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Khan K, Ahram DF, Liu YP, Westland R, Sampogna RV, Katsanis N, Davis EE, Sanna-Cherchi S. Multidisciplinary approaches for elucidating genetics and molecular pathogenesis of urinary tract malformations. Kidney Int 2022; 101:473-484. [PMID: 34780871 PMCID: PMC8934530 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Advances in clinical diagnostics and molecular tools have improved our understanding of the genetically heterogeneous causes underlying congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). However, despite a sharp incline of CAKUT reports in the literature within the past 2 decades, there remains a plateau in the genetic diagnostic yield that is disproportionate to the accelerated ability to generate robust genome-wide data. Explanations for this observation include (i) diverse inheritance patterns with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity, (ii) rarity of single-gene drivers such that large sample sizes are required to meet the burden of proof, and (iii) multigene interactions that might produce either intra- (e.g., copy number variants) or inter- (e.g., effects in trans) locus effects. These challenges present an opportunity for the community to implement innovative genetic and molecular avenues to explain the missing heritability and to better elucidate the mechanisms that underscore CAKUT. Here, we review recent multidisciplinary approaches at the intersection of genetics, genomics, in vivo modeling, and in vitro systems toward refining a blueprint for overcoming the diagnostic hurdles that are pervasive in urinary tract malformation cohorts. These approaches will not only benefit clinical management by reducing age at molecular diagnosis and prompting early evaluation for comorbid features but will also serve as a springboard for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Khan
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (current address)
| | - Dina F. Ahram
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Yangfan P. Liu
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rik Westland
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amsterdam UMC- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam, NL
| | | | - Nicholas Katsanis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (current address); Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Erica E. Davis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (current address).,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed: ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO: Simone Sanna-Cherchi, MD, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA; Phone: 212-851-4925; Fax: 212-851-5461; . Erica E. Davis, PhD, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Phone: 312-503-7662; Fax: 312-503-7343; , Nicholas Katsanis, PhD, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Phone: 312-503-7339; Fax: 312-503-7343;
| | - Simone Sanna-Cherchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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2
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Gabis LV, Attia OL, Goldman M, Barak N, Tefera P, Shefer S, Shaham M, Lerman-Sagie T. The myth of vaccination and autism spectrum. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:151-158. [PMID: 34996019 PMCID: PMC8694782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among all of the studied potential causes of autism, vaccines have received some of the most scrutiny and have been the topic of many evidence-based studies. These efforts have led the great majority of scientists, physicians, and public health researchers to refute causation between vaccines and autism. RATIONALE This presumed association and concern has been a major contributor to parents' refusal to immunize their children and has become a major threat to public health in secluded populations over the last two decades, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of COVID-19 immunizations, sentiments towards this topic were addressed as a public health concern that may influence the ability to overcome the Corona virus worldwide. SCIENTIFIC REVIEW OF DATA Despite the overwhelming data demonstrating that there is no link between vaccines and autism, many parents are hesitant to immunize their children because of the alleged association. Other contributing factors to the myths and conspiracy theories surrounding the association between vaccines and autism include the fact that the diagnosis of autism is typically made after the age of receiving the main childhood immunizations, as well as the occasional occurrence of regression after the age of first year vaccinations. In spite of vast evidence that the main contribution to the increase in incidence is from improvement of the diagnostic process, this rapid and publicized rise in autism diagnoses feeds parental concerns regarding any medical intervention that may be associated with the health of their children. RECOMMENDATIONS It is plausible that with more evidence-based studies linking autism to specific etiologies the myth will diminish and disappear eventually. In an era where conspiracy theories are prevalent on social media, it is critical that evidence-based studies relating autism to specific etiologies be made public, and that information concerning autism diagnosis and causes be made more readily available through social media and parental organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia V Gabis
- Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Israel; Maccabi Health Services, Israel.
| | - Odelia Leon Attia
- Weinberg Developmental Center, at Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Mia Goldman
- Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Noy Barak
- Department of Industrial Engineering at Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Paula Tefera
- Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Shahar Shefer
- Weinberg Developmental Center, at Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Meirav Shaham
- Department of Statistics at University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Tally Lerman-Sagie
- Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit at Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.
