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Mediane DH, Basu S, Cahill EN, Anastasiades PG. Medial prefrontal cortex circuitry and social behaviour in autism. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110101. [PMID: 39128583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has proven to be highly enigmatic due to the diversity of its underlying genetic causes and the huge variability in symptom presentation. Uncovering common phenotypes across people with ASD and pre-clinical models allows us to better understand the influence on brain function of the many different genetic and cellular processes thought to contribute to ASD aetiology. One such feature of ASD is the convergent evidence implicating abnormal functioning of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) across studies. The mPFC is a key part of the 'social brain' and may contribute to many of the changes in social behaviour observed in people with ASD. Here we review recent evidence for mPFC involvement in both ASD and social behaviours. We also highlight how pre-clinical mouse models can be used to uncover important cellular and circuit-level mechanisms that may underly atypical social behaviours in ASD. This article is part of the Special Issue on "PFC circuit function in psychiatric disease and relevant models".
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Mediane
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Shinjini Basu
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Emma N Cahill
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul G Anastasiades
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
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2
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Bu LK, Jia PP, Huo WB, Pei DS. Assessment of Probiotics' Impact on Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Responses in Zebrafish Models: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10335-y. [PMID: 39090455 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10335-y] [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] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder; the prevalence of which has been on the rise with unknown causes. Alterations in the gut-brain axis have been widely recognized in ASD patients, and probiotics are considered to potentially benefit the rescuing of autism-like behaviors. However, the effectiveness and mechanisms of multiple probiotics on zebrafish models are still not clearly revealed. This study aims to use the germ-free (GF) and conventionally raised (CR) AB wild-type zebrafish and the mutant Tbr1b-/- and Katnal2-/- lines as human-linked ASD animal models to evaluate the effects of multiple probiotics on mitigating developmental and behavioral defects. Results showed that the addition of probiotics increased the basic important developmental indexes, such as body length, weight, and survival rate of treated zebrafish. Moreover, the Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus affected the behavior of CR zebrafish by increasing their mobility, lowering the GF zebrafish manic, and mitigating transgenic zebrafish abnormal behavior. Moreover, the expression levels of key genes related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) as important neuropathways to influence the appearance and development of autism-related disorders, including gad1b, tph1a, htr3a, th, and slc6a3, were significantly activated by some of the probiotics' treatment at some extent. Taken together, this study indicates the beneficial effects of different probiotics, which may provide a novel understanding of probiotic function in related diseases' therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Kang Bu
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Pan-Pan Jia
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wen-Bo Huo
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Chongqing Miankai Biotechnology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Chongqing, 400025, China.
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3
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Mohtaj Khorassani Y, Moghimi A, Khakzad MR, Fereidoni M, Hassani D, Torbati Gah J. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on autistic behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression in valproic acid-exposed rats. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1385189. [PMID: 38562305 PMCID: PMC10982371 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1385189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential treatment for autism, although its effects on behavior and gene expression are not well understood. The GRIN2B gene, known for its involvement in encoding a glutamate receptor subunit crucial for neuron communication and associated with autism, was a focus of this study. Methods Using a rat model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid, we examined the impact of HBOT on autism-like behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: control, VPA (valproic acid-exposed), VPA+HBOT [2 atmosphere absolute (ATA)], and VPA+HBOT (2.5 ATA). The rats underwent several behavioral tests to assess social behavior, anxiety, stereotype and exploratory behaviors, and learning. Following the behavioral tests, the HBOT groups received 15 sessions of HBOT at pressures of 2 and 2.5 (ATA), and their behaviors were re-evaluated. Subsequently, real-time PCR was employed to measure GRIN2B gene expression in the frontal lobe. Results Our results indicated that HBOT significantly increased social interaction and exploratory behaviors in VPA-exposed rats, alongside elevated GRIN2B gene expression in their frontal lobe. Discussion Our findings imply that HBOT might have a potential role in ameliorating autism-related behaviors in the VPA rat model of autism through potential modulation of GRIN2B gene expression. However, additional research is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms and refine the HBOT protocol for optimizing its effectiveness in improving autism-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Mohtaj Khorassani
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khakzad
- Innovative Medical Research Center and Department of Immunology, Mashhad Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Masoud Fereidoni
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Delaram Hassani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Torbati Gah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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4
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Feng W, Liu S, Deng Q, Fu S, Yang Y, Dai X, Wang S, Wang Y, Liu Y, Lin X, Pan X, Hao S, Yuan Y, Gu Y, Zhang X, Li H, Liu L, Liu C, Fei JF, Wei X. A scATAC-seq atlas of chromatin accessibility in axolotl brain regions. Sci Data 2023; 10:627. [PMID: 37709774 PMCID: PMC10502032 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02533-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an excellent model for investigating regeneration, the interaction between regenerative and developmental processes, comparative genomics, and evolution. The brain, which serves as the material basis of consciousness, learning, memory, and behavior, is the most complex and advanced organ in axolotl. The modulation of transcription factors is a crucial aspect in determining the function of diverse regions within the brain. There is, however, no comprehensive understanding of the gene regulatory network of axolotl brain regions. Here, we utilized single-cell ATAC sequencing to generate the chromatin accessibility landscapes of 81,199 cells from the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, diencephalon and mesencephalon, hypothalamus and pituitary, and the rhombencephalon. Based on these data, we identified key transcription factors specific to distinct cell types and compared cell type functions across brain regions. Our results provide a foundation for comprehensive analysis of gene regulatory programs, which are valuable for future studies of axolotl brain development, regeneration, and evolution, as well as on the mechanisms underlying cell-type diversity in vertebrate brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Feng
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Qiuting Deng
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Sulei Fu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yunzhi Yang
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xi Dai
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yang Liu
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Xiumei Lin
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Xiangyu Pan
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Cardiovsacular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shijie Hao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Ying Gu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | | | - Hanbo Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | | | - Ji-Feng Fei
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Wei
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China.
