SYNGAP1: Mind the Gap

SYNGAP1-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and longitudinal insights

The clinical and genetic characteristics of SYNGAP1 mutations in Korean pediatric patients are not well understood. We retrospectively analyzed 13 individuals with SYNGAP1 mutations from a longitudinal aspect. Clinical data, genetic profiles, and electroencephalography (EEG) patterns were examined. Genotypic analyses included gene panels and whole-exome sequencing. All patients exhibited global developmental delay from early infancy, with motor development eventually reaching independent ambulation by 3 years of age. Language developmental delay varied significantly from nonverbal to simple sentences, which plateaued in all patients. Patients with the best language outcomes typically managed 2-3-word sentences, corresponding to a developmental age of 2-3 years. Epilepsy developed in 77% of patients, with onset consistently following developmental delays at a median age of 31 months. Longitudinal EEG data revealed a shift from occipital to frontal epileptiform discharges with age, suggesting a correlation with synaptic maturation. These findings suggest that the critical developmental plateau occurs between the ages of 2 and 5 years and is potentially influenced by epilepsy. By analyzing longitudinal data, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of SYNGAP1-related DEE, provides potential EEG biomarkers, and underlines the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to address this complex disorder.

Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for the treatment of SYNGAP1-related non-specific intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

Synaptic Ras GTPase activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1)-related non-specific intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by an insufficient level of SynGAP1 resulting in a dysfunction of neuronal synapses and presenting with a wide array of clinical phenotypes. Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy has the potential to deliver therapeutic levels of functional SynGAP1 to affected neurons upon transduction of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with a lentiviral vector.

METHODS

As a novel approach toward the treatment of SYNGAP1, we have generated a lentiviral vector expressing a modified form of SynGAP1 for transduction of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The gene-modified cells were then transplanted into adult immunodeficient SYNGAP1+/- heterozygous mice and evaluated for improvement of SYNGAP1-related clinical phenotypes. Expression of SynGAP1 was also evaluated in the brain tissue of transplanted mice.

RESULTS

In our proof-of-concept study, we have demonstrated significant improvement of SYNGAP1-related phenotypes including an improvement in motor abilities observed in mice transplanted with the vector transduced cells because they displayed decreased hyperactivity in an open field assay and an increased latency to fall in a rotarod assay. An increased level of SynGAP1 was also detected in the brains of these mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These early-stage results highlight the potential of this stem cell gene therapy approach as a treatment strategy for SYNGAP1.

Interactions between Ras and Rap signaling pathways during neurodevelopment in health and disease

The Ras family of small GTPases coordinates tissue development by modulating cell proliferation, cell-cell adhesion, and cellular morphology. Perturbations of any of these key steps alter nervous system development and are associated with neurological disorders. While the underlying causes are not known, genetic mutations in Ras and Rap GTPase signaling pathways have been identified in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum, neurofibromatosis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Despite diverse clinical presentations, intersections between these two signaling pathways may provide a better understanding of how deviations in neurodevelopment give rise to neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of Ras and Rap GTPases. We highlight various roles of these small GTPases during synapse formation and plasticity. Based on genomic analyses, we discuss how disease-related mutations in Ras and Rap signaling proteins may underlie human disorders. Finally, we discuss how recent observations have identified molecular interactions between these pathways and how these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.

Understanding the role of AMPA receptors in autism: insights from circuit and synapse dysfunction

Autism spectrum disorders represent a diverse etiological spectrum that converge on a syndrome characterized by discrepant deficits in developmental domains often highlighted by concerns in socialization, sensory integration, and autonomic functioning. Importantly, the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders have seen sharp increases since the syndrome was first described in the 1940s. The wide etiological spectrum and rising number of individuals being diagnosed with the condition lend urgency to capturing a more nuanced understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the autism spectrum disorders. The current review seeks to understand how the disruption of AMPA receptor (AMPAr)-mediated neurotransmission in the cerebro-cerebellar circuit, particularly in genetic autism related to SHANK3 or SYNGAP1 protein dysfunction function and autism associated with in utero exposure to the anti-seizure medications valproic acid and topiramate, may contribute to the disease presentation. Initially, a discussion contextualizing AMPAr signaling in the cerebro-cerebellar circuitry and microstructural circuit considerations is offered. Subsequently, a detailed review of the literature implicating mutations or deletions of SHANK3 and SYNGAP1 in disrupted AMPAr signaling reveals how bidirectional pathogenic modulation of this key circuit may contribute to autism. Finally, how pharmacological exposure may interact with this pathway, via increased risk of autism diagnosis with valproic acid and topiramate exposure and potential treatment of autism using AMPAr modulator perampanel, is discussed. Through the lens of the review, we will offer speculation on how neuromodulation may be used as a rational adjunct to therapy. Together, the present review seeks to synthesize the disparate considerations of circuit understanding, genetic etiology, and pharmacological modulation to understand the mechanistic interaction of this important and complex disorder.

Serum-Induced Proliferation of Human Cardiac Stem Cells Is Modulated via TGFβRI/II and SMAD2/3

The ageing phenotype is strongly driven by the exhaustion of adult stem cells (ASCs) and the accumulation of senescent cells. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and heart failure (HF) are strongly linked to the ageing phenotype and are the leading cause of death. As the human heart is considered as an organ with low regenerative capacity, treatments targeting the rejuvenation of human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) are of great interest. In this study, the beneficial effects of human blood serum on proliferation and senescence of hCSCs have been investigated at the molecular level. We show the induction of a proliferation-related gene expression response by human blood serum at the mRNA level. The concurrent differential expression of the TGFβ target and inhibitor genes indicates the participation of TGFβ signalling in this context. Surprisingly, the application of TGFβ1 as well as the inhibition of TGFβ type I and type II receptor (TGFβRI/II) signalling strongly increased the proliferation of hCSCs. Likewise, both human blood serum and TGFβ1 reduced the senescence in hCSCs. The protective effect of serum on senescence in hCSCs was enhanced by simultaneous TGFβRI/II inhibition. These results strongly indicate a dual role of TGFβ signalling in terms of the serum-mediated effects on hCSCs. Further analysis via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) revealed the participation of Ras-inactivating genes wherefore a prevention of hyperproliferation upon serum-treatment in hCSCs via TGFβ signalling and Ras-induced senescence is suggested. These insights may improve treatments of heart failure in the future.

Severe behavior problems in SYNGAP1-related disorder: A summary of 11 consecutive patients in a tertiary care specialty clinic

SYNGAP1-related disorder (SYNGAP1-RD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly associated with epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and disruptive behaviors. In this study, behavior problems in 11 consecutive patients with SYNGAP1-RD are described and quantified based on a behavioral screening conducted within the context of a multi-disciplinary tertiary care specialty clinic visit. The behavioral phenotype was then compared to published samples of behavior problems in ASD and other genetic cause of epilepsy occurring in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders using results from the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C), an empirically derived outcome measure. We report common antecedent and consequent events surrounding problem behavior across individuals. Additionally, we report on the management approach of caregivers and the impact of problem behaviors on the family. Our results suggest a number of commonalities between behavioral profiles in SYNGAP1-RD with ASD and other genetic causes of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and also highlight severe behavior problems as a specific behavioral phenotype of SYNGAP1-RD.

