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Greene SM, Klein PR, Alcala GA, Bustamante I, Bordas B, Johnson A, Vu V, Uhm SY, Gould GG. Aging to 24 months increased C57BL/6J mouse social sniffing and hippocampal Neto1 levels, and impaired female spatial learning. Behav Processes 2023; 211:104929. [PMID: 37586617 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104929] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how natural aging impacts rodent performance in translational behavior tests is critical to teasing apart impairments due to age-related decline from neurodegenerative disorder modeling. Reduced neuropilin and tolloid-like 1 (NETO1), an accessory protein of ionotropic glutamate receptors involved in synaptic plasticity, was associated with Alzheimer's disease, yet aging effects on Neto1 remain unclear. For these reasons, our goal was to characterize how Neto1 expression corresponded with social, repetitive, and spatial learning behaviors and stress response across the C57BL/6J mouse lifespan. We measured social preferences in three-chamber tests, and motor stereotypies by marble burying. Cognitive flexibility is typically assessed in the Morris water maze (MWM), wherein C57BL/6J mice exhibit deficits with age. However, fatigue or locomotor impairment may confound interpretation of MWM performance. Therefore, we used a less arduous water T-maze (WTM) to compare spatial learning flexibility in 2, 9-15, and 24-month-old male and female mice to test the hypothesis that deficits would emerge with age. In both sexes, 9-15-month-olds made more chamber entries during social preference tests, while 2-month-olds did less social sniffing than aged mice. No age or sex differences emerged in marble burying or serum corticosterone measurements. In 24-month-olds hippocampal Neto1was increased relative to 2-month-olds, and male cognitive flexibility was strong, while spatial learning and reversal learning of 24-month-old females was impaired in WTM irrespective of Neto1 expression. The WTM is a useful alternative assessment for cognitive flexibility deficits in aged mice, and the role of hippocampal Neto1 in promoting social sniffing is of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Greene
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
| | - Preston R Klein
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Gloria-Andrea Alcala
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
| | - Isabela Bustamante
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Blanka Bordas
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Alexia Johnson
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Howard University, Washington D.C. 20059, USA
| | - Vy Vu
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - So Yeon Uhm
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Georgianna G Gould
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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Ilchibaeva T, Tsybko A, Lipnitskaya M, Eremin D, Milutinovich K, Naumenko V, Popova N. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Mechanisms of Autistic-like Behavior in BTBR Mice: Crosstalk with the Dopaminergic Brain System. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051482. [PMID: 37239153 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in neuroplasticity undoubtedly play an important role in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Brain neurotransmitters and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known as crucial players in cerebral and behavioral plasticity. Such an important neurotransmitter as dopamine (DA) is involved in the behavioral inflexibility of ASD. Additionally, much evidence from human and animal studies implicates BDNF in ASD pathogenesis. Nonetheless, crosstalk between BDNF and the DA system has not been studied in the context of an autistic-like phenotype. For this reason, the aim of our study was to compare the effects of either the acute intracerebroventricular administration of a recombinant BDNF protein or hippocampal adeno-associated-virus-mediated BDNF overexpression on autistic-like behavior and expression of key DA-related and BDNF-related genes in BTBR mice (a widely recognized model of autism). The BDNF administration failed to affect autistic-like behavior but downregulated Comt mRNA in the frontal cortex and hippocampus; however, COMT protein downregulation in the hippocampus and upregulation in the striatum were insignificant. BDNF administration also reduced the receptor TrkB level in the frontal cortex and midbrain and the BDNF/proBDNF ratio in the striatum. In contrast, hippocampal BDNF overexpression significantly diminished stereotypical behavior and anxiety; these alterations were accompanied only by higher hippocampal DA receptor D1 mRNA levels. The results indicate an important role of BDNF in mechanisms underlying anxiety and repetitive behavior in ASDs and implicates BDNF-DA crosstalk in the autistic-like phenotype of BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Ilchibaeva
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anton Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina Lipnitskaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Eremin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kseniya Milutinovich
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Guo D, Yang X, Gao M, Chen X, Tang Y, Shen L, Li K, Shi L. Deficiency of Autism-Related Gene Dock4 Leads to Impaired Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Function in Mice at Late Middle Age. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1129-1146. [PMID: 35635601 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01233-4] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that lasts lifelong and causes noticeably higher premature mortality. Although the core symptoms and other behavioral deficits of ASD can persist or be deteriorated from early development to old age, how aging affects the behaviors and brain anatomy in ASD is largely unknown. DOCK4 is an ASD risk gene highly expressed in the hippocampus, and Dock4 knockout (KO) mice display ASD-like behaviors in adulthood (4- to 6-month-old). In this study, we evaluated the behavioral and hippocampal pathological changes of late-middle-aged (15- to 17-month-old) Dock4 male KO mice. Aged Dock4 KO mice continuously showed similar social deficit, elevated anxiety, and disrupted object location memory as observed in the adulthood, when compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Notably, Dock4 KO mice displayed an age-related decline of hippocampal dependent spatial memory, showing decreased spatial memory in Barnes maze than their WT littermates at late middle age. Morphological analysis from WT and Dock4 KO littermates revealed that Dock4 deficiency led to decreased mature neurons and oligodendrocytes but increased astrocytes in the hippocampus of late-middle-aged mice. Together, we report that ASD-like behaviors mostly persist into late-middle age in Dock4 KO mice, with specific alterations of spatial memory and hippocampal anatomy by age, thus providing new evidence for understanding age differences in behavioral deficits of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daji Guo
