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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Bediwy EA, Elbeltagi R. Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13:98468. [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in genetic and epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
AIM To explore the genetic architecture of ASD, elucidate mechanistic insights into genetic mutations, and examine gene-environment interactions.
METHODS A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, integrating findings from studies on genetic variations, epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation and histone modifications), and emerging technologies [including Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 and single-cell RNA sequencing]. Relevant articles were identified through systematic searches of databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.
RESULTS Genetic studies have identified numerous risk genes and mutations associated with ASD, yet many cases remain unexplained by known factors, suggesting undiscovered genetic components. Mechanistic insights into how these genetic mutations impact neural development and brain connectivity are still evolving. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, also play significant roles in ASD pathogenesis. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced bioinformatics are advancing our understanding by enabling precise genetic editing and analysis of complex genomic data.
CONCLUSION Continued research into the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of ASD is crucial for developing personalized and effective treatments. Collaborative efforts integrating multidisciplinary expertise and international collaborations are essential to address the complexity of ASD and translate genetic discoveries into clinical practice. Addressing unresolved questions and ethical considerations surrounding genetic research will pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies, ultimately enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31511, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Bahrain
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Muharraq, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Eman A Bediwy
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Algharbia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Muharraq, Busiateen 15503, Bahrain
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Bae HG, Wu WC, Nip K, Gould E, Kim JH. Scn2a deletion disrupts oligodendroglia function: Implication for myelination, neural circuitry, and auditory hypersensitivity in ASD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589242. [PMID: 38659965 PMCID: PMC11042360 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a complex etiology, with genetic determinants significantly influencing its manifestation. Among these, the Scn2a gene emerges as a pivotal player, crucially involved in both glial and neuronal functionality. This study elucidates the underexplored roles of Scn2a in oligodendrocytes, and its subsequent impact on myelination and auditory neural processes. The results reveal a nuanced interplay between oligodendrocytes and axons, where Scn2a deletion causes alterations in the intricate process of myelination. This disruption, in turn, instigates changes in axonal properties and neuronal activities at the single cell level. Furthermore, oligodendrocyte-specific Scn2a deletion compromises the integrity of neural circuitry within auditory pathways, leading to auditory hypersensitivity-a common sensory abnormality observed in ASD. Through transcriptional profiling, we identified alterations in the expression of myelin-associated genes, highlighting the cellular consequences engendered by Scn2a deletion. In summary, the findings provide unprecedented insights into the pathway from Scn2a deletion in oligodendrocytes to sensory abnormalities in ASD, underscoring the integral role of Scn2a -mediated myelination in auditory responses. This research thereby provides novel insights into the intricate tapestry of genetic and cellular interactions inherent in ASD.
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Marashli S, Janz P, Redondo RL. Auditory brainstem responses are resistant to pharmacological modulation in Sprague Dawley wild-type and Neurexin1α knockout rats. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:18. [PMID: 38491350 PMCID: PMC10941391 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00861-4] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing in the auditory brainstem can be studied with auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) across species. There is, however, a limited understanding of ABRs as tools to assess the effect of pharmacological interventions. Therefore, we set out to understand how pharmacological agents that target key transmitter systems of the auditory brainstem circuitry affect ABRs in rats. Given previous studies, demonstrating that Nrxn1α KO Sprague Dawley rats show substantial auditory processing deficits and altered sensitivity to GABAergic modulators, we used both Nrxn1α KO and wild-type littermates in our study. First, we probed how different commonly used anesthetics (isoflurane, ketamine/xylazine, medetomidine) affect ABRs. In the next step, we assessed the effects of different pharmacological compounds (diazepam, gaboxadol, retigabine, nicotine, baclofen, and bitopertin) either under isoflurane or medetomidine anesthesia. We found that under our experimental conditions, ABRs are largely unaffected by diverse pharmacological modulation. Significant modulation was observed with (i) nicotine, affecting the late ABRs components at 90 dB stimulus intensity under isoflurane anesthesia in both genotypes and (ii) retigabine, showing a slight decrease in late ABRs deflections at 80 dB stimulus intensity, mainly in isoflurane anesthetized Nrxn1α KO rats. Our study suggests that ABRs in anesthetized rats are resistant to a wide range of pharmacological modulators, which has important implications for the applicability of ABRs to study auditory brainstem physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Marashli
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roger L Redondo
