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Deng J, Labarta-Bajo L, Brandebura AN, Kahn SB, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Allen NJ. Suppression of astrocyte BMP signaling improves fragile X syndrome molecular signatures and functional deficits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.19.599752. [PMID: 38979341 PMCID: PMC11230279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.19.599752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder with manifestations spanning molecular, neuroanatomical, and behavioral changes. Astrocytes contribute to FXS pathogenesis and show hundreds of dysregulated genes and proteins; targeting upstream pathways mediating astrocyte changes in FXS could therefore be a point of intervention. To address this, we focused on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, which is upregulated in FXS astrocytes. We generated a conditional KO (cKO) of Smad4 in astrocytes to suppress BMP signaling, and found this lessens audiogenic seizure severity in FXS mice. To ask how this occurs on a molecular level, we performed in vivo transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of cortical astrocytes, finding upregulation of metabolic pathways, and downregulation of secretory machinery and secreted proteins in FXS astrocytes, with these alterations no longer present when BMP signaling is suppressed. Functionally, astrocyte Smad4 cKO restores deficits in inhibitory synapses present in FXS auditory cortex. Thus, astrocytes contribute to FXS molecular and functional phenotypes, and targeting astrocytes can mitigate FXS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Deng
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lara Labarta-Bajo
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ashley N Brandebura
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel B Kahn
- Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Antonio F M Pinto
- Mass Spectrometry Core for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Mass Spectrometry Core for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
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2
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Dai M, Li J, Hao X, Li N, Zheng M, He M, Gu Y. High Magnesium Promotes the Recovery of Binocular Vision from Amblyopia via TRPM7. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01242-x. [PMID: 38833201 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01242-x] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal visual experience during the critical period can cause deficits in visual function, such as amblyopia. High magnesium (Mg2+) supplementary can restore ocular dominance (OD) plasticity, which promotes the recovery of amblyopic eye acuity in adults. However, it remains unsolved whether Mg2+ could recover binocular vision in amblyopic adults and what the molecular mechanism is for the recovery. We found that in addition to the recovery of OD plasticity, binocular integration can be restored under the treatment of high Mg2+ in amblyopic mice. Behaviorally, Mg2+-treated amblyopic mice showed better depth perception. Moreover, the effect of high Mg2+ can be suppressed with transient receptor potential melastatin-like 7 (TRPM7) knockdown. Collectively, our results demonstrate that high Mg2+ could restore binocular visual functions from amblyopia. TRPM7 is required for the restoration of plasticity in the visual cortex after high Mg2+ treatment, which can provide possible clinical applications for future research and treatment of amblyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiangwen Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingfang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Miao He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Vlasits AL, Syeda M, Wickman A, Guzman P, Schmidt TM. Atypical retinal function in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585283. [PMID: 38559003 PMCID: PMC10980068 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Altered function of peripheral sensory neurons is an emerging mechanism for symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Visual sensitivities are common in autism, but whether differences in the retina might underlie these sensitivities is not well-understood. We explored retinal function in the Fmr1 knockout model of Fragile X syndrome, focusing on a specific type of retinal neuron, the "sustained On alpha" retinal ganglion cell. We found that these cells exhibit changes in dendritic structure and dampened responses to light in the Fmr1 knockout. We show that decreased light sensitivity is due to increased inhibitory input and reduced E-I balance. The change in E-I balance supports maintenance of circuit excitability similar to what has been observed in cortex. These results show that loss of Fmr1 in the mouse retina affects sensory function of one retinal neuron type. Our findings suggest that the retina may be relevant for understanding visual function in Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Vlasits
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
- Lead contact
| | - Maria Syeda
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Annelise Wickman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Pedro Guzman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tiffany M Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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4