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanping Tang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingling Shen
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Keshen Li
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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Sharghi S, Flunkert S, Daurer M, Rabl R, Chagnaud BP, Leopoldo M, Lacivita E, Hutter-Paier B, Prokesch M. Evaluating the effect of R-Baclofen and LP-211 on autistic behavior of the BTBR and Fmr1-KO mouse models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1087788. [PMID: 37065917 PMCID: PMC10097904 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1087788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by two core behavioral symptoms: impaired social communication and interaction, as well as stereotypic, repetitive behavior. No distinct cause of ASD is known so far; however, excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and a disturbed serotoninergic transmission have been identified as prominent candidates responsible for ASD etiology.MethodsThe GABAB receptor agonist R-Baclofen and the selective agonist for the 5HT7 serotonin receptor LP-211 have been reported to correct social deficits and repetitive behaviors in mouse models of ASD. To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in more details, we treated BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J and B6.129P2-Fmr1tm1Cgr/J mice acutely with R-Baclofen or LP-211 and evaluated the behavior of animals in a series of tests.ResultsBTBR mice showed motor deficits, elevated anxiety, and highly repetitive behavior of self-grooming. Fmr1-KO mice exhibited decreased anxiety and hyperactivity. Additionally, Fmr1-KO mice’s ultrasonic vocalizations were impaired suggesting a reduced social interest and communication of this strain. Acute LP-211 administration did not affect the behavioral abnormalities observed in BTBR mice but improved repetitive behavior in Fmr1-KO mice and showed a trend to change anxiety of this strain. Acute R-Baclofen treatment improved repetitive behavior only in Fmr1-KO mice.ConclusionOur results add value to the current available data on these mouse models and the respective compounds. Yet, additional studies are needed to further test R-Baclofen and LP-211 as potential treatments for ASD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Sharghi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
- Institute for Biology, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Shirin Sharghi,
| | - Stefanie Flunkert
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Magdalena Daurer
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Roland Rabl
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | | | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Prokesch
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
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Anderson JM, Boardman AA, Bates R, Zou X, Huang W, Cao L. Hypothalamic TrkB.FL overexpression improves metabolic outcomes in the BTBR mouse model of autism. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282566. [PMID: 36893171 PMCID: PMC9997972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are used as a model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), displaying similar behavioral and physiological deficits observed in patients with ASD. Our recent study found that implementation of an enriched environment (EE) in BTBR mice improved metabolic and behavioral outcomes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and its receptor tropomyosin kinase receptor B (Ntrk2) were upregulated in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala by implementing EE in BTBR mice, suggesting that BDNF-TrkB signaling plays a role in the EE-BTBR phenotype. Here, we used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to overexpress the TrkB full-length (TrkB.FL) BDNF receptor in the BTBR mouse hypothalamus in order to assess whether hypothalamic BDNF-TrkB signaling is responsible for the improved metabolic and behavioral phenotypes associated with EE. Normal chow diet (NCD)-fed and high fat diet (HFD)-fed BTBR mice were randomized to receive either bilateral injections of AAV-TrkB.FL or AAV-YFP as control, and were subjected to metabolic and behavioral assessments up to 24 weeks post-injection. Both NCD and HFD TrkB.FL overexpressing mice displayed improved metabolic outcomes, characterized as reduced percent weight gain and increased energy expenditure. NCD TrkB.FL mice showed improved glycemic control, reduced adiposity, and increased lean mass. In NCD mice, TrkB.FL overexpression altered the ratio of TrkB.FL/TrkB.T1 protein expression and increased phosphorylation of PLCγ in the hypothalamus. TrkB.FL overexpression also upregulated expression of hypothalamic genes involved in energy regulation and altered expression of genes involved in thermogenesis, lipolysis, and energy expenditure in white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. In HFD mice, TrkB.FL overexpression increased phosphorylation of PLCγ. TrkB.FL overexpression in the hypothalamus did not improve behavioral deficits in either NCD or HFD mice. Together, these results suggest that enhancing hypothalamic TrkB.FL signaling improves metabolic health in BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Anderson
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Amber A. Boardman