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5
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Jimenez-Tellez N, Pehar M, Visser F, Casas-Ortiz A, Rice T, Syed NI. Sevoflurane Exposure in Neonates Perturbs the Expression Patterns of Specific Genes That May Underly the Observed Learning and Memory Deficits. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108696. [PMID: 37240038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108696] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to commonly used anesthetics leads to neurotoxic effects in animal models-ranging from cell death to learning and memory deficits. These neurotoxic effects invoke a variety of molecular pathways, exerting either immediate or long-term effects at the cellular and behavioural levels. However, little is known about the gene expression changes following early neonatal exposure to these anesthetic agents. We report here on the effects of sevoflurane, a commonly used inhalational anesthetic, on learning and memory and identify a key set of genes that may likely be involved in the observed behavioural deficits. Specifically, we demonstrate that sevoflurane exposure in postnatal day 7 (P7) rat pups results in subtle, but distinct, memory deficits in the adult animals that have not been reported previously. Interestingly, when given intraperitoneally, pre-treatment with dexmedetomidine (DEX) could only prevent sevoflurane-induced anxiety in open field testing. To identify genes that may have been altered in the neonatal rats after sevoflurane and DEX exposure, specifically those impacting cellular viability, learning, and memory, we conducted an extensive Nanostring study examining over 770 genes. We found differential changes in the gene expression levels after exposure to both agents. A number of the perturbed genes found in this study have previously been implicated in synaptic transmission, plasticity, neurogenesis, apoptosis, myelination, and learning and memory. Our data thus demonstrate that subtle, albeit long-term, changes observed in an adult animal's learning and memory after neonatal anesthetic exposure may likely involve perturbation of specific gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Jimenez-Tellez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Marcus Pehar
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Frank Visser
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Alberto Casas-Ortiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tiffany Rice
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Naweed I Syed
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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6
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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7
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Lissek T. Activity-Dependent Induction of Younger Biological Phenotypes. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200119. [PMID: 35976161 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200119] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In several mammalian species, including humans, complex stimulation patterns such as cognitive and physical exercise lead to improvements in organ function, organism health and performance, as well as possibly longer lifespans. A framework is introduced here in which activity-dependent transcriptional programs, induced by these environmental stimuli, move somatic cells such as neurons and muscle cells toward a state that resembles younger cells to allow remodeling and adaptation of the organism. This cellular adaptation program targets several process classes that are heavily implicated in aging, such as mitochondrial metabolism, cell-cell communication, and epigenetic information processing, and leads to functional improvements in these areas. The activity-dependent gene program (ADGP) can be seen as a natural, endogenous cellular reprogramming mechanism that provides deep insight into the principles of inducible improvements in cell and organism function and can guide the development of therapeutic approaches for longevity. Here, these ADGPs are analyzed, exemplary critical molecular nexus points such as cAMP response element-binding protein, myocyte enhancer factor 2, serum response factor, and c-Fos are identified, and it is explored how one may leverage them to prevent, attenuate, and reverse human aging-related decline of body function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lissek
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Immature excitatory neurons in the amygdala come of age during puberty. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 56:101133. [PMID: 35841648 PMCID: PMC9289873 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human amygdala is critical for emotional learning, valence coding, and complex social interactions, all of which mature throughout childhood, puberty, and adolescence. Across these ages, the amygdala paralaminar nucleus (PL) undergoes significant structural changes including increased numbers of mature neurons. The PL contains a large population of immature excitatory neurons at birth, some of which may continue to be born from local progenitors. These progenitors disappear rapidly in infancy, but the immature neurons persist throughout childhood and adolescent ages, indicating that they develop on a protracted timeline. Many of these late-maturing neurons settle locally within the PL, though a small subset appear to migrate into neighboring amygdala subnuclei. Despite its prominent growth during postnatal life and possible contributions to multiple amygdala circuits, the function of the PL remains unknown. PL maturation occurs predominately during late childhood and into puberty when sex hormone levels change. Sex hormones can promote developmental processes such as neuron migration, dendritic outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity, which appear to be ongoing in late-maturing PL neurons. Collectively, we describe how the growth of late-maturing neurons occurs in the right time and place to be relevant for amygdala functions and neuropsychiatric conditions.
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9
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Zhao F, Zhang H, Wang P, Cui W, Xu K, Chen D, Hu M, Li Z, Geng X, Wei S. Oxytocin and serotonin in the modulation of neural function: Neurobiological underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:919890. [PMID: 35937893 PMCID: PMC9354980 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.919890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of generalized neurodevelopmental disorders. Its main clinical features are social communication disorder and repetitive stereotyped behavioral interest. The abnormal structure and function of brain network is the basis of social dysfunction and stereotyped performance in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The number of patients diagnosed with ASD has increased year by year, but there is a lack of effective intervention and treatment. Oxytocin has been revealed to effectively improve social cognitive function and significantly improve the social information processing ability, empathy ability and social communication ability of ASD patients. The change of serotonin level also been reported affecting the development of brain and causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, such as anxiety, depression like behavior, stereotyped behavior. Present review will focus on the research progress of serotonin and oxytocin in the pathogenesis, brain circuit changes and treatment of autism. Revealing the regulatory effect and neural mechanism of serotonin and oxytocin on patients with ASD is not only conducive to a deeper comprehension of the pathogenesis of ASD, but also has vital clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Zifa Li,
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiwen Geng,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
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10
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Zhang W, Hu L, Huang X, Xie D, Wu J, Fu X, Liang D, Huang S. Whole-exome sequencing identified five novel de novo variants in patients with unexplained intellectual disability. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24587. [PMID: 35837997 PMCID: PMC9459325 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intellectual disability (ID) represents a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is characterized by marked defects in the intellectual function and adaptive behavior, with an onset during the developmental period. ID is mainly caused by genetic factors, and it is extremely genetically heterogeneous. This study aims to identify the genetic cause of ID using trio‐WES analysis. Methods We recruited four pediatric patients with unexplained ID from non‐consanguineous families, who presented at the Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing validation were performed in the patients and their unaffected parents. Furthermore, conservative analysis and protein structural and functional prediction were performed on the identified pathogenic variants. Results We identified five novel de novo mutations from four known ID‐causing genes in the four included patients, namely COL4A1 (c.2786T>A, p.V929D and c.2797G>A, p.G933S), TBR1 (c.1639_1640insCCCGCAGTCC, p.Y553Sfs*124), CHD7 (c.7013A>T, p.Q2338L), and TUBA1A (c.1350del, p.E450Dfs*34). These mutations were all predicted to be deleterious and were located at highly conserved domains that might affect the structure and function of these proteins. Conclusion Our findings contribute to expanding the mutational spectrum of ID‐related genes and help to deepen the understanding of the genetic causes and heterogeneity of ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Li Hu
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xinyi Huang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Xie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiangfen Wu
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaoling Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Daiyi Liang
- Department of Neurology, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Shengwen Huang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's hospital, Guiyang, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunological Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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11
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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12
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Ahadullah, Yau SY, Lu HX, Lee TMC, Guo H, Chan CCH. PM 2.5 as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder: Its possible link to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and changes in gene expression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:534-548. [PMID: 34216652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral deficits including impairments in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Because the etiology of ASD is still largely unknown, there is no cure for ASD thus far. Although it has been established that genetic components play a vital role in ASD development, the influence of epigenetic regulation induced by environmental factors could also contribute to ASD susceptibility. Accumulated evidence has suggested that exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in polluted air could affect neurodevelopment, thus possibly leading to ASD. Particles with a size of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or less have been shown to have negative effects on human health, and could be linked to ASD symptoms in children. This review summarizes evidence from clinical and animal studies to demonstrate the possible linkage between PM2.5 exposure and the incidence of ASD in children. An attempt was made to explore the possible mechanisms of this linkage, including changes of gene expression, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahadullah
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Hao-Xian Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tatia M C Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hai Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chetwyn C H Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Lu MH, Hsueh YP. Protein synthesis as a modifiable target for autism-related dendritic spine pathophysiologies. FEBS J 2021; 289:2282-2300. [PMID: 33511762 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a condition of altered brain connectivity. As synapses are fundamental subcellular structures for neuronal connectivity, synaptic pathophysiology has become one of central themes in autism research. Reports disagree upon whether the density of dendritic spines, namely excitatory synapses, is increased or decreased in ASD and whether the protein synthesis that is critical for dendritic spine formation and function is upregulated or downregulated. Here, we review recent evidence supporting a subgroup of ASD models with decreased dendritic spine density (hereafter ASD-DSD), including Nf1 and Vcp mutant mice. We discuss the relevance of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) insufficiency in relation to unmet protein synthesis demand in ASD-DSD. In contrast to ASD-DSD, ASD models with hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) may represent the opposite end of the disease spectrum, often characterized by increases in protein synthesis and dendritic spine density (denoted ASD-ISD). Finally, we propose personalized dietary leucine as a strategy tailored to balancing protein synthesis demand, thereby ameliorating dendritic spine pathophysiologies and autism-related phenotypes in susceptible patients, especially those with ASD-DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsuan Lu
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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14
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Combined cellomics and proteomics analysis reveals shared neuronal morphology and molecular pathway phenotypes for multiple schizophrenia risk genes. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:784-799. [PMID: 31142819 PMCID: PMC7910218 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
An enigma in studies of neuropsychiatric disorders is how to translate polygenic risk into disease biology. For schizophrenia, where > 145 significant GWAS loci have been identified and only a few genes directly implicated, addressing this issue is a particular challenge. We used a combined cellomics and proteomics approach to show that polygenic risk can be disentangled by searching for shared neuronal morphology and cellular pathway phenotypes of candidate schizophrenia risk genes. We first performed an automated high-content cellular screen to characterize neuronal morphology phenotypes of 41 candidate schizophrenia risk genes. The transcription factors Tcf4 and Tbr1 and the RNA topoisomerase Top3b shared a neuronal phenotype marked by an early and progressive reduction in synapse numbers upon knockdown in mouse primary neuronal cultures. Proteomics analysis subsequently showed that these three genes converge onto the syntaxin-mediated neurotransmitter release pathway, which was previously implicated in schizophrenia, but for which genetic evidence was weak. We show that dysregulation of multiple proteins in this pathway may be due to the combined effects of schizophrenia risk genes Tcf4, Tbr1, and Top3b. Together, our data provide new biological functions for schizophrenia risk genes and support the idea that polygenic risk is the result of multiple small impacts on common neuronal signaling pathways.
