537. [PMID: 32061320 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is a master regulator of neural development and the maintenance of brain structure and function. It influences neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmission by determining the localisation, interaction, and turnover of scaffolding, presynaptic, and postsynaptic proteins. Moreover, ubiquitin-proteasome system signalling transduces epigenetic changes in neurons independently of protein degradation and, as such, dysfunction of components and substrates of this system has been linked to a broad range of brain conditions. Although links between ubiquitin-proteasome system dysfunction and neurodegenerative disorders have been known for some time, only recently have similar links emerged for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia. Here, we review the components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system that are reported to be dysregulated in schizophrenia, and discuss specific molecular changes to these components that might, in part, explain the complex causes of this mental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Luza
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlos M Opazo
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chad A Bousman
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; The Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Departments of Medical Genetics, Psychiatry, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Neural Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; The Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ian P Everall
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Neural Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; The Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Molecular-Genetic Diagnostics of Angelman Syndrome – The Bulgarian Experience. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2020-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis in Bulgarian patients with Angelman syndrome (AS). AS is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of expression in brain of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene as a result of various 15q11.2-q13 alterations.
Material and Methods: In total 24 patients (11 boys, 13 girls) from 22 unrelated families with suspected clinical diagnosis AS were analysed. We used methylation specific PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, methylation sensitive MLPA, and direct sequencing of the UBE3A gene.
Results: In 9 families (41%) pathogenic mutations were detected, which confirmed the clinical diagnosis on а molecular-genetic level. In 4 (44%) of these families we found 15q11-q13 region deletion with breakpoints BP1-BP3 or BP2-BP3. In 1 (11%) of the families we found imprinting defect: deletion of the AS-SRO regulatory region (part of the PWS-AS imprinting center). In 1 (11%) of the families we detected a rare finding – paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15. In 3 (33%) of the families diff erent point mutations in the UBE3A gene were detected: two novel missence mutations c.488T > C; p.Leu163Ser and c.1832A > T; p.Gln611Leu, and one known frameshift mutation c.2576_2579delAAGA; p.Lys859Argfs*4.
Conclusion: The obtained results helped us to develop a systematic diagnostic algorithm in order to provide proper diagnosis for the patients with AS. Combining excellent knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis and proper molecular-genetic testing approaches is a cornerstone in the management of AS patients, ensuring AS families would receive both adequate genetic counseling and prophylaxis of the disease in the future.
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Bakoev S, Getmantseva L, Bakoev F, Kolosova M, Gabova V, Kolosov A, Kostyunina O. Survey of SNPs Associated with Total Number Born and Total Number Born Alive in Pig. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E491. [PMID: 32365801 PMCID: PMC7291110 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive productivity depend on a complex set of characteristics. The number of piglets at birth (Total number born, Litter size, TNB) and the number of alive piglets at birth (Total number born alive, NBA) are the main indicators of the reproductive productivity of sows in pig breeding. Great hopes are pinned on GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies) to solve the problems associated with studying the genetic architecture of reproductive traits of pigs. This paper provides an overview of international studies on SNP (Single nucleotide polymorphism) associated with TNB and NBA in pigs presented in PigQTLdb as "Genome map association". Currently on the base of Genome map association results 306 SNPs associated with TNB (218 SNPs) and NBA (88 SNPs) have been identified and presented in the Pig QTLdb database. The results are based on research of pigs such as Large White, Yorkshire, Landrace, Berkshire, Duroc and Erhualian. The presented review shows that most SNPs found in chromosome areas where candidate genes or QTLs (Quantitative trait locus) have been identified. Further research in the given direction will allow to obtain new data that will become an impulse for creating breakthrough breeding technologies and increase the production efficiency in pig farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siroj Bakoev
- Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst, Dubrovitsy 142132, Russian; (S.B.); (F.B.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (O.K.)
| | - Lyubov Getmantseva
- Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst, Dubrovitsy 142132, Russian; (S.B.); (F.B.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (O.K.)
| | - Faridun Bakoev
- Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst, Dubrovitsy 142132, Russian; (S.B.); (F.B.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (O.K.)