Excitation-transcription coupling, neuronal gene expression and synaptic plasticity

Excitation-transcription coupling (E-TC) links synaptic and cellular activity to nuclear gene transcription. It is generally accepted that E-TC makes a crucial contribution to learning and memory through its role in underpinning long-lasting synaptic enhancement in late-phase long-term potentiation and has more recently been linked to late-phase long-term depression: both processes require de novo gene transcription, mRNA translation and protein synthesis. E-TC begins with the activation of glutamate-gated N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptors and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels at the membrane and culminates in the activation of transcription factors in the nucleus. These receptors and ion channels mediate E-TC through mechanisms that include long-range signalling from the synapse to the nucleus and local interactions within dendritic spines, among other possibilities. Growing experimental evidence links these E-TC mechanisms to late-phase long-term potentiation and learning and memory. These advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of E-TC mean that future efforts can focus on understanding its mesoscale functions and how it regulates neuronal network activity and behaviour in physiological and pathological conditions.

Identification and functional characterization of de novo variant in the SYNGAP1 gene causing intellectual disability

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is defined by cognitive and social adaptation defects. Variants in the SYNGAP1 gene, which encodes the brain-specific cytoplasmic protein SYNGAP1, are commonly associated with ID. The aim of this study was to identify novel SYNGAP1 gene variants in Chinese individuals with ID and evaluate the pathogenicity of the detected variants. Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 113 patients diagnosed with ID. In the study, two de novo variants in SYNGAP1 were identified. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm these variants. Minigene assays were used to verify whether the de novo intronic variant in SYNGAP1 influenced the normal splicing of mRNA. Results: Two de novo heterozygous pathogenic variants in SYNGAP1, c.333del and c.664-2A>G, were identified in two ID patients separately. The c.333del variant has been reported previously as a de novo finding in a child with ID, while the c.664-2A>G variant was novel de novo intronic variant, which has not been reported in the literature. Functional studies showed that c.664-2A>G could cause aberrant splicing, resulting in exon 7 skipping and a 16bp deletion within exon 7. Conclusion: We identified two de novo pathogenic heterozygous variants in SYNGAP1 in two patients with ID, among which the c.664-2A>G variant was a novel de novo pathogenic variant. Our findings further enrich the variant spectrum of the SYNGAP1 gene and provide a research basis for the genetic diagnosis of ID.

An intellectual-disability-associated mutation of the transcriptional regulator NACC1 impairs glutamatergic neurotransmission

Advances in genome sequencing technologies have favored the identification of rare de novo mutations linked to neurological disorders in humans. Recently, a de novo autosomal dominant mutation in NACC1 was identified (NM_052876.3: c.892C > T, NP_443108.1; p.Arg298Trp), associated with severe neurological symptoms including intellectual disability, microcephaly, and epilepsy. As NACC1 had never before been associated with neurological diseases, we investigated how this mutation might lead to altered brain function. We examined neurotransmission in autaptic glutamatergic mouse neurons expressing the murine homolog of the human mutant NACC1, i.e., Nacc1-R284W. We observed that expression of Nacc1-R284W impaired glutamatergic neurotransmission in a cell-autonomous manner, likely through a dominant negative mechanism. Furthermore, by screening for Nacc1 interaction targets in the brain, we identified SynGAP1, GluK2A, and several SUMO E3 ligases as novel Nacc1 interaction partners. At a biochemical level, Nacc1-R284W exhibited reduced binding to SynGAP1 and GluK2A, and also showed greatly increased SUMOylation. Ablating the SUMOylation of Nacc1-R284W partially restored its interaction with SynGAP1 but did not restore binding to GluK2A. Overall, these data indicate a role for Nacc1 in regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is substantially impaired by the expression of a disease-associated Nacc1 mutant. This study provides the first functional insights into potential deficits in neuronal function in patients expressing the de novo mutant NACC1 protein.

Emerging roles of O-glycosylation in regulating protein aggregation, phase separation, and functions

Protein O-glycosylation is widely identified in various proteins involved in diverse biological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that O-glycosylation plays crucial and multifaceted roles in modulating protein amyloid aggregation and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) under physiological conditions. Dysregulation of these processes is closely associated with human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and cancers. In this review, we first summarize the distinct roles of O-glycosylation in regulating pathological aggregation of different amyloid proteins related to NDs and elaborate the underlying mechanisms of how O-glycosylation modulates protein aggregation kinetics, induces new aggregated structures, and mediates the pathogenesis of amyloid aggregates under diseased conditions. Furthermore, we introduce recent discoveries on O-GlcNAc-mediated regulation of synaptic LLPS and phase separation potency of low-complexity domain-enriched proteins. Finally, we identify challenges in future research and highlight the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies of NDs by targeting protein O-glycosylation.

From vision to cognition: potential contributions of cerebral visual impairment to neurodevelopmental disorders

Vision has a crucial role to play in human development and functioning. It is, therefore, not surprising that vision plays a fundamental role in the development of the child. As a consequence, an alteration in visual function is, therefore, likely to hinder the child's development. Although ocular disorders are well known, diagnosed and taken into account, cerebral visual impairments (CVI) resulting from post-chiasmatic damage are largely underdiagnosed. However, among the disorders resulting from an episode of perinatal asphyxia and/or associated with prematurity, or neonatal hypoglycaemia, CVIs are prominent. In this article, we focus on the role of the possible effects of CVI on a child's learning abilities, leading to major difficulty in disentangling the consequences of CVI from other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although we focus here on the possible overlap between children with CVI and children with other NDD, De Witt et al. (Wit et al. Ear Hear 39:1-19, 2018) have raised exactly the same question regarding children with auditory processing disorders (the equivalent of CVI in the auditory modality). We underline how motor, social and cognitive development as well as academic success can be impaired by CVI and raise the question of the need for systematic evaluation for disorders of vision, visual perception and cognition in all children presenting with a NDD and/or previously born under adverse neurological conditions.

Novel variants of SYNGAP1 associated epileptic encephalopathy: two cases report and literature review

Background

SYNGAP1 is a significant genetic risk factor for global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and epileptic encephalopathy. De novo loss-of-function variants in this gene cause a neurodevelopmental disorder, for example, early-onset and drug-refractory seizures. We report two children with global developmental delay and epileptic encephalopathy, which are caused by SYNGAP1 gene novel mutations, and drug treatment is effective.

Case presentation

We report a boy and a girl presented with global developmental delay when they were young babies; as they grew up, cognitive impairment and social-communication disorder became more and more prominent; unfortunately, the patients developed into various seizure types, including eyelid myoclonia, myoclonic and absences when the boy was 1 year 8 mouths old and the girl was 3 years old. The two patients were found two previously unknown mutations by high throughput sequencing [c.3271_ c.3272insT; (p.L1091L fs*62), c.2515A > T (p.K839*)] in exon 15 of the SYNGAP in the proband. Sanger sequencing confirmed the heterozygous nature, and neither of their parents carried the same mutation. The girl treated with valproic acid and prednisone became seizure-free, and valproic acid and levetiracetam combined with clonazepam were influential in the other.

Conclusions

The global developmental delay and epileptic encephalopathy of the children were probably due to the pathogenic mutation of the SYNGAP1 gene, and prednisone and clonazepam may be effective in achieving seizure-free.