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15
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Reversat J, Lesca G, Chatron N, Bussa M, Mazoyer S, Schmitz C, Sonié S, Edery P. A de novo frameshift pathogenic variant in TBR1 identified in autism without intellectual disability. Hum Genomics 2020; 14:32. [PMID: 32948248 PMCID: PMC7501624 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-020-00281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to be able to provide accurate genetic counseling to patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is crucial to identify correlations between heterogeneous phenotypes and genetic alterations. Among the hundreds of de novo pathogenic variants reported in ASD, single-nucleotide variations and small insertions/deletions were reported in TBR1. This gene encodes a transcription factor that plays a key role in brain development. Pathogenic variants in TBR1 are often associated with severe forms of ASD, including intellectual disability and language impairment. METHODS Adults diagnosed with ASD but without intellectual disability (diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, according to the DSM-IV) took part in a genetic consultation encompassing metabolic assessments, a molecular karyotype and the screening of a panel of 268 genes involved in intellectual disability, ASD and epilepsy. In addition, the patient reported here went through a neuropsychological assessment, structural magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. RESULTS Here, we report the case of a young adult male who presents with a typical form of ASD. Importantly, this patient presents with no intellectual disability or language impairment, despite a de novo heterozygous frameshift pathogenic variant in TBR1, leading to an early premature termination codon (c.26del, p.(Pro9Leufs*12)). CONCLUSION Based on this case report, we discuss the role of TBR1 in general brain development, language development, intellectual disability and other symptoms of ASD. Providing a detailed clinical description of the individuals with such pathogenic variants should help to understand the genotype-phenotype relationships in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Reversat
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France
| | - Gaëtan Lesca
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Chatron
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Marina Bussa
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvie Mazoyer
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Christina Schmitz
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.
| | - Sandrine Sonié
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Edery
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
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16
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Shrestha A, Sultana R, Adeniyi PA, Lee CC, Ogundele OM. Positive Modulation of SK Channel Impedes Neuron-Specific Cytoskeletal Organization and Maturation. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:59-71. [PMID: 32580196 PMCID: PMC7486235 DOI: 10.1159/000507989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulates the structural plasticity of dendritic spines by impacting cytoskeletal organization and kinase signaling. In the developing nervous system, activation of NMDAR is pertinent for neuronal migration, neurite differentiation, and cellular organization. Given that small conductance potassium channels (SK2/3) repress NMDAR ionotropic signaling, this study highlights the impact of neonatal SK channel potentiation on adult cortical and hippocampal organization. Neonatal SK channel potentiation was performed by one injection of SK2/3 agonist (CyPPA) into the pallium of mice on postnatal day 2 (P2). When the animals reached adulthood (P55), the hippocampus and cortex were examined to assess neuronal maturation, lamination, and the distribution of synaptic cytoskeletal proteins. Immunodetection of neuronal markers in the brain of P2-treated P55 mice revealed the presence of immature neurons in the upper cortical layers (layers II-IV) and CA1 (hippocampus). Also, layer-dependent cortical-cell density was attenuated due to the ectopic localization of mature (NeuN+) and immature (Doublecortin+ [DCX+]) neurons in cortical layers II-IV. Similarly, the decreased count of NeuN+ neurons in the CA1 is accompanied by an increase in the number of immature DCX+ neurons. Ectopic localization of neurons in the upper cortex and CA1 caused the dramatic expression of neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins. In line with this, structural deformity of neuronal projections and the loss of postsynaptic densities suggests that postsynaptic integrity is compromised in the SK2/3+ brain. From these results, we deduced that SK channel activity in the developing brain likely impacts neuronal maturation through its effects on cytoskeletal formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Shrestha
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Razia Sultana
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Philip A Adeniyi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Charles C Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Olalekan M Ogundele
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA,
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17
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Hsu TT, Huang TN, Hsueh YP. Anterior Commissure Regulates Neuronal Activity of Amygdalae and Influences Locomotor Activity, Social Interaction and Fear Memory in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:47. [PMID: 32296306 PMCID: PMC7136557 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The two hemispheres of the vertebrate brain are connected through several commissures. Although the anterior commissure (AC) is the most conserved white matter structure in the brains of different vertebrates, its complete physiological functionality remains elusive. Since the AC is involved in the connection between two amygdalae and because amygdalae are critical for emotional behaviors and social interaction, we assessed amygdalar activity and function to investigate the physiological role of the AC. We first performed ex vivo electrophysiological recording on mouse brains to demonstrate that the AC delivers a positive signal to facilitate synaptic responses and to recruit basolateral amygdalar neurons via glutamatergic synapses. Transection was then undertaken to investigate the role of the AC in vivo. Results from in vivo optogenetic stimulation suggest that AC transection impairs mutual activation between two basolateral amygdalae. Behavioral analyses were then used to assess if AC surgical lesioning results in hyperactivity, anxiety, social reduction or learning/memory impairment, which are behavioral features associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. We found that AC transection results in higher locomotor activity, aberrant social interaction and reduced associative memory, but not anxiety. Moreover, systemic administration of D-cycloserine, a coagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, ameliorated auditory fear memory in AC-transected mice, reinforcing our evidence that the AC potentiates the activity of basolateral amygdalae. Our study suggests that the AC regulates basolateral amygdalar activity and influences neuropsychiatry-related behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsan-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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De novo TBR1 variants cause a neurocognitive phenotype with ID and autistic traits: report of 25 new individuals and review of the literature. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:770-782. [PMID: 32005960 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0571-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
TBR1, a T-box transcription factor expressed in the cerebral cortex, regulates the expression of several candidate genes for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although TBR1 has been reported as a high-confidence risk gene for ASD and intellectual disability (ID) in functional and clinical reports since 2011, TBR1 has only recently been recorded as a human disease gene in the OMIM database. Currently, the neurodevelopmental disorders and structural brain anomalies associated with TBR1 variants are not well characterized. Through international data sharing, we collected data from 25 unreported individuals and compared them with data from the literature. We evaluated structural brain anomalies in seven individuals by analysis of MRI images, and compared these with anomalies observed in TBR1 mutant mice. The phenotype included ID in all individuals, associated to autistic traits in 76% of them. No recognizable facial phenotype could be identified. MRI analysis revealed a reduction of the anterior commissure and suggested new features including dysplastic hippocampus and subtle neocortical dysgenesis. This report supports the role of TBR1 in ID associated with autistic traits and suggests new structural brain malformations in humans. We hope this work will help geneticists to interpret TBR1 variants and diagnose ASD probands.
