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Osaki T, Delepine C, Osako Y, Kranz D, Levin A, Nelson C, Fagiolini M, Sur M. Early differential impact of MeCP2 mutations on functional networks in Rett syndrome patient-derived human cerebral organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.10.607464. [PMID: 39149328 PMCID: PMC11326256 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.10.607464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells can recapture early developmental processes and reveal changes involving neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated with Rett syndrome, and disease severity varies depending on the location and type of mutation. Here, we focused on neuronal activity in Rett syndrome patient-derived organoids, analyzing two types of MeCP2 mutations - a missense mutation (R306C) and a truncating mutation (V247X) - using calcium imaging with three-photon microscopy. Compared to isogenic controls, we found abnormal neuronal activity in Rett organoids and altered network function based on graph theoretic analyses, with V247X mutations impacting functional responses and connectivity more severely than R306C mutations. These changes paralleled EEG data obtained from patients with comparable mutations. Labeling DLX promoter-driven inhibitory neurons demonstrated differences in activity and functional connectivity of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in the two types of mutation. Transcriptomic analyses revealed HDAC2-associated impairment in R306C organoids and decreased GABAA receptor expression in excitatory neurons in V247X organoids. These findings demonstrate mutation-specific mechanisms of vulnerability in Rett syndrome and suggest targeted strategies for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Osaki
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chloe Delepine
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yuma Osako
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Devorah Kranz
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - April Levin
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
| | - Charles Nelson
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michela Fagiolini
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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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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Zhong Y, Zhou L, Guo Y, Wang F, He F, Cheng Y, Meng X, Xie H, Zhang Y, Li J. Downregulated SPESP1-driven fibroblast senescence decreases wound healing in aged mice. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1660. [PMID: 38764260 PMCID: PMC11103130 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1660] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) are essential in the processes of skin ageing and wound healing. However, the underlying mechanism of HDFs in skin healing of the elderly has not been well defined. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of HDFs senescence and how senescent HDFs affect wound healing in aged skin. METHODS The expression and function of sperm equatorial segment protein 1 (SPESP1) in skin ageing were evaluated via in vivo and in vitro experiments. To delve into the potential molecular mechanisms by which SPESP1 influences skin ageing, a combination of techniques was employed, including proteomics, RNA sequencing, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. Clearance of senescent cells by dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q) was investigated to explore the role of SPESP1-induced senescent HDFs in wound healing. RESULTS Here, we define the critical role of SPESP1 in ameliorating HDFs senescence and retarding the skin ageing process. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that SPESP1 directly binds to methyl-binding protein, leading to Decorin demethylation and subsequently upregulation of its expression. Moreover, SPESP1 knockdown delays wound healing in young mice and SPESP1 overexpression induces wound healing in old mice. Notably, pharmacogenetic clearance of senescent cells by D+Q improved wound healing in SPESP1 knockdown skin. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings reveal the critical role of SPESP1 in skin ageing and wound healing, expecting to facilitate the development of anti-ageing strategies and improve wound healing in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhong
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Department of DermatologyThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouPeoples Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Fanping He
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Yufan Cheng
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Hongfu Xie
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
| | - Yiya Zhang
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanPeoples Republic of China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of DermatologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging BiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaPeoples Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanPeoples Republic of China
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Pramanik S, Bala A, Pradhan A. Zebrafish in understanding molecular pathophysiology, disease modeling, and developing effective treatments for Rett syndrome. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3677. [PMID: 38380785 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3677] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare but dreadful X-linked genetic disease that mainly affects young girls. It is a neurological disease that affects nerve cell development and function, resulting in severe motor and intellectual disabilities. To date, no cure is available for treating this disease. In 90% of the cases, RTT is caused by a mutation in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcription factor involved in the repression and activation of transcription. MECP2 is known to regulate several target genes and is involved in different physiological functions. Mouse models exhibit a broad range of phenotypes in recapitulating human RTT symptoms; however, understanding the disease mechanisms remains incomplete, and many potential RTT treatments developed in mouse models have not shown translational effectiveness in human trials. Recent data hint that the zebrafish model emulates similar disrupted neurological functions following mutation of the mecp2 gene. This suggests that zebrafish can be used to understand the onset and progression of RTT pathophysiology and develop a possible cure. In this review, we elaborate on the molecular basis of RTT pathophysiology in humans and model organisms, including rodents and zebrafish, focusing on the zebrafish model to understand the molecular pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategies for RTT. Finally, we propose a rational treatment strategy, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA technology and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Asis Bala
- Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Division of Life Sciences; Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), An Autonomous Institute Under - Department of Science & Technology (Govt. of India) Vigyan Path, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) gene that is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, autistic features, speech deficits, and sleep and breathing abnormalities. Neurologically, patients with all three disorders display microcephaly, aberrant dendritic morphology, reduced spine density, and an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and FOXG1 genes also cause similar behavioral and neurobiological defects and were referred to as congenital or variant Rett syndrome. The relatively recent realization that CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), FOXG1 syndrome, and Rett syndrome are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders with some distinctive features have resulted in separate focus being placed on each disorder with the assumption that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie their pathogenesis. However, given that many of the core symptoms and neurological features are shared, it is likely that the disorders share some critical molecular underpinnings. This review discusses the possibility that deregulation of common molecules in neurons and astrocytes plays a central role in key behavioral and neurological abnormalities in all three disorders. These include KCC2, a chloride transporter, vGlut1, a vesicular glutamate transporter, GluD1, an orphan-glutamate receptor subunit, and PSD-95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein. We propose that reduced expression or activity of KCC2, vGlut1, PSD-95, and AKT, along with increased expression of GluD1, is involved in the excitatory/inhibitory that represents a key aspect in all three disorders. In addition, astrocyte-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and inflammatory cytokines likely affect the expression and functioning of these molecules resulting in disease-associated abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh R D’Mello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