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3
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Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and Cerebral Organoids for Drug Screening and Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Opportunities and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020280. [PMID: 33669772 PMCID: PMC7922555 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a group of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by persistent deficits in social communication, interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The etiopathogenesis is multifactorial with complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The clinical heterogeneity and complex etiology of this pediatric disorder have limited the development of pharmacological therapies. The major limit to ASD research remains a lack of relevant human disease models which can faithfully recapitulate key features of the human pathology and represent its genetic heterogeneity. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of patients into all types of patient-specific neural cells, have provided a promising cellular tool for disease modeling and development of novel drug treatments. The iPSCs technology allowed not only a better investigation of the disease etiopathogenesis but also opened up the potential for personalized therapies and offered new opportunities for drug discovery, pharmacological screening, and toxicity assessment. Moreover, iPSCs can be differentiated and organized into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, providing a model which mimics the complexity of the brain’s architecture and more accurately recapitulates tissue- and organ-level disease pathophysiology. The aims of this review were to describe the current state of the art of the use of human patient-derived iPSCs and brain organoids in modeling ASD and developing novel therapeutic strategies and to discuss the opportunities and major challenges in this rapidly moving field.
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Abstract
Based on the analysis of literature, the authors describe the neuropathophysiological mechanism of the formation of synapses, synaptic transmission and plasticity, which may underlie the pathogenesis of autism. The results of some studies confirm the involvement of aberrant expression of genes and proteins of synaptic contacts, cell adhesion molecules p120ctn, CNTN5, CNTN6, activation of NMDA glutamate, TrkB, p75 receptors, Ca2+-input, BDNF, serotonin and testosterone. This leads to an imbalance in the exciting, inhibitory synaptic transmission and forms of synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) at the level of individual neurons and their chains due to suppression of GABA synthesis, expression of its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, G proteins, NGF, TrkA receptors, a reduction in the number of GABAergic neurons, their contacts and disruption of differentiation. The pathology of the nuclei of the thalamus, especially the reticular nucleus (RN), is associated with a disturbance of the expression of the subunits of metabotropic GABAβ receptors, Ca2+ channels, GABA excretion and the work of chlorine transmitters. These failures do not ensure the inhibitory effect of OC on the exciting associative and ventral nuclei of the thalamus, nor modify the incoming information to the cerebral cortex (CC) from these thalamus nuclei, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the nuclei of the reticular formation. Information propagating into the somatosensory and associative regions of CC is not modified by mirror neurons (MN) when performing arbitrary actions, which prevents the formation of an adequate image in the neural networks of the associative cortex and promotes the development of hyperexcitability, irritability, increased visual and auditory sensitivity, anxiety, and the ability to form a holistic image based on the actions of other people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Chernov
- Almazov National Medical Research Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia
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5
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Martinez ME, Duarte CW, Stohn JP, Karaczyn A, Wu Z, DeMambro VE, Hernandez A. Thyroid hormone influences brain gene expression programs and behaviors in later generations by altering germ line epigenetic information. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:939-950. [PMID: 30356120 PMCID: PMC6482106 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors do not fully account for the relatively high heritability of neurodevelopmental conditions, suggesting that non-genetic heritable factors contribute to their etiology. To evaluate the potential contribution of aberrant thyroid hormone status to the epigenetic inheritance of neurological phenotypes, we examined genetically normal F2 generation descendants of mice that were developmentally overexposed to thyroid hormone due to a Dio3 mutation. Hypothalamic gene expression profiling in postnatal day 15 F2 descendants on the paternal lineage of ancestral male and female T3-overexposed mice revealed, respectively, 1089 and 1549 differentially expressed genes. A large number of them, 675 genes, were common to both sets, suggesting comparable epigenetic effects of thyroid hormone on both the male and female ancestral germ lines. Oligodendrocyte- and neuron-specific genes were strongly overrepresented among genes showing, respectively, increased and decreased expression. Altered gene expression extended to other brain regions and was associated in adulthood with decreased anxiety-like behavior, increased marble burying and reduced physical activity. The sperm of T3-overexposed male ancestors revealed significant hypomethylation of CpG islands associated with the promoters of genes involved in the early development of the central nervous system. Some of them were candidates for neurodevelopmental disorders in humans including Nrg3, Nrxn1, Gabrb3, Gabra5, Apba2, Grik3, Reln, Nsd1, Pcdh8, En1, and Elavl2. Thus, developmental levels of thyroid hormone influence the epigenetic information of the germ line, disproportionately affecting genes with critical roles in early brain development, and leading in future generations to disease-relevant alterations in postnatal brain gene expression and adult behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Elena Martinez