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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Park JH, Sahbaz BD, Pekhale K, Chu X, Okur MN, Grati M, Isgrig K, Chien W, Chrysostomou E, Sullivan L, Croteau DL, Manor U, Bohr VA. Early-Onset Hearing Loss in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease and Increased DNA Damage in the Cochlea. AGING BIOLOGY 2024; 1:20240025. [PMID: 38500536 PMCID: PMC10948084 DOI: 10.59368/agingbio.20240025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in whether sensory deficiency is associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Notably, the relationship between hearing impairment and AD is of high relevance but still poorly understood. In this study, we found early-onset hearing loss in two AD mouse models, 3xTgAD and 3xTgAD/Polβ+/-. The 3xTgAD/Polβ+/- mouse is DNA repair deficient and has more humanized AD features than the 3xTgAD. Both AD mouse models showed increased auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds between 16 and 32 kHz at 4 weeks of age, much earlier than any AD cognitive and behavioral changes. The ABR thresholds were significantly higher in 3xTgAD/Polβ+/- mice than in 3xTgAD mice at 16 kHz, and distortion product otoacoustic emission signals were reduced, indicating that DNA damage may be a factor underlying early hearing impairment in AD. Poly ADP-ribosylation and protein expression levels of DNA damage markers increased significantly in the cochlea of the AD mice but not in the adjacent auditory cortex. Phosphoglycerate mutase 2 levels and the number of synaptic ribbons in the presynaptic zones of inner hair cells were decreased in the cochlea of the AD mice. Furthermore, the activity of sirtuin 3 was downregulated in the cochlea of these mice, indicative of impaired mitochondrial function. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into potential mechanisms for hearing dysfunction in AD and suggest that DNA damage in the cochlea might contribute to the development of early hearing loss in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyeon Park
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Burcin Duan Sahbaz
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Komal Pekhale
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xixia Chu
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mustafa N. Okur
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mhamed Grati
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Isgrig
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wade Chien
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elena Chrysostomou
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Sullivan
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology School of Biological Sciences University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Deborah L. Croteau
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Computational Biology & Genomics Core, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Uri Manor
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology School of Biological Sciences University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vilhelm A. Bohr
- DNA repair Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Danish Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Albini M, Almacellas-Barbanoj A, Krawczun-Rygmaczewska A, Ciano L, Benfenati F, Michetti C, Cesca F. Alterations in KIDINS220/ARMS Expression Impact Sensory Processing and Social Behavior in Adult Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2334. [PMID: 38397009 PMCID: PMC10889203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042334] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinase D-interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220) is a transmembrane protein that participates in neural cell survival, maturation, and plasticity. Mutations in the human KIDINS220 gene are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder ('SINO' syndrome) characterized by spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, and in some cases, autism spectrum disorder. To better understand the pathophysiology of KIDINS220-linked pathologies, in this study, we assessed the sensory processing and social behavior of transgenic mouse lines with reduced Kidins220 expression: the CaMKII-driven conditional knockout (cKO) line, lacking Kidins220 in adult forebrain excitatory neurons, and the Kidins220floxed line, expressing constitutively lower protein levels. We show that alterations in Kidins220 expression levels and its splicing pattern cause impaired response to both auditory and olfactory stimuli. Both transgenic lines show impaired startle response to high intensity sounds, with preserved pre-pulsed inhibition, and strongly reduced social odor recognition. In the Kidins220floxed line, olfactory alterations are associated with deficits in social memory and increased aggressive behavior. Our results broaden our knowledge of the SINO syndrome; understanding sensory information processing and its deviations under neuropathological conditions is crucial for devising future therapeutic strategies to enhance the quality of life of affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Albini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Amanda Almacellas-Barbanoj
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ciano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Oberman LM, Francis SM, Beynel L, Hynd M, Jaime M, Robins PL, Deng ZD, Stout J, van der Veen JW, Lisanby SH. Design and methodology for a proof of mechanism study of individualized neuronavigated continuous Theta burst stimulation for auditory processing in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1304528. [PMID: 38389984 PMCID: PMC10881663 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1304528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that aberrant excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance and dysfunctional structure and function of relevant brain networks may underlie the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the nomological network linking these constructs to quantifiable measures and mechanistically relating these constructs to behavioral symptoms of ASD is lacking. Herein we describe a within-subject, controlled, proof-of-mechanism study investigating the pathophysiology of auditory/language processing in adolescents with ASD. We utilize neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) metrics of language network structure and function. Additionally, we apply a single, individually targeted session of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) as an experimental probe of the impact of perturbation of the system on these neurophysiological and neuroimaging outcomes. MRS, fMRI, and MEG measures are evaluated at baseline and immediately prior to and following cTBS over the posterior superior temporal cortex (pSTC), a region involved in auditory and language