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Thoby-Brisson M. Central respiratory command and microglia: An early-life partnership. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 82:102756. [PMID: 37544078 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, brain-resident macrophages, are key players in brain development, regulating synapse density, shaping neural circuits, contributing to plasticity, and maintaining nervous tissue homeostasis. These functions are ensured from early prenatal development until maturity, in normal and pathological states of the central nervous system. Microglia dysfunction can be involved in several neurodevelopmental disorders, some of which are associated with respiratory deficits. Breathing is a rhythmic motor behavior generated and controlled by hindbrain neuronal networks. The operation of the central respiratory command relies on the proper development of these rhythmogenic networks, formation of their appropriate interactions, and their lifelong constant adaptation to physiological needs. This review, focusing exclusively on the perinatal period, outlines recent advances obtained in rodents in determining the roles of microglia in the establishment and functioning of the respiratory networks and their involvement in certain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Thoby-Brisson
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux, France. mailto:
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Hong H, Yoon SB, Park JE, Lee JI, Kim HY, Nam HJ, Cho H. MeCP2 dysfunction prevents proper BMP signaling and neural progenitor expansion in brain organoid. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37302988 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sporadic mutations in MeCP2 are a hallmark of Rett syndrome (RTT). Many RTT brain organoid models have exhibited pathogenic phenotypes such as decreased spine density and small size of soma with altered electrophysiological signals. However, previous models are mainly focused on the phenotypes observed in the late phase and rarely provide clues for the defect of neural progenitors which generate different types of neurons and glial cells. METHODS We newly established the RTT brain organoid model derived from MeCP2-truncated iPS cells which were genetically engineered by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By immunofluorescence imaging, we studied the development of NPC pool and its fate specification into glutamatergic neurons or astrocytes in RTT organoids. By total RNA sequencing, we investigated which signaling pathways were altered during the early brain development in RTT organoids. RESULTS Dysfunction of MeCP2 caused the defect of neural rosette formation in the early phase of cortical development. In total transcriptome analysis, BMP pathway-related genes are highly associated with MeCP2 depletion. Moreover, levels of pSMAD1/5 and BMP target genes are excessively increased, and treatment of BMP inhibitors partially rescues the cell cycle progression of neural progenitors. Subsequently, MeCP2 dysfunction reduced the glutamatergic neurogenesis and induced overproduction of astrocytes. Nevertheless, early inhibition of BMP pathway rescued VGLUT1 expression and suppressed astrocyte maturation. INTERPRETATION Our results demonstrate that MeCP2 is required for the expansion of neural progenitor cells by modulating BMP pathway at early stages of development, and this influence persists during neurogenesis and gliogenesis at later stages of brain organoid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyowon Hong
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Bom Yoon
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung In Lee
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Young Kim
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Nam
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeyeong Cho
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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8
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Chierzi S, Kacerovsky JB, Fok AHK, Lahaie S, Shibi Rosen A, Farmer WT, Murai KK. Astrocytes Transplanted during Early Postnatal Development Integrate, Mature, and Survive Long Term in Mouse Cortex. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1509-1529. [PMID: 36669885 PMCID: PMC10008063 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0544-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have complex structural, molecular, and physiological properties and form specialized microenvironments that support circuit-specific functions in the CNS. To better understand how astrocytes acquire their unique features, we transplanted immature mouse cortical astrocytes into the developing cortex of male and female mice and assessed their integration, maturation, and survival. Within days, transplanted astrocytes developed morphologies and acquired territories and tiling behavior typical of cortical astrocytes. At 35-47 d post-transplantation, astrocytes appeared morphologically mature and expressed levels of EAAT2/GLT1 similar to nontransplanted astrocytes. Transplanted astrocytes also supported excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) presynaptic terminals within their territories, and displayed normal Ca2+ events. Transplanted astrocytes showed initially reduced expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) at endfeet and elevated expression of EAAT1/GLAST, with both proteins showing normalized expression by 110 d and one year post-transplantation, respectively. To understand how specific brain regions support astrocytic integration and maturation, we transplanted cortical astrocytes into the developing cerebellum. Cortical astrocytes interlaced with Bergmann glia (BG) in the cerebellar molecular layer to establish discrete territories. However, transplanted astrocytes retained many cortical astrocytic features including higher levels of EAAT2/GLT1, lower levels of EAAT1/GLAST, and the absence of expression of the AMPAR subunit GluA1. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that immature cortical astrocytes integrate, mature, and survive (more than one year) following transplantation and retain cortical astrocytic properties. Astrocytic transplantation can be useful for investigating cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and non-cell-autonomous (environmental) mechanisms contributing to astrocytic development/diversity, and for determining the optimal timing for transplanting astrocytes for cellular delivery or replacement in regenerative medicine.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mechanisms that enable astrocytes to acquire diverse molecular and structural properties remain to be better understood. In this study, we systematically analyzed the properties of cortical astrocytes following their transplantation to the early postnatal brain. We found that immature cortical astrocytes transplanted into cerebral cortex during early postnatal mouse development integrate and establish normal astrocytic properties, and show long-term survival in vivo (more than one year). In contrast, transplanted cortical astrocytes display reduced or altered ability to integrate into the more mature cerebral cortex or developing cerebellum, respectively. This study demonstrates the developmental potential of transplanted cortical astrocytes and provides an approach to tease apart cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and non-cell-autonomous (environmental) mechanisms that determine the structural, molecular, and physiological phenotype of astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chierzi
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - J Benjamin Kacerovsky
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Albert H K Fok
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Sylvie Lahaie
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Arielle Shibi Rosen
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - W Todd Farmer