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Rhiannon Bates
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Xunchang Zou
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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Jiang P, Zhou L, Du Z, Zhao L, Tang Y, Fei X, Wang L, Li D, Li S, Yang H, Fan X, Liao H. Icariin alleviates autistic-like behavior, hippocampal inflammation and vGlut1 expression in adult BTBR mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114384. [PMID: 36889463 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated, heterogeneous disorder characterized by social interaction deficits and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. Neuroinflammation and synaptic protein dysregulation have been implicated in ASD pathogenesis. Icariin (ICA) has proven to exert neuroprotective function through anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effects of ICA treatment on autism-like behavioral deficits in BTBR mice and whether these changes were related to modifications in the hippocampal inflammation and the balance of excitatory/inhibitory synapses. ICA supplementation (80 mg/kg, once daily for ten days, i.g.) ameliorated social deficits, repetitive stereotypical behaviors, and short-term memory deficit without affecting locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors of BTBR mice. Furthermore, ICA treatment inhibited neuroinflammation via decreasing microglia number and the soma size in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, as well as the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. In addition, ICA treatment also rescued excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein imbalance by inhibiting the increased vGlut1 level without affecting the vGAT level in the BTBR mouse hippocampus. Collectively, the observed results indicate that ICA treatment alleviates ASD-like features, mitigates disturbed balance of excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein, and inhibits hippocampal inflammation in BTBR mice, and may represent a novel promising drug for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Jiang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lianyu Zhou
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Zhulin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Linyang Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yexi Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Xinghang Fei
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dabing Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Huiling Liao
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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Sun Y, Wang Y, Ye F, Cui V, Lin D, Shi H, Zhang Y, Wu A, Wei C. SIRT1 activation attenuates microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment in postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:943842. [PMID: 36437988 PMCID: PMC9685341 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.943842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a debilitating neurological complication in surgical patients. Current research has focused mainly on microglial activation, but less is known about the resultant neuronal synaptic changes. Recent studies have suggested that Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) plays a critical role in several different neurological disorders via its involvement in microglial activation. In this study, we evaluate the effects of SIRT1 activation in a POCD mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exploratory laparotomy was performed in mice aged 12-14 months under sevoflurane anesthesia to establish our animal POCD model. Transcriptional changes in the hippocampus after anesthesia and surgery were evaluated by RNA sequencing. SIRT1 expression was verified by Western Blot. Mice were treated with SIRT1 agonist SRT1720 or vehicle after surgery. Changes in microglia morphology, microglial phagocytosis, presence of dystrophic neurites, and dendritic spine density were evaluated. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Y maze and Morris water maze (MWM). RESULTS Sirtuin-1 expression levels were downregulated in POCD. Exposure to anesthesia and surgery lead to alteration in microglia morphology, increased synaptic engulfment, dendritic spine loss, and cognitive deficits. These effects were alleviated by SRT1720 administration. CONCLUSION This study suggests an important neuroprotective role for SIRT1 in POCD pathogenesis. Increasing SIRT1 function represents a promising therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of POCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Victoria Cui
- Department of General Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dandan Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Anshi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changwei Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Li Z, Guo W, Zeng T, Yin J, Feng K, Huang T, Cai YD. Detecting Brain Structure-Specific Methylation Signatures and Rules for Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:895181. [PMID: 35585924 PMCID: PMC9108872 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.895181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease that leads to irreversible behavioral changes, erratic emotions, and loss of motor skills. These conditions make people with AD hard or almost impossible to take care of. Multiple internal and external pathological factors may affect or even trigger the initiation and progression of AD. DNA methylation is one of the most effective regulatory roles during AD pathogenesis, and pathological methylation alterations may be potentially different in the various brain structures of people with AD. Although multiple loci associated with AD initiation and progression have been identified, the spatial distribution patterns of AD-associated DNA methylation in the brain have not been clarified. According to the systematic methylation profiles on different structural brain regions, we applied multiple machine learning algorithms to investigate such profiles. First, the profile on each brain region was analyzed by the Boruta feature filtering method. Some important methylation features were extracted and further analyzed by the max-relevance and min-redundancy method, resulting in a feature list. Then, the incremental feature selection method, incorporating some classification algorithms, adopted such list to identify candidate AD-associated loci at methylation with structural specificity, establish a group of quantitative rules for revealing the effects of DNA methylation in various brain regions (i.e., four brain structures) on AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, some efficient classifiers based on essential methylation sites were proposed to identify AD samples. Results revealed that methylation alterations in different brain structures have different contributions to AD pathogenesis. This study further illustrates the complex pathological mechanisms of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhanDong Li