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Scaffei E, Mazziotti R, Conti E, Costanzo V, Calderoni S, Stoccoro A, Carmassi C, Tancredi R, Baroncelli L, Battini R. A Potential Biomarker of Brain Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot fNIRS Study in Female Preschoolers. Brain Sci 2023; 13:951. [PMID: 37371429 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060951] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition whose detection still remains challenging in young females due to the heterogeneity of the behavioral phenotype and the capacity of camouflage. The availability of quantitative biomarkers to assess brain function may support in the assessment of ASD. Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive and flexible tool that quantifies cortical hemodynamic responses (HDR) that can be easily employed to describe brain activity. Since the study of the visual phenotype is a paradigmatic model to evaluate cerebral processing in many neurodevelopmental conditions, we hypothesized that visually-evoked HDR (vHDR) might represent a potential biomarker in ASD females. We performed a case-control study comparing vHDR in a cohort of high-functioning preschooler females with ASD (fASD) and sex/age matched peers. We demonstrated the feasibility of visual fNIRS measurements in fASD, and the possibility to discriminate between fASD and typical subjects using different signal features, such as the amplitude and lateralization of vHDR. Moreover, the level of response lateralization was correlated to the severity of autistic traits. These results corroborate the cruciality of sensory symptoms in ASD, paving the way for the validation of the fNIRS analytical tool for diagnosis and treatment outcome monitoring in the ASD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Scaffei
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mazziotti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Conti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Costanzo
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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5
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She K, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Jin X, Yang Y, Su J, Li R, Song L, Xiao J, Yao S, Lu F, Wei Y, Yang Y. Dual-AAV split prime editor corrects the mutation and phenotype in mice with inherited retinal degeneration. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:57. [PMID: 36740702 PMCID: PMC9899767 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01234-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prime editor (PE) can edit genomes with almost any intended changes, including all 12 possible types of base substitutions, small insertions and deletions, and their combinations, without the requirement for double strand breaks or exogenous donor templates. PE demonstrates the possibility of correcting a variety of disease-causing mutations and might expand the therapeutic application of gene editing. In this study, PE was optimized based on a dual-adeno-associated virus (AAV) split-intein system in vitro by screening different split sites and split inteins. We found that splitting PE before amino acid 1105(Ser) of SpCas9 with Rma intein resulted in the highest on-target editing. The orientations of pegRNA and nicking sgRNA in the AAV vector were further optimized. To test the in vivo performance of the optimized dual-AAV split-PE3, it was delivered by subretinal injection in rd12 mice with inherited retinal disease Leber congenital amaurosis. The prime editors corrected the pathogenic mutation with up to 16% efficiency in a precise way, with no detectable off-target edits, restored RPE65 expression, rescued retinal and visual function, and preserved photoceptors. Our findings establish a framework for the preclinical development of PE and motivate further testing of PE for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases caused by various mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqin She
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiliu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianlu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaohua Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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6
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Groves Kuhnle C, Grimes M, Suárez Casanova VM, Turrigiano GG, Van Hooser SD. Juvenile Shank3 KO Mice Adopt Distinct Hunting Strategies during Prey Capture Learning. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0230-22.2022. [PMID: 36446569 PMCID: PMC9768843 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0230-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice are opportunistic omnivores that readily learn to hunt and eat insects such as crickets. The details of how mice learn these behaviors and how these behaviors may differ in strains with altered neuroplasticity are unclear. We quantified the behavior of juvenile wild-type (WT) and Shank3 knock-out (KO) mice as they learned to hunt crickets during the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity. This stage involves heightened cortical plasticity including homeostatic synaptic scaling, which requires Shank3, a glutamatergic synaptic protein that, when mutated, produces Phelan-McDermid syndrome and is often comorbid with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both strains showed interest in examining live and dead crickets and learned to hunt. Shank3 knock-out mice took longer to become