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344006, Russia;
| | - Maria Kolosova
- Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst, Dubrovitsy 142132, Russian; (S.B.); (F.B.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (O.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Don State Agrarian University, Persianovski 346493, Russia
| | - Valeria Gabova
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344006, Russia;
| | - Anatoly Kolosov
- Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst, Dubrovitsy 142132, Russian; (S.B.); (F.B.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (O.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Don State Agrarian University, Persianovski 346493, Russia
| | - Olga Kostyunina
- Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst, Dubrovitsy 142132, Russian; (S.B.); (F.B.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (O.K.)
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Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of glial versus neuronal Dube3a overexpression reveals common molecular changes in gliopathic epilepsies. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 141:104879. [PMID: 32344153 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects millions of individuals worldwide and many cases are pharmacoresistant. Duplication 15q syndrome (Dup15q) is a genetic disorder caused by duplications of the 15q11.2-q13.1 region. Phenotypes include a high rate of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. We developed a Dup15q model in Drosophila melanogaster that recapitulates seizures in Dup15q by over-expressing fly Dube3a or human UBE3A in glial cells, but not neurons, implicating glia in the Dup15q epilepsy phenotype. We compared Dube3a overexpression in glia (repo>Dube3a) versus neurons (elav>Dube3a) using transcriptomics and proteomics of whole fly head extracts. We identified 851 transcripts differentially regulated in repo>Dube3a, including an upregulation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes that occurred cell autonomously within glial cells. We reliably measured approximately 2,500 proteins by proteomics, most of which were also quantified at the transcript level. Combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed an enrichment of 21 synaptic transmission genes downregulated at the transcript and protein in repo>Dube3a indicating synaptic proteins change in a cell non-autonomous manner in repo>Dube3a flies. We identified 6 additional glia originating bang-sensitive seizure lines and found upregulation of GSTs in 4 out of these 6 lines. These data suggest GST upregulation is common among gliopathic seizures and may ultimately provide insight for treating epilepsy.
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Zylka MJ. Prenatal treatment path for angelman syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2020; 13:11-17. [PMID: 31490639 PMCID: PMC7968581 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation or deletion of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele. These pathogenic mutations lead to loss of maternal UBE3A expression in neurons. Antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapies are in development, which activate the intact but epigenetically silenced paternal UBE3A allele. Preclinical studies indicate that treating during the prenatal period could greatly reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent AS from developing. Genetic tests can detect the chromosome 15q11-q13 deletion that is the most common cause of AS. New, highly sensitive noninvasive prenatal tests that take advantage of single-cell genome sequencing technologies are expected to enter the clinic in the coming years and make early genetic diagnosis of AS more common. Efforts are needed to identify fetuses and newborns with maternal 15q11-q13 deletions and to phenotype these babies relative to neurotypical controls. Clinical and parent observations suggest AS symptoms are detectable in infants, including reports of problems with feeding and motor function. Quantitative phenotypes in the 0- to 1-year age range will permit a more rapid assessment of efficacy when future treatments are administered prenatally or shortly after birth. Although prenatal therapies are currently not available for AS, prenatal testing combined with prenatal treatment has the potential to revolutionize how clinicians detect and treat babies before they are symptomatic. This pioneering prenatal treatment path for AS will lay the foundation for treating other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2020, 13: 11-17. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Prenatal treatment could benefit expectant parents whose babies test positive for the chromosome microdeletion that causes Angelman syndrome (AS). Prenatal treatment is predicted to have better outcomes than treating after symptoms develop and may even prevent AS altogether. This approach could generally be applied to the treatment of other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Zylka
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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44