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Cancer Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - KaiYan Feng
- Department of Computer Science, Guangdong AIB Polytechnic College, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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Han HJ, Lee J, Lim G, Park J, Gautam R, Jo J, Kim C, Heo Y. Metal arsenic mediated enhancement of type-2 immunity in brains with altered locomotive activities in mice with autism-like behavioral characteristics. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:27-33. [PMID: 35070938 PMCID: PMC8748561 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to metal arsenic (As) has been proposed as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are neurodevelopmental disorders with worldwide increasing in its incidence. In the present study, BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) mice with ASD-like behavioral characteristics and control highly social FVB mice were orally exposed to 0.1 mM arsenic(III)oxide for 4 weeks, and were compared to investigate neuroimmunological or behavioral abnormalities. IgG1:IgG2a ratios in brain tissues from BTBR mice exposed to As (BTBR-As) were significantly higher than those of BTBR-control mice (BTBR-C), but this change did not occur in FVB mice exposed to As. Levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in brain tissue were lowered in BTBR-As relative to BTBR-C, but this tendency was not observed with FVB mice. BTBR-As mice demonstrated decrease in relative travel distance and time spent in the center vs. the periphery of open field arena compared to BTBR-C. Sociability evaluation using three-way chamber test did not clearly demonstrate As-mediated alteration in social interaction in BTBR mice. These findings suggest the potential for As-driven predominant TH2-like reactivity profile in the brain microenvironment of BTBR mice and for As-mediated locomotive impairment probably associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Jung Han
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JaeHee Lee
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - GyeongDong Lim
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JungEun Park
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JiHun Jo
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - ChangYul Kim
- Graduate School Department of Toxicology, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
- Graduate School Department of Toxicology, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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10
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Distinct physical condition and social behavior phenotypes of CD157 and CD38 knockout mice during aging. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244022. [PMID: 33326496 PMCID: PMC7743928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of CD38 and CD157 to utilize nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has received much attention because the aging-induced elevation of CD38 expression plays a role in the senescence-related decline in NAD levels. Therefore, it is of interest to examine and compare the effects of age-associated changes on the general health and brain function impairment of Cd157 and Cd38 knockout (CD157 KO and CD38 KO) mice. The body weight and behaviors were measured in 8-week-old (young adult) or 12-month-old (middle-aged) male mice of both KO strains. The locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, and social behavior of the mice were measured in the open field and three-chamber tests. The middle-aged CD157 KO male mice gained more body weight than young adult KO mice, while little or no body weight gain was observed in the middle-aged CD38 KO mice. Middle-aged CD157 KO mice displayed increased anxiety-like behavior and decreased sociability and interaction compared with young adult KO mice. Middle-aged CD38 KO mice showed less anxiety and hyperactivity than CD157 KO mice, similar to young adult CD38 KO mice. The results reveal marked age-dependent changes in male CD157 KO mice but not in male CD38 KO mice. We discuss the distinct differences in aging effects from the perspective of inhibition of NAD metabolism in CD157 and CD38 KO mice, which may contribute to differential behavioral changes during aging.
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11
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Mizuno S, Hirota JN, Ishii C, Iwasaki H, Sano Y, Furuichi T. Comprehensive Profiling of Gene Expression in the Cerebral Cortex and Striatum of BTBRTF/ArtRbrc Mice Compared to C57BL/6J Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:595607. [PMID: 33362469 PMCID: PMC7758463 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.595607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse line BTBR T+ Iptr3tf/J (hereafter referred as to BTBR/J) is a mouse strain that shows lower sociability compared to the C57BL/6J mouse strain (B6) and thus is often utilized as a model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we utilized another subline, BTBRTF/ArtRbrc (hereafter referred as to BTBR/R), and analyzed the associated brain transcriptome compared to B6 mice using microarray analysis, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, various bioinformatics analyses, and in situ hybridization. We focused on the cerebral cortex and the striatum, both of which are thought to be brain circuits associated with ASD symptoms. The transcriptome profiling identified 1,280 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 974 downregulated and 306 upregulated genes, including 498 non-coding RNAs [ncRNAs]) in BTBR/R mice compared to B6 mice. Among these DEGs, 53 genes were consistent with ASD-related genes already established. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted 78 annotations (GO terms) including DNA/chromatin regulation, transcriptional/translational regulation, intercellular signaling, metabolism, immune signaling, and neurotransmitter/synaptic transmission-related terms. RNA interaction analysis revealed novel RNA–RNA networks, including 227 ASD-related genes. Weighted correlation network analysis highlighted 10 enriched modules including DNA/chromatin regulation, neurotransmitter/synaptic transmission, and transcriptional/translational regulation. Finally, the behavioral analyses showed that, compared to B6 mice, BTBR/R mice have mild but significant deficits in social novelty recognition and repetitive behavior. In addition, the BTBR/R data were comprehensively compared with those reported in the previous studies of human subjects with ASD as well as ASD animal models, including BTBR/J mice. Our results allow us to propose potentially important genes, ncRNAs, and RNA interactions. Analysis of the altered brain transcriptome data of the BTBR/R and BTBR/J sublines can contribute to the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of autism susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Mizuno
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Jun-Na Hirota
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Chiaki Ishii
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Hirohide Iwasaki
- Department of Anatomy, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Sano
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Teiichi Furuichi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
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12
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Cheng N, Pagtalunan E, Abushaibah A, Naidu J, Stell WK, Rho JM, Sauvé Y. Atypical visual processing in a mouse model of autism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12390. [PMID: 32709898 PMCID: PMC7381655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human social cognition relies heavily on the processing of various visual cues, such as eye contact and facial expressions. Atypical visual perception and integration have been recognized as key phenotypes in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and may potentially contribute to impediments in normal social development, a hallmark of ASD. Meanwhile, increasing studies on visual function in ASD have pointed to detail-oriented perception, which has been hypothesized to result from heightened response to information of high spatial frequency. However, mixed results of human studies have led to much debate, and investigations using animal models have been limited. Here, using BTBR mice as a model of idiopathic ASD, we assessed retinal stimulus processing by full-field electroretinogram and found impaired photoreceptor function and retina-based alterations mostly in the cone pathway. Using the optokinetic reflex to evaluate visual function, we observed robustly enhanced visual response to finer spatial details and more subtle contrasts at only higher spatial frequencies in the BTBR mice, under both photopic and scotopic conditions. These behavioral results, which are similar to findings in a subset of ASD patients, indicate a bias toward processing information of high spatial frequencies. Together, these findings also suggest that, while enhancement of visual behaviors under both photopic and scotopic conditions might be due to alterations in visual processing common to both rod and cone pathways, these mechanisms are probably downstream of photoreceptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cheng
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Eden Pagtalunan
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Abdulrahman Abushaibah
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Naidu
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - William K Stell
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yves Sauvé
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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13
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Changes in the Fluorescence Tracking of NaV1.6 Protein Expression in a BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J Autistic Mouse Model. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:4893103. [PMID: 31933626 PMCID: PMC6942885 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4893103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS), the site of action potential initiation in neurons, is a critical determinant of neuronal excitability. Growing evidence indicates that appropriate recruitment of the AIS macrocomplex is essential for synchronized firing. However, disruption of the AIS structure is linked to the etiology of multiple disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition characterized by deficits in social communication, stereotyped behaviors, and very limited interests. To date, a complete understanding of the molecular components that underlie the AIS in ASD has remained elusive. In this research, we examined the AIS structure in a BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J mouse model (BTBR), a valid model that exhibits behavioral, electrical, and molecular features of autism, and compared this to the C57BL/6J wild-type control mouse. Using Western blot studies and high-resolution confocal microscopy in the prefrontal frontal cortex (PFC), our data indicate disrupted expression of different isoforms of the voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) at the AIS, whereas other components of AIS such as ankyrin-G and fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) and contactin-associated protein 1 (Caspr) in BTBR were comparable to those in wild-type control mice. A Western blot assay showed that BTBR mice exhibited a marked increase in different sodium channel isoforms in the PFC compared to wild-type mice. Our results provide potential evidence for previously undescribed mechanisms that may play a role in the pathogenesis of autistic-like phenotypes in BTBR mice.