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
| | - Christine W. Duarte
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA,Graduate School for Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - J. Patrizia Stohn
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
| | - Aldona Karaczyn
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
| | - Zhaofei Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
| | - Victoria E DeMambro
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
| | - Arturo Hernandez
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA. .,Graduate School for Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Principi N, Esposito S. Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorders Development. Front Psychiatry 2020; 10:987. [PMID: 32082196 PMCID: PMC7006052 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interactions, impaired communications, and stereotypic and repetitive behavior with different degrees of severity. The etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, although the interaction of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a fundamental role in the process. The main aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current knowledge about the interrelationships between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder development. Literature analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy plays a role in conditioning the development and function of the nervous system. Studies carried out in vitro and in experimental animals have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the nervous system that can be observed in autism spectrum disorder patients. Moreover, it has been reported that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy could be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder development in the offspring, that children with autism spectrum disorder have significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D than normal children and that supplementation of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorder children is associated with a reduction in psychiatric manifestations. However, the data currently available do not adequately support the hypothesis that vitamin D may be a factor which contribute to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be better studied to establish whether and when fetal vulnerability is highest and if vitamin D supplementation is able to reduce the risk of structural and functional alterations of the nervous system and autism spectrum disorder development. The role of vitamin D after birth must be better defined to evaluate if vitamin D administration is potentially effective in reducing autism spectrum disorder manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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NEXMIF/KIDLIA Knock-out Mouse Demonstrates Autism-Like Behaviors, Memory Deficits, and Impairments in Synapse Formation and Function. J Neurosci 2019; 40:237-254. [PMID: 31704787 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0222-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disability that demonstrates impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. ASD has a strong genetic basis and many ASD-associated genes have been discovered thus far. Our previous work has shown that loss of expression of the X-linked gene NEXMIF/KIDLIA is implicated in patients with autistic features and intellectual disability (ID). To further determine the causal role of the gene in the disorder, and to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology, we have generated a NEXMIF knock-out (KO) mouse. We find that male NEXMIF KO mice demonstrate reduced sociability and communication, elevated repetitive grooming behavior, and deficits in learning and memory. Loss of NEXMIF/KIDLIA expression results in a significant decrease in synapse density and synaptic protein expression. Consistently, male KO animals show aberrant synaptic function as measured by excitatory miniatures and postsynaptic currents in the hippocampus. These findings indicate that NEXMIF KO mice recapitulate the phenotypes of the human disorder. The NEXMIF KO mouse model will be a valuable tool for studying the complex mechanisms involved in ASD and for the development of novel therapeutics for this disorder.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral phenotypes. Based on our previous work, which indicated the loss of NEXMIF/KIDLIA was associated with ASD, we generated NEXMIF knock-out (KO) mice. The NEXMIF KO mice demonstrate autism-like behaviors including deficits in social interaction, increased repetitive self-grooming, and impairments in communication and in learning and memory. The KO neurons show reduced synapse density and a suppression in synaptic transmission, indicating a role for NEXMIF in regulating synapse development and function. The NEXMIF KO mouse faithfully recapitulates the human disorder, and thus serves as an animal model for future investigation of the NEXMIF-dependent neurodevelopmental disorders.