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
- Quantitative Life Sciences Graduate Program, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada
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9
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Simone M, De Giacomo A, Palumbi R, Palazzo C, Lucisano G, Pompamea F, Micella S, Pascali M, Gabellone A, Marzulli L, Giordano P, Gargano CD, Margari L, Frigeri A, Ruggieri M. Serum Neurofilament Light Chain and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033057. [PMID: 36769380 PMCID: PMC9917818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by a multifactorial etiology based on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Recent evidence supports the neurobiological hypothesis based on neuroinflammation theory. To date, there are no sufficiently validated diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ASD. Therefore, we decided to investigate the potential diagnostic role for ASD of two biomarkers well known for other neurological inflammatory conditions: the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the neurofilament (Nfl). Nfl and GFAP serum levels were analyzed using SiMoA technology in a group of ASD patients and in a healthy control group (CTRS), age- and gender-matched. Then we investigated the distribution, frequency, and correlation between serum Nfl and GFAP levels and clinical data among the ASD group. The comparison of Nfl and GFAP serum levels between ASD children and the control group showed a mean value of these two markers significantly higher in the ASD group (sNfL mean value ASD pt 6.86 pg/mL median value ASD pt 5.7 pg/mL; mean value CTRS 3.55 pg/mL; median value CTRS 3.1 pg; GFAP mean value ASD pt 205.7 pg/mL median value ASD pt 155.4 pg/mL; mean value CTRS 77.12 pg/mL; median value CTRS 63.94 pg/mL). Interestingly, we also found a statistically significant positive correlation between GFAP levels and hyperactivity symptoms (p-value <0.001). Further investigations using larger groups are necessary to confirm our data and to verify in more depth the potential correlation between these biomarkers and ASD clinical features, such as the severity of the core symptoms, the presence of associated symptoms, and/or the evaluation of a therapeutic intervention. However, these data not only might shed a light on the neurobiology of ASD, supporting the neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration hypothesis, but they also might support the use of these biomarkers in the early diagnosis of ASD, to longitudinally monitor the disease activity, and even more as future prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Simone
- Regenerative and Precision Medicine Department and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea De Giacomo
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Palumbi
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Palazzo
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucisano
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pompamea
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Micella
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mara Pascali
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gabellone
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Giordano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Domenica Gargano
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Regenerative and Precision Medicine Department and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Frigeri
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ruggieri
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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10
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Petazzi P, Jorge-Torres OC, Gomez A, Scognamiglio I, Serra-Musach J, Merkel A, Grases D, Xiol C, O’Callaghan M, Armstrong J, Esteller M, Guil S. Global Impairment of Immediate-Early Genes Expression in Rett Syndrome Models and Patients Linked to Myelination Defects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021453. [PMID: 36674969 PMCID: PMC9864472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused almost exclusively by mutations to the MeCP2 gene. This disease may be regarded as a synaptopathy, with impairments affecting synaptic plasticity, inhibitory and excitatory transmission and network excitability. The complete understanding of the mechanisms behind how the transcription factor MeCP2 so profoundly affects the mammalian brain are yet to be determined. What is known, is that MeCP2 involvement in activity-dependent expression programs is a critical link between this protein and proper neuronal activity, which allows the correct maturation of connections in the brain. By using RNA-sequencing analysis, we found several immediate-early genes (IEGs, key mediators of activity-dependent responses) directly bound by MeCP2 at the chromatin level and upregulated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the Mecp2-KO mouse. Quantification of the IEGs response to stimulus both in vivo and in vitro detected an aberrant expression pattern in MeCP2-deficient neurons. Furthermore, altered IEGs levels were found in RTT patient's peripheral blood and brain regions of post-mortem samples, correlating with impaired expression of downstream myelination-related genes. Altogether, these data indicate that proper IEGs expression is crucial for correct synaptic development and that MeCP2 has a key role in the regulation of IEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Petazzi
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Carrer Casanova 143, 400° floor, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- RICORS-TERAV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Caridad Jorge-Torres
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (O.C.J.-T.); (S.G.); Tel.: +34-935572828 (O.C.J.-T. & S.G.)
| | - Antonio Gomez
- Biosciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCT), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. de la Laura, 13, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Iolanda Scognamiglio
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Serra-Musach
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelika Merkel
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Grases
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Xiol
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar O’Callaghan
- Clínica Rett, Neurology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Armstrong
- Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Guil
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Health Science Research Institute, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (O.C.J.-T.); (S.G.); Tel.: +34-935572828 (O.C.J.-T. & S.G.)
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11
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Genetic ablation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in rats results in an autism-like behavioral phenotype. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275937. [PMCID: PMC9668160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, and social skills, as well as repetitive and/or restrictive interests and behaviors. The severity of ASD varies from mild to severe, drastically interfering with the quality of life of affected individuals. The current occurrence of ASD in the United States is about 1 in 44 children. The precise pathophysiology of ASD is still unknown, but it is believed that ASD is heterogeneous and can arise due to genetic etiology. Although various genes have been implicated in predisposition to ASD, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is one of the most common downstream targets, which may be involved in autism. mGluR5 signaling has been shown to play a crucial role in neurodevelopment and neural transmission making it a very attractive target for understanding the pathogenesis of ASD. In the present study, we determined the effect of genetic ablation of mGluR5 (Grm5) on an ASD-like phenotype using a rat model to better understand the role of mGluR5 signaling in behavior patterns and clinical manifestations of ASD. We observed that mGluR5 Ko rats exhibited exaggerated self-grooming and increased marble burying, as well as deficits in social novelty. Our results suggest that mGluR5 Ko rats demonstrate an ASD-like phenotype, specifically impaired social interaction as well as repetitive and anxiety-like behavior, which are correlates of behavior symptoms observed in individuals with ASD. The mGluR5 Ko rat model characterized in this study may be explored to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and for developing effective therapeutic modalities.
