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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.
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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.
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Hourani S, Pouladi MA. Oligodendroglia and myelin pathology in fragile X syndrome. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38898700 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16144] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Studies of the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome (FXS) have predominantly focused on synaptic and neuronal disruptions in the disease. However, emerging studies highlight the consistency of white matter abnormalities in the disorder. Recent investigations using animal models of FXS have suggested a role for the fragile X translational regulator 1 protein (FMRP) in the development and function of oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. These studies are starting to uncover FMRP's involvement in the regulation of myelin-related genes, such as myelin basic protein, and its influence on the maturation and functionality of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and oligodendrocytes. Here, we consider evidence of white matter abnormalities in FXS, review our current understanding of FMRP's role in oligodendrocyte development and function, and highlight gaps in our knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms that may contribute to white matter abnormalities in FXS. Addressing these gaps may help identify new therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima Hourani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A Pouladi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Li BZ, Sumera A, Booker SA, McCullagh EA. Current Best Practices for Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology and Number in Neurodevelopmental Disorder Research. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1561-1572. [PMID: 37070364 PMCID: PMC10161226 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative methods for assessing neural anatomy have rapidly evolved in neuroscience and provide important insights into brain health and function. However, as new techniques develop, it is not always clear when and how each may be used to answer specific scientific questions posed. Dendritic spines, which are often indicative of synapse formation and neural plasticity, have been implicated across many brain regions in neurodevelopmental disorders as a marker for neural changes reflecting neural dysfunction or alterations. In this Perspective we highlight several techniques for staining, imaging, and quantifying dendritic spines as well as provide a framework for avoiding potential issues related to pseudoreplication. This framework illustrates how others may apply the most rigorous approaches. We consider the cost-benefit analysis of the varied techniques, recognizing that the most sophisticated equipment may not always be necessary for answering some research questions. Together, we hope this piece will help researchers determine the best strategy toward using the ever-growing number of techniques available to determine neural changes underlying dendritic spine morphology in health and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Zheng Li
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, University
of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Anna Sumera
- Simons
Initiative for the Developing Brain, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, U.K.
| | - Sam A Booker
- Simons
Initiative for the Developing Brain, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, U.K.
| | - Elizabeth A. McCullagh
- Department
of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
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McCullagh EA, Poleg S, Stich D, Moldovan R, Klug A. Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) Application for Imaging Myelination in Brain Slices. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/64013. [PMID: 35938838 PMCID: PMC9484306 DOI: 10.3791/64013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is a technique classically employed by chemists and physicists to produce a coherent signal of signature vibrations of molecules. However, these vibrational signatures are also characteristic of molecules within anatomical tissue such as the brain, making it increasingly useful and applicable for Neuroscience applications. For example, CARS can measure lipids by specifically exciting chemical bonds within these molecules, allowing for quantification of different aspects of tissue, such as myelin involved in neurotransmission. In addition, compared to other techniques typically used to quantify myelin, CARS can also be set up to be compatible with immunofluorescent techniques, allowing for co-labeling with other markers such as sodium channels or other components of synaptic transmission. Myelination changes are an inherently important mechanism in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions such as Fragile X Syndrome or autism spectrum disorders is an emerging area of research. In conclusion, CARS can be utilized in innovative ways to answer pressing questions in Neuroscience and provide evidence for underlying mechanisms related to many different neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shani Poleg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz
| | - Dominik Stich
- Advanced Light Microscopy Core, University of Colorado Anschutz
| | - Radu Moldovan
- Advanced Light Microscopy Core, University of Colorado Anschutz
| | - Achim Klug
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz
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Li BZ, Pun SH, Vai MI, Lei TC, Klug A. Predicting the Influence of Axon Myelination on Sound Localization Precision Using a Spiking Neural Network Model of Auditory Brainstem. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:840983. [PMID: 35360169 PMCID: PMC8964079 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.840983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial hearing allows animals to rapidly detect and localize auditory events in the surrounding environment. The auditory brainstem plays a central role in processing and extracting binaural spatial cues through microsecond-precise binaural integration, especially for detecting interaural time differences (ITDs) of low-frequency sounds at the medial superior olive (MSO). A series of mechanisms exist in the underlying neural circuits for preserving accurate action potential timing across multiple fibers, synapses and nuclei along this pathway. One of these is the myelination of afferent fibers that ensures reliable and temporally precise action potential propagation in the axon. There are several reports of fine-tuned myelination patterns in the MSO circuit, but how specifically myelination influences the precision of sound localization remains incompletely understood. Here we present a spiking neural network (SNN) model of the Mongolian gerbil auditory brainstem with myelinated axons to investigate whether different axon myelination thicknesses alter the sound localization process. Our model demonstrates that axon myelin thickness along the contralateral pathways can substantially modulate ITD detection. Furthermore, optimal ITD sensitivity is reached when the MSO receives contralateral inhibition via thicker myelinated axons compared to contralateral excitation, a result that is consistent with previously reported experimental observations. Our results suggest specific roles of axon myelination for extracting temporal dynamics in ITD decoding, especially in the pathway of the contralateral inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Zheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado, Denver, Denver, CO, United States,State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed Signal Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI), University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Sio Hang Pun
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed Signal Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI), University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Mang I. Vai
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed Signal Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI), University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Tim C. Lei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado, Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Achim Klug
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,*Correspondence: Achim Klug,
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