processing deficits in ASD. Also, behavioral measures of ASD and language processing and DWI measures of auditory/language network structures are obtained at baseline to characterize the relationship between the neuroimaging and neurophysiological measures and baseline symptom presentation. We hypothesize that local gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate concentrations (measured with MRS), and structural and functional activity and network connectivity (measured with DWI and fMRI), will significantly predict MEG indices of auditory/language processing and behavioral deficits in ASD. Furthermore, a single session of cTBS over left pSTC is hypothesized to lead to significant, acute changes in local glutamate and GABA concentration, functional activity and network connectivity, and MEG indices of auditory/language processing. We have completed the pilot phase of the study (n=20 Healthy Volunteer adults) and have begun enrollment for the main phase with adolescents with ASD (n=86; age 14-17). If successful, this study will establish a nomological network linking local E/I balance measures to functional and structural connectivity within relevant brain networks, ultimately connecting them to ASD symptoms. Furthermore, this study will inform future therapeutic trials using cTBS to treat the symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sunday M Francis
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lysianne Beynel
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Megan Hynd
- Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Miguel Jaime
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pei L Robins
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhi-De Deng
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeff Stout
- Magnetoencephalography Core, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jan Willem van der Veen
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Core, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sarah H Lisanby
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Dwyer P, Vukusic S, Williams ZJ, Saron CD, Rivera SM. "Neural Noise" in Auditory Responses in Young Autistic and Neurotypical Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:642-661. [PMID: 36434480 PMCID: PMC10209352 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Elevated "neural noise" has been advanced as an explanation of autism and autistic sensory experiences. However, functional neuroimaging measures of neural noise may be vulnerable to contamination by recording noise. This study explored variability of electrophysiological responses to tones of different intensities in 127 autistic and 79 typically-developing children aged 2-5 years old. A rigorous data processing pipeline, including advanced visualizations of different signal sources that were maximally independent across different time lags, was used to identify and eliminate putative recording noise. Inter-trial variability was measured using median absolute deviations (MADs) of EEG amplitudes across trials and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC). ITPC was elevated in autism in the 50 and 60 dB intensity conditions, suggesting diminished (rather than elevated) neural noise in autism, although reduced ITPC to soft 50 dB sounds was associated with increased loudness discomfort. Autistic and non-autistic participants did not differ in MADs, and indeed, the vast majority of the statistical tests examined in this study yielded no significant effects. These results appear inconsistent with the neural noise account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | | | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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8
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Reis SL, Monteiro P. From synaptic dysfunction to atypical emotional processing in autism. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:269-282. [PMID: 38233224 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition mainly characterized by social impairments and repetitive behaviors. Among these core symptoms, a notable aspect of ASD is the presence of emotional complexities, including high rates of anxiety disorders. The inherent heterogeneity of ASD poses a unique challenge in understanding its etiological origins, yet the utilization of diverse animal models replicating ASD traits has enabled researchers to dissect the intricate relationship between autism and atypical emotional processing. In this review, we delve into the general findings about the neural circuits underpinning one of the most extensively researched and evolutionarily conserved emotional states: fear and anxiety. Additionally, we explore how distinct ASD animal models exhibit various anxiety phenotypes, making them a crucial tool for dissecting ASD's multifaceted nature. Overall, to a proper display of fear response, it is crucial to properly process and integrate sensorial and visceral cues to the fear-induced stimuli. ASD individuals exhibit altered sensory processing, possibly contributing to the emergence of atypical phobias, a prevailing anxiety disorder manifested in this population. Moreover, these individuals display distinctive alterations in a pivotal fear and anxiety processing hub, the amygdala. By examining the neurobiological mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety regulation, we can gain insights into the factors contributing to the distinctive emotional profile observed in individuals with ASD. Such insights hold the potential to pave the way for more targeted interventions and therapies that address the emotional challenges faced by individuals within the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Reis
- Department of Biomedicine - Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine - Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal