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12
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Blagburn-Blanco SV, Chappell MS, De Biase LM, DeNardo LA. Synapse-specific roles for microglia in development: New horizons in the prefrontal cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:965756. [PMID: 36003220 PMCID: PMC9394540 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.965756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of both microglia and circuitry in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have been implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, but how microglia affect mPFC development in health and disease is not well understood. mPFC circuits undergo a prolonged maturation after birth that is driven by molecular programs and activity-dependent processes. Though this extended development is crucial to acquire mature cognitive abilities, it likely renders mPFC circuitry more susceptible to disruption by genetic and environmental insults that increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Recent work suggests that microglia directly influence mPFC circuit maturation, though the biological factors underlying this observation remain unclear. In this review, we discuss these recent findings along with new studies on the cellular mechanisms by which microglia shape sensory circuits during postnatal development. We focus on the molecular pathways through which glial cells and immune signals regulate synaptogenesis and activity-dependent synaptic refinement. We further highlight how disruptions in these pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders associated with mPFC dysfunction, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using these disorders as a framework, we discuss microglial mechanisms that could link environmental risk factors including infections and stress with ongoing genetic programs to aberrantly shape mPFC circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara V. Blagburn-Blanco
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Megan S. Chappell
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lindsay M. De Biase
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lindsay M. De Biase,
| | - Laura A. DeNardo
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Laura A. DeNardo,
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13
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Lu S, Chen Y, Wang Z. Advances in the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome using cell models. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:532-541. [PMID: 35785421 PMCID: PMC9773312 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mainly in girls with a range of typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. MeCP2 protein loss-of-function in neural lineage cells is the main cause of RTT pathogenicity. As it is still hard to understand the mechanism of RTT on the basis of only clinical patients or animal models, cell models cultured in vitro play indispensable roles. Here we reviewed the research progress in the pathogenesis of RTT at the cellular level, summarized the preclinical-research-related applications, and prospected potential future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
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14
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Chung HL, Rump P, Lu D, Glassford MR, Mok JW, Fatih J, Basal A, Marcogliese PC, Kanca O, Rapp M, Fock JM, Kamsteeg EJ, Lupski JR, Larson A, Haninbal MC, Bellen H, Harel T. De novo variants in EMC1 lead to neurodevelopmental delay and cerebellar degeneration and affect glial function in Drosophila. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3231-3244. [PMID: 35234901 PMCID: PMC9523557 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-membrane protein complex (EMC) is a multi-protein transmembrane complex composed of 10 subunits that functions as a membrane-protein chaperone. Variants in EMC1 lead to neurodevelopmental delay and cerebellar degeneration. Multiple families with biallelic variants have been published, yet to date, only a single report of a monoallelic variant has been described, and functional evidence is sparse. METHODS Exome sequencing was used to investigate the genetic cause underlying severe developmental delay in three unrelated children. EMC1 variants were modeled in Drosophila, using loss-of-function (LoF) and overexpression studies. Glial-specific and neuronal-specific assays were used to determine whether the dysfunction was specific to one cell type. RESULTS Exome sequencing identified de novo variants in EMC1 in three individuals affected by global developmental delay, hypotonia, seizures, visual impairment and cerebellar atrophy. All variants were located at Pro582 or Pro584. Drosophila studies indicated that imbalance of EMC1-either overexpression or knockdown-results in pupal lethality and suggest that the tested homologous variants are LoF alleles. In addition, glia-specific gene dosage, overexpression or knockdown, of EMC1 led to lethality, whereas neuron-specific alterations were tolerated. DISCUSSION We establish de novo monoallelic EMC1 variants as causative of a neurological disease trait by providing functional evidence in a Drosophila model. The identified variants failed to rescue the lethality of a null allele. Variations in dosage of the wild-type EMC1, specifically in glia, lead to pupal lethality, which we hypothesize results from the altered stoichiometry of the multi-subunit protein complex EMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Patrick Rump
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Megan R Glassford
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism & Genomic Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jung-Wan Mok
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jawid Fatih
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Adily Basal
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Organization, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Paul C Marcogliese
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michele Rapp
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 60045, USA
| | - Johanna M Fock
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Austin Larson
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 60045, United States
| | - Mark C Haninbal
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism & Genomic Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hugo Bellen
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Genetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, POB 12000, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel. Tel: +(972)-2-6776329; Fax: +(972)-2-6777618; ; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel: +1 832824-8750; Fax: +1832825-1240;
| | - Tamar Harel
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Genetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, POB 12000, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel. Tel: +(972)-2-6776329; Fax: +(972)-2-6777618; ; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel: +1 832824-8750; Fax: +1832825-1240;
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15
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De Luca C, Virtuoso A, Cerasuolo M, Gargano F, Colangelo AM, Lavitrano M, Cirillo G, Papa M. Matrix metalloproteinases, purinergic signaling, and epigenetics: hubs in the spinal neuroglial network following peripheral nerve injury. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:557-567. [PMID: 35175413 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02082-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Activation of glial cells (reactive gliosis) and the purinergic pathway, together with metalloproteinase (MMP)-induced remodeling of the neural extracellular matrix (nECM), drive maladaptive changes in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). We evaluated the effects on spinal maladaptive plasticity through administration of oxidized ATP (oxATP), an antagonist of P2X receptors (P2XR), and/or GM6001, an inhibitor of MMPs, in rats following spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. With morpho-molecular techniques, we demonstrated a reduction in spinal reactive gliosis and changes in the neuro-glial-nECM crosstalk via expression remodeling of P2XR, nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors (TrkA and p75), and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) after treatments with oxATP/GM6001. Altogether, our data suggest that MMPs and purinergic inhibition have a modulatory impact on key proteins in the neuro-glial-nECM network, acting at different levels from intracellular signaling to epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro De Luca
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Virtuoso
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Michele Cerasuolo
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Gargano