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8
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Fleury-Teixeira P, Caixeta FV, Ramires da Silva LC, Brasil-Neto JP, Malcher-Lopes R. Effects of CBD-Enriched Cannabis sativa Extract on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms: An Observational Study of 18 Participants Undergoing Compassionate Use. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1145. [PMID: 31736860 PMCID: PMC6834767 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders comprise conditions that may affect cognitive development, motor skills, social interaction, communication, and behavior. This set of functional deficits often results in lack of independence for the diagnosed individuals, and severe distress for patients, families, and caregivers. There is a mounting body of evidence indicating the effectiveness of pure cannabidiol (CBD) and CBD-enriched Cannabis sativa extract (CE) for the treatment of autistic symptoms in refractory epilepsy patients. There is also increasing data support for the hypothesis that non-epileptic autism shares underlying etiological mechanisms with epilepsy. Here we report an observational study with a cohort of 18 autistic patients undergoing treatment with compassionate use of standardized CBD-enriched CE (with a CBD to THC ratio of 75/1). Among the 15 patients who adhered to the treatment (10 non-epileptic and five epileptic) only one patient showed lack of improvement in autistic symptoms. Due to adverse effects, three patients discontinued CE use before 1 month. After 6-9 months of treatment, most patients, including epileptic and non-epileptic, showed some level of improvement in more than one of the eight symptom categories evaluated: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Behavioral Disorders; Motor Deficits; Autonomy Deficits; Communication and Social Interaction Deficits; Cognitive Deficits; Sleep Disorders and Seizures, with very infrequent and mild adverse effects. The strongest improvements were reported for Seizures, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sleep Disorders, and Communication and Social Interaction Deficits. This was especially true for the 10 non-epileptic patients, nine of which presented improvement equal to or above 30% in at least one of the eight categories, six presented improvement of 30% or more in at least two categories and four presented improvement equal to or above 30% in at least four symptom categories. Ten out of the 15 patients were using other medicines, and nine of these were able to keep the improvements even after reducing or withdrawing other medications. The results reported here are very promising and indicate that CBD-enriched CE may ameliorate multiple ASD symptoms even in non-epileptic patients, with substantial increase in life quality for both ASD patients and caretakers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leandro Cruz Ramires da Silva
- Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Associação Brasileira de Pacientes de Cannabis Medicinal, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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9
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Chabbert D, Caubit X, Roubertoux PL, Carlier M, Habermann B, Jacq B, Salin P, Metwaly M, Frahm C, Fatmi A, Garratt AN, Severac D, Dubois E, Kerkerian-Le Goff L, Fasano L, Gubellini P. Postnatal Tshz3 Deletion Drives Altered Corticostriatal Function and Autism Spectrum Disorder-like Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:274-285. [PMID: 31060802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.03.974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterozygous deletion of the TSHZ3 gene, encoding for the teashirt zinc-finger homeobox family member 3 (TSHZ3) transcription factor that is highly expressed in cortical projection neurons (CPNs), has been linked to an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) syndrome. Similarly, mice with Tshz3 haploinsufficiency show ASD-like behavior, paralleled by molecular changes in CPNs and corticostriatal synaptic dysfunctions. Here, we aimed at gaining more insight into "when" and "where" TSHZ3 is required for the proper development of the brain, and its deficiency crucial for developing this ASD syndrome. METHODS We generated and characterized a novel mouse model of conditional Tshz3 deletion, obtained by crossing Tshz3flox/flox with CaMKIIalpha-Cre mice, in which Tshz3 is deleted in CPNs from postnatal day 2 to 3 onward. We characterized these mice by a multilevel approach combining genetics, cell biology, electrophysiology, behavioral testing, and bioinformatics. RESULTS These conditional Tshz3 knockout mice exhibit altered cortical expression of more than 1000 genes, ∼50% of which have their human orthologue involved in ASD, in particular genes encoding for glutamatergic synapse components. Consistently, we detected electrophysiological and synaptic changes in CPNs and impaired corticostriatal transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, these mice showed strong ASD-like behavioral deficits. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a crucial postnatal role of TSHZ3 in the development and functioning of the corticostriatal circuitry and provides evidence that dysfunction in these circuits might be determinant for ASD pathogenesis. Our conditional Tshz3 knockout mouse constitutes a novel ASD model, opening the possibility for an early postnatal therapeutic window for the syndrome linked to TSHZ3 haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bianca Habermann