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Tamaoki Y, Pasapula V, Chandler C, Borland MS, Olajubutu OI, Tharakan LS, Engineer CT. Degraded inferior colliculus responses to complex sounds in prenatally exposed VPA rats. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:2. [PMID: 38166599 PMCID: PMC10759431 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often exhibit altered sensory processing and deficits in language development. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) increases the risk for ASD and impairs both receptive and expressive language. Like individuals with ASD, rodents prenatally exposed to VPA exhibit degraded auditory cortical processing and abnormal neural activity to sounds. Disrupted neuronal morphology has been documented in earlier processing areas of the auditory pathway in VPA-exposed rodents, but there are no studies documenting early auditory pathway physiology. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize inferior colliculus (IC) responses to different sounds in rats prenatally exposed to VPA compared to saline-exposed rats. METHODS In vivo extracellular multiunit recordings from the inferior colliculus were collected in response to tones, speech sounds, and noise burst trains. RESULTS Our results indicate that the overall response to speech sounds was degraded in VPA-exposed rats compared to saline-exposed controls, but responses to tones and noise burst trains were unaltered. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with observations in individuals with autism that neural responses to complex sounds, like speech, are often altered, and lays the foundation for future studies of potential therapeutics to improve auditory processing in the VPA rat model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Tamaoki
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Varun Pasapula
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Collin Chandler
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Michael S Borland
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Olayinka I Olajubutu
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Liza S Tharakan
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Crystal T Engineer
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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10
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Wu L, Mei S, Yu S, Han S, Zhang YQ. Shank3 mutations enhance early neural responses to deviant tones in dogs. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10546-10557. [PMID: 37585733 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Both enhanced discrimination of low-level features of auditory stimuli and mutations of SHANK3 (a gene that encodes a synaptic scaffolding protein) have been identified in autism spectrum disorder patients. However, experimental evidence regarding whether SHANK3 mutations lead to enhanced neural processing of low-level features of auditory stimuli is lacking. The present study investigated this possibility by examining effects of Shank3 mutations on early neural processing of pitch (tone frequency) in dogs. We recorded electrocorticograms from wild-type and Shank3 mutant dogs using an oddball paradigm in which deviant tones of different frequencies or probabilities were presented along with other tones in a repetitive stream (standards). We found that, relative to wild-type dogs, Shank3 mutant dogs exhibited larger amplitudes of early neural responses to deviant tones and greater sensitivity to variations of deviant frequencies within 100 ms after tone onsets. In addition, the enhanced early neural responses to deviant tones in Shank3 mutant dogs were observed independently of the probability of deviant tones. Our findings highlight an essential functional role of Shank3 in modulations of early neural detection of novel sounds and offer new insights into the genetic basis of the atypical auditory information processing in autism patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuting Mei
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shan Yu
- Brainnetome Center and State Key Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shihui Han
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yong Q Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Gonçalves AM, Sousa N, Jacinto L, Monteiro P. The Shank3-InsG3680(+/+) mouse model of autism spectrum disorder displays auditory avoidance in a novel behavioral test. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1205507. [PMID: 37693284 PMCID: PMC10483143 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1205507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory alterations, with auditory hypersensitivity being one of the most commonly reported sensory-perceptual abnormalities. Several candidate genes for involvement in this disorder have emerged from patient studies, including SHANK3, a gene that encodes a protein (SHANK3) in the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. Previous work has shown that mutant mice carrying a human ASD mutation in the Shank3 gene (InsG3680) exhibit repetitive behaviors and social interaction deficits, indicating important construct and face validity for this genotype as an animal model of ASD. Methods To further address whether these mice also present auditory sensory-perceptual alterations, we developed a novel behavioral test in which mice can choose between different soundscapes. Results Our results reveal that, in comparison to wild-type mice, Shank3 mutants display a strong behavioral preference toward silent regions of the arena. Discussion These data suggest that Shank3- mutant mice might express an auditory hypersensitivity phenotype, further adding to the face validity of this genotype as an animal model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luis Jacinto
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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Gonçalves AM, Monteiro P. Autism Spectrum Disorder and auditory sensory alterations: a systematic review on the integrity of cognitive and neuronal functions related to auditory processing. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:325-408. [PMID: 36914900 PMCID: PMC10033482 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02595-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a wide spectrum of symptoms, mainly characterized by social, communication, and cognitive impairments. Latest diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013) now include sensory issues among the four restricted/repetitive behavior features defined as "hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment". Here, we review auditory sensory alterations in patients with ASD. Considering the updated diagnostic criteria for ASD, we examined research evidence (2015-2022) of the integrity of the cognitive function in auditory-related tasks, the integrity of the peripheral auditory system, and the integrity of the central nervous system in patients diagnosed with ASD. Taking into account the different approaches and experimental study designs, we reappraise the knowledge on auditory sensory alterations and reflect on how these might be linked with behavior symptomatology in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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