1
|
D'Antoni S, Spatuzza M, Bonaccorso CM, Catania MV. Role of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 in the pathophysiology of brain disorders: a glia perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105731. [PMID: 38763180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105731] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a widely expressed RNA binding protein involved in several steps of mRNA metabolism. Mutations in the FMR1 gene encoding FMRP are responsible for fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, and fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder in aging men. Although FMRP is mainly expressed in neurons, it is also present in glial cells and its deficiency or altered expression can affect functions of glial cells with implications for the pathophysiology of brain disorders. The present review focuses on recent advances on the role of glial subtypes, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, in the pathophysiology of FXS and FXTAS, and describes how the absence or reduced expression of FMRP in these cells can impact on glial and neuronal functions. We will also briefly address the role of FMRP in radial glial cells and its effects on neural development, and gliomas and will speculate on the role of glial FMRP in other brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S D'Antoni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - M Spatuzza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - C M Bonaccorso
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, via Conte Ruggero 73, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - M V Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu J, Zhang J, Chen X, Wettschurack K, Que Z, Deming BA, Olivero-Acosta MI, Cui N, Eaton M, Zhao Y, Li SM, Suzuki M, Chen I, Xiao T, Halurkar MS, Mandal P, Yuan C, Xu R, Koss WA, Du D, Chen F, Wu LJ, Yang Y. Microglial over-pruning of synapses during development in autism-associated SCN2A-deficient mice and human cerebral organoids. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02518-4. [PMID: 38499656 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States. While neurons have been the focus of understanding ASD, an altered neuro-immune response in the brain may be closely associated with ASD, and a neuro-immune interaction could play a role in the disease progression. As the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate brain development and homeostasis via core functions including phagocytosis of synapses. While ASD has been traditionally considered a polygenic disorder, recent large-scale human genetic studies have identified SCN2A deficiency as a leading monogenic cause of ASD and intellectual disability. We generated a Scn2a-deficient mouse model, which displays major behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. However, the role of microglia in this disease model is unknown. Here, we reported that Scn2a-deficient mice have impaired learning and memory, accompanied by reduced synaptic transmission and lower spine density in neurons of the hippocampus. Microglia in Scn2a-deficient mice are partially activated, exerting excessive phagocytic pruning of post-synapses related to the complement C3 cascades during selective developmental stages. The ablation of microglia using PLX3397 partially restores synaptic transmission and spine density. To extend our findings from rodents to human cells, we established a microglia-incorporated human cerebral organoid model carrying an SCN2A protein-truncating mutation identified in children with ASD. We found that human microglia display increased elimination of post-synapse in cerebral organoids carrying the SCN2A mutation. Our study establishes a key role of microglia in multi-species autism-associated models of SCN2A deficiency from mouse to human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kyle Wettschurack
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Zhefu Que
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Brody A Deming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Maria I Olivero-Acosta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ningren Cui
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Muriel Eaton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Yuanrui Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Sophia M Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Matthew Suzuki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ian Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Tiange Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Manasi S Halurkar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Purba Mandal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Wendy A Koss
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Dongshu Du