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Colangelo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience "R. Levi-Montalcini", Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE-IT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Cirillo
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Michele Papa
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE-IT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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16
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Murasawa H, Kobayashi H, Imai J, Nagase T, Soumiya H, Fukumitsu H. Substantial acetylcholine reduction in multiple brain regions of Mecp2-deficient female rats and associated behavioral abnormalities. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258830. [PMID: 34673817 PMCID: PMC8530288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with X-linked dominant inheritance caused mainly by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. The effects of various Mecp2 mutations have been extensively assessed in mouse models, but none adequately mimic the symptoms and pathological changes of RTT. In this study, we assessed the effects of Mecp2 gene deletion on female rats (Mecp2+/−) and found severe impairments in social behavior [at 8 weeks (w), 12 w, and 23 w of age], motor function [at 16 w and 26 w], and spatial cognition [at 29 w] as well as lower plasma insulin-like growth factor (but not brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and markedly reduced acetylcholine (30%–50%) in multiple brain regions compared to female Mecp2+/+ rats [at 29 w]. Alternatively, changes in brain monoamine levels were relatively small, in contrast to reports on mouse Mecp2 mutants. Female Mecp2-deficient rats express phenotypes resembling RTT and so may provide a robust model for future research on RTT pathobiology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Murasawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
- Hashima Laboratory, Nihon Bioresearch Inc, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
- Hashima Laboratory, Nihon Bioresearch Inc, Gifu, Japan
| | - Jun Imai
- Hashima Laboratory, Nihon Bioresearch Inc, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Hitomi Soumiya
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Fukumitsu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
- * E-mail:
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17
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Potential of Multiscale Astrocyte Imaging for Revealing Mechanisms Underlying Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910312. [PMID: 34638653 PMCID: PMC8508625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910312] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes provide trophic and metabolic support to neurons and modulate circuit formation during development. In addition, astrocytes help maintain neuronal homeostasis through neurovascular coupling, blood-brain barrier maintenance, clearance of metabolites and nonfunctional proteins via the glymphatic system, extracellular potassium buffering, and regulation of synaptic activity. Thus, astrocyte dysfunction may contribute to a myriad of neurological disorders. Indeed, astrocyte dysfunction during development has been implicated in Rett disease, Alexander's disease, epilepsy, and autism, among other disorders. Numerous disease model mice have been established to investigate these diseases, but important preclinical findings on etiology and pathophysiology have not translated into clinical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is required to elucidate the mechanism of these diseases because astrocyte dysfunction can result in altered neuronal connectivity, morphology, and activity. Recent progress in neuroimaging techniques has enabled noninvasive investigations of brain structure and function at multiple spatiotemporal scales, and these technologies are expected to facilitate the translation of preclinical findings to clinical studies and ultimately to clinical trials. Here, we review recent progress on astrocyte contributions to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders revealed using novel imaging techniques, from microscopy scale to mesoscopic scale.
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18
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Mao Y, Evans EE, Mishra V, Balch L, Eberhardt A, Zauderer M, Gold WA. Anti-Semaphorin 4D Rescues Motor, Cognitive, and Respiratory Phenotypes in a Rett Syndrome Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179465. [PMID: 34502373 PMCID: PMC8431088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations of the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene. Abnormal physiological functions of glial cells contribute to pathogenesis of Rett syndrome. Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) regulates processes central to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration including cytoskeletal structures required for process extension, communication, and migration of glial cells. Blocking SEMA4D-induced gliosis may preserve normal glial and neuronal function and rescue neurological dysfunction in Rett syndrome. We evaluated the pre-clinical therapeutic efficacy of an anti-SEMA4D monoclonal antibody in the Rett syndrome Mecp2T158A transgenic mouse model and investigated the contribution of glial cells as a proposed mechanism of action in treated mice and in primary glial cultures isolated from Mecp2T158A/y mutant mice. SEMA4D is upregulated in neurons while glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive cells are upregulated in Mecp2T158A/y mice. Anti-SEMA4D treatment ameliorates Rett syndrome-specific symptoms and improves behavioural functions in both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic cohorts of hemizygous Mecp2T158A/y male mice. Anti-SEMA4D also reduces astrocyte and microglia activation in vivo. In vitro experiments demonstrate an abnormal cytoskeletal structure in mutant astrocytes in the presence of SEMA4D, while anti-SEMA4D antibody treatment blocks SEMA4D–Plexin B1 signaling and mitigates these abnormalities. These results suggest that anti-SEMA4D immunotherapy may be an effective treatment option to alleviate symptoms and improve cognitive and motor function in Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Mao
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E. Evans
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Leslie Balch
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Allison Eberhardt
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maurice Zauderer
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Wendy A. Gold
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, The Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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19
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Unterman I, Bloch I, Cazacu S, Kazimirsky G, Ben-Zeev B, Berman BP, Brodie C, Tabach Y. Expanding the MECP2 network using comparative genomics reveals potential therapeutic targets for Rett syndrome. eLife 2021; 10:e67085. [PMID: 34355696 PMCID: PMC8346285 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene are the main cause of Rett syndrome (RTT). Despite extensive research into MECP2 function, no treatments for RTT are currently available. Here, we used an evolutionary genomics approach to construct an unbiased MECP2 gene network, using 1028 eukaryotic genomes to prioritize proteins with strong co-evolutionary signatures with MECP2. Focusing on proteins targeted by FDA-approved drugs led to three promising targets, two of which were previously linked to MECP2 function (IRAK, KEAP1) and one that was not (EPOR). The drugs targeting these three proteins (Pacritinib, DMF, and EPO) were able to rescue different phenotypes of MECP2 inactivation in cultured human neural cell types, and appeared to converge on Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in inflammation. This study highlights the potential of comparative genomics to accelerate drug discovery, and yields potential new avenues for the treatment of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Unterman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-CanadaJerusalemIsrael
| | - Idit Bloch
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-CanadaJerusalemIsrael
| | - Simona Cazacu
- Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Henry Ford HospitalDetroitUnited States
| | - Gila Kazimirsky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan UniversityRamat-GanIsrael
| | - Bruria Ben-Zeev
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical CenterRamat GanIsrael
| | - Benjamin P Berman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-CanadaJerusalemIsrael
| | - Chaya Brodie
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan UniversityRamat-GanIsrael
| | - Yuval Tabach
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-CanadaJerusalemIsrael