Synaptoproteomic Analysis of the Prefrontal Cortex Reveals Spatio-Temporal Changes in SYNGAP1 Following Cannabinoid Exposure in Rat Adolescence

The regular use of cannabis during adolescence has been associated with a number of negative life outcomes, including psychopathology and cognitive impairments. However, the exact molecular mechanisms that underlie these outcomes are just beginning to be understood. Moreover, very little is known about the spatio-temporal molecular changes that occur following cannabinoid exposure in adolescence. To understand these changes, we exposed mid-adolescent male rats to a synthetic cannabinoid (WIN 55,212-2 mesylate; WIN) and, following drug abstinence through late adolescence, we subjected the synaptosomal fractions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to proteomic analyses. A total of N = 487 differentially expressed proteins were found in WIN-exposed animals compared to controls. Gene ontology analyses revealed enrichment of terms related to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurotransmitter system. Among the top differentially expressed proteins was the synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1). Using Western blotting experiments, we found that the WIN-induced upregulation of SYNGAP1 was spatio-temporal in nature, arising only in the synaptosomal fractions (not in the cytosol) and only following prolonged drug abstinence (not on abstinence day 1). Moreover, the SYNGAP1 changes were found to be specific to WIN-exposure in adolescence and not adulthood. Adolescent animals exposed to a natural cannabinoid (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC) were also found to have increased levels of SYNGAP1 in the PFC. THC exposure also led to a pronounced upregulation of SYNGAP1 in the amygdala, but without any changes in the dorsal striatum, hippocampus, or nucleus accumbens. To our knowledge, this is the first study to uncover a link between cannabinoid exposure and changes in SYNGAP1 that are spatio-temporal and developmental in nature. Future studies are needed to investigate the putative role of SYNGAP1 in the negative behavioral consequences of cannabis use in adolescence.

Phenotype and genotype analyses of Chinese patients with autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations

Background: Autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 (MRD5), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), and epilepsy predominantly, is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the SYNGAP1 gene. SYNGAP1 mutations have been rarely reported in the Chinese population. Here, we present an investigation of SYNGAP1 mutations in a clinical cohort with ID and DD in Shandong, a northern province in China, to further explore the genotype and phenotype correlations. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 10 children with SYNGAP1 mutations presenting ID, DD, and epilepsy who were diagnosed between January 2014 and May 2022. Clinical data and genetic tests were collected. Treatment and regular follow-ups were carried out to pay close attention to the prognosis of the patients. Results: We described 10 unrelated affected individuals with SYNGAP1 mutations, displaying ID, DD, epilepsy, or seizures. All mutations of SYNGAP1 in the 10 patients were de novo, except patient 3 whose father was unavailable, including five nonsense mutations, two frameshift mutations, two splicing mutations, and one codon deletion. Among these mutations, five were novel and the other five were previously reported. Significantly, all patients with epilepsy were sensitive to anti-seizure drugs, especially sodium valproate. Furthermore, rehabilitation training seemed to exert a more improved effect on motor development than language development for the patients. Conclusion The 10 patients carrying SYNGAP1 mutations were diagnosed as MRD5. Five novel genetic mutations were found, which expanded the mutational spectrum of the SYNGAP1 gene. The identification of these mutations in this study helps explore the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes and contributes to genetic counseling and therapeutic intervention for patients with MRD5.

The SYNGAP1 3'UTR Variant in ALS Patients Causes Aberrant SYNGAP1 Splicing and Dendritic Spine Loss by Recruiting HNRNPK

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is a pathogenic RNA-binding protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously reported that FUS stabilizes Synaptic Ras-GTPase activating protein 1 (Syngap1) mRNA at its 3' untranslated region (UTR) and maintains spine maturation. To elucidate the pathologic roles of this mechanism in ALS patients, we identified the SYNGAP1 3'UTR variant rs149438267 in seven (four males and three females) out of 807 ALS patients at the FUS binding site from a multicenter cohort in Japan. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motor neurons with the SYNGAP1 variant showed aberrant splicing, increased isoform α1 levels, and decreased isoform γ levels, which caused dendritic spine loss. Moreover, the SYNGAP1 variant excessively recruited FUS and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK), and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) blocking HNRNPK altered aberrant splicing and ameliorated dendritic spine loss. These data suggest that excessive recruitment of RNA-binding proteins, especially HNRNPK, as well as changes in SYNGAP1 isoforms, are crucial for spine formation in motor neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT It is not yet known which RNAs cause the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously reported that Fused in sarcoma (FUS), a pathogenic RNA-binding protein in ALS, stabilizes synaptic Ras-GTPase activating protein 1 (Syngap1) mRNA at its 3' untranslated region (UTR) and maintains dendritic spine maturation. To elucidate whether this mechanism is crucial for ALS, we identified the SYNGAP1 3'UTR variant rs149438267 at the FUS binding site. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motor neurons with the SYNGAP1 variant showed aberrant splicing, which caused dendritic spine loss along with excessive recruitment of FUS and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK). Our findings that dendritic spine loss is because of excess recruitment of RNA-binding proteins provide a basis for the future exploration of ALS-related RNA-binding proteins.

Epilepsy Characteristics in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Research from Patient Cohorts and Animal Models Focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Epilepsy, a heterogeneous group of brain-related diseases, has continued to significantly burden society and families. Epilepsy comorbid with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is believed to occur due to multifaceted pathophysiological mechanisms involving disruptions in the excitation and inhibition (E/I) balance impeding widespread functional neuronal circuitry. Although the field has received much attention from the scientific community recently, the research has not yet translated into actionable therapeutics to completely cure epilepsy, particularly those comorbid with NDDs. In this review, we sought to elucidate the basic causes underlying epilepsy as well as those contributing to the association of epilepsy with NDDs. Comprehensive emphasis is put on some key neurodevelopmental genes implicated in epilepsy, such as MeCP2, SYNGAP1, FMR1, SHANK1-3 and TSC1, along with a few others, and the main electrophysiological and behavioral deficits are highlighted. For these genes, the progress made in developing appropriate and valid rodent models to accelerate basic research is also detailed. Further, we discuss the recent development in the therapeutic management of epilepsy and provide a briefing on the challenges and caveats in identifying and testing species-specific epilepsy models.

Molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis

Synapses are the basic units for information processing and storage in the nervous system. It is only when the synaptic connection is established, that it becomes meaningful to discuss the structure and function of a circuit. In humans, our unparalleled cognitive abilities are correlated with an increase in the number of synapses. Additionally, genes involved in synaptogenesis are also frequently associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders, suggesting a relationship between synaptogenesis and brain physiology and pathology. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis is the key to the mystery of circuit assembly and neural computation. Furthermore, it would provide therapeutic insights for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Multiple molecular events must be precisely coordinated to generate a synapse. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis, we need to know the molecular components of synapses, how these molecular components are held together, and how the molecular networks are refined in response to neural activity to generate new synapses. Thanks to the intensive investigations in this field, our understanding of the process of synaptogenesis has progressed significantly. Here, we will review the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis by going over the studies on the identification of molecular components in synapses and their functions in synaptogenesis, how cell adhesion molecules connect these synaptic molecules together, and how neural activity mobilizes these molecules to generate new synapses. Finally, we will summarize the human-specific regulatory mechanisms in synaptogenesis and results from human genetics studies on synaptogenesis and brain disorders.

A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder

Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.

