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Dey AD, Mannan A, Dhiman S, Singh TG. Unlocking new avenues for neuropsychiatric disease therapy: the emerging potential of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as promising therapeutic targets. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1491-1516. [PMID: 38801530 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors that regulate various physiological processes such as inflammation, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that targeting PPARs could be beneficial in treating neuropsychiatric disorders by modulating neuronal function and signaling pathways in the brain. PPAR-α, PPAR-δ, and PPAR-γ have been found to play important roles in cognitive function, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotection. Dysregulation of PPARs has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. The limitations and side effects of current treatments have prompted research to target PPARs as a promising novel therapeutic strategy. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of PPAR agonists and antagonists to improve symptoms associated with these disorders. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of PPARs in neuropsychiatric disorders, their potential as therapeutic targets, and the challenges and future directions for developing PPAR-based therapies. METHODS An extensive literature review of various search engines like PubMed, Medline, Bentham, Scopus, and EMBASE (Elsevier) databases was carried out with the keywords "PPAR, Neuropsychiatric disorders, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major depression disorder, Autism spectrum disorder, molecular pathway". RESULT & CONCLUSION Although PPARs present a hopeful direction for innovative therapeutic approaches in neuropsychiatric conditions, additional research is required to address obstacles and convert this potential into clinically viable and individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Deka Dey
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
| | - Ashi Mannan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
| | - Sonia Dhiman
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
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2
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Tu G, Jiang N, Chen W, Liu L, Hu M, Liao B. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise interventions in autistic individuals. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2024-0058. [PMID: 39083671 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0058] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a pervasive and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication difficulties and rigid, repetitive behaviors. Owing to the complex pathogenesis of autism, effective drugs for treating its core features are lacking. Nonpharmacological approaches, including education, social-communication, behavioral and psychological methods, and exercise interventions, play important roles in supporting the needs of autistic individuals. The advantages of exercise intervention, such as its low cost, easy implementation, and high acceptance, have garnered increasing attention. Exercise interventions can effectively improve the core features and co-occurring conditions of autism, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are unclear. Abnormal changes in the gut microbiome, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity may individually or interactively be responsible for atypical brain structure and connectivity, leading to specific autistic experiences and characteristics. Interestingly, exercise can affect these biological processes and reshape brain network connections, which may explain how exercise alleviates core features and co-occurring conditions in autistic individuals. In this review, we describe the definition, diagnostic approach, epidemiology, and current support strategies for autism; highlight the benefits of exercise interventions; and call for individualized programs for different subtypes of autistic individuals. Finally, the possible neurobiological mechanisms by which exercise improves autistic features are comprehensively summarized to inform the development of optimal exercise interventions and specific targets to meet the needs of autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genghong Tu
- Department of Sports Medicine, 47878 Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, 47878 Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Graduate School, 47878 Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
| | - Weizhong Chen
- Graduate School, 47878 Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
| | - Lining Liu
- Graduate School, 47878 Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
| | - Min Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, 47878 Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
| | - Bagen Liao
- Department of Sports Medicine, 47878 Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, 47878 Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510500, P.R. China
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3
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Duan K, Eyler L, Pierce K, Lombardo MV, Datko M, Hagler DJ, Taluja V, Zahiri J, Campbell K, Barnes CC, Arias S, Nalabolu S, Troxel J, Ji P, Courchesne E. Differences in regional brain structure in toddlers with autism are related to future language outcomes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5075. [PMID: 38871689 PMCID: PMC11176156 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48952-4] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Language and social symptoms improve with age in some autistic toddlers, but not in others, and such outcome differences are not clearly predictable from clinical scores alone. Here we aim to identify early-age brain alterations in autism that are prognostic of future language ability. Leveraging 372 longitudinal structural MRI scans from 166 autistic toddlers and 109 typical toddlers and controlling for brain size, we find that, compared to typical toddlers, autistic toddlers show differentially larger or thicker temporal and fusiform regions; smaller or thinner inferior frontal lobe and midline structures; larger callosal subregion volume; and smaller cerebellum. Most differences are replicated in an independent cohort of 75 toddlers. These brain alterations improve accuracy for predicting language outcome at 6-month follow-up beyond intake clinical and demographic variables. Temporal, fusiform, and inferior frontal alterations are related to autism symptom severity and cognitive impairments at early intake ages. Among autistic toddlers, brain alterations in social, language and face processing areas enhance the prediction of the child's future language ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuaikuai Duan
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Lisa Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- VISN 22 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Karen Pierce