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20
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Galvani G, Mottolese N, Gennaccaro L, Loi M, Medici G, Tassinari M, Fuchs C, Ciani E, Trazzi S. Inhibition of microglia overactivation restores neuronal survival in a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:155. [PMID: 34238328 PMCID: PMC8265075 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, is caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Evidence in animal models of CDD showed that absence of CDKL5 negatively affects neuronal survival, as well as neuronal maturation and dendritic outgrowth; however, knowledge of the substrates underlying these alterations is still limited. Neuroinflammatory processes are known to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death. Recent evidence shows a subclinical chronic inflammatory status in plasma from CDD patients. However, to date, it is unknown whether a similar inflammatory status is present in the brain of CDD patients and, if so, whether this plays a causative or exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of CDD. Methods We evaluated microglia activation using AIF-1 immunofluorescence, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and signaling in the brain of a mouse model of CDD, the Cdkl5 KO mouse, which is characterized by an impaired survival of hippocampal neurons that worsens with age. Hippocampal neuron survival was determined by DCX, NeuN, and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining in Cdkl5 KO mice treated with luteolin (10 mg/kg), a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid. Since hippocampal neurons of Cdkl5 KO mice exhibit increased susceptibility to excitotoxic stress, we evaluated neuronal survival in Cdkl5 KO mice injected with NMDA (60 mg/kg) after a 7-day treatment with luteolin. Results We found increased microglial activation in the brain of the Cdkl5 KO mouse. We found alterations in microglial cell morphology and number, increased levels of AIF-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of STAT3 signaling. Remarkably, treatment with luteolin recovers microglia alterations as well as neuronal survival and maturation in Cdkl5 KO mice, and prevents the increase in NMDA-induced cell death in the hippocampus. Conclusions Our results suggest that neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of CDD and imply the potential usefulness of luteolin as a treatment option in CDD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02204-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Mottolese
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Medici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Tassinari
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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21
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Fontes-Dutra M, Schwingel GB, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:545-578. [PMID: 34240460 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)-a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis-represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location-dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
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22
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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23
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Šimić G, Vukić V, Kopić J, Krsnik Ž, Hof PR. Molecules, Mechanisms, and Disorders of Self-Domestication: Keys for Understanding Emotional and Social Communication from an Evolutionary Perspective. Biomolecules 2020; 11:E2. [PMID: 33375093 PMCID: PMC7822183 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural crest hypothesis states that the phenotypic features of the domestication syndrome are due to a reduced number or disruption of neural crest cells (NCCs) migration, as these cells differentiate at their final destinations and proliferate into different tissues whose activity is reduced by domestication. Comparing the phenotypic characteristics of modern and prehistoric man, it is clear that during their recent evolutionary past, humans also went through a process of self-domestication with a simultaneous prolongation of the period of socialization. This has led to the development of social abilities and skills, especially language, as well as neoteny. Disorders of neural crest cell development and migration lead to many different conditions such as Waardenburg syndrome, Hirschsprung disease, fetal alcohol syndrome, DiGeorge and Treacher-Collins syndrome, for which the mechanisms are already relatively well-known. However, for others, such as Williams-Beuren syndrome and schizophrenia that have the characteristics of hyperdomestication, and autism spectrum disorders, and 7dupASD syndrome that have the characteristics of hypodomestication, much less is known. Thus, deciphering the biological determinants of disordered self-domestication has great potential for elucidating the normal and disturbed ontogenesis of humans, as well as for the understanding of evolution of mammals in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Šimić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.V.); (J.K.); (Ž.K.)
| | - Vana Vukić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.V.); (J.K.); (Ž.K.)
| | - Janja Kopić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.V.); (J.K.); (Ž.K.)
| | - Željka Krsnik
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.V.); (J.K.); (Ž.K.)
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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24
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Pejhan S, Siu VM, Ang LC, Del Bigio MR, Rastegar M. Differential brain region-specific expression of MeCP2 and BDNF in Rett Syndrome patients: a distinct grey-white matter variation. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:735-750. [PMID: 32246495 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene mutations. Previous studies of MeCP2 in the human brain showed variable and inconsistent mosaic-pattern immunolabelling, which has been interpreted as a reflection of activation-state variability. We aimed to study post mortem MeCP2 and BDNF (MeCP2 target) degradation and brain region-specific detection in relation to RTT pathophysiology. METHODS We investigated MeCP2 and BDNF stabilities in non-RTT human brains by immunohistochemical labelling and compared them in three brain regions of RTT and controls. RESULTS In surgically excised samples of human hippocampus and cerebellum, MeCP2 was universally detected. There was no significantly obvious difference between males and females. However, post mortem delay in autopsy samples had substantial influence on MeCP2 detection. Immunohistochemistry studies in RTT patients showed lower MeCP2 detection in glial cells of the white matter. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was also reduced in RTT brain samples without obvious change in myelin basic protein (MBP). Neurons did not show any noticeable decrease in MeCP2 detection. BDNF immunohistochemical detection showed an astroglial/endothelial pattern without noticeable difference between RTT and controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that MeCP2 protein is widely expressed in mature human brain cells at all ages. However, our data points towards a possible white matter abnormality in RTT and highlights the importance of studying human RTT brain tissues in parallel with research on animal and cell models of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pejhan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - V M Siu
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - L C Ang
- Department of Pathology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - M R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - M Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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25