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Yang X. Towards an understanding of Angelman syndrome in mice studies. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:1162-1173. [PMID: 31867793 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, absence of speech, abnormal motor coordination, abnormal EEG, and spontaneous seizure. AS is caused by a deficiency in the ubiquitin ligase E3A (Ube3a) gene product, known to play a dual role as both ubiquitin ligase and transcription coactivator. In AS animal models, multiple Ube3a substrates are accumulated in neurons. So far, studies in mouse models have either aimed at re-expressing Ube3a or manipulating downstream signaling pathways. Reintroducing Ube3a in AS mice showed promising results but may have two caveats. First, it may cause an overdosage in the Ube3a expression, which in turn is known to contribute to autism spectrum disorders. Second, in mutation cases, the exogenous Ube3a may have to compete with the mutated endogenous form. Such two caveats left spaces for developing therapies or interventions directed to targets downstream Ube3a. Notably, Ube3a expression is dynamically regulated by neuronal activity and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity. The abnormal synaptic plasticity uncovered in AS mice has been frequently rescued, but circuits symptoms like seizure are resistant to treatment. Future investigations are needed to further clarify the function (s) of Ube3a during development. Here I reviewed the recently identified major Ube3a substrates and signaling pathways involved in AS pathology, the Ube3a expression, imprinting and evolution, the AS mouse models that have been generated and inspired therapeutic potentials, and finally proposed some future explorations to better understand the AS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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Schaffler MD, Middleton LJ, Abdus-Saboor I. Mechanisms of Tactile Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Current Understanding and Future Directions for Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:134. [PMID: 31807945 PMCID: PMC6900204 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarize the current body of behavioral, physiological, and molecular knowledge concerning tactile sensitivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on recent studies utilizing rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS Mice with mutations in the ASD-related genes, Shank3, Fmr1, UBE3A, and Mecp2, display tactile abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities appear to be caused by mutation-related changes in the PNS, as opposed to changes in the processing of touch stimuli in the CNS, as previously thought. There is also growing evidence suggesting that peripheral mechanisms may contribute to some of the core symptoms and common comorbidities of ASD. Researchers are therefore beginning to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the PNS in treating some of the core symptoms of ASD. Sensory abnormalities are common in rodent models of ASD. There is growing evidence that sensory hypersensitivity, especially tactile sensitivity, may contribute to social deficits and other autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D Schaffler
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leah J Middleton
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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46
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Han J, Bichell TJ, Golden S, Anselm I, Waisbren S, Bacino CA, Peters SU, Bird LM, Kimonis V. A placebo-controlled trial of folic acid and betaine in identical twins with Angelman syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:232. [PMID: 31640736 PMCID: PMC6806546 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by maternal genetic deficiency of a gene that encodes E6-AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (gene symbol UBE3A) mapping to chromosome 15q11-q13. AS leads to stiff and jerky gait, excess laughter, seizures, and severe intellectual disability. In some parts of the brain, the paternally inherited UBE3A gene is subject to genomic imprinting by the action of the UBE3A-antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS) on the paternally inherited allele. Consequently, only the maternally inherited UBE3A gene is expressed in mature neurons. AS occurs due to deletions of the maternal 15q11 − 13 region, paternal uniparental disomy (UPD), imprinting center defects, mutations in the maternal UBE3A gene, or other unknown genetic malfunctions that result in a silenced maternal UBE3A gene in the specific imprinted regions of the brain. Results A potential treatment strategy for AS is to increase methylation of UBE3A-ATS to promote expression of the paternal UBE3A gene and thus ameliorate the clinical phenotypes of AS. We treated two sets of male identical twins with class I deletions with a 1 year treatment trial of either betaine and folic acid versus placebo. We found no statistically significant changes in the clinical parameters tested at the end of the 1 year trial, nor did we find any significant adverse events. Conclusions This study tested the hypothesis that by increasing the methylation of the UBE3A-antisense transcript in Angelman syndrome to promote expression of the silenced paternal UBE3A gene we may ameliorate the clinical phenotypes of AS. We treated two sets of identical twins with placebo versus betaine and folic acid. Although this study represented a novel approach to treating Angelman syndrome, the differences in the developmental testing results was not significant. This paper also discusses the value of monozygotic twin studies in minimizing confounding variables and its utility in conducting small treatment studies. Trial registration NCT00348933. Registered 6 July 2006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Han
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Terry Jo Bichell
- Consortium for Outcome Measures and Biomarkers for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie Golden
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irina Anselm
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Waisbren