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Michael V Lombardo
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, 38068, Italy
| | - Michael Datko
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Donald J Hagler
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Vani Taluja
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Javad Zahiri
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Kathleen Campbell
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Cynthia Carter Barnes
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Steven Arias
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Srinivasa Nalabolu
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jaden Troxel
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Peng Ji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Eric Courchesne
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Anand P, Kaur A, Singh S. Fucoxanthin mitigates valproic acid-induced autistic behavior through modulation of the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176335. [PMID: 38331341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of fucoxanthin, a natural compound found in seaweed, on various aspects of autism using a rat model induced by valproic acid (VPA). Pregnant rats were administered VPA (600 mg/kg) on gestational day 12.5, and male pups were orally administered fucoxanthin at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg beginning on post-natal day (PND) 23-43. Behavioral assessments were conducted on PND 45-53, and on PND 54, the animals were sacrificed for further biochemical analyses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO)) via UV spectroscopy. Inflammatory markers (IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β) were also analyzed by sandwich ELISA, and the molecular parameters were evaluated through ELISA. The results revealed that, compared with VPA, fucoxanthin improved behavior and neuronal morphology. Specifically, fucoxanthin administration was found to enhance spatial memory, reduce pain sensitivity, and improve social interaction, locomotor activity, balance, and motor coordination. Fucoxanthin also exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as indicated by the restoration of SOD and GSH levels and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels. Molecular analyses revealed that fucoxanthin restored the levels of GSK-3β and AKT. Furthermore, fucoxanthin regulates neurotransmitters, which are related to increasing GABA and reducing glutamate levels in the cortex and cerebellum. The therapeutic effects were dose-dependent, with higher doses (200 mg/kg) showing greater efficacy than lower doses (100 mg/kg) in improving behavioral, biochemical, neurotransmitter, and molecular parameters. Fucoxanthin is a potential treatment for autism, but further research, including clinical trials, is necessary to determine its effectiveness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Anand
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Arshbir Kaur
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India.
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Ahmed S, Abir AH, Sharmin O, Khurshid N, Akter A, Nakshy NT, Hasan MM, Yesmine S, Rahman M. Modulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade through G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) activation: Prenatal lysophosphatidylinositol attenuates valproic acid-induced synaptic abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction. Life Sci 2023; 334:122195. [PMID: 37866808 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has recently emerged as a potential regulator of this signaling cascade. This study explores the intricate modulation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade via GPR55 activation and its potential therapeutic implications in the context of autism-associated neuronal impairments. MAIN METHODS Valproic acid (VPA) was administered on embryonic day 12 (E12) to induce ASD, and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), a GPR55 agonist, was used prenatally to modulate the receptor activity. Golgi-cox staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology, and Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining was carried out to quantify damaged neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented to identify molecular mediators involved in neuroprotection. KEY FINDINGS Prenatal VPA exposure resulted in significant abnormalities in synaptic development, which were further evidenced by impairments in social interaction and cognitive function. When LPI was administered, most of the synaptic abnormalities were alleviated, as reflected by higher neuron and dendritic spine count. LPI treatment also reduced cytoplasmic cytochrome c concentration and related neuronal cell death. Mechanistically, GPR55 activation by LPI increases the expression of phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β, leading to the activation of this signaling in the process of rescuing synaptic abnormalities and mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE The observed therapeutic effects of GPR55 activation shed light on its significance as a prospective target for ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and dendritic spine loss, offering novel prospects for developing targeted interventions to alleviate the neuropathological causes of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Ariful Haque Abir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Universität Klinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, Glückstraße 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ozayra Sharmin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neda Khurshid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Amana Akter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Tajneen Nakshy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, University of Information Technology and Sciences, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Saquiba Yesmine
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
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6
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Luo L, Li T, Wu Q, Yuan B, Hu C, Yang T, Wei H, Chen J. Retinoic acid administration normalizes aberrant microglial activation via regulating TREM2 transcription in the PFC of valproic acid induced autism rat. Neurosci Lett 2023; 803:137193. [PMID: 36924930 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137193] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease with an unclear underlying pathogenesis. Disruption of retinoic acid (RA)-retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) signaling and aberrant microglial activation were reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. However, the effect of RA-RARα signaling on microglial activation in ASD and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we found inhibited RA-RARα signaling and increased microglial activation in valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism rats. Furthermore, we administered RA to VPA rats and found that RA ameliorated autism-like behaviors, inhibited microglial activation and normalized microglial polarization in VPA rats. Additionally, the expression levels of RARα and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) were increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of VPA rats given RA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that RARα can regulate the transcriptional activity of the TREM2 gene by binding to its promoter. We conclude that RA administration ameliorates autism-like behaviors in VPA rats by inhibiting microglial activation and normalizing microglial polarization through the regulation of TREM2 transcription by RARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Luo