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Langley MR, Yoon H, Kim HN, Choi CI, Simon W, Kleppe L, Lanza IR, LeBrasseur NK, Matveyenko A, Scarisbrick IA. High fat diet consumption results in mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and oligodendrocyte loss in the central nervous system. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165630. [PMID: 31816440 PMCID: PMC7982965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a key risk factor and co-morbidity in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions, such that a better understanding of how a high fat diet contributes to oligodendrocyte loss and the capacity for myelin regeneration has the potential to highlight new treatment targets. Results demonstrate that modeling metabolic dysfunction in mice with chronic high fat diet (HFD) consumption promotes loss of oligodendrocyte progenitors across the brain and spinal cord. A number of transcriptomic and metabolomic changes in ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress pathways in HFD-fed mouse spinal cords were also identified. Moreover, deficits in TCA cycle intermediates and mitochondrial respiration were observed in the chronic HFD spinal cord tissue. Oligodendrocytes are known to be particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, and we observed increased markers of oxidative stress in both the brain and spinal cord of HFD-fed mice. We additionally identified that increased apoptotic cell death signaling is underway in oligodendrocytes from mice chronically fed a HFD. When cultured under high saturated fat conditions, oligodendrocytes decreased both mitochondrial function and differentiation. Overall, our findings show that HFD-related changes in metabolic regulators, decreased mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress contribute to a loss of myelinating cells. These studies identify HFD consumption as a key modifiable lifestyle factor for improved myelin integrity in the adult central nervous system and in addition new tractable metabolic targets for myelin protection and repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica R Langley
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Hyesook Yoon
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ha Neui Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Chan-Il Choi
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Whitney Simon
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Laurel Kleppe
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ian R Lanza
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nathan K LeBrasseur
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Aleksey Matveyenko
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Isobel A Scarisbrick
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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26
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Candelo E, Ramirez-Montaño D, Pachajoa H. Microduplication of Xp22.31 and MECP2 Pathogenic Variant in a Girl with Rett Syndrome: A Case Report. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2019; 44:347-353. [PMID: 31439979 PMCID: PMC6661518 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2019.44945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurodevelopmental infantile disease characterized by an early normal psychomotor development followed by a regression in the acquisition of normal developmental stages. In the majority of cases, it leads to a sporadic mutation in the MECP2 gene, which is located on the X chromosome. However, this syndrome has also been associated with microdeletions, gene translocations, and other gene mutations. A 12-year-old female Colombian patient was presented with refractory epilepsy and regression in skill acquisition (especially language with motor and verbal stereotypies, hyperactivity, and autistic spectrum disorder criteria). The patient was born to non-consanguineous parents and had an early normal development until the age of 36 months. Comparative genomic hybridization array-CGH (750K) was performed and Xp22.31 duplication was detected (6866889-8115153) with a size of 1.248 Mb associated with developmental delay, epilepsy, and autistic traits. Given the clinical criteria of RS, MECP2 sequencing was performed which showed a de novo pathogenic variant c.338C>G (p.Pro113Arg). The features of RS include intellectual disability, developmental delay, and autism. These features are associated with copy number variations (CNVs) on the X chromosome (Xp22.31 microduplication). Here we present the first reported case of simultaneous CNV and MECP2 pathogenic mutation in a patient with RS. We propose that both DNA alterations might have a synergistic effect and could lead to variable expressivity of the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estephania Candelo
- Center for Research on Congenital Anomalies and Rare Diseases (CIACER), Health Sciences Faculty, L Building, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Diana Ramirez-Montaño
- Center for Research on Congenital Anomalies and Rare Diseases (CIACER), Health Sciences Faculty, L Building, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Harry Pachajoa
- Center for Research on Congenital Anomalies and Rare Diseases (CIACER), Health Sciences Faculty, L Building, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.,Department of Genetics, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
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27
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Chasman D, Iyer N, Fotuhi Siahpirani A, Estevez Silva M, Lippmann E, McIntosh B, Probasco MD, Jiang P, Stewart R, Thomson JA, Ashton RS, Roy S. Inferring Regulatory Programs Governing Region Specificity of Neuroepithelial Stem Cells during Early Hindbrain and Spinal Cord Development. Cell Syst 2019; 9:167-186.e12. [PMID: 31302154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroepithelial stem cells (NSC) from different anatomical regions of the embryonic neural tube's rostrocaudal axis can differentiate into diverse central nervous system tissues, but the transcriptional regulatory networks governing these processes are incompletely understood. Here, we measure region-specific NSC gene expression along the rostrocaudal axis in a human pluripotent stem cell model of early central nervous system development over a 72-h time course, spanning the hindbrain to cervical spinal cord. We introduce Escarole, a probabilistic clustering algorithm for non-stationary time series, and combine it with prior-based regulatory network inference to identify genes that are regulated dynamically and predict their upstream regulators. We identify known regulators of patterning and neural development, including the HOX genes, and predict a direct regulatory connection between the transcription factor POU3F2 and target gene STMN2. We demonstrate that POU3F2 is required for expression of STMN2, suggesting that this regulatory connection is important for region specificity of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Chasman
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Nisha Iyer
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Alireza Fotuhi Siahpirani
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Maria Estevez Silva
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ethan Lippmann
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Brian McIntosh
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Mitchell D Probasco
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ron Stewart
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - James A Thomson
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Randolph S Ashton
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Sushmita Roy
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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28
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Brain-enriched microRNAs circulating in plasma as novel biomarkers for Rett syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218623. [PMID: 31291284 PMCID: PMC6619658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2). Minimally invasive and accurate biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response could facilitate screening of therapeutic compounds in animal models, enrollment of better-defined participants into clinical trials, and treatment monitoring. In this study, we used a targeted approach based on analysis of brain-enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in plasma to identify miRNA biomarkers of RTT using Mecp2-mutant mice as a model system and human plasma samples. An “miRNA pair” approach, i.e. the ratio between two miRNAs, was used for data normalization. Specific miRNA pairs and their combinations (classifiers) analyzed in plasma differentiated wild-type from Mecp2 male and female mice with >90% accuracy. Individual miRNA pairs were more effective in distinguishing male (homozygous) animals than female (heterozygous) animals, suggesting that disease severity correlated with the levels of the miRNA biomarkers. In the human study, 30 RTT patients were compared with age-matched controls. The results of this study showed that miRNA classifiers were able to differentiate RTT patients from controls with 85–100% sensitivity. In addition, a comparison of various age groups demonstrated that the dynamics in levels of miRNAs appear to be associated with disease development (involvement of liver, muscle and lipid metabolism in the pathology). Importantly, certain miRNA biomarker pairs were common to both the animal models and human subjects, indicating the similarity between the underlying pathological processes. The data generated in this feasibility study suggest that circulating miRNAs have the potential to be developed as markers of RTT progression and treatment response. Larger clinical studies are needed to further evaluate the findings presented here.