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, TAGC, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Jacq
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Salin
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Ahmed Fatmi
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Alistair N Garratt
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Center for Anatomy, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dany Severac
- Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, MGX, Montpellier, France
| | - Emeric Dubois
- Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, MGX, Montpellier, France
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10
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Risk and Protective Environmental Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Principles and Recommendations. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020217. [PMID: 30744008 PMCID: PMC6406684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition with early childhood onset, characterized by a set of common behavioral features. The etiology of ASD is not yet fully understood; however, it reflects the interaction between genetics and environment. While genetics is now a well-established risk factor, several data support a contribution of the environment as well. This paper summarizes the conclusions of a consensus conference focused on the potential pathogenetic role of environmental factors and on their interactions with genetics. Several environmental factors have been discussed in terms of ASD risk, namely advanced parental age, assisted reproductive technologies, nutritional factors, maternal infections and diseases, environmental chemicals and toxicants, and medications, as well as some other conditions. The analysis focused on their specific impact on three biologically relevant time windows for brain development: the periconception, prenatal, and early postnatal periods. Possible protective factors that might prevent or modify an ASD trajectory have been explored as well. Recommendations for clinicians to reduce ASD risk or its severity have been proposed. Developments in molecular biology and big data approaches, which are able to assess a large number of coexisting factors, are offering new opportunities to disentangle the gene⁻environment interplay that can lead to the development of ASD.
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11
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Lee Y, Kim H, Han PL. Striatal Inhibition of MeCP2 or TSC1 Produces Sociability Deficits and Repetitive Behaviors. Exp Neurobiol 2018; 27:539-549. [PMID: 30636904 PMCID: PMC6318563 DOI: 10.5607/en.2018.27.6.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurobehavioral disorders characterized by the two core domains of behavioral deficits, including sociability deficits and stereotyped repetitive behaviors. It is not clear whether the core symptoms of ASD are produced by dysfunction of the overall neural network of the brain or that of a limited brain region. Recent studies reported that excessive glutamatergic or dopaminergic inputs in the dorsal striatum induced sociability deficits and repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest that the dorsal striatum plays a crucial role in autistic-like behaviors. The present study addresses whether functional deficits of well-known ASD-related genes in the dorsal striatum also produce ASD core symptoms. This study also examines whether these behavioral changes can be modulated by rebalancing glutamate and/or dopamine receptor activity in the dorsal striatum. First, we found that the siRNA-mediated inhibition of Shank3, Nlgn3, Fmr1, Mecp2, or Tsc1 in the dorsal striatum produced mild to severe behavioral changes in sociability, cognition, and/or repetitive behaviors. The knockdown effects of Mecp2 and Tsc1 on behavioral changes were the most prominent. Next, we demonstrated that behavioral changes induced by striatal inhibition of MeCP2 and TSC1 were rescued by D-cycloserine (an NMDA agonist), fenobam (an mGluR5 antagonist), SCH23390 (a D1 antagonist), and/or ecopipam (a D1 partial antagonist), pharmacological drugs that are known to regulate ASD-like symptoms in animal models. Collectively, these results suggest that the dorsal striatum is a critical brain region that, when dysfunctional, produces the core symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Hannah Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Pyung-Lim Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.,Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