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14
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Witt NA, Lee B, Ghent K, Zhang WQ, Pehrson AL, Sánchez C, Gould GG. Vortioxetine Reduces Marble Burying but Only Transiently Enhances Social Interaction Preference in Adult Male BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4319-4327. [PMID: 31468969 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant with agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT)1A and 5-HT1B receptors that blocks the 5-HT transporter (SERT). Previously in male BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, the 5-HT1A partial agonist buspirone and SERT blocker fluoxetine enhanced social interaction but did not reduce marble burying. We hypothesized that vortioxetine through its actions at SERT and 5-HT1A could improve BTBR sociability and via 5-HT1B could reduce burying better than sertraline, a selective SERT blocker. Vortioxetine (5-10 mg/kg) or sertraline (2 mg/kg) was administered 30 min presociability and 75 min prior to marble burying tests. Vortioxetine (10 mg/kg) occupancy (%) was 84 ± 1 for SERT, 31 ± 12 for 5-HT1A, and 80 ± 5 for 5-HT1B in brain at 110 min postinjection, and serum oxytocin was 24% lower (p < 0.01) in vortioxetine-treated mice. Vortioxetine reduced novel object investigation, whereas sertraline enhanced overall sociability. However, the vortioxetine-induced increase in social sniffing was transient, as it was lost with 60-120 min presociability test delays in subsequent experiments. Vortioxetine and sertraline both reduced BTBR marble burying. Based on vortioxetine occupancy, actions at SERT and/or 5-HT1B are more likely to underlie its behavioral effects than 5-HT1A. Overall, vortioxetine has great potential for suppressing restrictive-repetitive behaviors, but it appears less promising as a sociability enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasriya A. Witt
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Benita Lee
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78705, United States
| | - Kaylee Ghent
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas 78212, United States
| | - Wynne Q. Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alan L. Pehrson
- Department of Psychology, Monclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Connie Sánchez
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry, University of Aarhus, Risskov, Denmark 8240
| | - Georgianna G. Gould
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
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15
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Non-diagnostic symptoms in a mouse model of autism in relation to neuroanatomy: the BTBR strain reinvestigated. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:234. [PMID: 30367028 PMCID: PMC6203744 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) inbred strain, display a diverse array of behavioral deficits with particular face validity. Here we propose that phenotyping these preclinical models of ASD should avoid excessive reliance on appearance validity of the behavioral observations. BTBR mice were examined in three non-diagnostic symptoms modalities, beside an anatomical investigation for construct validity. The BTBR strain displayed poor sensorimotor integration as reflected by shorter stride length and greater latency on the balance beam task (BBT) when compared with C57BL/6 (B6) controls. Also, locomotor indices in the open-field task (OFT) revealed that BTBR mice traveled longer distances with a remarkably faster exploration than the B6 group in favor of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Furthermore, analysis of spatial performance including search strategies in the Morris water task (MWT) indicated spatial impairment in the BTBR strain due to failure to employ spatial strategies during navigation. Quantitative cytoarchitectonics and volumetric examinations also indicated abnormal cortical and subcortical morphology in the BTBR mice. The results are discussed in relation to the neuroanatomical correlates of motor and cognitive impairments in the BTBR strain. We conclude that non-diagnostic autistic-like symptoms in the BTBR mouse strain can be impacted by autism risk factors in a similar way than the traditional diagnostic signs.
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16
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Lee S, Chun HS, Lee J, Park HJ, Kim KT, Kim CH, Yoon S, Kim WK. Plausibility of the zebrafish embryos/larvae as an alternative animal model for autism: A comparison study of transcriptome changes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203543. [PMID: 30180205 PMCID: PMC6122816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired or abnormal social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. ASD is highly prevalent in Asia, Europe, and the United States, and the frequency of ASD is growing each year. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that ASD may be caused or triggered by exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as those in the air or water. Thus, toxicological studies are needed to examine chemicals that might be implicated. However, the experimental efficiency of existing experimental models is limited, and many models represent challenges in terms of animal welfare. Thus, alternative ASD animal models are necessary. To address this, we examined the efficacy of the zebrafish embryo/larva as an alternative model of ASD. Specifically, we exposed zebrafish to valproic acid (0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 μM), which is a chemical known to induce autism-like effects. We then analysed subsequent developmental, behavioural, and transcriptomic changes. We found that 100 μM and 50 μM valproic acid decreased the hatching rate and locomotor activity of zebrafish embryos/larvae. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant alterations in a number of genes associated with autism, such as adsl, mbd5, shank3, and tsc1b. Additionally, we found changes in gene ontology that were also reported in previous studies. Our findings indicate that zebrafish embryos/larvae and humans with ASD might have common physiological pathways, indicating that this animal model may represent an alternative tool for examining the causes of and potential treatments for this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangwoo Lee
- System Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hang-Suk Chun
- System Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieon Lee
- System Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Jin Park
- Predictive Model Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokjoo Yoon
- System Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Keun Kim
- System Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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17
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Bridging Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia through inflammation and biomarkers - pre-clinical and clinical investigations. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:179. [PMID: 28870209 PMCID: PMC5584030 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, evidence supporting a link between inflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders has been mounting. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia share some clinical similarities which we hypothesize might reflect the same biological basis, namely, in terms of inflammation. However, the diagnosis of ASD and schizophrenia relies solely on clinical symptoms, and to date, there is no clinically useful biomarker to diagnose or monitor the course of such illnesses. The focus of this review is the central role that inflammation plays in ASD and schizophrenia. It spans from pre-clinical animal models to clinical research and excludes in vitro studies. Four major areas are covered: (1) microglia, the inflammatory brain resident myeloid cells, (2) biomarkers, including circulating cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and microRNA players, known to influence cellular processes at brain and immune levels, (3) effect of anti-psychotics on biomarkers and other predictors of response, and (4) impact of gender on response to immune activation, biomarkers, and response to anti-psychotic treatments.