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Verma V, Paul A, Amrapali Vishwanath A, Vaidya B, Clement JP. Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour. Open Biol 2019; 9:180265. [PMID: 31185809 PMCID: PMC6597757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhik Paul
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhupesh Vaidya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
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An electrochemiluminescence based assay for quantitative detection of endogenous and exogenously applied MeCP2 protein variants. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7929. [PMID: 31138832 PMCID: PMC6538716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44372-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a multifunctional chromosomal protein that plays a key role in the central nervous system. Its levels need to be tightly regulated, as both deficiency and excess of the protein can lead to severe neuronal dysfunction. Loss-of-function mutations affecting MeCP2 are the primary cause of Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe neurological disorder that is thought to result from absence of functional protein in the brain. Several therapeutic strategies for the treatment of RTT are currently being developed. One of them is the use of stable and native TAT-MeCP2 fusion proteins to replenish its levels in neurons after permeation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here we describe the expression and purification of various transactivator of transcription (TAT)-MeCP2 variants and the development of an electrochemiluminescence based assay (ECLIA) that is able to measure endogenous MeCP2 and recombinant TAT-MeCP2 fusion protein levels in a 96-well plate format. The MeCP2 ECLIA produces highly quantitative, accurate and reproducible measurements with low intra- and inter-assay error throughout a wide working range. To underline its broad applicability, this assay was used to analyze brain tissue and study the transport of TAT-MeCP2 variants across an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier.
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Xie AX, Pan XQ, Meacham RB, Malykhina AP. The Expression of Transcription Factors Mecp2 and CREB Is Modulated in Inflammatory Pelvic Pain. Front Syst Neurosci 2019; 12:69. [PMID: 30687029 PMCID: PMC6336837 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2018.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Early activation of transcription factors is one of the epigenetic mechanisms contributing to the induction and maintenance of chronic pain states. Previous studies identified the changes in a number of nociception-related genes, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in the pelvic organs after transient colonic inflammation. The gene and protein expression of these neuropeptides could be modulated by transcription factors Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). In this study, we aimed to evaluate time-dependent changes in the expression levels of Mecp2 and CREB in the lumbosacral (LS) spinal cord and sensory ganglia after inflammation-induced pelvic pain in rat. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) to induce transient colonic inflammation. LS (L6-S2) spinal cord segments and respective dorsal root ganglias (DRGs) were isolated from control and experimental animals at 1, 2, 6, 24 h and 3 days post-TNBS treatment. Immunohistochemical (IHC) labeling and Western blotting experiments were performed to assess the expression of Mecp2, CREB and their phosphorylated forms. Total Mecp2 expression, but not phosphorylated p-Mecp2 (pS421Mecp2) expression was detected in the cells of the spinal dorsal horn under control conditions. Colonic inflammation triggered a significant decrease in the number of Mecp2-expressing neurons in parallel with elevated numbers of pS421Mecp2-expressing cells at 2 h and 6 h post-TNBS. The majority of Mecp2-positive cells (80 ± 6%) co-expressed CREB. TNBS treatment caused a transient up-regulation of CREB-expressing cells at 1 h post-TNBS only. The number of cells expressing phosphorylated CREB (pS133CREB) did not change at 1 h and 2 h post-TNBS, but was down-regulated by three folds at 6 h post-TNBS. Analysis of DRG sections revealed that the number of Mecp2-positive neurons was up-regulated by TNBS treatment, reaching three-fold increase at 2 h post-TNBS, and eight-fold increase at 6 h post-TNBS (p ≤ 0.05 to control). These data showed early changes in Mecp2 and CREB expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and sensory ganglia after colonic inflammation, suggesting a possible contribution Mecp2 and CREB signaling in the development of visceral hyperalgesia and pelvic pain following peripheral inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Xiaoqiao Xie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Xiao-Qing Pan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Randall B. Meacham
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Anna P. Malykhina
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Anna P. Malykhina
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Balakrishnan S, Mironov SL. Rescue of hyperexcitability in hippocampal CA1 neurons from Mecp2 (-/y) mouse through surface potential neutralization. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195094. [PMID: 29621262 PMCID: PMC5886422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperventilation is a known feature of Rett syndrome (RTT). However, how hyperventilation is related to other RTT symptoms such as hyperexcitability is unknown. Intense breathing during hyperventilation induces hypocapnia and culminates in respiratory alkalosis. Alkalinization of extracellular milieu can trigger epilepsy in patients who already have neuronal hyperexcitability. By combining patch-clamp electrophysiology and quantitative glutamate imaging, we compared excitability of CA1 neurons of WT and Mecp2 (-/y) mice, and analyzed the biophysical properties of subthreshold membrane channels. The results show that Mecp2 (-/y) CA1 neurons are hyperexcitable in normal pH (7.4) and are increasingly vulnerable to alkaline extracellular pH (8.4), during which their excitability increased further. Under normal pH conditions, an abnormal negative shift in the voltage-dependencies of HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated) and calcium channels in the CA1 neurons of Mecp2 (-/y) mice was observed. Alkaline pH also enhanced excitability in wild-type (WT) CA1 neurons through modulation of the voltage dependencies of HCN- and calcium channels. Additionally alkaline pH augmented spontaneous glutamate release and burst firing in WT CA1 neurons. Conversely, acidic pH (6.4) and 8 mM Mg2+ exerted the opposite effect, and diminished hyperexcitability in Mecp2 (-/y) CA1 neurons. We propose that the observed effects of pH and Mg2+ are mediated by changes in the neuronal membrane surface potential, which consecutively modulates the gating of HCN and calcium channels. The results provide insight to pivotal cellular mechanisms that can regulate neuronal excitability and help to devise treatment strategies for hyperexcitability induced symptoms of Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saju Balakrishnan
- CNMPB (Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Cluster of Excellence 171, DFG Research Center 103), Institute of Neuro and Sensory Physiology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sergej L. Mironov
- CNMPB (Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Cluster of Excellence 171, DFG Research Center 103), Institute of Neuro and Sensory Physiology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
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Abstract
Even though the importance of epigenetics was first recognized in light of its role in tissue development, an increasing amount of evidence has shown that it also plays an important role in the development and progression of many common diseases. We discuss some recent findings on one representative epigenetic modification, DNA methylation, in some common diseases. While many new risk factors have been identified through the population-based epigenetic epidemiologic studies on the role of epigenetics in common diseases, this relatively new field still faces many unique challenges. Here, we describe those promises and unique challenges of epigenetic epidemiological studies and propose some potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yun Liu
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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