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Dennys CN, Vermudez SAD, Deacon RJM, Sierra-Delgado JA, Rich K, Zhang X, Buch A, Weiss K, Moxley Y, Rajpal H, Espinoza FD, Powers S, Ávila AS, Gogliotti RG, Cogram P, Niswender CM, Meyer KC. MeCP2 gene therapy ameliorates disease phenotype in mouse model for Pitt Hopkins syndrome. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00376. [PMID: 38876822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00376] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurodevelopmental disorder Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) causes clinical symptoms similar to Rett syndrome (RTT) patients. However, RTT is caused by MECP2 mutations whereas mutations in the TCF4 gene lead to PTHS. The mechanistic commonalities underling these two disorders are unknown, but their shared symptomology suggest that convergent pathway-level disruption likely exists. We reprogrammed patient skin derived fibroblasts into induced neuronal progenitor cells. Interestingly, we discovered that MeCP2 levels were decreased in PTHS patient iNPCs relative to healthy controls and that both iNPCs and iAstrocytes displayed defects in function and differentiation in a mutation-specific manner. When Tcf4+/- mice were genetically crossed with mice overexpressing MeCP2, molecular and phenotypic defects were significantly ameliorated, underlining and important role of MeCP2 in PTHS pathology. Importantly, post-natal intracerebroventricular gene replacement therapy with adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9)-expressing MeCP2 (AAV9.P546.MeCP2) significantly improved iNPC and iAstrocyte function and effectively ameliorated histological and behavioral defects in Tcf4+/- mice. Combined, our data suggest a previously unknown role of MeCP2 in PTHS pathology and common pathways that might be affected in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. Our work highlights potential novel therapeutic targets for PTHS, including upregulation of MeCP2 expression or its downstream targets or, potentially, MeCP2-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Dennys
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sheryl Anne D Vermudez
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Robert J M Deacon
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Chile
| | - J Andrea Sierra-Delgado
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kelly Rich
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aditi Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kelly Weiss
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yuta Moxley
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Hemangi Rajpal
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Francisca D Espinoza
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, 4090541, Chile
| | - Samantha Powers
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ariel S Ávila
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, 4090541, Chile
| | - Rocco G Gogliotti
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Patricia Cogram
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Chile
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kathrin C Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Audouard E, Khefif N, Gillet-Legrand B, Nobilleau F, Bouazizi O, Stanga S, Despres G, Alves S, Lamazière A, Cartier N, Piguet F. Modulation of Brain Cholesterol Metabolism through CYP46A1 Overexpression for Rett Syndrome. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:756. [PMID: 38931878 PMCID: PMC11207948 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060756] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation in the X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2), a ubiquitously expressed transcriptional regulator. RTT results in mental retardation and developmental regression that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 females. Currently, there is no curative treatment for RTT. Thus, it is crucial to develop new therapeutic approaches for children suffering from RTT. Several studies suggested that RTT is linked with defects in cholesterol homeostasis, but for the first time, therapeutic evaluation is carried out by modulating this pathway. Moreover, AAV-based CYP46A1 overexpression, the enzyme involved in cholesterol pathway, has been demonstrated to be efficient in several neurodegenerative diseases. Based on these data, we strongly believe that CYP46A1 could be a relevant therapeutic target for RTT. Herein, we evaluated the effects of intravenous AAVPHP.eB-hCYP46A1-HA delivery in male and female Mecp2-deficient mice. The applied AAVPHP.eB-hCYP46A1 transduced essential neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). CYP46A1 overexpression alleviates behavioral alterations in both male and female Mecp2 knockout mice and extends the lifespan in Mecp2-deficient males. Several parameters related to cholesterol pathway are improved and correction of mitochondrial activity is demonstrated in treated mice, which highlighted the clear therapeutic benefit of CYP46A1 through the neuroprotection effect. IV delivery of AAVPHP.eB-CYP46A1 is perfectly well tolerated with no inflammation observed in the CNS of the treated mice. Altogether, our results strongly suggest that CYP46A1 is a relevant target and overexpression could alleviate the phenotype of Rett patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Audouard
- TIDU GENOV, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, F-75013 Paris, France;
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Nicolas Khefif
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Béatrix Gillet-Legrand
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Fanny Nobilleau
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Ouafa Bouazizi
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Serena Stanga
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gaëtan Despres
- Saint Antoine Research Center, INSERM UMR 938, Département de Métabolomique Clinique, Hôpital Saint Antoine, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sandro Alves
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Antonin Lamazière
- Saint Antoine Research Center, INSERM UMR 938, Département de Métabolomique Clinique, Hôpital Saint Antoine, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
| | - Françoise Piguet
- TIDU GENOV, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, F-75013 Paris, France;
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France (B.G.-L.); (S.A.)