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18
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Environmental enrichment attenuates behavioral abnormalities in valproic acid-exposed autism model mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 333:67-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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19
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Cheng N, Alshammari F, Hughes E, Khanbabaei M, Rho JM. Dendritic overgrowth and elevated ERK signaling during neonatal development in a mouse model of autism. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179409. [PMID: 28609458 PMCID: PMC5469475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as “ASD”) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social communication and interactions, and restricted, repetitive activities or interests. Alterations in network connectivity and memory function are frequently observed in autism patients, often involving the hippocampus. However, specific changes during early brain development leading to disrupted functioning remain largely unclear. Here, we investigated the development of dendritic arbor of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in the BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mouse model of autism. BTBR mice display the defining behavioural features of autism, and also exhibit impaired learning and memory. We found that compared to control C57BL/6J (B6) animals, the lengths of both apical and basal dendrites were significantly greater in neonatal BTBR animals. Further, basal dendrites in the BTBR mice had higher branching complexity. In contrast, cross-sectional area of the soma was unchanged. In addition, we observed a similar density of CA1 pyramidal neurons and thickness of the neuronal layer between the two strains. Thus, there was a specific, compartmentalized overgrowth of dendrites during early development in the BTBR animals. Biochemical analysis further showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway was up-regulated in the hippocampus of neonatal BTBR animals. Since dendritic structure is critical for information integration and relay, our data suggest that altered development of dendrites could potentially contribute to impaired hippocampal function and behavior observed in the BTBR model, and that this might be related to increased activation of the ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cheng
- Developmental Neurosciences Research Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Fawaz Alshammari
- O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Hughes
- Developmental Neurosciences Research Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maryam Khanbabaei
- Developmental Neurosciences Research Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jong M. Rho
- Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences, Physiology & Pharmacology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Meyza KZ, Blanchard DC. The BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism - Current view on mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:99-110. [PMID: 28167097 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder, with current estimates of more than 1% of affected children across nations. The patients form a highly heterogeneous group with only the behavioral phenotype in common. The genetic heterogeneity is reflected in a plethora of animal models representing multiple mutations found in families of affected children. Despite many years of scientific effort, for the majority of cases the genetic cause remains elusive. It is therefore crucial to include well-validated models of idiopathic autism in studies searching for potential therapeutic agents. One of these models is the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J mouse. The current review summarizes data gathered in recent research on potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the autism-like behavioral phenotype of this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Z Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland.
| | - D C Blanchard
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa,1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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21
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Neurotrophic Factors in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on BDNF and IGF-1. TRANSLATIONAL ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 2017; 224:121-134. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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22
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Wei H, Ma Y, Ding C, Jin G, Liu J, Chang Q, Hu F, Yu L. Reduced Glutamate Release in Adult BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:3129-3137. [PMID: 27538958 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social and communication abilities, as well as by restricted and repetitive behaviors. The BTBR T + Itpr3 tf (BTBR) mice have emerged as a well characterized and widely used mouse model of a range of ASD-like phenotype, showing deficiencies in social behaviors and unusual ultrasonic vocalizations as well as increased repetitive self-grooming. However, the inherited neurobiological changes that lead to ASD-like behaviors in these mice are incompletely known and still under active investigation. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the structure and neurotransmitter release of the glutamatergic synapse in BTBR mice. C57BL/6J (B6) mice were used as a control strain because of their high level of sociability. The important results showed that the evoked glutamate release in the cerebral cortex of BTBR mice was significantly lower than in B6 mice. And the level of vesicle docking-related protein Syntaxin-1A was reduced in BTBR mice. However, no significant changes were observed in the number of glutamatergic synapse, level of synaptic proteins, density of dendritic spine and postsynaptic density between BTBR mice and B6 mice. Overall, our results suggest that abnormal vesicular glutamate activity may underlie the ASD relevant pathology in the BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongen Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangta Road, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
| | - Yuehong Ma
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Caiyun Ding
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Guorong Jin
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Jianrong Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Chang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangta Road, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Fengyun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangta Road, Taiyuan, 030012, China