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fuxue Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Severino L, Kim J, Nam MH, McHugh TJ. From synapses to circuits: What mouse models have taught us about how autism spectrum disorder impacts hippocampal function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105559. [PMID: 38246230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105559] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a variety of cognitive and behavioral domains. While a genetic component of ASD has been well-established, none of the numerous syndromic genes identified in humans accounts for more than 1% of the clinical patients. Due to this large number of target genes, numerous mouse models of the disorder have been generated. However, the focus on distinct brain circuits, behavioral phenotypes and diverse experimental approaches has made it difficult to synthesize the overwhelming number of model animal studies into concrete throughlines that connect the data across levels of investigation. Here we chose to focus on one circuit, the hippocampus, and one hypothesis, a shift in excitatory/inhibitory balance, to examine, from the level of the tripartite synapse up to the level of in vivo circuit activity, the key commonalities across disparate models that can illustrate a path towards a better mechanistic understanding of ASD's impact on hippocampal circuit function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Severino
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi Saitama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vacharasin JM, Ward JA, McCord MM, Cox K, Imitola J, Lizarraga SB. Neuroimmune mechanisms in autism etiology - untangling a complex problem using human cellular models. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae003. [PMID: 38665176 PMCID: PMC11044813 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 people and is more often diagnosed in males than in females. Core features of ASD are impaired social interactions, repetitive behaviors and deficits in verbal communication. ASD is a highly heterogeneous and heritable disorder, yet its underlying genetic causes account only for up to 80% of the cases. Hence, a subset of ASD cases could be influenced by environmental risk factors. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a response to inflammation during pregnancy, which can lead to increased inflammatory signals to the fetus. Inflammatory signals can cross the placenta and blood brain barriers affecting fetal brain development. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that MIA could contribute to ASD etiology. However, human mechanistic studies have been hindered by a lack of experimental systems that could replicate the impact of MIA during fetal development. Therefore, mechanisms altered by inflammation during human pre-natal brain development, and that could underlie ASD pathogenesis have been largely understudied. The advent of human cellular models with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid technology is closing this gap in knowledge by providing both access to molecular manipulations and culturing capability of tissue that would be otherwise inaccessible. We present an overview of multiple levels of evidence from clinical, epidemiological, and cellular studies that provide a potential link between higher ASD risk and inflammation. More importantly, we discuss how stem cell-derived models may constitute an ideal experimental system to mechanistically interrogate the effect of inflammation during the early stages of brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janay M Vacharasin
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Francis Marion University, 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, S.C. 29506, USA
| | - Joseph A Ward
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Mikayla M McCord
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kaitlin Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, UConn Health, Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-5357, USA
| | - Sofia B Lizarraga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Y, Wu J, Zhang J, Chen X, Que Z, Wettschurack K, Deming B, Acosta M, Cui N, Eaton M, Zhao Y, Halurkar M, Purba M, Chen I, Xiao T, Suzuki M, Yuan C, Xu R, Koss W, Du D, Chen F, Wu LJ, Clinic M. Microglial over-pruning of synapses during development in autism-associated SCN2A-deficient mice and human cerebral organoids. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3270664. [PMID: 37841865 PMCID: PMC10571631 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3270664/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States. While neurons have been the focus to understand ASD, an altered neuro-immune response in the brain may be closely associated with ASD, and a neuro-immune interaction could play a role in the disease progression. As the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate brain development and homeostasis via core functions including phagocytosis of synapses. While ASD has been traditionally considered a polygenic disorder, recent large-scale human genetic studies have identified SCN2A deficiency as a leading monogenic cause of ASD and intellectual disability. We generated a Scn2a-deficient mouse model, which displays major behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. However, the role of microglia in this disease model is unknown. Here, we reported that Scn2a-deficient mice have impaired learning and memory, accompanied by reduced synaptic transmission and lower spine density in neurons of the hippocampus. Microglia in Scn2a-deficient mice are partially activated, exerting excessive phagocytic pruning of post-synapses related to the complement C3 cascades during selective developmental stages. The ablation of microglia using PLX3397 partially restores synaptic transmission and spine density. To extend our findings from rodents to human cells, we established a microglial-incorporated human cerebral organoid model carrying an SCN2A protein-truncating mutation identified in children with ASD. We found that human microglia display increased elimination of post-synapse in cerebral organoids carrying the SCN2A mutation. Our study establishes a key role of microglia in multi-species autism-associated models of SCN2A deficiency from mouse to human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Zhefu Que