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12
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Guang S, Pang N, Deng X, Yang L, He F, Wu L, Chen C, Yin F, Peng J. Synaptopathology Involved in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:470. [PMID: 30627085 PMCID: PMC6309163 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. ASD affects 1 in 59 children, and is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls. Strong genetic components, together with environmental factors in the early stage of development, contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Multiple studies have revealed that mutations in genes like NRXN, NLGN, SHANK, TSC1/2, FMR1, and MECP2 converge on common cellular pathways that intersect at synapses. These genes encode cell adhesion molecules, scaffolding proteins and proteins involved in synaptic transcription, protein synthesis and degradation, affecting various aspects of synapses including synapse formation and elimination, synaptic transmission and plasticity. This suggests that the pathogenesis of ASD may, at least in part, be attributed to synaptic dysfunction. In this article, we will review major genes and signaling pathways implicated in synaptic abnormalities underlying ASD, and discuss molecular, cellular and functional studies of ASD experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Guang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolu Deng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Liwen Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
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13
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Measurement considerations in pediatric research on autism spectrum disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018. [PMID: 30447755 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Studying Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in genetic syndromes has gained interest in the scientific community as a way to elucidate mechanisms and symptom profiles to understand ASD more broadly. Appropriate and adequate measurement of constructs, symptomatology, and outcomes in clinical research is of vital importance in establishing the prevalence of such symptoms and measuring change in symptoms in the context of clinical trials. As such, we provide an overview of the prevalence of ASD, present current diagnostic guidelines, discuss important comorbidities to consider, describe current assessment strategies in assessing ASD, and discuss these within the context of a specific genetic condition to highlight how ASD can be best evaluated.
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14
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Scafuri B, Varriale A, Facchiano A, D'Auria S, Raggi ME, Marabotti A. Binding of mycotoxins to proteins involved in neuronal plasticity: a combined in silico/wet investigation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15156. [PMID: 29123130 PMCID: PMC5680308 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15148-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We have applied a combined computational procedure based on inverse and direct docking in order to identify putative protein targets of a panel of mycotoxins and xenobiotic compounds that can contaminate food and that are known to have several detrimental effects on human health. This procedure allowed us to identify a panel of human proteins as possible targets for aflatoxins, gliotoxin, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol. Steady-state fluorescence and microscale thermophoresis experiments allowed us to confirm the binding of some of these mycotoxins to acetylcholinesterase and X-linked neuroligin 4, two proteins involved in synapse activity and, particularly for the second protein, neuronal plasticity and development. Considering the possible involvement of X-linked neuroligin 4 in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum syndrome, this finding opens up a new avenue to explore the hypothetical role of these xenobiotic compounds in the onset of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardina Scafuri
- CNR-ISA, National Research Council, Institute of Food Science, Via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS "Eugenio Medea" Bosisio Parini, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Antonio Varriale
- CNR-ISA, National Research Council, Institute of Food Science, Via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Angelo Facchiano
- CNR-ISA, National Research Council, Institute of Food Science, Via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Sabato D'Auria
- CNR-ISA, National Research Council, Institute of Food Science, Via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Raggi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS "Eugenio Medea" Bosisio Parini, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Anna Marabotti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS "Eugenio Medea" Bosisio Parini, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy.