Rho-Rho-Kinase Regulates Ras-ERK Signaling Through SynGAP1 for Dendritic Spine Morphology

The structural plasticity of dendritic spines plays a critical role in NMDA-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the brain. The small GTPases RhoA and Ras are considered key regulators of spine morphology and enlargement. However, the regulatory interaction between RhoA and Ras underlying NMDA-induced spine enlargement is largely unknown. In this study, we found that Rho-kinase/ROCK, an effector of RhoA, phosphorylated SynGAP1 (a synaptic Ras-GTPase activating protein) at Ser842 and increased its interaction with 14-3-3ζ, thereby activating Ras-ERK signaling in a reconstitution system in HeLa cells. We also found that the stimulation of NMDA receptor by glycine treatment for LTP induction stimulated SynGAP1 phosphorylation, Ras-ERK activation, spine enlargement and SynGAP1 delocalization from the spines in striatal neurons, and these effects were prevented by Rho-kinase inhibition. Rho-kinase-mediated phosphorylation of SynGAP1 appeared to increase its dissociation from PSD95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein located at postsynaptic density, by forming a complex with 14-3-3ζ. These results suggest that Rho-kinase phosphorylates SynGAP1 at Ser842, thereby activating the Ras-ERK pathway for NMDA-induced morphological changes in dendritic spines.

Characterization of circRNA-Associated-ceRNA Networks Involved in the Pathogenesis of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a clinical entity associated with declined cognitive function following surgery. It occurs more frequently in elderly patients. Recent studies have shown that circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks, constructed based on interactions between circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA, provide key insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases. However, the mechanism of POCD remains undetermined. In this study, laparotomies were performed under isoflurane anesthesia on young (2-month-old) and aging (17-month-old) male C57BL/6 mice. The results showed that the aging mice were more likely than the young mice to develop POCD. Subsequently, differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were characterized by RNA sequencing the hippocampi of young and aging mice under control and surgery conditions. Six circRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 203 mRNAs were identified to construct the circRNA-associated-ceRNA network for the control condition, while 13 circRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 189 mRNAs were used for the circRNA-associated-ceRNA network for the surgery condition. Further Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of these two networks revealed that the circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks are involved in POCD pathogenesis though modulating the Wnt and VEGF signaling pathways, as well as neural processes associated with long-term synaptic depression and synaptic transmission. In particular, the mmu-miR-298-5P regulatory pathway identified in this study’s mouse model suggests that mm9_circ_009789- and mm9_circ_004229-associated-ceRNA networks as closely related to the occurrence of POCD through regulating PKC signaling pathway, neural cell apoptosis and glycolipid metabolism pathway. These findings provide possible insight into the role of the circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks, helping to unravel the complexity of the molecular pathogenesis of POCD.

A brief history of RAS and the RAS Initiative

In this review, I provide a brief history of the discovery of RAS and the GAPs and GEFs that regulate its activity from a personal perspective. Much of this history has been driven by technological breakthroughs that occurred concurrently, such as molecular cloning, cDNA expression to analyze RAS proteins and their structures, and application of PCR to detect mutations. I discuss the RAS superfamily and RAS proteins as therapeutic targets, including recent advances in developing RAS inhibitors. I also describe the role of the RAS Initiative at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in advancing development of RAS inhibitors and providing new insights into signaling complexes and interaction of RAS proteins with the plasma membrane.

Proteomic Identification of an Endogenous Synaptic SUMOylome in the Developing Rat Brain

Synapses are highly specialized structures that interconnect neurons to form functional networks dedicated to neuronal communication. During brain development, synapses undergo activity-dependent rearrangements leading to both structural and functional changes. Many molecular processes are involved in this regulation, including post-translational modifications by the Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier SUMO. To get a wider view of the panel of endogenous synaptic SUMO-modified proteins in the mammalian brain, we combined subcellular fractionation of rat brains at the post-natal day 14 with denaturing immunoprecipitation using SUMO2/3 antibodies and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Our screening identified 803 candidate SUMO2/3 targets, which represents about 18% of the synaptic proteome. Our dataset includes neurotransmitter receptors, transporters, adhesion molecules, scaffolding proteins as well as vesicular trafficking and cytoskeleton-associated proteins, defining SUMO2/3 as a central regulator of the synaptic organization and function.

SYNGAP1 and Methylenetetrahydrofolate in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Cognitive Development after Oral Folate (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) Supplementation in a 5-Year-Old Girl

Synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1), also called Ras-GAP 1 or RASA5, is a cerebral protein with a role in brain synaptic function. Its expression affects the development, structure, function, and plasticity of neurons. Mutations in the gene cause a neurodevelopment disorder termed mental retardation-type 5, also called SYNGAP1 syndrome. This syndrome can cause many neurological symptoms including pharmaco-resistant epilepsy, intellectual disability, language delay, and autism spectrum disorder. The syndrome naturally evolves as epileptic encephalopathy with handicap and low intellectual level. A treatment to control epilepsy, limit any decrease in social capacities, and improve intellectual development is really a challenging goal for these patients. The etiologic investigation performed in a 5-year-old girl with early epileptic absence seizures (onset at 6 months) and psychomotor delay (language) revealed a low methylenetetrahydrofolate level in cerebrospinal fluid in a lumbar puncture, confirmed by a second one (35 nmol/L and 50 nmol/L vs. 60–100 nmol/L normal), associated with normal blood and erythrocyte folate levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia, de vivo disease, and other metabolic syndromes were excluded by metabolic analysis. No genetic disorders (like methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase) with folate metabolism were found. The physical examination showed only a minor kinetic ataxia. An oral folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) supplementation was started with oral vitamin therapy. The child showed good progress in language with this new treatment; epilepsy was well balanced with only one antiepileptic drug. The SYNGAP1 mutation was identified in this patient's genetic analysis. Since the start of folate supplementation/vitamin therapy, the patient's neurologic development has improved. To our knowledge, no association between these two pathologies has been linked and no patient with this SYNGAP1 mutation has ever showed much intellectual progress. Low cerebral methylenetetrahydrofolate levels could be associated with SYNGAP1 mutations. One of the hypotheses is the link of folate metabolism with epigenetic changes including methylation process. One inborn metabolic activity in folate metabolism may be associated with SYNGAP1 disease with epigenetic repercussions. Further studies should assess the link of SYNGAP1 and methyltetrahydrofolate and the evolution of SYNGAP1 patients with oral folate supplementation or vitamin therapy.

Pharmacological intervention in young adolescents rescues synaptic physiology and behavioural deficits in Syngap1+/- mice

Haploinsufficiency in SYNGAP1 is implicated in intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and affects the maturation of dendritic spines. The abnormal spine development has been suggested to cause a disbalance of excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission at distinct developmental periods. In addition, E/I imbalances in Syngap1^+/- mice might be due to abnormalities in K⁺-Cl^- co-transporter function (NKCC1, KCC2), in a maner similar to the murine models of Fragile-X and Rett syndromes. To study whether an altered intracellular chloride ion concentration represents an underlying mechanism of modified function of GABAergic synapses in Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells of Syngap1^+/- recordings were performed at different developmental stages of the mice. We observed depolarised neurons at P14-15 as illustrated by decreased Cl^- reversal potential in Syngap1^+/- mice. The KCC2 expression was decreased compared to Wild-type (WT) mice at P14-15. The GSK-3β inhibitor, 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (6BIO) that crosses the blood-brain barrier, was tested to restore the function of GABAergic synapses. We discovered that the intraperitoneal administration of 6BIO during the critical period or young adolescents [P30 to P80 (4-week to 10-week)] normalised an altered E/I balance, the deficits of synaptic plasticity, and behavioural performance like social novelty, anxiety, and memory of the Syngap1^+/- mice. In summary, altered GABAergic function in Syngap1^+/- mice is due to reduced KCC2 expression leading to an increase in the intracellular chloride concentration that can be counteracted by the 6BIO, which restored cognitive, emotional, and social symptoms by pharmacological intervention, particularly in adulthood.