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Kyle Wettschurack
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Brody Deming
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Maria Acosta
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Ningren Cui
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Muriel Eaton
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Yuanrui Zhao
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Manasi Halurkar
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Mandal Purba
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Ian Chen
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ziemka-Nalecz M, Pawelec P, Ziabska K, Zalewska T. Sex Differences in Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14571. [PMID: 37834018 PMCID: PMC10572175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5, A. Pawinskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Z.-N.); (P.P.); (K.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Boccazzi M, Raffaele S, Zanettin T, Abbracchio MP, Fumagalli M. Altered Purinergic Signaling in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on P2 Receptors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050856. [PMID: 37238724 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the umbrella term 'neurodevelopmental disorders' (NDDs) we refer to a plethora of congenital pathological conditions generally connected with cognitive, social behavior, and sensory/motor alterations. Among the possible causes, gestational and perinatal insults have been demonstrated to interfere with the physiological processes necessary for the proper development of fetal brain cytoarchitecture and functionality. In recent years, several genetic disorders caused by mutations in key enzymes involved in purine metabolism have been associated with autism-like behavioral outcomes. Further analysis revealed dysregulated purine and pyrimidine levels in the biofluids of subjects with other NDDs. Moreover, the pharmacological blockade of specific purinergic pathways reversed the cognitive and behavioral defects caused by maternal immune activation, a validated and now extensively used rodent model for NDDs. Furthermore, Fragile X and Rett syndrome transgenic animal models as well as models of premature birth, have been successfully utilized to investigate purinergic signaling as a potential pharmacological target for these diseases. In this review, we examine results on the role of the P2 receptor signaling in the etiopathogenesis of NDDs. On this basis, we discuss how this evidence could be exploited to develop more receptor-specific ligands for future therapeutic interventions and novel prognostic markers for the early detection of these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Boccazzi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Raffaele
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Zanettin
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria P Abbracchio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Fumagalli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vacca RA, Augello A, Gallo L, Caggianese G, Malizia V, La Grutta S, Murero M, Valenti D, Tullo A, Balech B, Marzano F, Ghezzo A, Tancredi G, Turchetta A, Riccio MP, Bravaccio C, Scala I. Serious Games in the new era of digital-health interventions: A narrative review of their therapeutic applications to manage neurobehavior in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105156. [PMID: 37019246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders generally show adaptive, cognitive and motor skills impairments associated with behavioral problems, i.e., alterations in attention, anxiety and stress regulation, emotional and social relationships, which strongly limit their quality of life. This narrative review aims at providing a critical overview of the current knowledge in the field of serious games (SGs), known as digital instructional interactive videogames, applied to neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, a growing number of studies is drawing attention to SGs as innovative and promising interventions in managing neurobehavioral and cognitive disturbs in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Accordingly, we provide a literature overview of the current evidence regarding the actions and the effects of SGs. In addition, we describe neurobehavioral alterations occurring in some specific neurodevelopmental disorders for which a possible therapeutic use of SGs has been suggested. Finally, we discuss findings obtained in clinical trials using SGs as digital therapeutics in neurodevelopment disorders and suggest new directions and hypotheses for future studies to bridge the gaps between clinical research and clinical practice.