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
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15
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Godar DE, Merrill SJ. Untangling the most probable role for vitamin D 3 in autism. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2017; 9:e1387702. [PMID: 29484101 PMCID: PMC5821151 DOI: 10.1080/19381980.2017.1387702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate an important role for vitamin D3 in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although its mechanism is not completely understood. The most puzzling aspect of ASD is that identical twins, who share identical DNA, do not have 100% concordance rates (∼88% for identical and ∼31% for fraternal twins). These findings provide major clues into the etiology: ASD must involve an environmental factor present in the prenatal milieu that both identical twins are not always exposed to because they do not always share it (i.e., placentas). Combined with the exponential increasing rates of ASD around the world, these observations suggest a contagious disease is probably transferred to the fetus via the placenta becoming infected by a cervical virus. Vitamin D3 boosts immune responses clearing viral infections and increases serotonin and estrogen brain levels. Here we review the different roles and untangle the most probable one vitamin D3 plays in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne E. Godar
- Body of Knowledge, Inc., Division of Human Disease Research Worldwide, Racine, WI, USA
| | - Stephen J. Merrill
- Marquette University, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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16
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Bustamante ML, Herrera L, Gaspar PA, Nieto R, Maturana A, Villar MJ, Salinas V, Silva H. Shifting the focus toward rare variants in schizophrenia to close the gap from genotype to phenotype. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:663-670. [PMID: 28901686 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a disorder with a high heritability and a complex architecture. Several dozen genetic variants have been identified as risk factors through genome-wide association studies including large population-based samples. However, the bulk of the risk cannot be accounted for by the genes associated to date. Rare mutations have been historically seen as relevant only for some infrequent, Mendelian forms of psychosis. Recent findings, however, show that the subset of patients that present a mutation with major effect is larger than expected. We discuss some of the molecular findings of these studies. SZ is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. To identify the genetic variation underlying the disorder, research should be focused on features that are more likely a product of genetic heterogeneity. Based on the phenotypical correlations with rare variants, cognition emerges as a relevant domain to study. Cognitive disturbances could be useful in selecting cases that have a higher probability of carrying deleterious mutations, as well as on the correct ascertainment of sporadic cases for the identification of de novo variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leonor Bustamante
- Faculty of Medicine, Program of Human Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Luisa Herrera
- Faculty of Medicine, Program of Human Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Pablo A Gaspar
- Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Biomedical Neurosciences Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Nieto
- Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Alejandro Maturana
- Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - María José Villar
- Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Valeria Salinas
- Faculty of Medicine, Program of Human Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Hernán Silva
- Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Biomedical Neurosciences Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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17
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Margolis KG. A role for the serotonin reuptake transporter in the brain and intestinal features of autism spectrum disorders and developmental antidepressant exposure. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:36-40. [PMID: 28213183 PMCID: PMC5555828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many disease conditions considered CNS-predominant harbor significant intestinal comorbidities. Serotonin (5-HT) and the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) have increasingly been shown to play important roles in both brain and intestinal development and long-term function. 5-HT and SERT may thus modulate critical functions in the development and perpetuation of brain-gut axis disease. We discuss the potential roles of 5-HT and SERT in the brain and intestinal manifestations of autism spectrum disorders and developmental antidepressant exposure. The potential therapeutic value of 5-HT4 modulation in the subsequent treatment of these conditions is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Gross Margolis
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, United States.
