1
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Kim J, Bustamante E, Sotonyi P, Maxwell ND, Parameswaran P, Kent JK, Wetsel WC, Soderblom EJ, Rácz B, Soderling SH. Presynaptic Rac1 in the hippocampus selectively regulates working memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585488. [PMID: 38562715 PMCID: PMC10983896 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
One of the most extensively studied members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, Rac1 is an intracellular signal transducer that remodels actin and phosphorylation signaling networks. Previous studies have shown that Rac1-mediated signaling is associated with hippocampal-dependent working memory and longer-term forms of learning and memory and that Rac1 can modulate forms of both pre- and postsynaptic plasticity. How these different cognitive functions and forms of plasticity mediated by Rac1 are linked, however, is unclear. Here, we show that spatial working memory is selectively impaired following the expression of a genetically encoded Rac1-inhibitor at presynaptic terminals, while longer-term cognitive processes are affected by Rac1 inhibition at postsynaptic sites. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of this presynaptic process, we leveraged new advances in mass spectrometry to identify the proteomic and post-translational landscape of presynaptic Rac1 signaling. We identified serine/threonine kinases and phosphorylated cytoskeletal signaling and synaptic vesicle proteins enriched with active Rac1. The phosphorylated sites in these proteins are at positions likely to have regulatory effects on synaptic vesicles. Consistent with this, we also report changes in the distribution and morphology of synaptic vesicles and in postsynaptic ultrastructure following presynaptic Rac1 inhibition. Overall, this study reveals a previously unrecognized presynaptic role of Rac1 signaling in cognitive processes and provides insights into its potential regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaebin Kim
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edwin Bustamante
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter Sotonyi
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nicholas D Maxwell
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pooja Parameswaran
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julie K Kent
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - William C Wetsel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erik J Soderblom
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bence Rácz
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Scott H Soderling
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Herbst C, Bothe V, Wegler M, Axer-Schaefer S, Audebert-Bellanger S, Gecz J, Cogne B, Feldman HB, Horn AHC, Hurst ACE, Kelly MA, Kruer MC, Kurolap A, Laquerriere A, Li M, Mark PR, Morawski M, Nizon M, Pastinen T, Polster T, Saugier-Veber P, SeSong J, Sticht H, Stieler JT, Thifffault I, van Eyk CL, Marcorelles P, Vezain-Mouchard M, Abou Jamra R, Oppermann H. Heterozygous loss-of-function variants in DOCK4 cause neurodevelopmental delay and microcephaly. Hum Genet 2024; 143:455-469. [PMID: 38526744 PMCID: PMC11043173 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Neurons form the basic anatomical and functional structure of the nervous system, and defects in neuronal differentiation or formation of neurites are associated with various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dynamic changes in the cytoskeleton are essential for this process, which is, inter alia, controlled by the dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) through the activation of RAC1. Here, we clinically describe 7 individuals (6 males and one female) with variants in DOCK4 and overlapping phenotype of mild to severe global developmental delay. Additional symptoms include coordination or gait abnormalities, microcephaly, nonspecific brain malformations, hypotonia and seizures. Four individuals carry missense variants (three of them detected de novo) and three individuals carry null variants (two of them maternally inherited). Molecular modeling of the heterozygous missense variants suggests that the majority of them affect the globular structure of DOCK4. In vitro functional expression studies in transfected Neuro-2A cells showed that all missense variants impaired neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, Dock4 knockout Neuro-2A cells also exhibited defects in promoting neurite outgrowth. Our results, including clinical, molecular and functional data, suggest that loss-of-function variants in DOCK4 probable cause a variable spectrum of a novel neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Herbst
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Viktoria Bothe
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Meret Wegler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Axer-Schaefer
- Department of Epileptology, Krankenhaus Mara Bethel Epilepsy Center Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Campus Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Jozef Gecz
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Benjamin Cogne
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- l'institut du Thorax, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Hagit Baris Feldman
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anselm H C Horn
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Erlangen National High Performance Computing Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna C E Hurst
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Melissa A Kelly
- HudsonAlpha Clinical Services Lab, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Michael C Kruer
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA
| | - Alina Kurolap