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qionghui Wu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Binlin Yuan
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
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7
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Kochav-Lev M, Bennett-Back O, Lotan M, Stein-Zamir C. The Use of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) as a Diagnostic Scale for Infants with Autism. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13061045. [PMID: 36980353 PMCID: PMC10047290 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities presenting difficulties in social interaction and language and an increased occurrence of cognitive, sensory, and motor gaps. Early intervention has been reported to improve the function of children with ASD. However, motor screening for children with ASD is difficult, as there are no specific tools for identifying this specific population. This study reports the results of using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), which assesses gross infant motor skills from ages 0 to 18 months, as a screening tool for detecting motor developmental delay (MDD) in small children with ASD. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all children registered at one health care organization in Israel born between 2011 and 2017 (N = 240,299). Early childhood MDD was defined as having at least one recorded developmental physiotherapy (DPT) visit before the age of 2 years. Reasons for referral to DPT and the results of using AIMS as an appropriate tool for revealing developmental delays in infants with ASD are presented. Results: ASD diagnosis was reported in 1821 children (prevalence rate 0.75%). Of those, 388 (odds ratio 4.1, 95% CI 3.6–4.6) children were referred to DPT. Children with ASD mostly received DPT for motor delays (46.19%), torticollis (19.52%), developmental delay (15.48%), and preterm birth (7.38%). The use of AIMS as an early detection tool suggests that more than 87% of children with ASD and MDD present with a developmental delay or risk for one when using this scale. Conclusions: The prevalence of ASD among children referred to DPT for MDD is higher than its prevalence within the general population. The most common reasons for a child with ASD to be referred for DPT services are MMDs. AIMS was found to be a sensitive tool to pinpoint relevant candidates for ASD screening among children treated in DPT. Possible effects of the study: The use of AIMS as a relevant assessment scale for this group of clients is recommended. Training DPTs in identifying initial ASD signs and developing their clinical reasoning abilities will increase the chance of implementing early intervention with this group of clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mooly Kochav-Lev
- Child Development Institute, Meuhedet Health Services, Jerusalem 95464, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Odeya Bennett-Back
- Child Development Institute, Meuhedet Health Services, Jerusalem 95464, Israel
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Chen Stein-Zamir
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
- Jerusalem District Health Office, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel
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8
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Tu G, Guo Y, Xiao R, Tang L, Hu M, Liao B. Effects of Exercise Training on the Phosphoproteomics of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Rats With Autism Spectrum Disorder Induced by Valproic Acid. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:94-108. [PMID: 36860155 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231152814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The key neural pathological characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include abnormal synaptic plasticity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Exercise therapy is widely used to rehabilitate children with ASD, but its neurobiological mechanism is unclear. METHODS To clarify whether the structural and molecular plasticity of synapses in the mPFC are related to improvement in ASD behavioral deficits after continuous exercise rehabilitation training, we applied phosphoproteomic, behavioral, morphological, and molecular biological methods to investigate the impact of exercise on the phosphoprotein expression profile and synaptic structure of the mPFC in valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD rats. RESULTS Exercise training differentially regulated the density, morphology, and ultrastructure of synapses in mPFC subregions in the VPA-induced ASD rats. In total, 1031 phosphopeptides were upregulated and 782 phosphopeptides were downregulated in the mPFC in the ASD group. After exercise training, 323 phosphopeptides were upregulated, and 1098 phosphopeptides were downregulated in the ASDE group. Interestingly, 101 upregulated and 33 downregulated phosphoproteins in the ASD group were reversed after exercise training, and these phosphoproteins were mostly involved in synapses. Consistent with the phosphoproteomics data, the total and phosphorylated levels of the proteins MARK1 and MYH10 were upregulated in the ASD group and reversed after exercise training. CONCLUSIONS The differential structural plasticity of synapses in mPFC subregions may be the basic neural architecture of ASD behavioral abnormalities. The phosphoproteins involved in mPFC synapses, such as MARK1 and MYH10, may play important roles in the exercise rehabilitation effect on ASD-induced behavioral deficits and synaptic structural plasticity, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genghong Tu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Youli Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Ruoshi Xiao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lianying Tang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Min Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bagen Liao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
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9