Experiential modulation of social dominance in a SYNGAP1 rat model of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Advances in the understanding of developmental brain disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are being achieved through human neurogenetics such as, for example, identifying de novo mutations in SYNGAP1 as one relatively common cause of ASD. A recently developed rat line lacking the calcium/lipid binding (C2) and GTPase activation protein (GAP) domain may further help uncover the neurobiological basis of deficits in children with ASD. This study focused on social dominance in the tube test using Syngap+/Δ-GAP (rats heterozygous for the C2/GAP domain deletion) as alterations in social behaviour are a key facet of the human phenotype. Male animals of this line living together formed a stable intra-cage hierarchy, but they were submissive when living with wild-type (WT) cage-mates, thereby modelling the social withdrawal seen in ASD. The study includes a detailed analysis of specific behaviours expressed in social interactions by WT and mutant animals, including the observation that when the Syngap+/Δ-GAP mutants that had been living together had separate dominance encounters with WT animals from other cages, the two higher ranking Syngap+/Δ-GAP rats remained dominant whereas the two lower ranking mutants were still submissive. Although only observed in a small subset of animals, these findings support earlier observations with a rat model of Fragile X, indicating that their experience of winning or losing dominance encounters has a lasting influence on subsequent encounters with others. Our results highlight and model that even with single-gene mutations, dominance phenotypes reflect an interaction between genotypic and environmental factors.

Proteomic signature of the Dravet syndrome in the genetic Scn1a-A1783V mouse model

BACKGROUND

Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe pediatric epileptic encephalopathy associated with intellectual and motor disabilities. Proteomic profiling in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome can provide information about the molecular consequences of the genetic deficiency and about pathophysiological mechanisms developing during the disease course.

METHODS

A knock-in mouse model of Dravet syndrome with Scn1a haploinsufficiency was used for whole proteome, seizure, and behavioral analysis. Hippocampal tissue was dissected from two- (prior to epilepsy manifestation) and four- (following epilepsy manifestation) week-old male mice and analyzed using LC-MS/MS with label-free quantification. Proteomic data sets were subjected to bioinformatic analysis including pathway enrichment analysis. The differential expression of selected proteins was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The findings confirmed an increased susceptibility to hyperthermia-associated seizures, the development of spontaneous seizures, and behavioral alterations in the novel Scn1a-A1873V mouse model of Dravet syndrome. As expected, proteomic analysis demonstrated more pronounced alterations following epilepsy manifestation. In particular, proteins involved in neurotransmitter dynamics, receptor and ion channel function, synaptic plasticity, astrogliosis, neoangiogenesis, and nitric oxide signaling showed a pronounced regulation in Dravet mice. Pathway enrichment analysis identified several significantly regulated pathways at the later time point, with pathways linked to synaptic transmission and glutamatergic signaling dominating the list.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the whole proteome analysis in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome demonstrated complex molecular alterations in the hippocampus. Some of these alterations may have an impact on excitability or may serve a compensatory function, which, however, needs to be further confirmed by future investigations. The proteomic data indicate that, due to the molecular consequences of the genetic deficiency, the pathophysiological mechanisms may become more complex during the course of the disease. As a result, the management of Dravet syndrome may need to consider further molecular and cellular alterations. Ensuing functional follow-up studies, this data set may provide valuable guidance for the future development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Reversal of synaptic and behavioral deficits in a 16p11.2 duplication mouse model via restoration of the GABA synapse regulator Npas4

The human 16p11.2 gene locus is a hot spot for copy number variations, which predispose carriers to a range of neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Microduplications of 16p11.2 are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and schizophrenia (SZ). Despite the debilitating nature of 16p11.2 duplications, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we performed a comprehensive behavioral characterization of 16p11.2 duplication mice (16p11.2^dp/+) and identified social and cognitive deficits reminiscent of ASD and ID phenotypes. 16p11.2^dp/+ mice did not exhibit the SZ-related sensorimotor gating deficits, psychostimulant-induced hypersensitivity, or motor impairment. Electrophysiological recordings of 16p11.2^dp/+ mice found deficient GABAergic synaptic transmission and elevated neuronal excitability in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region critical for social and cognitive functions. RNA-sequencing identified genome-wide transcriptional aberrance in the PFC of 16p11.2^dp/+ mice, including downregulation of the GABA synapse regulator Npas4. Restoring Npas4 expression in PFC of 16p11.2^dp/+ mice ameliorated the social and cognitive deficits and reversed GABAergic synaptic impairment and neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings suggest that prefrontal cortical GABAergic synaptic circuitry and Npas4 are strongly implicated in 16p11.2 duplication pathology, and may represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in ASD.

Candidate Genes for Eyelid Myoclonia with Absences, Review of the Literature

Eyelid myoclonia with absences (EMA), also known as Jeavons syndrome (JS) is a childhood onset epileptic syndrome with manifestations involving a clinical triad of absence seizures with eyelid myoclonia (EM), photosensitivity (PS), and seizures or electroencephalogram (EEG) paroxysms induced by eye closure. Although a genetic contribution to this syndrome is likely and some genetic alterations have been defined in several cases, the genes responsible for have not been identified. In this review, patients diagnosed with EMA (or EMA-like phenotype) with a genetic diagnosis are summarized. Based on this, four genes could be associated to this syndrome (SYNGAP1, KIA02022/NEXMIF, RORB, and CHD2). Moreover, although there is not enough evidence yet to consider them as candidate for EMA, three more genes present also different alterations in some patients with clinical diagnosis of the disease (SLC2A1, NAA10, and KCNB1). Therefore, a possible relationship of these genes with the disease is discussed in this review.

SYNGAP1 and Its Related Epileptic Syndromes

Synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1) is abundantly expressed in the postsynaptic space in brain tissue and has a crucial role in the regulation of the excitatory/inhibitory balance and in brain development. It is estimated that SYNGAP1 loss of function variants have an incidence of 1 to 4/10,000 individuals, mostly occurring de novo, even if few cases of vertical transmission of mosaic mutations have been reported. Loss-of-function mutations within this gene have been related with an epileptic encephalopathy characterized by eyelid myoclonia with absences (EMA) and myoclonic-atonic seizures (MAE) with early onset, commonly resistant to antiepileptic drugs (AED). Epilepsy is often associated with other clinical features, including truncal and/or facial hypotonia and/or ataxia with a wide-based and unsteady gate. Other clinical signs are intellectual disability, developmental delay, and behavioral and speech impairment, in a context of a normal neuroimaging study. In selected cases, dysmorphic features, skeletal abnormalities, and eye involvement are also described. The diagnosis of the disorder is usually established by multigene panel and, in unsolved cases, by exome sequencing. Management of the affected individuals involves different specialists and is mainly symptomatic. No clinical trials about the efficacy of AED in SYNGAP1 encephalopathy have been performed yet and Lamotrigine and valproate are commonly prescribed. In more than half of cases, however, epilepsy is refractory to AED.