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Annie Laquerriere
- Department of Anatomy, Inserm U1245 and CHU Rouen, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Megan Li
- Invitae Corp, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul R Mark
- Division of Medical Genetics, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Markus Morawski
- Center of Neuropathology and Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Paul Flechsig Institute, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mathilde Nizon
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- l'institut du Thorax, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, USA
- University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Tilman Polster
- Department of Epileptology, Krankenhaus Mara Bethel Epilepsy Center Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Campus Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pascale Saugier-Veber
- Department of Genetics and Reference Center for Developmental Disorders, Inserm U1245 and CHU Rouen, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Jang SeSong
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jens T Stieler
- Center of Neuropathology and Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Paul Flechsig Institute, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Isabelle Thifffault
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, USA
- University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Clare L van Eyk
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Myriam Vezain-Mouchard
- Department of Genetics and Reference Center for Developmental Disorders, Inserm U1245 and CHU Rouen, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Rami Abou Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henry Oppermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Zaki ZMM, Ali SA, Ghazali MM, Jam FA. Genetic Modifications of Developmental Dyslexia and Its Representation Using In Vivo, In Vitro Model. Glob Med Genet 2024; 11:76-85. [PMID: 38414980 PMCID: PMC10898997 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1781456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Dyslexia is a genetic and heritable disorder that has yet to discover the treatment of it, especially at the molecular and drug intervention levels. This review provides an overview of the current findings on the environmental and genetic factors involved in developmental dyslexia. The latest techniques used in diagnosing the disease and macromolecular factors findings may contribute to a higher degree of development in detangling the proper management and treatment for dyslexic individuals. Furthermore, this review tried to put together all the models used in the current dyslexia research for references in future studies that include animal models as well as in vitro models and how the previous research has provided consistent data across many years and regions. Thus, we suggest furthering the studies using an organoid model based on the existing gene polymorphism, pathways, and neuronal function input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakiyyah M M Zaki
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Siti A Ali
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
- Centre for Healthcare Science and Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mazira M Ghazali
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Faidruz A Jam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
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4
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Xu X, Zhou H, Wu H, Miao Z, Wan B, Ren H, Ge W, Wang G, Xu X. Tet2 acts in the lateral habenula to regulate social preference in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112695. [PMID: 37402169 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) has been considered a moderator of social behaviors. However, it remains unknown how LHb regulates social interaction. Here, we show that the hydroxymethylase Tet2 is highly expressed in the LHb. Tet2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice exhibit impaired social preference; however, replenishing Tet2 in the LHb rescues social preference impairment in Tet2 cKO mice. Tet2 cKO alters DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) modifications in genes that are related to neuronal functions, as is confirmed by miniature two-photon microscopy data. Further, Tet2 knockdown in the glutamatergic neurons of LHb causes impaired social behaviors, but the inhibition of glutamatergic excitability restores social preference. Mechanistically, we identify that Tet2 deficiency reduces 5hmC modifications on the Sh3rf2 promoter and Sh3rf2 mRNA expression. Interestingly, Sh3rf2 overexpression in the LHb rescues social preference in Tet2 cKO mice. Therefore, Tet2 in the LHb may be a potential therapeutic target for social behavior deficit-related disorders such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyun Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; PKU-Nanjing Joint Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Hainan Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhigang Miao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Bo Wan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haigang Ren
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221600, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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5