proficient, and, after 5 d, did not achieve the efficiency of wild-type mice in either time-to-capture or distance-to-capture. Shank3 knock-out mice also exhibited different characteristics when pursuing crickets that could not be explained by a simple motor deficit. Although both genotypes moved at the same average speed when approaching a cricket, Shank3 KO mice paused more often, did not begin final accelerations toward crickets as early, and did not close the distance gap to the cricket as quickly as wild-type mice. These differences in Shank3 KO mice are reminiscent of some behavioral characteristics of individuals with ASD as they perform complex tasks, such as slower action initiation and completion. This paradigm will be useful for exploring the neural circuit mechanisms that underlie these learning and performance differences in monogenic ASD rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Micaela Grimes
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453
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7
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Kat R, Kas MJH. Largely unaffected auditory and visual sensory processing phenotypes in the evoked potentials of Fmr1 KO2 mice. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5260-5273. [PMID: 36017614 PMCID: PMC9826194 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sensory sensitivity symptoms are common in autism spectrum disorders and fragile X syndrome. Mainly in the auditory modality, disturbed processing has been found in both fragile X patients and the corresponding genetic mouse model, the Fmr1 knockout mouse. Here, we tried to replicate the auditory deficits and assess whether also visual processing is affected, using electroencephalography readouts under freely behaving conditions in the second-generation Fmr1 knockout mice. No differences between wild-type and knockout animals were found in single auditory and visual evoked potentials in response to pure sine tones and full-field light flashes. Visual sensory gating was enhanced in the early but not the late components of the evoked potentials, but no changes were found in auditory sensory gating. The higher harmonics of the synchronisation response to flickering visual stimuli seemed to be reduced with 10, but not 20 or 40 Hz, stimulation. However, this effect was not reproduced in an independent second cohort of animals. No synchronisation differences were found in response to a chirp stimulus, of which the frequency steadily increased. Taken together, this study could not reproduce earlier reported increased amplitudes in auditory responses, nor could it convincingly show that synchronisation deficits found to be present in the auditory modality also existed in the visual modality. The discrepancies within this study as well as between various studies assessing sensory processing in the Fmr1 KO raise questions about the external validity of these phenotypes and warrant careful interpretation of these phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Kat
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Martien J. H. Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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8
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Ardourel M, Pâris A, Felgerolle C, Lesne F, Ranchon-Cole I, Briault S, Perche O. FMRP-related retinal phenotypes: Evidence of glutamate-glutamine metabolic cycle impairment. Exp Eye Res 2022; 224:109238. [PMID: 36067823 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
FMRP, the fragile X mental retardation protein coded by the FMR1 gene, is an RNA-binding protein that assists transport, stabilization and translational regulation of specific synaptic mRNAs. Its expression has been found in multiple cell types of central nervous system (CNS) including glial cells where its involvement in glutamate neurotransmitter homeostasis have been shown. Indeed, glutamate homeostasis deficit has been observed in absence of FMRP in-vivo in cortex and hippocampus structures as well as in vitro on astroglial cell culture. Interestingly, the retina which is an extension of the CNS is presenting electrophysiological alterations in absence of FMRP in both human and murine models suggesting neurotransmitter impairments. Therefore, we investigate the consequences of Fmrp absence on Glutamate-Glutamine cycle in whole retinas and primary retinal Müller cells culture which are the main glial cells of the retina. Using the Fmr1-/y mice, we have shown in vivo and in vitro that the absence of Fmrp in Müller cells is characterized by loss of Glutamate-Glutamine cycle homeostasis due to a lower Glutamine Synthetase protein expression and activity. The lack of Fmrp in the retina induces a reduced flow of glutamine synthesis. Our data established for the first time in literature a direct link between the lack of Fmrp and neurotransmitter homeostasis in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryvonne Ardourel
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Arnaud Pâris
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Chloé Felgerolle
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Fabien Lesne
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France
| | - Isabelle Ranchon-Cole
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France; UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Olivier Perche
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France; UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France.