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos A Bacino
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarika U Peters
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lynne M Bird
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.,Division of Genetics/Dysmorphology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Virginia Kimonis
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA, 92868, USA. .,Consortium for Outcome Measures and Biomarkers for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Zakopoulou V, Vlaikou AM, Darsinou M, Papadopoulou Z, Theodoridou D, Papageorgiou K, Alexiou GA, Bougias H, Siafaka V, Zoccolotti P, Chroussos GP, Syrrou M, Michaelidis TM. Linking Early Life Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functioning, Brain Asymmetries, and Personality Traits in Dyslexia: An Informative Case Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:327. [PMID: 31632253 PMCID: PMC6779713 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a multi-system disorder, combining influences of susceptibility genes and environmental factors. The causative interaction between specific genetic factors, brain regions, and personality/mental disorders, as well as specific learning disabilities, has been thoroughly investigated with regard to the approach of developing a multifaceted diagnostic procedure with an intervention strategy potential. In an attempt to add new translational evidence to the interconnection of the above factors in the occurrence of DD, we performed a combinatorial analysis of brain asymmetries, personality traits, cognitive and learning skills, and expression profiles of selected genes in an adult, early diagnosed with DD, and in his son of typical development. We focused on the expression of genes, based on the assumption that the regulation of transcription may be affected by genetic and epigenetic factors. The results highlighted a potential chain link between neuroplasticity-related as well as stress-related genes, such as BDNF, Sox4, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and GILZ, leftward asymmetries in the amygdala and selective cerebellum lobules, and tendencies for personality disorders and dyslexia. This correlation may reflect the presence of a specific neuro-epigenetic component of DD, ensuing from the continuous, multifaceted difficulties in the acquisition of cognitive and learning skills, which in turn may act as a fostering mechanism for the onset of long-term disorders. This is in line with recent findings demonstrating a dysfunction in processes supported by rapid neural adaptation in children and adults with dyslexia. Accordingly, the co-evaluation of all the above parameters may indicate a stress-related dyslexia endophenotype that should be carefully considered for a more integrated diagnosis and effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Zakopoulou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marousa Darsinou
- Department of Biomedical Research, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Zoe Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Daniela Theodoridou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Papageorgiou
- Department of Biomedical Research, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George A Alexiou
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Haralambos Bougias
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Siafaka
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Pierluigi Zoccolotti
- Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Psychology, IRCCS (National Institute for Research and Treatment) Fondazione Santa Lucia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - George P Chroussos
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theologos M Michaelidis
- Department of Biomedical Research, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Avagliano Trezza R, Sonzogni M, Bossuyt SNV, Zampeta FI, Punt AM, van den Berg M, Rotaru DC, Koene LMC, Munshi ST, Stedehouder J, Kros JM, Williams M, Heussler H, de Vrij FMS, Mientjes EJ, van Woerden GM, Kushner SA, Distel B, Elgersma Y. Loss of nuclear UBE3A causes electrophysiological and behavioral deficits in mice and is associated with Angelman syndrome. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1235-1247. [PMID: 31235931 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutations affecting the gene encoding the ubiquitin ligase UBE3A cause Angelman syndrome. Although most studies focus on the synaptic function of UBE3A, we show that UBE3A is highly enriched in the nucleus of mouse and human neurons. We found that the two major isoforms of UBE3A exhibit highly distinct nuclear versus cytoplasmic subcellular localization. Both isoforms undergo nuclear import through direct binding to PSMD4 (also known as S5A or RPN10), but the amino terminus of the cytoplasmic isoform prevents nuclear retention. Mice lacking the nuclear UBE3A isoform recapitulate the behavioral and electrophysiological phenotypes of Ube3am-/p+ mice, whereas mice harboring a targeted deletion of the cytosolic isoform are unaffected. Finally, we identified Angelman syndrome-associated UBE3A missense mutations that interfere with either nuclear targeting or nuclear retention of UBE3A. Taken together, our findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying the subcellular localization of UBE3A, and indicate that the nuclear UBE3A isoform is the most critical for the pathophysiology of Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Avagliano Trezza
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Sonzogni
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn N V Bossuyt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F Isabella Zampeta