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Wang W, Wang Z, Cao J, Dong Y, Chen Y. Roles of Rac1-Dependent Intrinsic Forgetting in Memory-Related Brain Disorders: Demon or Angel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10736. [PMID: 37445914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are required to handle daily massive amounts of information in an ever-changing environment, and the resulting memories and experiences determine their survival and development, which is critical for adaptive evolution. However, intrinsic forgetting, which actively deletes irrelevant information, is equally important for memory acquisition and consolidation. Recently, it has been shown that Rac1 activity plays a key role in intrinsic forgetting, maintaining the balance of the brain's memory management system in a controlled manner. In addition, dysfunctions of Rac1-dependent intrinsic forgetting may contribute to memory deficits in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, these new findings will provide insights into the neurobiology of memory and forgetting, pathological mechanisms and potential therapies for brain disorders that alter intrinsic forgetting mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yulan Dong
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
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6
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Xu X, He B, Zeng J, Yin J, Wang X, Luo X, Liang C, Luo S, Yan H, Xiong S, Tan Z, Lv D, Dai Z, Lin Z, Lin J, Ye X, Chen R, Li Y, Wang Y, Chen W, Luo Z, Li K, Ma G. Genetic variations in DOCK4 contribute to schizophrenia susceptibility in a Chinese cohort: A genetic neuroimaging study. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114353. [PMID: 36822513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114353] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that the DOCK4 gene increases susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, no study has hitherto repeated this association in Chinese, and further investigated the relationship between DOCK4 and clinical symptoms in schizophrenic patients using clinical scales and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS In this study, we genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2074127, rs2217262, and rs2074130) within the DOCK4 gene using a case-control design (including 1289 healthy controls and 1351 patients with schizophrenia). 55 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and 59 healthy participants were divided by the genotypes of rs2074130 into CC and CT+TT groups. We further investigated the association with clinical symptoms and neural characteristics (brain activation/connectivity and nodal network metrics). RESULTS Our results showed significant associations between all selected SNPs and schizophrenia (all P < 0.05). In patients, letter fluency and motor speed scores of T allele carriers were significantly higher than the CC group (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, greater brain activity, functional connectivity, and betweenness centrality (BC) in language processing and motor coordination were also observed in the corresponding brain zones in patients with the T allele based on a two-way ANCOVA model. Moreover, a potential positive correlation was found between brain activity/connectivity of these brain regions and verbal fluency and motor speed. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the DOCK4 gene may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia and lead to language processing and motor coordination dysfunction in this patient population from China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusan Xu
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Jieqing Zeng
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Jingwen Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Institute of Neurology, Longjiang Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Shucun Luo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Haifeng Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Susu Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Dong Lv
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zhun Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Juda Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Riling Chen
- Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - You Li
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Wubiao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zebin Luo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China.
| | - Keshen Li
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510623, China.
| | - Guoda Ma
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China.
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7
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Guo D, Yang X, Gao M, Chen X, Tang Y, Shen L, Li K, Shi L. Deficiency of Autism-Related Gene Dock4 Leads to Impaired Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Function in Mice at Late Middle Age. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1129-1146. [PMID: 35635601 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01233-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that lasts lifelong and causes noticeably higher premature mortality. Although the core symptoms and other behavioral deficits of ASD can persist or be deteriorated from early development to old age, how aging affects the behaviors and brain anatomy in ASD is largely unknown. DOCK4 is an ASD risk gene highly expressed in the hippocampus, and Dock4 knockout (KO) mice display ASD-like behaviors in adulthood (4- to 6-month-old). In this study, we evaluated the behavioral and hippocampal pathological changes of late-middle-aged (15- to 17-month-old) Dock4 male KO mice. Aged Dock4 KO mice continuously showed similar social deficit, elevated anxiety, and disrupted object location memory as observed in the adulthood, when compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Notably, Dock4 KO mice displayed an age-related decline of hippocampal dependent spatial memory, showing decreased spatial memory in Barnes maze than their WT littermates at late middle age. Morphological analysis from WT and Dock4 KO littermates revealed that Dock4 deficiency led to decreased mature neurons and oligodendrocytes but increased astrocytes in the hippocampus of late-middle-aged mice. Together, we report that ASD-like behaviors mostly persist into late-middle age in Dock4 KO mice, with specific alterations of spatial memory and hippocampal anatomy by age, thus providing new evidence for understanding age differences in behavioral deficits of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daji Guo