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19
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Panagiotakos G, Haveles C, Arjun A, Petrova R, Rana A, Portmann T, Paşca SP, Palmer TD, Dolmetsch RE. Aberrant calcium channel splicing drives defects in cortical differentiation in Timothy syndrome. eLife 2019; 8:51037. [PMID: 31868578 PMCID: PMC6964969 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Timothy syndrome (TS) is caused by a point mutation in the alternatively spliced exon 8A of the calcium channel Cav1.2. Using mouse brain and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we provide evidence that the TS mutation prevents a normal developmental switch in Cav1.2 exon utilization, resulting in persistent expression of gain-of-function mutant channels during neuronal differentiation. In iPSC models, the TS mutation reduces the abundance of SATB2-expressing cortical projection neurons, leading to excess CTIP2+ neurons. We show that expression of TS-Cav1.2 channels in the embryonic mouse cortex recapitulates these differentiation defects in a calcium-dependent manner and that in utero Cav1.2 gain-and-loss of function reciprocally regulates the abundance of these neuronal populations. Our findings support the idea that disruption of developmentally regulated calcium channel splicing patterns instructively alters differentiation in the developing cortex, providing important in vivo insights into the pathophysiology of a syndromic ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Panagiotakos
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Christos Haveles
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Arpana Arjun
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Graduate Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Ralitsa Petrova
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Anshul Rana
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Thomas Portmann
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Sergiu P Paşca
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Theo D Palmer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Ricardo E Dolmetsch
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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20
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Song J, Yang X, Zhou Y, Chen L, Zhang X, Liu Z, Niu W, Zhan N, Fan X, Khan AA, Kuang Y, Song L, He G, Li W. Dysregulation of neuron differentiation in an autistic savant with exceptional memory. Mol Brain 2019; 12:91. [PMID: 31699123 PMCID: PMC6836402 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders without a unique or definite underlying pathogenesis. Although savant syndrome is common in ASD, few models are available for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this syndrome. In this study, we generated urinary induced pluripotent stem cells (UiPSCs) from a 13-year-old male autistic savant with exceptional memory. The UiPSC-derived neurons of the autistic savant exhibited upregulated expression levels of ASD genes/learning difficulty-related genes, namely PAX6, TBR1 and FOXP2, accompanied by hypertrophic neural somas, enlarged spines, reduced spine density, and an increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Although this study involved only a single patient and a single control because of the rarity of such cases, it provides the first autistic savant UiPSC model that elucidates the potential cellular mechanisms underlying the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhuxi Liu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weibo Niu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Nengpeng Zhan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xuelian Fan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Abdul Aziz Khan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yifang Kuang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lulu Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guang He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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21
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Yook C, Kim K, Kim D, Kang H, Kim SG, Kim E, Kim SY. A TBR1-K228E Mutation Induces Tbr1 Upregulation, Altered Cortical Distribution of Interneurons, Increased Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission, and Autistic-Like Behavioral Deficits in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:241. [PMID: 31680851 PMCID: PMC6797848 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Tbr1, a high-confidence ASD (autism spectrum disorder)-risk gene encoding the transcriptional regulator TBR1, have been shown to induce diverse ASD-related molecular, synaptic, neuronal, and behavioral dysfunctions in mice. However, whether Tbr1 mutations derived from autistic individuals cause similar dysfunctions in mice remains unclear. Here we generated and characterized mice carrying the TBR1-K228E de novo mutation identified in human ASD and identified various ASD-related phenotypes. In heterozygous mice carrying this mutation (Tbr1+/K228E mice), levels of the TBR1-K228E protein, which is unable to bind target DNA, were strongly increased. RNA-Seq analysis of the Tbr1+/K228E embryonic brain indicated significant changes in the expression of genes associated with neurons, astrocytes, ribosomes, neuronal synapses, and ASD risk. The Tbr1+/K228E neocortex also displayed an abnormal distribution of parvalbumin-positive interneurons, with a lower density in superficial layers but a higher density in deep layers. These changes were associated with an increase in inhibitory synaptic transmission in layer 6 pyramidal neurons that was resistant to compensation by network activity. Behaviorally, Tbr1+/K228E mice showed decreased social interaction, increased self-grooming, and modestly increased anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that the human heterozygous TBR1-K228E mutation induces ASD-related transcriptomic, protein, neuronal, synaptic, and behavioral dysfunctions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaehyun Yook
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Doyoun Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sun-Gyun Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Soo Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeongnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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22
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Huang TN, Hsu TT, Lin MH, Chuang HC, Hu HT, Sun CP, Tao MH, Lin JY, Hsueh YP. Interhemispheric Connectivity Potentiates the Basolateral Amygdalae and Regulates Social Interaction and Memory. Cell Rep 2019; 29:34-48.e4. [PMID: 31577954 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired interhemispheric connectivity is commonly found in various psychiatric disorders, although how interhemispheric connectivity regulates brain function remains elusive. Here, we use the mouse amygdala, a brain region that is critical for social interaction and fear memory, as a model to demonstrate that contralateral connectivity intensifies the synaptic response of basolateral amygdalae (BLA) and regulates amygdala-dependent behaviors. Retrograde tracing and c-FOS expression indicate that contralateral afferents widely innervate BLA non-randomly and that some BLA neurons innervate both contralateral BLA and the ipsilateral central amygdala (CeA). Our optogenetic and electrophysiological studies further suggest that contralateral BLA input results in the synaptic facilitation of BLA neurons, thereby intensifying the responses to cortical and thalamic stimulations. Finally, pharmacological inhibition and chemogenetic disconnection demonstrate that BLA contralateral facilitation is required for social interaction and memory. Our study suggests that interhemispheric connectivity potentiates the synaptic dynamics of BLA neurons and is critical for the full activation and functionality of amygdalae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsan-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Hui Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiu-Chun Chuang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiao-Tang Hu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Pu Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - John Y Lin
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC.