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Liu S, Won H, Clarke D, Matoba N, Khullar S, Mu Y, Wang D, Gerstein M. Illuminating links between cis-regulators and trans-acting variants in the human prefrontal cortex. Genome Med 2022; 14:133. [PMID: 36424644 PMCID: PMC9685876 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric disorders afflict a large portion of the global population and constitute a significant source of disability worldwide. Although Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified many disorder-associated variants, the underlying regulatory mechanisms linking them to disorders remain elusive, especially those involving distant genomic elements. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) constitute a powerful means of providing this missing link. However, most eQTL studies in human brains have focused exclusively on cis-eQTLs, which link variants to nearby genes (i.e., those within 1 Mb of a variant). A complete understanding of disease etiology requires a clearer understanding of trans-regulatory mechanisms, which, in turn, entails a detailed analysis of the relationships between variants and expression changes in distant genes. METHODS By leveraging large datasets from the PsychENCODE consortium, we conducted a genome-wide survey of trans-eQTLs in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We also performed colocalization and mediation analyses to identify mediators in trans-regulation and use trans-eQTLs to link GWAS loci to schizophrenia risk genes. RESULTS We identified ~80,000 candidate trans-eQTLs (at FDR<0.25) that influence the expression of ~10K target genes (i.e., "trans-eGenes"). We found that many variants associated with these candidate trans-eQTLs overlap with known cis-eQTLs. Moreover, for >60% of these variants (by colocalization), the cis-eQTL's target gene acts as a mediator for the trans-eQTL SNP's effect on the trans-eGene, highlighting examples of cis-mediation as essential for trans-regulation. Furthermore, many of these colocalized variants fall into a discernable pattern wherein cis-eQTL's target is a transcription factor or RNA-binding protein, which, in turn, targets the gene associated with the candidate trans-eQTL. Finally, we show that trans-regulatory mechanisms provide valuable insights into psychiatric disorders: beyond what had been possible using only cis-eQTLs, we link an additional 23 GWAS loci and 90 risk genes (using colocalization between candidate trans-eQTLs and schizophrenia GWAS loci). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that the transcriptional architecture of the human brain is orchestrated by both cis- and trans-regulatory variants and found that trans-eQTLs provide insights into brain-disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Hyejung Won
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Declan Clarke
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nana Matoba
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Saniya Khullar
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Yudi Mu
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA. .,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA. .,Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Mark Gerstein
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA. .,Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA. .,Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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10
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Transcriptional Profile of the Developing Subthalamic Nucleus. eNeuro 2022; 9:9/5/ENEURO.0193-22.2022. [PMID: 36257692 PMCID: PMC9581575 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0193-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a small, excitatory nucleus that regulates the output of basal ganglia motor circuits. The functions of the STN and its role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease are now well established. However, some basic characteristics like the developmental origin and molecular phenotype of neuronal subpopulations are still being debated. The classical model of forebrain development attributed the origin of STN within the diencephalon. Recent studies of gene expression patterns exposed shortcomings of the classical model. To accommodate these findings, the prosomeric model was developed. In this concept, STN develops within the hypothalamic primordium, which is no longer a part of the diencephalic primordium. This concept is further supported by the expression patterns of many transcription factors. It is interesting to note that many transcription factors involved in the development of the STN are also involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, the study of neurodevelopmental disorders could provide us with valuable information on the roles of these transcription factors in the development and maintenance of STN phenotype. In this review, we summarize historical theories about the developmental origin of the STN and interpret the gene expression data within the prosomeric conceptual framework. Finally, we discuss the importance of neurodevelopmental disorders for the development of the STN and its potential role in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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11
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Chen Y, Fan J, Xiao D, Li X. The role of SCAMP5 in central nervous system diseases. Neurol Res 2022; 44:1024-1037. [PMID: 36217917 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2022.2107754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Secretory carrier membrane proteins (SCAMPs) constitute a group of membrane transport proteins in plants, insects and mammals. The mammalian genome contains five types of SCAMP genes, namely, SCAMP1-SCAMP5. SCAMPs participate in the vesicle cycling fusion of vesicles and cell membranes and play roles in regulating exocytosis and endocytosis, activating synaptic function and transmitting nerve signals. Among these proteins, SCAMP5 is highly expressed in the brain and has direct or indirect effects on the function of the central nervous system. This paper may allow us to better understand the role of SCAMP5 in the central nervous system diseases. SCAMP5 regulates membrane transport, controls the exocytosis of SVs and is related to secretion carrier and membrane function. In addition, SCAMP5 plays a major role in the normal maintenance of the physiological functions of nerve cells. This article summarizes the effects of SCAMP5 on nerve cell exocytosis, endocytosis and synaptic function, as well as the relationship between SCAMP5 and various neurological diseases, to better understand the role of SCAMP5 in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. METHODS Through PubMed, this paper examined and analyzed the role of SCAMP5 in the central nervous system, as well as the relationship between SCAMP5 and various neurological diseases using the key terms "secretory carrier membrane proteins"," SCAMP5"," exocytosis"," endocytosis", "synaptic function", "central nervous system diseases" up to 01 March 2022. RESULTS SCAMP5 regulates membrane transport, controls the exocytosis of SVs and is related to secretion carrier and membrane function. In addition, SCAMP5 plays a major role in the normal maintenance of the physiological functions of nerve cells. CONCLUSION This article summarizes the effects of SCAMP5 on nerve cell exocytosis, endocytosis and synaptic function, as well as the relationship between SCAMP5 and various neurological diseases, to better understand the role of SCAMP5 in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Department of Emergency, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiali Fan