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanping Tang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingling Shen
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Keshen Li
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Direct targeting of DOCK4 by miRNA-181d in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-mediated neuronal injury. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:34. [PMID: 36882763 PMCID: PMC9990210 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The miRNA-181 (miR-181) family regulates neuronal persistence during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Since the effect of miR-181d on CI/RI has never been studied, the current work sought to determine the involvement of miR-181d in neuronal apoptosis after brain I/R injury. To replicate in vivo and in vitro CI/RI, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in rats and an oxygen-glucose deficiency/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in neuro 2A cells were developed. In both in vivo and in vitro stroke models, the expression of miR-181d was considerably higher. miR-181d suppression reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in OGD/R-treated neuroblastoma cells, but miR-181d overexpression increased both. Furthermore, it was observed that miR-181d has a direct target in dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4). The overexpression of DOCK4 partially overcame cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by miR-181d upregulation and OGD/R injury. Furthermore, the DOCK4 rs2074130 mutation was related to lower DOCK4 levels in ischemic stroke (IS) peripheral blood and higher susceptibility to IS. These findings suggest that downregulating miR-181d protects neurons from ischemic damage by targeting DOCK4, implying that the miR-181d/DOCK4 axis might be a novel therapeutic target for IS.
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9
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Xu L, Yang L, Wu Y, Wan X, Tang X, Xu Y, Chen Q, Liu Y, Liu S. Rac1/PAK1 signaling contributes to bone cancer pain by Regulation dendritic spine remodeling in rats. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231161031. [PMID: 36938611 PMCID: PMC10028669 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231161031] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is severe chronic pain caused by tumor metastasis to the bones, often resulting in significant skeletal remodeling and fractures. Currently, there is no curative treatment. Therefore, insight into the underlying mechanisms could guide the development of mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for BCP. We speculated that Rac1/PAK1 signaling plays a critical role in the development of BCP. Tumor cells implantation (TCI) into the tibial cavity resulted in bone cancer-associated mechanical allodynia. Golgi staining revealed changes in the excitatory synaptic structure of WDR (Wide-dynamic range) neurons in the spinal cord, including increased postsynaptic density (PSD) length and thickness, and width of the cleft. Behavioral and western blotting test revealed that the development and persistence of pain correlated with Rac1/PAK1 signaling activation in primary sensory neurons. Intrathecal injection of NSC23766, a Rac1 inhibitor, reduced the persistence of BCP as well as reversed the remodeling of dendrites. Therefore, we concluded that activation of the Rac1/PAK1 signaling pathway in the spinal cord plays an important role in the development of BCP through remodeling of dendritic spines. Modulation of the Rac1/PAK1 pathway may be a potential strategy for BCP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Long Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou
Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinxin Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower
Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihui Tang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou
Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou
Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingsong Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou
Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepeng Liu
- Institute of Xuzhou Medical
Science, Jiangsu, China
| | - Su Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia
Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of
Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical
University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou