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23
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Song M, Yang X, Ren X, Maliskova L, Li B, Jones IR, Wang C, Jacob F, Wu K, Traglia M, Tam TW, Jamieson K, Lu SY, Ming GL, Li Y, Yao J, Weiss LA, Dixon JR, Judge LM, Conklin BR, Song H, Gan L, Shen Y. Mapping cis-regulatory chromatin contacts in neural cells links neuropsychiatric disorder risk variants to target genes. Nat Genet 2019; 51:1252-1262. [PMID: 31367015 PMCID: PMC6677164 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-019-0472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in gene regulatory elements have been associated with a wide range of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. However, due to their cell-type specificity and difficulties in characterizing their regulatory targets, the ability to identify causal genetic variants has remained limited. To address these constraints, we perform an integrative analysis of chromatin interactions, open chromatin regions and transcriptomes using promoter capture Hi-C, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing, respectively, in four functionally distinct neural cell types: induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-induced excitatory neurons and lower motor neurons, iPSC-derived hippocampal dentate gyrus-like neurons and primary astrocytes. We identify hundreds of thousands of long-range cis-interactions between promoters and distal promoter-interacting regions, enabling us to link regulatory elements to their target genes and reveal putative processes that are dysregulated in disease. Finally, we validate several promoter-interacting regions by using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) techniques in human excitatory neurons, demonstrating that CDK5RAP3, STRAP and DRD2 are transcriptionally regulated by physically linked enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Song
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xingjie Ren
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lenka Maliskova
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bingkun Li
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ian R Jones
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fadi Jacob
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Wu
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michela Traglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tsz Wai Tam
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kirsty Jamieson
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Si-Yao Lu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jesse R Dixon
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Luke M Judge
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce R Conklin
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yin Shen
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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24
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Pagani MR, Merlo E. Kinase and Phosphatase Engagement Is Dissociated Between Memory Formation and Extinction. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:38. [PMID: 30842725 PMCID: PMC6391346 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Associative long-term memories (LTMs) support long-lasting behavioral changes resulting from sensory experiences. Retrieval of a stable LTM by means of a large number of conditioned stimulus (CS) alone presentations produces inhibition of the original memory through extinction. Currently, there are two opposing hypotheses to account for the neural mechanisms supporting extinction. The unlearning hypothesis posits that extinction affects the original memory trace by reverting the synaptic changes supporting LTM. On the contrary, the new learning hypothesis proposes that extinction is simply the formation of a new associative memory that inhibits the expression of the original one. We propose that detailed analysis of extinction-associated molecular mechanisms could help distinguish between these hypotheses. Here we will review experimental evidence regarding the role of protein kinases and phosphatases (K&P) on LTM formation and extinction. Even though K&P regulate both memory processes, their participation appears to be dissociated. LTM formation recruits kinases, but is constrained by phosphatases. Memory extinction presents a more diverse molecular landscape, requiring phosphatases and some kinases, but also being constrained by kinase activity. Based on the available evidence, we propose a new theoretical model for memory extinction: a neuronal segregation of K&P supports a combination of time-dependent reversible inhibition of the original memory [CS-unconditioned stimulus (US)], with establishment of a new associative memory trace (CS-noUS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rafael Pagani
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-Houssay, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emiliano Merlo
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-Houssay, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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25
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Huang TN, Yen TL, Qiu LR, Chuang HC, Lerch JP, Hsueh YP. Haploinsufficiency of autism causative gene Tbr1 impairs olfactory discrimination and neuronal activation of the olfactory system in mice. Mol Autism 2019; 10:5. [PMID: 30792833 PMCID: PMC6371489 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit two clusters of core symptoms, i.e., social and communication impairment, and repetitive behaviors and sensory abnormalities. Our previous study demonstrated that TBR1, a causative gene of ASD, controls axonal projection and neuronal activation of amygdala and regulates social interaction and vocal communication in a mouse model. Behavioral defects caused by Tbr1 haploinsufficiency can be ameliorated by increasing neural activity via D-cycloserine treatment, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) coagonist. In this report, we investigate the role of TBR1 in regulating olfaction and test whether D-cycloserine can also improve olfactory defects in Tbr1 mutant mice. Methods We used Tbr1+/− mice as a model to investigate the function of TBR1 in olfactory sensation and discrimination of non-social odors. We employed a behavioral assay to characterize the olfactory defects of Tbr1+/− mice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis were applied to characterize anatomical features. Immunostaining was performed to further analyze differences in expression of TBR1 subfamily members (namely TBR1, TBR2, and TBX21), interneuron populations, and dendritic abnormalities in olfactory bulbs. Finally, C-FOS staining was used to monitor neuronal activation of the olfactory system upon odor stimulation. Results Tbr1+/− mice exhibited smaller olfactory bulbs and anterior commissures, reduced interneuron populations, and an abnormal dendritic morphology of mitral cells in the olfactory bulbs. Tbr1 haploinsufficiency specifically impaired olfactory discrimination but not olfactory sensation. Neuronal activation upon odorant stimulation was reduced in the glomerular layer of Tbr1+/− olfactory bulbs. Furthermore, although the sizes of piriform and perirhinal cortices were not affected by Tbr1 deficiency, neuronal activation was reduced in these two cortical regions in response to odorant stimulation. These results suggest an impairment of neuronal activation in olfactory bulbs and defective connectivity from olfactory bulbs to the upper olfactory system in Tbr1+/− mice. Systemic administration of D-cycloserine, an NMDAR co-agonist, ameliorated olfactory discrimination in Tbr1+/− mice, suggesting that increased neuronal activity has a beneficial effect on Tbr1 deficiency. Conclusions Tbr1 regulates neural circuits and activity in the olfactory system to control olfaction. Tbr1+/− mice can serve as a suitable model for revealing how an autism causative gene controls neuronal circuits, neural activity, and autism-related behaviors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-019-0257-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzyy-Nan Huang
- 1Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Li Yen
- 1Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan
| | - Lily R Qiu
- 2Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hsiu-Chun Chuang
- 1Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan.,4Present address: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Jason P Lerch
- 2Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,3Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- 1Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan
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26
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Mori T, Kasem EA, Suzuki-Kouyama E, Cao X, Li X, Kurihara T, Uemura T, Yanagawa T, Tabuchi K. Deficiency of calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase disrupts the excitatory-inhibitory balance of synapses by down-regulating GluN2B. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1079-1092. [PMID: 30610199 PMCID: PMC6756202 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) is a membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein that is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. CASK is thought to have both pre- and postsynaptic functions, but the mechanism and consequences of its functions in the brain have yet to be elucidated, because homozygous CASK-knockout (CASK-KO) mice die before brain maturation. Taking advantage of the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) mechanism, here we examined the synaptic functions of CASK-KO neurons in acute brain slices of heterozygous CASK-KO female mice. We also analyzed CASK-knockdown (KD) neurons in acute brain slices generated by in utero electroporation. Both CASK-KO and CASK-KD neurons showed a disruption of the excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) balance. We further found that the expression level of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN2B was decreased in CASK-KD neurons and that overexpressing GluN2B rescued the disrupted E/I balance in CASK-KD neurons. These results suggest that the down-regulation of GluN2B may be involved in the mechanism of the disruption of synaptic E/I balance in CASK-deficient neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Mori
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Enas A. Kasem
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan ,0000 0004 0578 3577grid.411978.2Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kafr Elsheikh University, Kafr Elsheihk, 33511 Egypt
| | - Emi Suzuki-Kouyama
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Xueshan Cao
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Xue Li
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Taiga Kurihara
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Takeshi Uemura
- 0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan ,0000 0001 1507 4692grid.263518.bInstitute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan ,0000 0004 1754 9200grid.419082.6CREST, JST, Saitama, 332-0012 Japan
| | - Toru Yanagawa
- 0000 0001 2369 4728grid.20515.33Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575 Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Tabuchi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Academic Assembly, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan. .,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan. .,PRESTO, JST, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
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27
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Vegas N, Cavallin M, Kleefstra T, de Boer L, Philbert M, Maillard C, Boddaert N, Munnich A, Hubert L, Bery A, Besmond C, Bahi-Buisson N. Mutations in TBR1 gene leads to cortical malformations and intellectual disability. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 61:759-764. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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28
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Fazel Darbandi S, Robinson Schwartz SE, Qi Q, Catta-Preta R, Pai ELL, Mandell JD, Everitt A, Rubin A, Krasnoff RA, Katzman S, Tastad D, Nord AS, Willsey AJ, Chen B, State MW, Sohal VS, Rubenstein JLR. Neonatal Tbr1 Dosage Controls Cortical Layer 6 Connectivity. Neuron 2018; 100:831-845.e7. [PMID: 30318412 PMCID: PMC6250594 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of how heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk genes, such as TBR1, contribute to ASD remains elusive. Conditional Tbr1 deletion during late mouse gestation in cortical layer 6 neurons (Tbr1layer6 mutants) provides novel insights into its function, including dendritic patterning, synaptogenesis, and cell-intrinsic physiology. These phenotypes occur in heterozygotes, providing insights into mechanisms that may underlie ASD pathophysiology. Restoring expression of Wnt7b largely rescues the synaptic deficit in Tbr1layer6 mutant neurons. Furthermore, Tbr1layer6 heterozygotes have increased anxiety-like behavior, a phenotype seen ASD. Integrating TBR1 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from layer 6 neurons and activity of TBR1-bound candidate enhancers provides evidence for how TBR1 regulates layer 6 properties. Moreover, several putative TBR1 targets are ASD risk genes, placing TBR1 in a central position both for ASD risk and for regulating transcriptional circuits that control multiple steps in layer 6 development essential for the assembly of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Fazel Darbandi