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Ji S, Ye L, Zhang L, Xu D, Dai J. Retinal neurodegeneration in a mouse model of green-light-induced myopia. Exp Eye Res 2022; 223:109208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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10
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Lipina T, Men X, Blundell M, Salahpour A, Ramsey AJ. Abnormal sensory perception masks behavioral performance of Grin1 knockdown mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12825. [PMID: 35705513 PMCID: PMC9744498 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development and function of sensory systems require intact glutamatergic neurotransmission. Changes in touch sensation and vision are common symptoms in autism spectrum disorders, where altered glutamatergic neurotransmission is strongly implicated. Further, cortical visual impairment is a frequent symptom of GRIN disorder, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants of GRIN genes that encode NMDA receptors. We asked if Grin1 knockdown mice (Grin1KD), as a model of GRIN disorder, had visual impairments resulting from NMDA receptor deficiency. We discovered that Grin1KD mice had deficient visual depth perception in the visual cliff test. Since Grin1KD mice are known to display robust changes in measures of learning, memory, and emotionality, we asked whether deficits in these higher-level processes could be partly explained by their visual impairment. By changing the experimental conditions to improve visual signals, we observed significant improvements in the performance of Grin1KD mice in tests that measure spatial memory, executive function, and anxiety. We went further and found destabilization of the outer segment of retina together with the deficient number and size of Meissner corpuscles (mechanical sensor) in the hind paw of Grin1KD mice. Overall, our findings suggest that abnormal sensory perception can mask the expression of emotional, motivational and cognitive behavior of Grin1KD mice. This study demonstrates new methods to adapt routine behavioral paradigms to reveal the contribution of vision and other sensory modalities in cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Lipina
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Xiaoyu Men
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Matisse Blundell
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ali Salahpour
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Amy J. Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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11
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Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan–McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
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12
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Perche O, Lesne F, Patat A, Raab S, Twyman R, Ring RH, Briault S. Electroretinography and contrast sensitivity, complementary translational biomarkers of sensory deficits in the visual system of individuals with fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:45. [PMID: 34625026 PMCID: PMC8501595 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbances in sensory function are an important clinical feature of neurodevelopmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). Evidence also directly connects sensory abnormalities with the clinical expression of behavioral impairments in individuals with FXS; thus, positioning sensory function as a potential clinical target for the development of new therapeutics. Using electroretinography (ERG) and contrast sensitivity (CS), we previously reported the presence of sensory deficits in the visual system of the Fmr1-/y genetic mouse model of FXS. The goals of the current study were two-folds: (1) to assess the feasibility of measuring ERG and CS as a biomarker of sensory deficits in individuals with FXS, and (2) to investigate whether the deficits revealed by ERG and CS in Fmr1-/y mice translate to humans with FXS. METHODS Both ERG and CS were measured in a cohort of male individuals with FXS (n = 20, 18-45 years) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 20, 18-45 years). Under light-adapted conditions, and using both single flash and flicker (repeated train of flashes) stimulation protocols, retinal function was recorded from individual subjects using a portable, handheld, full-field flash ERG device (RETeval®, LKC Technologies Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA). CS was assessed in each subject using the LEA SYMBOLS® low-contrast test (Good-Lite, Elgin, IL, USA). RESULTS Data recording was successfully completed for ERG and assessment of CS in most individuals from both cohorts demonstrating the feasibility of these methods for use in the FXS population. Similar to previously reported findings from the Fmr1-/y genetic mouse model, individuals with FXS were found to exhibit reduced b-wave and flicker amplitude in ERG and an impaired ability to discriminate contrasts compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the feasibility of using ERG and CS for assessing visual deficits in FXS and establishes the translational validity of the Fmr1-/y mice phenotype to individuals with FXS. By including electrophysiological and functional readouts, the results of this study suggest the utility of both ERG and CS (ERG-CS) as complementary translational biomarkers for characterizing sensory abnormalities found in FXS, with potential applications to the clinical development of novel therapeutics that target sensory function abnormalities to treat core symptomatology in FXS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID-RCB number 2019-A01015-52 registered on the 17 May 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Perche
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- UMR7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK
| | | | - Alain Patat
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK
| | | | | | - Robert H Ring
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France.
- UMR7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France.
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK.