Medical University, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Ma X, Li L, Li Z, Huang Z, Yang Y, Liu P, Guo D, Li Y, Wu T, Luo R, Xu J, Ye W, Jiang B, Shi L. eEF2 in the prefrontal cortex promotes excitatory synaptic transmission and social novelty behavior. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54543. [PMID: 35993189 PMCID: PMC9535807 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of mRNA translation is essential for brain development and function. Translation elongation factor eEF2 acts as a molecular hub orchestrating various synaptic signals to protein synthesis control and participates in hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions. However, whether eEF2 regulates other behaviors in different brain regions has been unknown. Here, we construct a line of Eef2 heterozygous (HET) mice, which show a reduction in eEF2 and protein synthesis mainly in excitatory neurons of the prefrontal cortex. The mice also show lower spine density, reduced excitability, and AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). While HET mice exhibit normal learning and memory, they show defective social behavior and elevated anxiety. Knockdown of Eef2 in excitatory neurons of the mPFC specifically is sufficient to impair social novelty preference. Either chemogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in the mPFC or mPFC local infusion of the AMPAR potentiator PF-4778574 corrects the social novelty deficit of HET mice. Collectively, we identify a novel role for eEF2 in promoting prefrontal AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission underlying social novelty behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyue Ma
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Liuren Li
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ziming Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhengyi Huang
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaorong Yang
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Peng Liu
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Clinical Neuroscience InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yueyao Li
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tianying Wu
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ruixiang Luo
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation of the Children's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Wen‐Cai Ye
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
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11
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Mai Le N, Li J. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 role in Pathophysiology of Neurological diseases. BRAIN HEMORRHAGES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hest.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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12
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Duman JG, Blanco FA, Cronkite CA, Ru Q, Erikson KC, Mulherkar S, Saifullah AB, Firozi K, Tolias KF. Rac-maninoff and Rho-vel: The symphony of Rho-GTPase signaling at excitatory synapses. Small GTPases 2022; 13:14-47. [PMID: 33955328 PMCID: PMC9707551 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1885264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections between neurons are essential for every facet of human cognition and are thus regulated with extreme precision. Rho-family GTPases, molecular switches that cycle between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state, comprise a critical feature of synaptic regulation. Rho-GTPases are exquisitely controlled by an extensive suite of activators (GEFs) and inhibitors (GAPs and GDIs) and interact with many different signalling pathways to fulfill their roles in orchestrating the development, maintenance, and plasticity of excitatory synapses of the central nervous system. Among the mechanisms that control Rho-GTPase activity and signalling are cell surface receptors, GEF/GAP complexes that tightly regulate single Rho-GTPase dynamics, GEF/GAP and GEF/GEF functional complexes that coordinate multiple Rho-family GTPase activities, effector positive feedback loops, and mutual antagonism of opposing Rho-GTPase pathways. These complex regulatory mechanisms are employed by the cells of the nervous system in almost every step of development, and prominently figure into the processes of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory. Finally, misregulation of Rho-GTPases plays critical roles in responses to neuronal injury, such as traumatic brain injury and neuropathic pain, and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, decoding the mechanisms of Rho-GTPase regulation and function at excitatory synapses has great potential for combatting many of the biggest current challenges in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Francisco A. Blanco
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher A. Cronkite
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly C. Erikson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Bin Saifullah
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen Firozi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberley F. Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Niescier RF, Lin YC. The Potential Role of AMPA Receptor Trafficking in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Neuroscience 2021; 479:180-191. [PMID: 34571086 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition associated with difficulties in social interaction and communication. It also shares several comorbidities with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Intensive research examining the molecular basis and characteristics of ASD has revealed an association with a large number and variety of low-penetrance genes. Many of the variants associated with ASD are in genes underlying pathways involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) or depression (LTD). These mechanisms then control the tuning of neuronal connections in response to experience by modifying and trafficking ionotropic glutamate receptors at the post-synaptic areas. Despite the high genetic heterogeneity in ASD, surface trafficking of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor is a vulnerable pathway in ASD. In this review, we discuss autism-related alterations in the trafficking of AMPA receptors, whose surface density and composition at the post-synapse determine the strength of the excitatory connection between neurons. We highlight genes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions that share the autism comorbidity, including Fragile X syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis, as well as the autism-risk genes NLGNs, IQSEC2, DOCK4, and STXBP5, all of which are involved in regulating AMPAR trafficking to the post-synaptic surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Niescier
