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Asad Z, Fakheir Y, Abukhaled Y, Khalil R. Implications of altered pyramidal cell morphology on clinical symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39054743 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16484] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of pyramidal cells (PCs) in the mammalian cerebral cortex underscore their value as they play a crucial role in various brain functions, ranging from cognition, sensory processing, to motor output. PC morphology significantly influences brain connectivity and plays a critical role in maintaining normal brain function. Pathological alterations to PC morphology are thought to contribute to the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. This review explores the relationship between abnormalities in PC morphology in key cortical areas and the clinical manifestations in schizophrenia and ASD. We focus largely on human postmortem studies and provide evidence that dendritic segment length, complexity and spine density are differentially affected in these disorders. These morphological alterations can lead to disruptions in cortical connectivity, potentially contributing to the cognitive and behavioural deficits observed in these disorders. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of investigating the functional and structural characteristics of PCs in these disorders to illuminate the underlying pathogenesis and stimulate further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zummar Asad
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yara Fakheir
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yara Abukhaled
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reem Khalil
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Gangadin SS, Enthoven AD, van Beveren NJM, Laman JD, Sommer IEC. Immune Dysfunction in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2024; 20:229-257. [PMID: 38996077 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081122-013201] [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] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Evidence from epidemiological, clinical, and biological research resulted in the immune hypothesis: the hypothesis that immune system dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). The promising implication of this hypothesis is the potential to use existing immunomodulatory treatment for innovative interventions for SSD. Here, we provide a selective historical review of important discoveries that have shaped our understanding of immune dysfunction in SSD. We first explain the basic principles of immune dysfunction, after which we travel more than a century back in time. Starting our journey with neurosyphilis-associated psychosis in the nineteenth century, we continue by evaluating the role of infections and autoimmunity in SSD and findings from assessment of immune function using new techniques, such as cytokine levels, microglia density, neuroimaging, and gene expression. Drawing from these findings, we discuss anti-inflammatory interventions for SSD, and we conclude with a look into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Gangadin
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - A D Enthoven
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - N J M van Beveren
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Parnassia Group for Mental Health Care, The Hague and Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J D Laman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - I E C Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands;
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Chaves C, Dursun SM, Tusconi M, Hallak JEC. Neuroinflammation and schizophrenia - is there a link? Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1356975. [PMID: 38389990 PMCID: PMC10881867 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1356975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Chaves
- NeuroMood Lab, School of Medicine and Kingston Health Sciences Center (KHSC), Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Serdar M Dursun
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Massimo Tusconi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Koole L, Martinez-Martinez P, Amelsvoort TV, Evelo CT, Ehrhart F. Interactive neuroinflammation pathways and transcriptomics-based identification of drugs and chemical compounds for schizophrenia. World J Biol Psychiatry 2024; 25:116-129. [PMID: 37961844 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2023.2281514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the population. Accumulating evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathology of these disorders by altering neurodevelopmental processes and specifically affecting glutamatergic signalling and astrocytic functioning. The aim of this study was to curate interactive biological pathways involved in schizophrenia for the identification of novel pharmacological targets implementing pathway, gene ontology, and network analysis. METHODS Neuroinflammatory pathways were created using PathVisio and published in WikiPathways. A transcriptomics dataset, originally created by Narla et al. was selected for data visualisation and analysis. Transcriptomics data was visualised within pathways and networks, extended with transcription factors, pathways, and drugs. Network hubs were determined based on degrees of connectivity. RESULTS Glutamatergic, immune, and astrocytic signalling as well as extracellular matrix reorganisation were altered in schizophrenia while we did not find an effect on the complement system. Pharmacological agents that target the glutamate receptor subunits, inflammatory mediators, and metabolic enzymes were identified. CONCLUSIONS New neuroinflammatory pathways incorporating the extracellular matrix, glutamatergic neurons, and astrocytes in the aetiology of schizophrenia were established. Transcriptomics based network analysis provided novel targets, including extra-synaptic glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters and extracellular matrix molecules that can be evaluated for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Koole
- Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MHeNs, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MHeNs, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Therese van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MHeNs, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris T Evelo
- Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Friederike Ehrhart
- Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MHeNs, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Gangadin SS, Germann M, de Witte LD, Gelderman KA, Mandl RCW, Sommer IEC. Complement component 4A protein levels are negatively related to frontal volumes in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Schizophr Res 2023; 261:6-14. [PMID: 37678145 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.08.031] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive C4A-gene expression may result in increased microglia-mediated synaptic pruning. As C4A overexpression is observed in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), this mechanism may account for the altered brain morphology (i.e. reduced volume and cortical thickness) and cognitive symptoms that characterize SSD. Therefore, this study investigates the association of C4A serum protein levels with brain morphology and cognition, and in particular whether this association differs between recent-onset SSD (n = 69) and HC (n = 40). METHODS Serum C4A protein levels were compared between groups. Main outcomes included total gray matter volume, mean cortical thickness and cognitive performance. Regression analysis on these outcomes included C4A level, group (SSD vs. HC), and C4A*Group interactions. All statistical tests were corrected for age, sex, BMI, and antipsychotic medication dose. Follow-up analyses were performed on separate brain regions and scores on cognitive sub-tasks. RESULTS The group difference in C4A levels was not statistically significant (p = 0.86). The main outcomes did not show a significant interaction effect (p > 0.13) or a C4A main effect (p > 0.27). Follow-up analyses revealed significant interaction effects for the left medial orbitofrontal and left frontal pole volumes (p < 0.001): C4A was negatively related to these volumes in SSD, but positively in HC. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that C4A was negatively related to - specifically - frontal brain volumes in SSD, but this relation was inverse for HC. The results support the hypothesis of complement-mediated brain volume reduction in SSD. The results also suggest that C4A has a differential association with brain morphology in SSD compared to HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Gangadin
- University of Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - M Germann
- University of Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - L D de Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - K A Gelderman
- Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R C W Mandl
- University of Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - I E C Sommer
- University of Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
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Koss KM, Son T, Li C, Hao Y, Cao J, Churchward MA, Zhang ZJ, Wertheim JA, Derda R, Todd KG. Toward discovering a novel family of peptides targeting neuroinflammatory states of brain microglia and astrocytes. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.15840. [PMID: 37171455 PMCID: PMC10640667 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15840] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are immune-derived cells critical to the development and healthy function of the brain and spinal cord, yet are implicated in the active pathology of many neuropsychiatric disorders. A range of functional phenotypes associated with the healthy brain or disease states has been suggested from in vivo work and were modeled in vitro as surveying, reactive, and primed sub-types of primary rat microglia and mixed microglia/astrocytes. It was hypothesized that the biomolecular profile of these cells undergoes a phenotypical change as well, and these functional phenotypes were explored for potential novel peptide binders using a custom 7 amino acid-presenting M13 phage library (SX7) to identify unique peptides that bind differentially to these respective cell types. Surveying glia were untreated, reactive were induced with a lipopolysaccharide treatment, recovery was modeled with a potent anti-inflammatory treatment dexamethasone, and priming was determined by subsequently challenging the cells with interferon gamma. Microglial function was profiled by determining the secretion of cytokines and nitric oxide, and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. After incubation with the SX7 phage library, populations of SX7-positive microglia and/or astrocytes were collected using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, SX7 phage was amplified in Escherichia coli culture, and phage DNA was sequenced via next-generation sequencing. Binding validation was done with synthesized peptides via in-cell westerns. Fifty-eight unique peptides were discovered, and their potential functions were assessed using a basic local alignment search tool. Peptides potentially originated from proteins ranging in function from a variety of supportive glial roles, including synapse support and pruning, to inflammatory incitement including cytokine and interleukin activation, and potential regulation in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Koss
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Illinois, Chicago, USA
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - T Son
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Illinois, Chicago, USA
| | - C Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Y Hao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - J Cao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- 48Hour Discovery Inc, 11421 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - M A Churchward
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Concordia University of Edmonton, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Z J Zhang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Illinois, Chicago, USA
| | - J A Wertheim
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Illinois, Chicago, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - R Derda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
- 48Hour Discovery Inc, 11421 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - K G Todd
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Special Issue: Genetics of Psychiatric Disease and the Basics of Neurobiology. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112008. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13112008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A psychiatric disorder is a mental illness involving significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation or behavior [...]
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Connecting the Neurobiology of Developmental Brain Injury: Neuronal Arborisation as a Regulator of Dysfunction and Potential Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158220. [PMID: 34360985 PMCID: PMC8348801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders can derive from a complex combination of genetic variation and environmental pressures on key developmental processes. Despite this complex aetiology, and the equally complex array of syndromes and conditions diagnosed under the heading of neurodevelopmental disorder, there are parallels in the neuropathology of these conditions that suggest overlapping mechanisms of cellular injury and dysfunction. Neuronal arborisation is a process of dendrite and axon extension that is essential for the connectivity between neurons that underlies normal brain function. Disrupted arborisation and synapse formation are commonly reported in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we summarise the evidence for disrupted neuronal arborisation in these conditions, focusing primarily on the cortex and hippocampus. In addition, we explore the developmentally specific mechanisms by which neuronal arborisation is regulated. Finally, we discuss key regulators of neuronal arborisation that could link to neurodevelopmental disease and the potential for pharmacological modification of arborisation and the formation of synaptic connections that may provide therapeutic benefit in the future.
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