A Dynamic Splicing Program Ensures Proper Synaptic Connections in the Developing Cerebellum

Tight coordination of gene expression in the developing cerebellum is crucial for establishment of neuronal circuits governing motor and cognitive function. However, transcriptional changes alone do not explain all of the switches underlying neuronal differentiation. Here we unveiled a widespread and highly dynamic splicing program that affects synaptic genes in cerebellar neurons. The motifs enriched in modulated exons implicated the splicing factor Sam68 as a regulator of this program. Sam68 controls splicing of exons with weak branchpoints by directly binding near the 3' splice site and competing with U2AF recruitment. Ablation of Sam68 disrupts splicing regulation of synaptic genes associated with neurodevelopmental diseases and impairs synaptic connections and firing of Purkinje cells, resulting in motor coordination defects, ataxia, and abnormal social behavior. These findings uncover an unexpectedly dynamic splicing regulatory network that shapes the synapse in early life and establishes motor and cognitive circuitry in the developing cerebellum.

Critical aspects of neurodevelopment

Organisms have the unique ability to adapt to their environment by making use of external inputs. In the process, the brain is shaped by experiences that go hand-in-hand with optimisation of neural circuits. As such, there exists a time window for the development of different brain regions, each unique for a particular sensory modality, wherein the propensity of forming strong, irreversible connections are high, referred to as a critical period of development. Over the years, this domain of neurodevelopmental research has garnered considerable attention from many scientists, primarily because of the intensive activity-dependent nature of development. This review discusses the cellular, molecular, and neurophysiological bases of critical periods of different sensory modalities, and the disorders associated in cases the regulators of development are dysfunctional. Eventually, the neurobiological bases of the behavioural abnormalities related to developmental pathologies are discussed. A more in-depth insight into the development of the brain during the critical period of plasticity will eventually aid in developing potential therapeutics for several neurodevelopmental disorders that are categorised under critical period disorders.

Cyfip1 Regulates SynGAP1 at Hippocampal Synapses

In humans, copy number variations in CYFIP1 appear to have sweeping physiological and structural consequences in the brain, either producing or altering the severity of intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. Independently, SynGAP1 haploinsufficiency produces intellectual disability and, frequently, autism. Cyfip1 inhibits protein translation and promotes actin polymerization, and SynGAP1 is a synaptically localized Ras/Rap GAP. While these proteins are clearly distinct, studies investigating their functions in mice have shown that each regulates the maturation of synapses in the hippocampus and haploinsufficiency for either produces an exaggerated form of mGluR-dependent long-term depression, suggesting that some signaling pathways converge. In this study, we examined how Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency impacts SynGAP1 levels and localization, as well as potential sites for mechanistic interaction in mouse hippocampus. The data show that synaptic, but not total, levels of SynGAP1 in Cyfip1 ^+/- mice were abnormally low during early postnatal development and in adults. This may be in response to a shift in the balance of kinases that activate SynGAP1 as levels of Cdk5 were reduced and those of activated CaMKII were maintained in Cyfip1 ^+/- mice compared to wild-type mice. Alternatively, this could reflect altered actin dynamics as Rac1 activity in Cyfip1 ^+/- hippocampus was boosted significantly compared to wild-type mice, and levels of synaptic F-actin were generally enhanced due in part to an increase in the activity of the WAVE regulatory complex. Decreased synaptic SynGAP1 coupled with a CaMKII-mediated bias toward Rap1 inactivation at synapses is also consistent with increased levels of synaptic GluA2, increased AMPA receptor-mediated responses to stimulation, and increased levels of synaptic mGluR1/5 compared to wild-type mice. Collectively, our data suggest that Cyfip1 regulates SynGAP1 and the two proteins work coordinately at synapses to appropriately direct actin polymerization and GAP activity.

Multi-parametric analysis of 57 SYNGAP1 variants reveal impacts on GTPase signaling, localization, and protein stability

SYNGAP1 is a neuronal Ras and Rap GTPase-activating protein with important roles in regulating excitatory synaptic plasticity. While many SYNGAP1 missense and nonsense mutations have been associated with intellectual disability, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), whether and how they contribute to individual disease phenotypes is often unknown. Here, we characterize 57 variants in seven assays that examine multiple aspects of SYNGAP1 function. Specifically, we used multiplex phospho-flow cytometry to measure variant impact on protein stability, pERK, pGSK3β, pp38, pCREB, and high-content imaging to examine subcellular localization. We find variants ranging from complete loss-of-function (LoF) to wild-type (WT)-like in their regulation of pERK and pGSK3β, while all variants retain at least partial ability to dephosphorylate pCREB. Interestingly, our assays reveal that a larger proportion of variants located within the disordered domain of unknown function (DUF) comprising the C-terminal half of SYNGAP1 exhibited higher LoF, compared to variants within the better studied catalytic domain. Moreover, we find protein instability to be a major contributor to dysfunction for only two missense variants, both located within the catalytic domain. Using high-content imaging, we find variants located within the C2 domain known to mediate membrane lipid interactions exhibit significantly larger cytoplasmic speckles than WT SYNGAP1. Moreover, this subcellular phenotype shows both correlation with altered catalytic activity and unique deviation from signaling assay results, highlighting multiple independent molecular mechanisms underlying variant dysfunction. Our multidimensional dataset allows clustering of variants based on functional phenotypes and provides high-confidence, multi-functional measures for making pathogenicity predictions.

SynGAP is expressed in the murine suprachiasmatic nucleus and regulates circadian-gated locomotor activity and light-entrainment capacity

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus functions as the master circadian clock. The phasing of the SCN oscillator is locked to the daily solar cycle, and an intracellular signaling cassette from the small GTPase Ras to the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway is central to this entrainment process. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of SynGAP-a GTPase-activating protein that serves as a negative regulator of Ras signaling-within the murine SCN. Using a combination of immunohistochemical and Western blotting approaches, we show that SynGAP is broadly expressed throughout the SCN. In addition, temporal profiling assays revealed that SynGAP expression is regulated over the circadian cycle, with peak expression occurring during the circadian night. Further, time-of-day-gated expression of SynGAP was not observed in clock arrhythmic BMAL1 null mice, indicating that the daily oscillation in SynGAP is driven by the inherent circadian timing mechanism. We also show that SynGAP phosphorylation at serine 1138-an event that has been found to modulate its functional efficacy-is regulated by clock time and is responsive to photic input. Finally, circadian phenotypic analysis of Syngap1 heterozygous mice revealed enhanced locomotor activity, increased sensitivity to light-evoked clock entrainment, and elevated levels of light-evoked MAPK activity, which is consistent with the role of SynGAP as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling. These findings reveal that SynGAP functions as a modulator of SCN clock entrainment, an effect that may contribute to sleep and circadian abnormalities observed in patients with SYNGAP1 gene mutations.

pSynGAP1 disturbance-mediated hippocampal oscillation network impairment might contribute to long-term neurobehavioral abnormities in sepsis survivors

Although more patients survive sepsis and are increasingly discharged from the hospital, they often experience long-term cognitive and psychological impairment with significant socioeconomic impact. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we showed that LPS induced long-term neurobehavioral abnormities, as reflected by significantly decreased freezing time to context and sucrose preference. Using a high-throughput quantitative proteomic screen, we showed that phosphorylation of synaptic GTPase-activating protein 1 (pSynGAP1) was identified as the hub of synaptic plasticity and was significantly decreased following LPS exposure. This decreased pSynGAP was associated with significantly lower theta and gamma oscillations in the CA1 of the hippocampus. Notably, restoration of pSynGAP1 by roscovitine was able to reverse most of these abnormities. Taken together, our study suggested that pSynGAP1 disturbance-mediated hippocampal oscillation network impairment might play a critical role in long-term neurobehavioral abnormities of sepsis survivors.