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Yu-Chih Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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14
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Li Y, Deng P, Chen C, Ma Q, Pi H, He M, Lu Y, Gao P, Zhou C, He Z, Zhang Y, Yu Z, Zhang L. 1,800 MHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Irradiation Impairs Neurite Outgrowth With a Decrease in Rap1-GTP in Primary Mouse Hippocampal Neurons and Neuro2a Cells. Front Public Health 2021; 9:771508. [PMID: 34881219 PMCID: PMC8646047 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.771508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: With the global popularity of communication devices such as mobile phones, there are increasing concerns regarding the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on the brain, one of the most important organs sensitive to RF-EMR exposure at 1,800 MHz. However, the effects of RF-EMR exposure on neuronal cells are unclear. Neurite outgrowth plays a critical role in brain development, therefore, determining the effects of 1,800 MHz RF-EMR exposure on neurite outgrowth is important for exploring its effects on brain development. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of 1,800 MHz RF-EMR exposure for 48 h on neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells and to explore the associated role of the Rap1 signaling pathway. Material and Methods: Primary hippocampal neurons from C57BL/6 mice and Neuro2a cells were exposed to 1,800 MHz RF-EMR at a specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 4 W/kg for 48 h. CCK-8 assays were used to determine the cell viability after 24, 48, and 72 h of irradiation. Neurite outgrowth of primary hippocampal neurons (DIV 2) and Neuro2a cells was observed with a 20 × optical microscope and recognized by ImageJ software. Rap1a and Rap1b gene expressions were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Rap1, Rap1a, Rap1b, Rap1GAP, and p-MEK1/2 protein expressions were detected by western blot. Rap1-GTP expression was detected by immunoprecipitation. The role of Rap1-GTP was assessed by transfecting a constitutively active mutant plasmid (Rap1-Gly_Val-GFP) into Neuro2a cells. Results: Exposure to 1,800 MHz RF-EMR for 24, 48, and 72 h at 4 W/kg did not influence cell viability. The neurite length, primary and secondary neurite numbers, and branch points of primary mouse hippocampal neurons were significantly impaired by 48-h RF-EMR exposure. The neurite-bearing cell percentage and neurite length of Neuro2a cells were also inhibited by 48-h RF-EMR exposure. Rap1 activity was inhibited by 48-h RF-EMR with no detectable alteration in either gene or protein expression of Rap1. The protein expression of Rap1GAP increased after 48-h RF-EMR exposure, while the expression of p-MEK1/2 protein decreased. Overexpression of constitutively active Rap1 reversed the decrease in Rap1-GTP and the neurite outgrowth impairment in Neuro2a cells induced by 1,800 MHz RF-EMR exposure for 48 h. Conclusion: Rap1 activity and related signaling pathways are involved in the disturbance of neurite outgrowth induced by 48-h 1,800 MHz RF-EMR exposure. The effects of RF-EMR exposure on neuronal development in infants and children deserve greater focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunhai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinlong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huifeng Pi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mindi He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yonghui Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhixin He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Scala M, Nishikawa M, Nagata KI, Striano P. Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Neurodevelopmental Disorders Caused by Rac GTPases Dysregulation: What's behind Neuro-RACopathies. Cells 2021; 10:3395. [PMID: 34943902 PMCID: PMC8699292 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho family guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) regulate cellular signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics, playing a pivotal role in cell adhesion, migration, and cell cycle progression. The Rac subfamily of Rho GTPases consists of three highly homologous proteins, Rac 1-3. The proper function of Rac1 and Rac3, and their correct interaction with guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) are crucial for neural development. Pathogenic variants affecting these delicate biological processes are implicated in different medical conditions in humans, primarily neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In addition to a direct deleterious effect produced by genetic variants in the RAC genes, a dysregulated GTPase activity resulting from an abnormal function of GEFs and GAPs has been involved in the pathogenesis of distinctive emerging conditions. In this study, we reviewed the current pertinent literature on Rac-related disorders with a primary neurological involvement, providing an overview of the current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the neuro-RACopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Masashi Nishikawa
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, 713-8 Kamiya, Kasugai 480-0392, Japan; (M.N.); (K.-i.N.)
| | - Koh-ichi Nagata
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, 713-8 Kamiya, Kasugai 480-0392, Japan; (M.N.); (K.-i.N.)