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Mattijs Punt
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlene van den Berg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diana C Rotaru
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda M C Koene
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shashini T Munshi
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Stedehouder
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan M Kros
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Williams
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Heussler
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Child Development Program, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Femke M S de Vrij
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin J Mientjes
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geeske M van Woerden
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Distel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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49
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Salminen I, Read S, Hurd P, Crespi B. Genetic variation of UBE3A is associated with schizotypy in a population of typical individuals. Psychiatry Res 2019; 275:94-99. [PMID: 30897394 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The maternally expressed imprinted gene UBE3A has been implicated in autism, schizophrenia and psychosis. The phenotype of Angelman syndrome, caused by loss of UBE3A expression, involves autism spectrum traits, while Prader-Willi syndrome, where the genotype of maternal disomy increases dosage of UBE3A, shows high penetrance for the development of psychosis. Maternal duplications of the 15q11-q13 chromosome region that overlap the imprinted region also show an association with schizophrenia, further implying a connection between increased dosage of UBE3A and the development of schizophrenia and psychosis. We phenotyped a large population of typical individuals for autism spectrum and schizotypal traits and genotyped them for a set of SNPs in UBE3A. Genetic variation of rs732739, an intronic SNP tagging a large haplotype spanning nearly the entire range of UBE3A, was significantly associated with variation in total schizotypy. Our results provide an independent line of evidence, connecting the imprinted UBE3A gene to the schizophrenia spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iiro Salminen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Silven Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pete Hurd
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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50
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Kim J, Lee B, Kim DH, Yeon JG, Lee J, Park Y, Lee Y, Lee SK, Lee S, Lee JW. UBE3A Suppresses Overnutrition-Induced Expression of the Steatosis Target Genes of MLL4 by Degrading MLL4. Hepatology 2019; 69:1122-1134. [PMID: 30230575 PMCID: PMC6393921 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of the protein stability of epigenetic regulators remains ill-defined despite its potential applicability in epigenetic therapies. The histone H3-lysine 4-methyltransferase MLL4 is an epigenetic transcriptional coactivator that directs overnutrition-induced obesity and fatty liver formation, and Mll4+/- mice are resistant to both. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A targets MLL4 for degradation, thereby suppressing high-fat diet (HFD)-induced expression of the hepatic steatosis target genes of MLL4. In contrast to Mll4+/- mice, Ube3a+/- mice are hypersensitive to HFD-induced obesity and fatty liver development. Ube3a+/-;Mll4+/- mice lose this hypersensitivity, supporting roles of increased MLL4 levels in both phenotypes of Ube3a+/- mice. Correspondingly, our comparative studies with wild-type, Ube3a+/- and Ube3a-/- and UBE3A-overexpressing transgenic mouse livers demonstrate an inverse correlation of UBE3A protein levels with MLL4 protein levels, expression of the steatosis target genes of MLL4, and their decoration by H3-lysine 4-monomethylation, a surrogate marker for the epigenetic action of MLL4. Conclusion: UBE3A indirectly exerts an epigenetic regulation of obesity and steatosis by degrading MLL4. This UBE3A-MLL4 regulatory axis provides a potential therapeutic venue for treating various MLL4-directed pathogeneses, including obesity and hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janghyun Kim
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research
Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Bora Lee
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and
Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Kim
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research
Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Je Gwang Yeon
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeongkyung Lee
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of
Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Younjung Park
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research
Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Yuna Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research
Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research
Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA,Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Seunghee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea,Correspondences: Seunghee Lee
() or Jae W. Lee
()
| | - Jae W. Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research
Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University,
Portland, OR 97239, USA,Correspondences: Seunghee Lee
() or Jae W. Lee
()
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