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Wei H, Ma Y, Liu J, Ding C, Hu F, Yu L. Proteomic analysis of cortical brain tissue from the BTBR mouse model of autism: Evidence for changes in STOP and myelin-related proteins. Neuroscience 2016; 312:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Daimon CM, Jasien JM, Wood WH, Zhang Y, Becker KG, Silverman JL, Crawley JN, Martin B, Maudsley S. Hippocampal Transcriptomic and Proteomic Alterations in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Physiol 2015; 6:324. [PMID: 26635614 PMCID: PMC4656818 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders of an unclear etiology, and no cure currently exists. Prior studies have demonstrated that the black and tan, brachyury (BTBR) T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse strain displays a behavioral phenotype with ASD-like features. BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice (referred to simply as BTBR) display deficits in social functioning, lack of communication ability, and engagement in stereotyped behavior. Despite extensive behavioral phenotypic characterization, little is known about the genes and proteins responsible for the presentation of the ASD-like phenotype in the BTBR mouse model. In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to gain a wide-scale understanding of the transcriptomic and proteomic changes associated with the ASD-like phenotype in BTBR mice. We found a number of genes and proteins to be significantly altered in BTBR mice compared to C57BL/6J (B6) control mice controls such as BDNF, Shank3, and ERK1, which are highly relevant to prior investigations of ASD. Furthermore, we identified distinct functional pathways altered in BTBR mice compared to B6 controls that have been previously shown to be altered in both mouse models of ASD, some human clinical populations, and have been suggested as a possible etiological mechanism of ASD, including “axon guidance” and “regulation of actin cytoskeleton.” In addition, our wide-scale bioinformatics approach also discovered several previously unidentified genes and proteins associated with the ASD phenotype in BTBR mice, such as Caskin1, suggesting that bioinformatics could be an avenue by which novel therapeutic targets for ASD are uncovered. As a result, we believe that informed use of synergistic bioinformatics applications represents an invaluable tool for elucidating the etiology of complex disorders like ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Daimon
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joan M Jasien
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William H Wood
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin G Becker
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Bronwen Martin
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- Receptor Pharmacology Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA ; Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium ; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp Antwerpen, Belgium
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Wei H, Ding C, Jin G, Yin H, Liu J, Hu F. Abnormal glutamate release in aged BTBR mouse model of autism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:10689-10697. [PMID: 26617779 PMCID: PMC4637594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormal reciprocal social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. Most of the available research on autism is focused on children and young adults and little is known about the pathological alternation of autism in older adults. In order to investigate the neurobiological alternation of autism in old age stage, we compared the morphology and synaptic function of excitatory synapses between the BTBR mice with low level sociability and B6 mice with high level sociability. The results revealed that the number of excitatory synapse colocalized with pre- and post-synaptic marker was not different between aged BTBR and B6 mice. The aged BTBR mice had a normal structure of dendritic spine and the expression of Shank3 protein in the brain as well as that in B6 mice. The baseline and KCl-evoked glutamate release from the cortical synaptoneurosome in aged BTBR mice was lower than that in aged B6 mice. Overall, the data indicate that there is a link between disturbances of the glutamate transmission and autism. These findings provide new evidences for the hypothesis of excitation/inhibition imbalance in autism. Further work is required to determine the cause of this putative abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongen Wei
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan, China
| | - Caiyun Ding
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan, China
| | - Guorong Jin
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan, China
| | - Haizhen Yin
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan, China
| | - Jianrong Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan, China
| | - Fengyun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuan, China
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Burket JA, Benson AD, Tang AH, Deutsch SI. NMDA receptor activation regulates sociability by its effect on mTOR signaling activity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 60:60-5. [PMID: 25703582 PMCID: PMC5549784 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is one example of a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder associated with disinhibited activity of mTORC1 in neurons (e.g., cerebellar Purkinje cells). mTORC1 is a complex protein possessing serine/threonine kinase activity and a key downstream molecule in a signaling cascade beginning at the cell surface with the transduction of neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate and acetylcholine) and nerve growth factors (e.g., Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Interestingly, the severity of the intellectual disability in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex may relate more to this metabolic disturbance (i.e., overactivity of mTOR signaling) than the density of cortical tubers. Several recent reports showed that rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, improved sociability and other symptoms in mouse models of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and autism spectrum disorder, consistent with mTORC1 overactivity playing an important pathogenic role. NMDA receptor activation may also dampen mTORC1 activity by at least two possible mechanisms: regulating intraneuronal accumulation of arginine and the phosphorylation status of a specific extracellular signal regulating kinase (i.e., ERK1/2), both of which are "drivers" of mTORC1 activity. Conceivably, the prosocial effects of targeting the NMDA receptor with agonists in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders result from their ability to dampen mTORC1 activity in neurons. Strategies for dampening mTORC1 overactivity by NMDA receptor activation may be preferred to its direct inhibition in chronic neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Burket
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Andrew D Benson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Amy H Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Stephen I Deutsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States.
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