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sarah E Robinson Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Qihao Qi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rinaldo Catta-Preta
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Emily Ling-Lin Pai
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Mandell
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Amanda Everitt
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anna Rubin
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rebecca A Krasnoff
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sol Katzman
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - David Tastad
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Alex S Nord
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - A Jeremy Willsey
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Vikaas S Sohal
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience and Sloan-Swartz Center for Theoretical Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John L R Rubenstein
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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29
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Differential toxicity of processed and non-processed states of CoCrMo degradation products generated from a hip simulator on neural cells. Nanotoxicology 2018; 12:941-956. [PMID: 30251573 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2018.1498929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Physico-chemical characteristics of the CoCrMo degradation products have played an important role in cytotoxicity and clinical complications on the orthopedic patients who have metal implants. Previous studies have limited reflection on the physicochemical characteristics of the degradation products generated in vivo, which are very different from individual metal particles and/or ions obtained from different commercial sources. In this study, we aimed to understand the differences in toxicity induced by the degradation products in as-synthesized form as well as those obtained after post-processing. The degradation products were generated using a hip-simulator by maintaining physiological conditions closer to in vivo and separated into two batches, one with processing by washing and drying called processed degradation products (PDP) and another batch as 'as-synthesized' degradation product (DP). We studied the dose-dependent toxicity response by neural cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The results of the study show that as-synthesized DPs are more toxic to neural cells even at lower concentrations studied with evident low TC50 (1-5 μg/ml) concentrations compared to PDP (25 μg/ml). Flow cytometric analysis showed a significant (p<.01) increase in uptake of the particles after 24 h and corresponding ROS production in DP-treated cells. RT-PCR analysis of oxidative specific gene expression showed, elevated mRNA levels of NADPH oxidase-1, nuclear transcription factor, superoxide dismutase-2 and glutaredoxin-2 in DP-treated cells after 6 h. The results of the study provided a clear evidence of the differential response of neural cells on the degradation products as a function of concentrations and their chemical nature.
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Functional characterization of TBR1 variants in neurodevelopmental disorder. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14279. [PMID: 30250039 PMCID: PMC6155134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent de novo variants in the TBR1 transcription factor are implicated in the etiology of sporadic autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Disruptions include missense variants located in the T-box DNA-binding domain and previous work has demonstrated that they disrupt TBR1 protein function. Recent screens of thousands of simplex families with sporadic ASD cases uncovered additional T-box variants in TBR1 but their etiological relevance is unclear. We performed detailed functional analyses of de novo missense TBR1 variants found in the T-box of ASD cases, assessing many aspects of protein function, including subcellular localization, transcriptional activity and protein-interactions. Only two of the three tested variants severely disrupted TBR1 protein function, despite in silico predictions that all would be deleterious. Furthermore, we characterized a putative interaction with BCL11A, a transcription factor that was recently implicated in a neurodevelopmental syndrome involving developmental delay and language deficits. Our findings enhance understanding of molecular functions of TBR1, as well as highlighting the importance of functional testing of variants that emerge from next-generation sequencing, to decipher their contributions to neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.
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Varghese M, Keshav N, Jacot-Descombes S, Warda T, Wicinski B, Dickstein DL, Harony-Nicolas H, De Rubeis S, Drapeau E, Buxbaum JD, Hof PR. Autism spectrum disorder: neuropathology and animal models. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:537-566. [PMID: 28584888 PMCID: PMC5693718 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on the development and social integration of affected individuals and is the most heritable of psychiatric disorders. An increase in the incidence of ASD cases has prompted a surge in research efforts on the underlying neuropathologic processes. We present an overview of current findings in neuropathology studies of ASD using two investigational approaches, postmortem human brains and ASD animal models, and discuss the overlap, limitations, and significance of each. Postmortem examination of ASD brains has revealed global changes including disorganized gray and white matter, increased number of neurons, decreased volume of neuronal soma, and increased neuropil, the last reflecting changes in densities of dendritic spines, cerebral vasculature and glia. Both cortical and non-cortical areas show region-specific abnormalities in neuronal morphology and cytoarchitectural organization, with consistent findings reported from the prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, frontoinsular cortex, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum and brainstem. The paucity of postmortem human studies linking neuropathology to the underlying etiology has been partly addressed using animal models to explore the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors clinically relevant for the ASD phenotype. Genetically modified models include those based on well-studied monogenic ASD genes (NLGN3, NLGN4, NRXN1, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, MECP2, FMR1, TSC1/2), emerging risk genes (CHD8, SCN2A, SYNGAP1, ARID1B, GRIN2B, DSCAM, TBR1), and copy number variants (15q11-q13 deletion, 15q13.3 microdeletion, 15q11-13 duplication, 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, 22q11.2 deletion). Models of idiopathic ASD include inbred rodent strains that mimic ASD behaviors as well as models developed by environmental interventions such as prenatal exposure to sodium valproate, maternal autoantibodies, and maternal immune activation. In addition to replicating some of the neuropathologic features seen in postmortem studies, a common finding in several animal models of ASD is altered density of dendritic spines, with the direction of the change depending on the specific genetic modification, age and brain region. Overall, postmortem neuropathologic studies with larger sample sizes representative of the various ASD risk genes and diverse clinical phenotypes are warranted to clarify putative etiopathogenic pathways further and to promote the emergence of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In addition, as genetic alterations may render certain individuals more vulnerable to developing the pathological changes at the synapse underlying the behavioral manifestations of ASD, neuropathologic investigation using genetically modified animal models will help to improve our understanding of the disease mechanisms and enhance the development of targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merina Varghese
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Neha Keshav
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Sarah Jacot-Descombes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Children and Teenagers, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, CH-1205, Switzerland
| | - Tahia Warda
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Bridget Wicinski
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Dara L Dickstein
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Hala Harony-Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Kwon W, Kim HS, Jeong J, Sung Y, Choi M, Park S, Lee J, Jang S, Kim SH, Lee S, Kim MO, Ryoo ZY. Tet1 overexpression leads to anxiety-like behavior and enhanced fear memories via the activation of calcium-dependent cascade through Egr1 expression in mice. FASEB J 2017; 32:390-403. [PMID: 28899881 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601340rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (Tet1) initiates DNA demethylation by converting 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) at CpG-rich regions of genes, which have key roles in adult neurogenesis and memory. In addition, the overexpression of Tet1 with 5-hmC alteration in patients with psychosis has also been reported, for instance in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The mechanism underlying Tet1 overexpression in the brain; however, is still elusive. In the present study, we found that Tet1-transgenic (Tet1-TG) mice displayed abnormal behaviors involving elevated anxiety and enhanced fear memories. We confirmed that Tet1 overexpression affected adult neurogenesis with oligodendrocyte differentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of Tet1-TG mice. In addition, Tet1 overexpression induced the elevated expression of immediate early genes, such as Egr1, c-fos, Arc, and Bdnf, followed by the activation of intracellular calcium signals (i.e., CamKII, ERK, and CREB) in prefrontal and hippocampal neurons. The expression of GABA receptor subunits (Gabra2 and Gabra4) fluctuated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We evaluated the effects of Tet1 overexpression on intracellular calcium-dependent cascades by activating the Egr1 promoter in vitro Tet1 enhanced Egr1 expression, which may have led to alterations in Gabra2 and Gabra4 expression in neurons. Taken together, we suggest that the Tet1 overexpression in our Tet1-TG mice can be applied as an effective model for studying various stress-related diseases that show hyperactivation of intracellular calcium-dependent cascades in the brain.-Kwon, W., Kim, H.-S., Jeong, J., Sung, Y., Choi, M., Park, S., Lee, J., Jang, S., Kim, S. H., Lee, S., Kim, M. O., Ryoo, Z. Y. Tet1 overexpression leads to anxiety-like behavior and enhanced fear memories via the activation of calcium-dependent cascade through Egr1 expression in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wookbong Kwon
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyeng-Soo Kim
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.,Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; and
| | - Jain Jeong
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yonghun Sung
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Minjee Choi
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Song Park
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Soyoung Jang
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Kim
- Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; and
| | - Sanggyu Lee
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Myoung Ok Kim
- The School of Animal Biotechnology (BT) Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, South Korea
| | - Zae Young Ryoo
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea;
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Synaptic Actin Dysregulation, a Convergent Mechanism of Mental Disorders? J Neurosci 2017; 36:11411-11417. [PMID: 27911743 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2360-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin polymerization governs activity-dependent modulation of excitatory synapses, including their morphology and functionality. It is clear from human genetics that neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disturbances are multigenetic in nature, highlighting the need to better understand the critical neural pathways associated with these disorders and how they are altered by genetic risk alleles. One such signaling pathway that is heavily implicated by candidate genes for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders are regulators of signaling to the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that its disruption and the ensuring abnormalities of spine structures and postsynaptic complexes is a commonly affected pathway in brain disorders. This review will discuss recent experimental findings that strongly support genetic evidence linking the synaptic cytoskeleton to mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders.