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
Collapse
|
10
|
Appel LM, Franke V, Benedum J, Grishkovskaya I, Strobl X, Polyansky A, Ammann G, Platzer S, Neudolt A, Wunder A, Walch L, Kaiser S, Zagrovic B, Djinovic-Carugo K, Akalin A, Slade D. The SPOC domain is a phosphoserine binding module that bridges transcription machinery with co- and post-transcriptional regulators. Nat Commun 2023; 14:166. [PMID: 36631525 PMCID: PMC9834408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The heptad repeats of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) are extensively modified throughout the transcription cycle. The CTD coordinates RNA synthesis and processing by recruiting transcription regulators as well as RNA capping, splicing and 3'end processing factors. The SPOC domain of PHF3 was recently identified as a CTD reader domain specifically binding to phosphorylated serine-2 residues in adjacent CTD repeats. Here, we establish the SPOC domains of the human proteins DIDO, SHARP (also known as SPEN) and RBM15 as phosphoserine binding modules that can act as CTD readers but also recognize other phosphorylated binding partners. We report the crystal structure of SHARP SPOC in complex with CTD and identify the molecular determinants for its specific binding to phosphorylated serine-5. PHF3 and DIDO SPOC domains preferentially interact with the Pol II elongation complex, while RBM15 and SHARP SPOC domains engage with writers and readers of m6A, the most abundant RNA modification. RBM15 positively regulates m6A levels and mRNA stability in a SPOC-dependent manner, while SHARP SPOC is essential for its localization to inactive X-chromosomes. Our findings suggest that the SPOC domain is a major interface between the transcription machinery and regulators of transcription and co-transcriptional processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Appel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vedran Franke
- The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Benedum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Grishkovskaya
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xué Strobl
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Polyansky
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Ammann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Platzer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Neudolt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Wunder
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Walch
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Kaiser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bojan Zagrovic
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Djinovic-Carugo
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Vecčna Pot 113, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042, Grenoble, Cedex 9, France
| | - Altuna Akalin
- The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dea Slade
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Haploinsufficiency of Shank3 increases the orientation selectivity of V1 neurons. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22230. [PMID: 36564435 PMCID: PMC9789112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26402-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose hallmarks are social deficits, language impairment, repetitive behaviors, and sensory alterations. It has been reported that patients with ASD show differential activity in cortical regions, for instance, increased neuronal activity in visual processing brain areas and atypical visual perception compared with healthy subjects. The causes of these alterations remain unclear, although many studies demonstrate that ASD has a strong genetic correlation. An example is Phelan-McDermid syndrome, caused by a deletion of the Shank3 gene in one allele of chromosome 22. However, the neuronal consequences relating to the haploinsufficiency of Shank3 in the brain remain unknown. Given that sensory abnormalities are often present along with the core symptoms of ASD, our goal was to study the tuning properties of the primary visual cortex to orientation and direction in awake, head-fixed Shank3+/- mice. We recorded neural activity in vivo in response to visual gratings in the primary visual cortex from a mouse model of ASD (Shank3+/- mice) using the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6f, imaged with a two-photon microscope through a cranial window. We found that Shank3+/- mice showed a higher proportion of neurons responsive to drifting gratings stimuli than wild-type mice. Shank3+/- mice also show increased responses to some specific stimuli. Furthermore, analyzing the distributions of neurons for the tuning width, we found that Shank3+/- mice have narrower tuning widths, which was corroborated by analyzing the orientation selectivity. Regarding this, Shank3+/- mice have a higher proportion of selective neurons, specifically neurons showing increased selectivity to orientation but not direction. Thus, the haploinsufficiency of Shank3 modified the neuronal response of the primary visual cortex.
Collapse
|
12
|
Curnow E, Wang Y. New Animal Models for Understanding FMRP Functions and FXS Pathology. Cells 2022; 11:1628. [PMID: 35626665 PMCID: PMC9140010 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X encompasses a range of genetic conditions, all of which result as a function of changes within the FMR1 gene and abnormal production and/or expression of the FMR1 gene products. Individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common heritable form of intellectual disability, have a full-mutation sequence (>200 CGG repeats) which brings about transcriptional silencing of FMR1 and loss of FMR protein (FMRP). Despite considerable progress in our understanding of FXS, safe, effective, and reliable treatments that either prevent or reduce the severity of the FXS phenotype have not been approved. While current FXS animal models contribute their own unique understanding to the molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral deficits associated with FXS, no single animal model is able to fully recreate the FXS phenotype. This review will describe the status and rationale in the development, validation, and utility of three emerging animal model systems for FXS, namely the nonhuman primate (NHP), Mongolian gerbil, and chicken. These developing animal models will provide a sophisticated resource in which the deficits in complex functions of perception, action, and cognition in the human disorder are accurately reflected and aid in the successful translation of novel therapeutics and interventions to the clinic setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Curnow
- REI Division, Department of ObGyn, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| |
Collapse
|