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Gordillo-Sampedro S, Antounians L, Wei W, Mufteev M, Lendemeijer B, Kushner SA, de Vrij FMS, Zani A, Ellis J. iPSC-derived healthy human astrocytes selectively load miRNAs targeting neuronal genes into extracellular vesicles. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 129:103933. [PMID: 38663691 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103933] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are in constant communication with neurons during the establishment and maturation of functional networks in the developing brain. Astrocytes release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNA (miRNA) cargo that regulates transcript stability in recipient cells. Astrocyte released factors are thought to be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. Healthy astrocytes partially rescue Rett Syndrome (RTT) neuron function. EVs isolated from stem cell progeny also correct aspects of RTT. EVs cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their cargo is found in peripheral blood which may allow non-invasive detection of EV cargo as biomarkers produced by healthy astrocytes. Here we characterize miRNA cargo and sequence motifs in healthy human astrocyte derived EVs (ADEVs). First, human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) were differentiated into Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) and subsequently into astrocytes using a rapid differentiation protocol. iPSC derived astrocytes expressed specific markers, displayed intracellular calcium transients and secreted ADEVs. miRNAs were identified by RNA-Seq on astrocytes and ADEVs and target gene pathway analysis detected brain and immune related terms. The miRNA profile was consistent with astrocyte identity, and included approximately 80 miRNAs found in astrocytes that were relatively depleted in ADEVs suggestive of passive loading. About 120 miRNAs were relatively enriched in ADEVs and motif analysis discovered binding sites for RNA binding proteins FUS, SRSF7 and CELF5. miR-483-5p was the most significantly enriched in ADEVs. This miRNA regulates MECP2 expression in neurons and has been found differentially expressed in blood samples from RTT patients. Our results identify potential miRNA biomarkers selectively sorted into ADEVs and implicate RNA binding protein sequence dependent mechanisms for miRNA cargo loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gordillo-Sampedro
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lina Antounians
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bas Lendemeijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Femke M S de Vrij
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Center of Expertise for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENCORE), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Augusto Zani
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Albizzati E, Breccia M, Florio E, Cabasino C, Postogna FM, Grassi R, Boda E, Battaglia C, De Palma C, De Quattro C, Pozzi D, Landsberger N, Frasca A. Mecp2 knock-out astrocytes affect synaptogenesis by interleukin 6 dependent mechanisms. iScience 2024; 27:109296. [PMID: 38469559 PMCID: PMC10926209 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic abnormalities are a hallmark of several neurological diseases, and clarification of the underlying mechanisms represents a crucial step toward the development of therapeutic strategies. Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, mainly affecting females, caused by mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, leading to a deep derangement of synaptic connectivity. Although initial studies supported the exclusive involvement of neurons, recent data have highlighted the pivotal contribution of astrocytes in RTT pathogenesis through non-cell autonomous mechanisms. Since astrocytes regulate synapse formation and functionality by releasing multiple molecules, we investigated the influence of soluble factors secreted by Mecp2 knock-out (KO) astrocytes on synapses. We found that Mecp2 deficiency in astrocytes negatively affects their ability to support synaptogenesis by releasing synaptotoxic molecules. Notably, neuronal inputs from a dysfunctional astrocyte-neuron crosstalk lead KO astrocytes to aberrantly express IL-6, and blocking IL-6 activity prevents synaptic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Albizzati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Breccia
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Florio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Cabasino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maddalena Postogna
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Grassi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Boda
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Battaglia
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara De Palma
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Concetta De Quattro
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Cà Vignal 1, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelisa Frasca
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Milan, Italy
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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.
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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.
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