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Bagshaw ATM, Horwood LJ, Fergusson DM, Gemmell NJ, Kennedy MA. Microsatellite polymorphisms associated with human behavioural and psychological phenotypes including a gene-environment interaction. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 18:12. [PMID: 28158988 PMCID: PMC5291968 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-017-0374-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The genetic and environmental influences on human personality and behaviour are a complex matter of ongoing debate. Accumulating evidence indicates that short tandem repeats (STRs) in regulatory regions are good candidates to explain heritability not accessed by genome-wide association studies. Methods We tested for associations between the genotypes of four selected repeats and 18 traits relating to personality, behaviour, cognitive ability and mental health in a well-studied longitudinal birth cohort (n = 458-589) using one way analysis of variance. The repeats were a highly conserved poly-AC microsatellite in the upstream promoter region of the T-box brain 1 (TBR1) gene and three previously studied STRs in the activating enhancer-binding protein 2-beta (AP2-β) and androgen receptor (AR) genes. Where significance was found we used multiple regression to assess the influence of confounding factors. Results Carriers of the shorter, most common, allele of the AR gene’s GGN microsatellite polymorphism had fewer anxiety-related symptoms, which was consistent with previous studies, but in our study this was not significant following Bonferroni correction. No associations with two repeats in the AP2-β gene withstood this correction. A novel finding was that carriers of the minor allele of the TBR1 AC microsatellite were at higher risk of conduct problems in childhood at age 7-9 (p = 0.0007, which did pass Bonferroni correction). Including maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) in models controlling for potentially confounding influences showed that an interaction between TBR1 genotype and MSDP was a significant predictor of conduct problems in childhood and adolescence (p < 0.001), and of self-reported criminal behaviour up to age 25 years (p ≤ 0.02). This interaction remained significant after controlling for possible confounders including maternal age at birth, socio-economic status and education, and offspring birth weight. Conclusions The potential functional importance of the TBR1 gene’s promoter microsatellite deserves further investigation. Our results suggest that it participates in a gene-environment interaction with MDSP and antisocial behaviour. However, previous evidence that mothers who smoke during pregnancy carry genes for antisocial behaviour suggests that epistasis may influence the interaction. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-017-0374-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T M Bagshaw
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - L John Horwood
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David M Fergusson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Gravida - National Centre for Growth and Development, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martin A Kennedy
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Lin Z, Wang T, Yang C, Zhao H. On joint estimation of Gaussian graphical models for spatial and temporal data. Biometrics 2017; 73:769-779. [PMID: 28099997 DOI: 10.1111/biom.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we first propose a Bayesian neighborhood selection method to estimate Gaussian Graphical Models (GGMs). We show the graph selection consistency of this method in the sense that the posterior probability of the true model converges to one. When there are multiple groups of data available, instead of estimating the networks independently for each group, joint estimation of the networks may utilize the shared information among groups and lead to improved estimation for each individual network. Our method is extended to jointly estimate GGMs in multiple groups of data with complex structures, including spatial data, temporal data, and data with both spatial and temporal structures. Markov random field (MRF) models are used to efficiently incorporate the complex data structures. We develop and implement an efficient algorithm for statistical inference that enables parallel computing. Simulation studies suggest that our approach achieves better accuracy in network estimation compared with methods not incorporating spatial and temporal dependencies when there are shared structures among the networks, and that it performs comparably well otherwise. Finally, we illustrate our method using the human brain gene expression microarray dataset, where the expression levels of genes are measured in different brain regions across multiple time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Lin
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.,Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, U.S.A
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Yang
- Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
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Huang TN, Hsueh YP. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK), a protein implicated in mental retardation and autism-spectrum disorders, interacts with T-Brain-1 (TBR1) to control extinction of associative memory in male mice. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2017; 42:37-47. [PMID: 28234597 PMCID: PMC5373711 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.150359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human genetic studies have indicated that mutations in calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) result in X-linked mental retardation and autism-spectrum disorders. We aimed to establish a mouse model to study how Cask regulates mental ability. METHODS Because Cask encodes a multidomain scaffold protein, a possible strategy to dissect how CASK regulates mental ability and cognition is to disrupt specific protein-protein interactions of CASK in vivo and then investigate the impact of individual specific protein interactions. Previous in vitro analyses indicated that a rat CASK T724A mutation reduces the interaction between CASK and T-brain-1 (TBR1) in transfected COS cells. Because TBR1 is critical for glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (Grin2b) expression and is a causative gene for autism and intellectual disability, we then generated CASK T740A (corresponding to rat CASK T724A) mutant mice using a gene-targeting approach. Immunoblotting, coimmunoprecipitation, histological methods and behavioural assays (including home cage, open field, auditory and contextual fear conditioning and conditioned taste aversion) were applied to investigate expression of CASK and its related proteins, the protein-protein interactions of CASK, and anatomic and behavioural features of CASK T740A mice. RESULTS The CASK T740A mutation attenuated the interaction between CASK and TBR1 in the brain. However, CASK T740A mice were generally healthy, without obvious defects in brain morphology. The most dramatic defect among the mutant mice was in extinction of associative memory, though acquisition was normal. LIMITATIONS The functions of other CASK protein interactions cannot be addressed using CASK T740A mice. CONCLUSION Disruption of the CASK and TBR1 interaction impairs extinction, suggesting the involvement of CASK in cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Correspondence to: Y.P. Hsueh, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan;
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Chen CY, Liu HY, Hsueh YP. TLR3 downregulates expression of schizophrenia gene Disc1 via MYD88 to control neuronal morphology. EMBO Rep 2016; 18:169-183. [PMID: 27979975 PMCID: PMC5210159 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201642586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infection during fetal or neonatal stages increases the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Although neurons express several key regulators of innate immunity, the role of neuronal innate immunity in psychiatric disorders is still unclear. Using cultured neurons and in vivo mouse brain studies, we show here that Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) acts through myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MYD88) to negatively control Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (Disc1) expression, resulting in impairment of neuronal development. Cytokines are not involved in TLR3‐mediated inhibition of dendrite outgrowth. Instead, TLR3 signaling suppresses expression of several psychiatric disorder‐related genes, including Disc1. The impaired dendritic arborization caused by TLR3 activation is rescued by MYD88 deficiency or DISC1 overexpression. In addition, TLR3 activation at the neonatal stage increases dendritic spine density, but narrows spine heads at postnatal day 21 (P21), suggesting a long‐lasting effect of TLR3 activation on spinogenesis. Our study reveals a novel mechanism of TLR3 in regulation of dendritic morphology and provides an explanation for how environmental factors influence mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Ya Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Liu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
T-box transcription factors play key roles in the regulation of developmental processes such as cell differentiation and migration. Mammals have 17 T-box genes, of which several regulate brain development. The Tbr1 subfamily of T-box genes is particularly important in development of the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulbs (OBs), and cerebellum. This subfamily is comprised of Tbr1, Tbr2 (also known as Eomes), and Tbx21. In developing cerebral cortex, Tbr2 and Tbr1 are expressed during successive stages of differentiation in the pyramidal neuron lineage, from Tbr2+ intermediate progenitors to Tbr1+ postmitotic glutamatergic neurons. At each stage, Tbr2 and Tbr1 regulate laminar and regional identity of cortical projection neurons, cell migration, and axon guidance. In the OB, Tbr1 subfamily genes regulate neurogenesis of mitral and tufted cells, and glutamatergic juxtaglomerular interneurons. Tbr2 is also prominent in the development of retinal ganglion cells in nonimage-forming pathways. Other regions that require Tbr2 or Tbr1 in development or adulthood include the cerebellum and adult dentate gyrus. In humans, de novo mutations in TBR1 are important causes of sporadic autism and intellectual disability. Further studies of T-box transcription factors will enhance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and inform approaches to new therapies.