Demystifying neuroscience laboratory techniques used to investigate single-gene disorders

There is considerable work being carried out in neuroscientific laboratories to delineate the mechanisms underlying single-gene disorders, particularly those related to intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Many clinicians will have little if any direct experience of this type of work and so find the procedures and terminology difficult to understand. This article describes some of the laboratory techniques used and their increasing relevance to clinical practice. It is pitched for clinicians with little or no laboratory science background.

Identification of an individual with a SYGNAP1 pathogenic mutation in India

Exome sequencing is a prominent tool to identify novel and deleterious mutations which could be non-sense, frameshift, and canonical splice-site mutations in a specific gene. De novo mutations in SYNGAP1, which codes for synaptic RAS-GTPase activating the protein, causes Intellectual disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). SYNGAP1 related ASD/ID is one of the rare diseases that are detrimental to the healthy neuronal developmental and disrupts the global development of a child. We report the first SYNGAP1 heterozygous patient from Indian cohort. We report a case of a child of 2-year old with global developmental delay, microcephaly subtle dysmorphism, absence seizures, disrupted sleep, delay in learning a language, and eating problems. Upon further validation, the child has a few traits of ASD. Here, based on focused exome sequencing, we report a de novo heterozygous mutation in SYNGAP1 exon 11 with c. 1861 C > T (p.arg621ter). Currently, the child is on Atorvastatin, a RAS inhibitor, already available in the market for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and has shown considerable improvement in global behaviour and cognitive development. The long-term follow up of the child's development would contribute to the already existing knowledge of the developmental trajectory in individuals with SYNGAP1 heterozygous mutation. In this report, we discuss the finding of a novel mutation in one of the genes, SYNGAP1, implicated in ASD/ID. Besides, we discuss the current treatment prescribed to the patient and the progress of global developmental of the child.

Cutting the Brakes on Ras-Cytoplasmic GAPs as Targets of Inactivation in Cancer

Simple Summary

GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are a group of structurally related proteins with a fundamental role in controlling the activity of Ras in normal and cancer cells. In particular, loss of function of RasGAPs may contribute to aberrant Ras activation in cancer. Here we review the multiple molecular mechanisms and factors that are involved in downregulating RasGAPs expression and functions in cancer. Additionally, we discuss how extracellular stimuli from the tumor microenvironment can control RasGAPs expression and activity in cancer cells and stromal cells, indirectly affecting Ras activation, with implications for cancer development and progression.

Abstract

The Ras pathway is frequently deregulated in cancer, actively contributing to tumor development and progression. Oncogenic activation of the Ras pathway is commonly due to point mutation of one of the three Ras genes, which occurs in almost one third of human cancers. In the absence of Ras mutation, the pathway is frequently activated by alternative means, including the loss of function of Ras inhibitors. Among Ras inhibitors, the GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are major players, given their ability to modulate multiple cancer-related pathways. In fact, most RasGAPs also have a multi-domain structure that allows them to act as scaffold or adaptor proteins, affecting additional oncogenic cascades. In cancer cells, various mechanisms can cause the loss of function of Ras inhibitors; here, we review the available evidence of RasGAP inactivation in cancer, with a specific focus on the mechanisms. We also consider extracellular inputs that can affect RasGAP levels and functions, implicating that specific conditions in the tumor microenvironment can foster or counteract Ras signaling through negative or positive modulation of RasGAPs. A better understanding of these conditions might have relevant clinical repercussions, since treatments to restore or enhance the function of RasGAPs in cancer would help circumvent the intrinsic difficulty of directly targeting the Ras protein.

Recent advances in gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy

Neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by mutations in neuronal genes fundamental to brain development. These disorders have severe symptoms ranging from intellectually disability, social and cognitive impairments, and a subset are strongly linked with epilepsy. In this review, we focus on those neurodevelopmental disorders that are frequently characterized by the presence of epilepsy (NDD + E). We loosely group the genes linked to NDD + E with different neuronal functions: transcriptional regulation, intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission. All these genes have in common a pivotal role in defining the brain architecture and function during early development, and when their function is altered, symptoms can present in the first stages of human life. The relationship with epilepsy is complex. In some NDD + E, epilepsy is a comorbidity and in others seizures appear to be the main cause of the pathology, suggesting that either structural changes (NDD) or neuronal communication (E) can lead to these disorders. Furthermore, grouping the genes that cause NDD + E, we review the uses and limitations of current models of the different disorders, and how different gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat them. We highlight where gene replacement may not be a treatment option, and where innovative therapeutic tools, such as CRISPR‐based gene editing, and new avenues of delivery are required. In general this group of genetically defined disorders, supported increasing knowledge of the mechanisms leading to neurological dysfunction serve as an excellent collection for illustrating the translational potential of gene therapy, including newly emerging tools.

Add-on cannabidiol significantly decreases seizures in 3 patients with SYNGAP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy

Mutations in SYNGAP1 are associated with developmental delay, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epilepsy is often drug-resistant in this syndrome with frequent drop attacks. In a prospective study of add-on cannabidiol (CBD), we identified three patients with SYNGAP1 mutations: two boys and one girl. Seizure onset was at 3.5, 8, and 18 months (M), respectively, with numerous atypical absences per day associated with eyelid myoclonia (2/3 patients), upper limb myoclonic jerks (2/3 patients), and drop attacks (all patients). Seizures were resistant to at least 5 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). After CBD introduction, two patients were responders since M2 and achieve a seizure reduction of 90% and 80%, respectively, at M9 with disappearance of drop attacks. EEGs showed an improvement regarding background activity and interictal anomalies. The last patient showed a late response at M7 of treatment with an 80% decrease in seizure frequency. Caregiver in all three evaluated as much improved the status of their children. Treatment was well-tolerated in all, and no major adverse events (AEs) were reported. CBD showed efficacy in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy due to SYNGAP1 mutations. Other patients with rare genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies with drug-resistant epilepsies might benefit from CBD.

SynGAP splice variants display heterogeneous spatio-temporal expression and subcellular distribution in the developing mammalian brain

The SynGAP protein is a major regulator of synapse biology and neural circuit function. Genetic variants linked to epilepsy and intellectual disability disrupt synaptic function and neural excitability. SynGAP has been involved in multiple signaling pathways and can regulate small GTPases with very different roles. Yet, the molecular bases behind this pleiotropy are poorly understood. We hypothesize that different SynGAP isoforms will mediate different sets of functions and that deciphering their spatio-temporal expression and subcellular localization will accelerate understanding their multiple functions. Using isoform-specific antibodies recognizing SynGAP in mouse and human samples we found distinctive developmental expression patterns for all SynGAP isoforms in five mouse brain areas. Particularly noticeable was the delayed expression of SynGAP-α1 isoforms, which directly bind to postsynaptic density-95, in cortex and hippocampus during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. Suggesting that during this period other isoforms would have a more prominent role. Furthermore, we observed subcellular localization differences between isoforms, particularly throughout postnatal development. Consistent with previous reports, SynGAP was enriched in the postsynaptic density in the mature forebrain. However, SynGAP was predominantly found in non-synaptic locations in a period of early postnatal development highly sensitive to SynGAP levels. While, α1 isoforms were always found enriched in the postsynaptic density, α2 isoforms changed from a non-synaptic to a mostly postsynaptic density localization with age and β isoforms were always found enriched in non-synaptic locations. The differential expression and subcellular distribution of SynGAP isoforms may contribute to isoform-specific regulation of small GTPases, explaining SynGAP pleiotropy.