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18
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Ahmadiantehrani S, London SE. Bidirectional manipulation of mTOR signaling disrupts socially mediated vocal learning in juvenile songbirds. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9463-9468. [PMID: 28739951 PMCID: PMC5584414 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1701829114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life experiences can have long-lasting behavioral consequences because they are encoded when the brain is most malleable. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade modulates experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, among other processes. mTOR has been almost exclusively examined in adult rodent learning models, but may be especially important in organizing neural circuits required for developmental acquisition of meaningful complex behaviors. It is among the most commonly implicated factors in neurodevelopmental autism spectrum disorders (ASD), characterized, in part, by distinct social and communication phenotypes. Here, we investigated mTOR in juvenile zebra finch songbirds. Much as children learn language, young male zebra finches need to interact socially with an adult tutor to learn a meaningful song. The memory of the tutor's song structure guides the juvenile's own song, which it uses to communicate for the rest of its life. We hypothesized that mTOR is required for juveniles to learn song. To this end, we first discovered that hearing song activates mTOR signaling in a brain area required for tutor song memorization in males old enough to copy song but not in younger males or females, who cannot sing. We then showed that both inhibition and constitutive activation of mTOR during tutor experiences significantly diminished tutor song copying. Finally, we found that constitutive mTOR activation lowered a behavioral measure of the juvenile's social engagement during tutor experiences, mirroring the relationship in humans. These studies therefore advance understanding about the effects of experience in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders and typical neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Ahmadiantehrani
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Sarah E London
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637;
- Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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19
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Tamburini C, Li M. Understanding neurodevelopmental disorders using human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Brain Pathol 2017; 27:508-517. [PMID: 28585386 PMCID: PMC8029066 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into psychiatric disorders has long been hindered by the lack of appropriate models. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer an unlimited source of patient-specific cells, which in principle can be differentiated into all disease-relevant somatic cell types to create in vitro models of the disorder of interest. Here, neuronal differentiation protocols available for this purpose and the current progress on iPSCs-based models of schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder were reviewed. We also discuss the impact of the recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool in the disease modeling field. Genetically engineered mutation of disease risk alleles in well characterized reference "control" hPSCs or correction of disease risk variants in patient iPSCs has been used as a powerful means to establish causality of the identified cellular pathology. Together, iPSC reprogramming and CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing technology have already significantly contributed to our understanding of the developmental origin of some major psychiatric disorders. The challenge ahead is the identification of shared mechanisms in their etiology, which will ultimately be relevant to the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tamburini
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
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20
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Abstract
Abstract
ASD research is at an important crossroads. The ASD diagnosis is important for assigning a child to early behavioral intervention and explaining a child’s condition. But ASD research has not provided a diagnosis-specific medical treatment, or a consistent early predictor, or a unified life course. If the ASD diagnosis also lacks biological and construct validity, a shift away from studying ASD-defined samples would be warranted. Consequently, this paper reviews recent findings for the neurobiological validity of ASD, the construct validity of ASD diagnostic criteria, and the construct validity of ASD spectrum features. The findings reviewed indicate that the ASD diagnosis lacks biological and construct validity. The paper concludes with proposals for research going forward.
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21
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Plummer JT, Gordon AJ, Levitt P. The Genetic Intersection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Shared Medical Comorbidities - Relations that Translate from Bench to Bedside. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:142. [PMID: 27597832 PMCID: PMC4992686 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most psychiatric disorders are considered neurodevelopmental, and the associated genes often are expressed in tissues outside of the brain. This suggests a biological relatedness with medical co-occurrences that could have broad clinical implications for diagnosis and patient management over a lifetime. A qualitative integration of public data from genetic consortia of psychiatric disorders and medical comorbidities explores the question of whether genetically associated psychiatric illnesses present with co-occurring disturbances can be used to define specific mental-physical health relations. Novel patterns of gene-disorder relations appear with approximately one-third of conservatively defined, consortia-generated candidate risk genes with multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Moreover, nearly as many genes overlap with non-psychiatric phenotypes, including cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, and metabolic disturbances. While the landscape of genetic risk will change as study populations are expanded and biological confirmations accrue, the current relationships suggest that a mostly siloed perspective of gene relatedness to one categorical psychiatric diagnosis is not clinically useful. The future holds the promise that once candidates are fully validated, genome screening and mutation identification will bring more precision for predicting the risk for complex health conditions. Our view is that as genetic data are refined, continuing to decipher a shared pattern of genetic risk for brain and peripheral organ pathophysiology is not simply an academic exercise. Rather, determining relatedness will impact predictions of multifaceted health risks, patient treatment, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine T Plummer
- Institute for the Developing Mind, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, CA , USA
| | - Alexis J Gordon
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, CA , USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Institute for the Developing Mind, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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