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Advancing the understanding of autism disease mechanisms through genetics. Nat Med 2016; 22:345-61. [PMID: 27050589 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 518] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Progress in understanding the genetic etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has fueled remarkable advances in our understanding of its potential neurobiological mechanisms. Yet, at the same time, these findings highlight extraordinary causal diversity and complexity at many levels ranging from molecules to circuits and emphasize the gaps in our current knowledge. Here we review current understanding of the genetic architecture of ASD and integrate genetic evidence, neuropathology and studies in model systems with how they inform mechanistic models of ASD pathophysiology. Despite the challenges, these advances provide a solid foundation for the development of rational, targeted molecular therapies.
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Notwell JH, Heavner WE, Darbandi SF, Katzman S, McKenna WL, Ortiz-Londono CF, Tastad D, Eckler MJ, Rubenstein JLR, McConnell SK, Chen B, Bejerano G. TBR1 regulates autism risk genes in the developing neocortex. Genome Res 2016; 26:1013-22. [PMID: 27325115 PMCID: PMC4971772 DOI: 10.1101/gr.203612.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Exome sequencing studies have identified multiple genes harboring de novo loss-of-function (LoF) variants in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including TBR1, a master regulator of cortical development. We performed ChIP-seq for TBR1 during mouse cortical neurogenesis and show that TBR1-bound regions are enriched adjacent to ASD genes. ASD genes were also enriched among genes that are differentially expressed in Tbr1 knockouts, which together with the ChIP-seq data, suggests direct transcriptional regulation. Of the nine ASD genes examined, seven were misexpressed in the cortices of Tbr1 knockout mice, including six with increased expression in the deep cortical layers. ASD genes with adjacent cortical TBR1 ChIP-seq peaks also showed unusually low levels of LoF mutations in a reference human population and among Icelanders. We then leveraged TBR1 binding to identify an appealing subset of candidate ASD genes. Our findings highlight a TBR1-regulated network of ASD genes in the developing neocortex that are relatively intolerant to LoF mutations, indicating that these genes may play critical roles in normal cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Notwell
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Whitney E Heavner
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Siavash Fazel Darbandi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Sol Katzman
- Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - William L McKenna
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Christian F Ortiz-Londono
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - David Tastad
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Matthew J Eckler
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - John L R Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Susan K McConnell
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Gill Bejerano
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Huang TN, Hsueh YP. Brain-specific transcriptional regulator T-brain-1 controls brain wiring and neuronal activity in autism spectrum disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:406. [PMID: 26578866 PMCID: PMC4630302 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T-brain-1 (TBR1) is a brain-specific T-box transcription factor. In 1995, Tbr1 was first identified from a subtractive hybridization that compared mouse embryonic and adult telencephalons. Previous studies of Tbr1−∕− mice have indicated critical roles for TBR1 in the development of the cerebral cortex, amygdala, and olfactory bulb. Neuronal migration and axonal projection are two important developmental features controlled by TBR1. Recently, recurrent de novo disruptive mutations in the TBR1 gene have been found in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Human genetic studies have identified TBR1 as a high-confidence risk factor for ASDs. Because only one allele of the TBR1 gene is mutated in these patients, Tbr1+∕− mice serve as a good genetic mouse model to explore the mechanism by which de novo TBR1 mutation leads to ASDs. Although neuronal migration and axonal projection defects of cerebral cortex are the most prominent phenotypes in Tbr1−∕− mice, these features are not found in Tbr1+∕− mice. Instead, inter- and intra-amygdalar axonal projections and NMDAR expression and activity in amygdala are particularly susceptible to Tbr1 haploinsufficiency. The studies indicated that both abnormal brain wiring (abnormal amygdalar connections) and excitation/inhibition imbalance (NMDAR hypoactivity), two prominent models for ASD etiology, are present in Tbr1+∕− mice. Moreover, calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) was found to interact with TBR1. The CASK–TBR1 complex had been shown to directly bind the promoter of the Grin2b gene, which is also known as Nmdar2b, and upregulate Grin2b expression. This molecular function of TBR1 provides an explanation for NMDAR hypoactivity in Tbr1+∕− mice. In addition to Grin2b, cell adhesion molecules—including Ntng1, Cdh8, and Cntn2—are also regulated by TBR1 to control axonal projections of amygdala. Taken together, the studies of Tbr1 provide an integrated picture of ASD etiology at the cellular and circuit levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica Taipei, Taiwan
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Trans-synaptic zinc mobilization improves social interaction in two mouse models of autism through NMDAR activation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7168. [PMID: 25981743 PMCID: PMC4479043 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic aspects of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have recently been extensively explored, but environmental influences that affect ASDs have received considerably less attention. Zinc (Zn) is a nutritional factor implicated in ASDs, but evidence for a strong association and linking mechanism is largely lacking. Here we report that trans-synaptic Zn mobilization rapidly rescues social interaction in two independent mouse models of ASD. In mice lacking Shank2, an excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein, postsynaptic Zn elevation induced by clioquinol (a Zn chelator and ionophore) improves social interaction. Postsynaptic Zn is mainly derived from presynaptic pools and activates NMDA receptors (NMDARs) through postsynaptic activation of the tyrosine kinase Src. Clioquinol also improves social interaction in mice haploinsufficient for the transcription factor Tbr1, which accompanies NMDAR activation in the amygdala. These results suggest that trans-synaptic Zn mobilization induced by clioquinol rescues social deficits in mouse models of ASD through postsynaptic Src and NMDAR activation. Zinc is a nutritional factor implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but evidence for a strong association and linking mechanism is largely lacking. Here, the authors report that trans-synaptic zinc mobilization rapidly rescues social interaction in two independent mouse models of ASD.
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