- Department of Emergency, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongqiong Xiao
- Department of Emergency, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xihong Li
- Department of Emergency, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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12
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Manosso LM, Broseghini LDR, Campos JMB, Padilha APZ, Botelho MEM, da Costa MA, Abelaira HM, Gonçalves CL, Réus GZ. Beneficial effects and neurobiological aspects of environmental enrichment associated to major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:152-167. [PMID: 36191730 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.024] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A suitable enriched environment favors development but can also influence behavior and neuronal circuits throughout development. Studies have shown that environmental enrichment (EE) can be used as an essential tool or combined with conventional treatments to improve psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both disorders affect a significant percentage of the world's population and have complex pathophysiology. Moreover, the available treatments for MDD and ASD are still inadequate for many affected individuals. Experimental models demonstrate that EE has significant positive effects on behavioral modulation. In addition, EE has effects on neurobiology, including improvement in synaptic connections and neuroplasticity, modulation of neurotransmissions, a decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress, and other neurobiology effects that can be involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and ASD. Thus, this review aims to describe the leading behavioral and neurobiological effects associated with EE in MDD and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana M Manosso
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Lia D R Broseghini
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - José Marcelo B Campos
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Alex Paulo Z Padilha
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda M Botelho
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maiara A da Costa
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Helena M Abelaira
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cinara L Gonçalves
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Z Réus
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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13
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Huang R, Potla S, Bhalla S, Al Qabandi Y, Nandula SA, Boddepalli CS, Gutlapalli SD, Lavu VK, Abdelwahab R, Hamid P. The Clinical Implications of the Academic Performance of the Siblings of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cureus 2022; 14:e29116. [PMID: 36258957 PMCID: PMC9559693 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We all know that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect academic performance. Many children with autism face different challenges at school. However, less attention is paid to the siblings of autistic children, who are at a high risk of ASD or the broad autism phenotype (BAP). Recent data also shows that many siblings of ASD children suffer from neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health problems as well as poor academic performance. This review will look at the possible etiologies of the poor school performance of autistic children's siblings, with an emphasis on the challenges they face. We will also highlight the clinical implications of these findings, and the possible solutions that can help this vulnerable group.
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14
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Determination of molecular signatures and pathways common to brain tissues of autism spectrum disorder: Insights from comprehensive bioinformatics approach. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.100871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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15
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Rong P, Fu Q, Zhang X, Liu H, Zhao S, Song X, Gao P, Ma R. A bibliometrics analysis and visualization of autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:884600. [PMID: 35923445 PMCID: PMC9339633 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.884600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased rapidly in the last 20 years. Although related research has developed rapidly, little is known about its etiology, diagnostic marker, or drug treatment, which forces researchers to review and summarize its development process and look for the future development direction. METHODS We used bibliometrics to analyze papers of ASD in the Web of Science from 1998 to 2021, to draw the network of authors, institutions, countries, and keywords in the ASD field, and visualize the results. RESULTS A total of 40,597 papers were included with a continually increasing trend. It turns out that the research on ASD is mainly concentrated in universities. The United States has the largest number of ASD studies, followed by England and Canada. The quality of papers related to ASD is generally high, which shows that ASD research has become a hot spot of scientific research. The keywords of ASD etiology and diagnostic markers can be classified into at least 7 aspects. The detection of keywords shows that ASD research is mostly based on its subtypes, takes children as the study population, focuses on neurodevelopmental imaging or genetics, and pays attention to individual differences. And ASD research has changed greatly under the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 in the past 2 years. CONCLUSION We consider the future development direction should be based on the improvement of case identification, accurate clinical phenotype, large-scale cohort study, the discovery of ASD etiology and diagnostic markers, drug randomized controlled trials, and telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Rong
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianfang Fu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xilian Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuyi Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxin Song
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Puxing Gao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Ma
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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