Twenty Years of SynGAP Research: From Synapses to Cognition

SynGAP is a potent regulator of biochemical signaling in neurons and plays critical roles in neuronal function. It was first identified in 1998, and has since been extensively characterized as a mediator of synaptic plasticity. Because of its involvement in synaptic plasticity, SynGAP has emerged as a critical protein for normal cognitive function. In recent years, mutations in the SYNGAP1 gene have been shown to cause intellectual disability in humans and have been linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. While the structure and biochemical function of SynGAP have been well characterized, a unified understanding of the various roles of SynGAP at the synapse and its contributions to neuronal function remains to be achieved. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the multifactorial role of SynGAP in regulating neuronal function gathered over the last two decades.

Pharmacological Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome Based on Synaptic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of monogenic hereditary cognitive impairment, including intellectual disability, autism, hyperactivity, and epilepsy.

METHODS

This article reviews the literature pertaining to the role of synaptic dysfunction in FXS.

RESULTS

In FXS, synaptic dysfunction alters the excitation-inhibition ratio, dysregulating molecular and cellular processes underlying cognition, learning, memory, and social behavior. Decades of research have yielded important hypotheses that could explain, at least in part, the development of these neurological disorders in FXS patients. However, the main goal of translating lab research in animal models to pharmacological treatments in the clinic has been so far largely unsuccessful, leaving FXS a still incurable disease.

CONCLUSION

In this concise review, we summarize and analyze the main hypotheses proposed to explain synaptic dysregulation in FXS, by reviewing the scientific evidence that led to pharmaceutical clinical trials and their outcome.

Tumor Suppression of Ras GTPase-Activating Protein RASA5 through Antagonizing Ras Signaling Perturbation in Carcinomas

Aberrant RAS signaling activation is common in cancers with even few Ras mutations, indicating alternative dysregulation other than genetic mutations. We identified a Ras GTPase-activating gene RASA5/SYNGAP1, at the common 6p21.3 deletion, methylated/downregulated in multiple carcinomas and different from other RASA family members (RASA1–RASA4), indicating its special functions in tumorigenesis. RASA5 mutations are rare, unlike other RASA members, whereas its promoter CpG methylation is frequent in multiple cancer cell lines and primary carcinomas and associated with patient’s poor survival. RASA5 expression inhibited tumor cell migration/invasion and growth in mouse model, functioning as a tumor suppressor. RASA5 suppressed RAS signaling, depending on its Ras GTPase-activating protein catalytic activity, which could be counteracted by oncogenic HRas Q61L mutant. RASA5 knockdown enhanced Ras signaling to promote tumor cell growth. RASA5 also inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through regulating actin reorganization. Thus, epigenetic inactivation of RASA5 contributing to hyperactive RAS signaling is involved in Ras-driven human oncogenesis.

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RASA5 is normally widely expressed but epigenetically silenced in multiple cancers

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Epigenetic disruption of RASA5 is associated with tumor progression in patients

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RASA5 suppresses RAS signaling, depending on its RasGAP catalytic activity

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RASA5 functions as a tumor suppressor through inhibiting EMT and metastasis

Conserved NDR/LATS kinase controls RAS GTPase activity to regulate cell growth and chronological lifespan

Adaptation to the nutritional environment is critical for all cells. RAS GTPase is a highly conserved GTP-binding protein with crucial functions for cell growth and differentiation in response to environmental conditions. Here, we describe a novel mechanism connecting RAS GTPase to nutrient availability in fission yeast. We report that the conserved NDR/LATS kinase Orb6 responds to nutritional cues and regulates Ras1 GTPase activity. Orb6 increases the protein levels of an Ras1 GTPase activator, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Efc25, by phosphorylating Sts5, a protein bound to efc25 mRNA. By manipulating the extent of Orb6-mediated Sts5 assembly into RNP granules, we can modulate Efc25 protein levels, Ras1 GTPase activity, and, as a result, cell growth and cell survival. Thus, we conclude that the Orb6-Sts5-Ras1 regulatory axis plays a crucial role in promoting cell adaptation, balancing the opposing demands of promoting cell growth and extending chronological lifespan.

Gene mutations in paediatric epilepsies cause NMDA-pathy, and phasic and tonic GABA-pathy

The aim of this study was to disentangle mechanisms of epileptogenesis in monogenic epilepsies in children. We reviewed paediatric monogenic epilepsies excluding brain malformation or an inborn error of metabolism, but including the gene function whether there is loss-of-function or gain-of-function, age at gene expression when available, and associated epilepsy syndrome. Genes for which at least five patients with similar epilepsy phenotype had been reported were selected. Three mechanisms are shared by most monogenic epilepsies: (1) excess of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) transmission activation (NMDA-pathies); (2) abnormal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission with reduced inhibition (phasic GABA-pathies); and (3) tonic activation of extrasynaptic GABA_A receptors by extracellular GABA (tonic GABA-pathies). NMDA-pathies comprise early epileptic encephalopathy with suppression-burst, neonatal/infantile benign seizures, West and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, and encephalopathy with continuous spike waves in slow sleep, thus brief seizures with major interictal spiking. Phasic GABA-pathies comprise mostly generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and Dravet syndrome, thus long-lasting seizures with mild interictal spiking. Tonic GABA-pathies cause epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures and Angelman syndrome, thus major high-amplitude slow-wave activity. This pathophysiological approach to monogenic epilepsies provides diagnostic clues and helps to guide treatment strategy. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: In paediatric monogenic epilepsies, electroclinical patterns point to three main mechanisms: NMDA-pathies, and phasic and tonic GABA-pathies. Antiepileptic treatment choice could be guided by each of these mechanisms.

Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour

Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.

Differential Regulation of Syngap1 Translation by FMRP Modulates eEF2 Mediated Response on NMDAR Activity

SYNGAP1, a Synaptic Ras-GTPase activating protein, regulates synapse maturation during a critical developmental window. Heterozygous mutation in SYNGAP1 (SYNGAP1 ^-/+) has been shown to cause Intellectual Disability (ID) in children. Recent studies have provided evidence for altered neuronal protein synthesis in a mouse model of Syngap1 ^-/+. However, the molecular mechanism behind the same is unclear. Here, we report the reduced expression of a known translation regulator, FMRP, during a specific developmental period in Syngap1 ^-/+ mice. Our results demonstrate that FMRP interacts with and regulates the translation of Syngap1 mRNA. We further show reduced Fmr1 translation leads to decreased FMRP level during development in Syngap1 ^-/+ which results in an increase in Syngap1 translation. These developmental changes are reflected in the altered response of eEF2 phosphorylation downstream of NMDA Receptor (NMDAR)-mediated signaling. In this study, we propose a cross-talk between FMRP and SYNGAP1 mediated signaling which can also explain the compensatory effect of impaired signaling observed in Syngap1 ^-/+ mice.