- Department of Neurochemistry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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16
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Zha X, Xu XH. Neural circuit mechanisms that govern inter-male attack in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7289-7307. [PMID: 34687319 PMCID: PMC11072497 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals of many species fight with conspecifics to gain access to or defend critical resources essential for survival and reproduction. Such intraspecific fighting is evolutionarily selected for in a species-, sex-, and environment-dependent manner when the value of resources secured exceeds the cost of fighting. One such example is males fighting for chances to mate with females. Recent advances in new tools open up ways to dissect the detailed neural circuit mechanisms that govern intraspecific, particularly inter-male, aggression in the model organism Mus musculus (house mouse). By targeting and functional manipulating genetically defined populations of neurons and their projections, these studies reveal a core neural circuit that controls the display of reactive male-male attacks in mice, from sensory detection to decision making and action selection. Here, we summarize these critical results. We then describe various modulatory inputs that route into the core circuit to afford state-dependent and top-down modulation of inter-male attacks. While reviewing these exciting developments, we note that how the inter-male attack circuit converges or diverges with neural circuits that mediate other forms of social interactions remain not fully understood. Finally, we emphasize the importance of combining circuit, pharmacological, and genetic analysis when studying the neural control of aggression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zha
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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17
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Animal models of developmental dyslexia: Where we are and what we are missing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1180-1197. [PMID: 34699847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common learning disability among both school-aged children and across languages. Recently, sensory and cognitive mechanisms have been reported to be potential endophenotypes (EPs) for DD, and nine DD-candidate genes have been identified. Animal models have been used to investigate the etiopathological pathways that underlie the development of complex traits, as they enable the effects of genetic and/or environmental manipulations to be evaluated. Animal research designs have also been linked to cutting-edge clinical research questions by capitalizing on the use of EPs. For the present scoping review, we reviewed previous studies of murine models investigating the effects of DD-candidate genes. Moreover, we highlighted the use of animal models as an innovative way to unravel new insights behind the pathophysiology of reading (dis)ability and to assess cutting-edge preclinical models.
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18
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Qin T, Yang J, Huang D, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Chen H, Xu G. DOCK4 stimulates MUC2 production through its effect on goblet cell differentiation. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6507-6519. [PMID: 33559155 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal mucosa is in continuous contact with milliard of microorganisms, thus intestinal epithelial barrier is a critical component in the arsenal of defense mechanisms required to prevent infection and inflammation. Mucin 2 (MUC2), which is produced by the goblet cells, forms the skeleton of the intestinal mucus and protects the intestinal tract from self-digestion and numerous microorganisms. Dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) is a member of the DOCK-B subfamily of the DOCK family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors. It is reported that DOCK4 plays a critical role in the repair of the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium after chemical damage. In this study, the role of DOCK4 in the goblet cell differentiation and MUC2 production is explored. Disordered intestinal epithelium and shortage of goblet cells were observed in DOCK4 gene knockout mice. Furthermore, DOCK4 deletion contributed to the low expression of MUC2 and the goblet cell differentiation/maturation factors including growth factor independent 1 (Gfi1) and SAM pointed domain epithelial-specific transcription factor (Spdef) in mouse ileums and colons. Overexpression of DOCK4 caused a marked increase in Gfi1, Spdef, and MUC2, while siRNA knockdown of endogenous DOCK4 significantly decreased Gfi1, Spdef, and MUC2 in HT-29 cells. In addition, MUC2, DOCK4, and the goblet cell differentiation/maturation factors mRNA levels were decreased in colorectal cancer samples compared with normal colons. A significant positive correlation was found between MUC2 and DOCK4. In conclusion, DOCK4 may serve as a critical regulator of goblet cell differentiation and MUC2 production in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingfeng Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dayin Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanling Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geyang Xu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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19
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Biological implications of genetic variations in autism spectrum disorders from genomics studies. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229227. [PMID: 34240107 PMCID: PMC8298259 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical social interaction and communication together with repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. The prevalence of ASD has been increased these years. Compelling evidence has shown that genetic factors contribute largely to the development of ASD. However, knowledge about its genetic etiology and pathogenesis is limited. Broad applications of genomics studies have revealed the importance of gene mutations at protein-coding regions as well as the interrupted non-coding regions in the development of ASD. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for the known molecular genetic basis and possible pathological mechanisms as well as the risk genes and loci of ASD. Functional studies for the underlying mechanisms are also implicated. The understanding of the genetics and genomics of ASD is important for the genetic diagnosis and intervention for this condition.