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Ji S, Mao X, Zhang Y, Ye L, Dai J. Contribution of M-opsin-based color vision to refractive development in mice. Exp Eye Res 2021; 209:108669. [PMID: 34126082 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
M-opsin, encoded by opn1mw gene, is involved in green-light perception of mice. The role of M-opsin in emmetropization of mice remains uncertain. To answer the above question, 4-week-old wild-type (WT) mice were exposed to white light or green light (460-600 nm, a peak at 510 nm) for 12 weeks. Refractive development was estimated biweekly. After treatment, retinal function was assessed using electroretinogram (ERG). Dopamine (DA) in the retina was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, M-opsin and S-opsin protein levels by Western blot and ELISA, and mRNA expressions of opn1mw and opn1sw by RT-PCR. Effects of M-opsin were further verified in Opn1mw-/- and WT mice raised in white light for 4 weeks. Refractive development was examined at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after birth. The retinal structure was estimated through hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Retinal wholemounts from WT and Opn1mw-/- mice were co-immunolabeled with M-opsin and S-opsin, their distribution and quantity were then assayed by immunofluorescence staining (IF). Expression of S-opsin protein and opn1sw mRNA were determined by Western blot, ELISA, or RT-PCR. Retinal function and DA content were analyzed by ERG and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively. Lastly, visual cliff test was used to evaluate the depth perception of the Opn1mw-/- mice. We found that green light-treated WT mice were more myopic with increased M-opsin expression and decreased DA content than white light-treated WT mice after 12-week illumination. No electrophysiologic abnormalities were recorded in mice exposed to green light compared to those exposed to white light. A more hyperopic shift was further observed in 8-week-old Opn1mw-/- mice in white light with lower DA level and weakened cone function than the WT mice under white light. Neither obvious structural disruption of the retina nor abnormal depth perception was found in Opn1mw-/- mice. Together, these results suggested that the M-opsin-based color vision participated in the refractive development of mice. Overexposure to green light caused myopia, but less perception of the middle-wavelength components in white light promoted hyperopia in mice. Furthermore, possible dopaminergic signaling pathway was suggested in myopia induced by green light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunmei Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuyu Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Gonzales-Rojas R, Rana AN, Mason P, Renfro C, Annaluru V, Panda S, Lee HY. The mouse model of fragile X syndrome exhibits deficits in contagious itch behavior. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17679. [PMID: 33077777 PMCID: PMC7573600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) imitate observed behavior less than age-matched and typically developing peers, resulting in deterred learning ability and social interaction. However, this deficit lacks preclinical assessment tools. A previous study has shown that mice exhibit contagious itch behavior while viewing a scratching demonstrator mouse, as opposed to an ambulating demonstrator mouse, but whether autism mouse models imitate observed scratching behavior remains unknown. Here, we investigated contagious itch behavior in the mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common form of inherited intellectual disabilities with a high risk for ASDs. We found that the mouse model of FXS shows deficits in contagious itch behavior. Our findings can be used as a new preclinical assessment tool for measuring imitative deficits in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders including FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Gonzales-Rojas
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Amtul-Noor Rana
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Peter Mason
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Christopher Renfro
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Vallabhi Annaluru
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shree Panda
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hye Young Lee
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Maternal immune activation alters visual acuity and retinogeniculate axon pruning in offspring mice. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 89:518-523. [PMID: 32827701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been found to have a variety of sensory processing deficits. Here we report that maternal immune activation, a known factor for ASD, alters visual acuity in the offspring mice. By intraperitoneally injecting polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C) to induce maternal immune activation during embryonic days 10 to 14, we found that polyI:C treatment impairs visual acuity in young adult offspring mice as examined by their optomotor responses. Concurrently, polyI:C treatment suppresses retinogeniculate axon elimination, resulting in a high fraction of weak optical fibers innervating the relay neurons in the visual thalamus. The results link in-utero maternal inflammation to defective optical fiber pruning and arrested developmental strengthening of single optic fibers which may underlie impaired visual acuity.
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