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20
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Zhu S, Hou S, Lu Y, Sheng W, Cui Z, Dong T, Feng H, Wan Q. USP36-Mediated Deubiquitination of DOCK4 Contributes to the Diabetic Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:638477. [PMID: 33968925 PMCID: PMC8102983 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.638477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease but the efficacy of current treatment remains unsatisfactory. The pathogenesis of DKD needs a more in-depth research. Ubiquitin specific proteases 36 (USP36), a member of deubiquitinating enzymes family, has aroused wide concerns for its role in deubiquitinating and stabilizing target proteins. Nevertheless, the role of USP36 in diabetes has never been reported yet. Herein, we identified an increased expression of USP36 both in vitro and in vivo in diabetic renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), and its overexpression is related to the enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further investigation into the mechanisms proved that USP36 could directly bind to and mediate the deubiquitination of dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that could activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and induce EMT. Our study revealed a new mechanism that USP36 participates in the pathogenesis of DKD, and provided potential intervening targets accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwei Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shaoshuai Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Sheng
- Department of Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhengguo Cui
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tianyi Dong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Feng
- Department of Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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21
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Thompson AP, Bitsina C, Gray JL, von Delft F, Brennan PE. RHO to the DOCK for GDP disembarking: Structural insights into the DOCK GTPase nucleotide exchange factors. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100521. [PMID: 33684443 PMCID: PMC8063744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family consists of 11 structurally conserved proteins that serve as atypical RHO guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RHO GEFs). These regulatory proteins act as mediators in numerous cellular cascades that promote cytoskeletal remodeling, playing roles in various crucial processes such as differentiation, migration, polarization, and axon growth in neurons. At the molecular level, DOCK DHR2 domains facilitate nucleotide dissociation from small GTPases, a process that is otherwise too slow for rapid spatiotemporal control of cellular signaling. Here, we provide an overview of the biological and structural characteristics for the various DOCK proteins and describe how they differ from other RHO GEFs and between DOCK subfamilies. The expression of the family varies depending on cell or tissue type, and they are consequently implicated in a broad range of disease phenotypes, particularly in the brain. A growing body of available structural information reveals the mechanism by which the catalytic DHR2 domain elicits nucleotide dissociation and also indicates strategies for the discovery and design of high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors. Such compounds could serve as chemical probes to interrogate the cellular function and provide starting points for drug discovery of this important class of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Bitsina
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Janine L Gray
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank von Delft
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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22
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Rho GTPase Regulators and Effectors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animal Models and Insights for Therapeutics. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040835. [PMID: 32244264 PMCID: PMC7226772 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases are small G proteins that act as molecular switches shuttling between active and inactive forms. Rho GTPases are regulated by two classes of regulatory proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rho GTPases transduce the upstream signals to downstream effectors, thus regulating diverse cellular processes, such as growth, migration, adhesion, and differentiation. In particular, Rho GTPases play essential roles in regulating neuronal morphology and function. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of Rho GTPase signaling contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been found that 20 genes encoding Rho GTPase regulators and effectors are listed as ASD risk genes by Simons foundation autism research initiative (SFARI). This review summarizes the clinical evidence, protein structure, and protein expression pattern of these 20 genes. Moreover, ASD-related behavioral phenotypes in animal models of these genes are reviewed, and the therapeutic approaches that show successful treatment effects in these animal models are discussed.
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