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Spencer PS, Valdes Angues R, Palmer VS. Nodding syndrome: A role for environmental biotoxins that dysregulate MECP2 expression? J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123077. [PMID: 38850769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123077] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Nodding syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy associated with neuroinflammation and tauopathy. This initially pediatric brain disease, which has some clinical overlap with Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) Duplication Syndrome, has impacted certain impoverished East African communities coincident with local civil conflict and internal displacement, conditions that forced dependence on contaminated food and water. A potential role in Nodding syndrome for certain biotoxins (freshwater cyanotoxins plus/minus mycotoxins) with neuroinflammatory, excitotoxic, tauopathic, and MECP2-dysregulating properties, is considered here for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Gulu University School of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Raquel Valdes Angues
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Valerie S Palmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Gulu University School of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda
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2
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Jan TY, Wong LC, Hsu CJ, Huang CFJ, Peng SSF, Tseng WYI, Lee WT. Developmental change of brain volume in Rett syndrome in Taiwan. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:36. [PMID: 38961335 PMCID: PMC11223417 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09549-6] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rett syndrome (RTT) is characterized by neurological regression. This pioneering study investigated the effect of age on brain volume reduction by analyzing magnetic resonance imaging findings in participants with RTT, ranging from toddlers to adults. METHODS Functional evaluation and neuroimaging were performed. All scans were acquired using a Siemens Tim Trio 3 T scanner with a 32-channel head coil. RESULTS The total intracranial volume and cerebral white matter volume significantly increased with age in the control group compared with that in the RTT group (p < 0.05). Cortical gray matter volume reduction in the RTT group continued to increase in bilateral parietal lobes and left occipital lobes (p < 0.05). The differences in cortical gray matter volume between typically developing brain and RTT-affected brain may tend to continuously increase until adulthood in both temporal lobes although not significant after correction for multiple comparison. CONCLUSIONS A significant reduction in brain volume was observed in the RTT group. Cortical gray matter volume in the RTT group continued to reduce in bilateral parietal lobes and left occipital lobes. These results provide a baseline for future studies on the effect of RTT treatment and related neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tz-Yun Jan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Chin Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 8, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Judith Huang
- Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Steven Shinn-Forng Peng
- Department of Medical Imaging, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yih Isaac Tseng
- Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Tso Lee
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 8, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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3
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Pascual-Alonso A, Xiol C, Smirnov D, Kopajtich R, Prokisch H, Armstrong J. Multi-omics in MECP2 duplication syndrome patients and carriers. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:4004-4018. [PMID: 38746988 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16389] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the gain of dose of at least the genes MECP2 and IRAK1 and is characterised by intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay, hypotonia, epilepsy and recurrent infections. It mainly affects males, and females can be affected or asymptomatic carriers. Rett syndrome (RTT) is mainly triggered by loss of function mutations in MECP2 and is a well described syndrome that presents ID, epilepsy, lack of purposeful hand use and impaired speech, among others. As a result of implementing omics technology, altered biological pathways in human RTT samples have been reported, but such molecular characterisation has not been performed in patients with MDS. We gathered human skin fibroblasts from 17 patients with MDS, 10 MECP2 duplication carrier mothers and 21 patients with RTT, and performed multi-omics (RNAseq and proteomics) analysis. Here, we provide a thorough description and compare the shared and specific dysregulated biological processes between the cohorts. We also highlight the genes TMOD2, SRGAP1, COPS2, CNPY2, IGF2BP1, MOB2, VASP, FZD7, ECSIT and KIF3B as biomarker and therapeutic target candidates due to their implication in neuronal functions. Defining the RNA and protein profiles has shown that our four cohorts are less alike than expected by their shared phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Pascual-Alonso
- Fundació per la Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Clara Xiol
- Fundació per la Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Dmitrii Smirnov
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rober Kopajtich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Armstrong
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Madrid, Spain
- Genomic Unit, Molecular and Genetic Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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4
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Sonn JY, Kim W, Iwanaszko M, Aoi Y, Li Y, Parkitny L, Brissette JL, Weiner L, Al-Ramahi I, Botas J, Shilatifard A, Zoghbi HY. MeCP2 Interacts with the Super Elongation Complex to Regulate Transcription. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.30.601446. [PMID: 39005382 PMCID: PMC11244860 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.30.601446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 ( MECP2 ) cause Rett syndrome, a postnatal neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs in ∼1/10,000 live female births. MeCP2 binds to methylated cytosines across genomic DNA and recruits various partners to regulate gene expression. MeCP2 has been shown to repress transcription in vitro and interacts with co-repressors such as the Sin3A and NCoR complexes. Based on these observations, MeCP2 has been largely considered as a repressor of transcription. However, a mouse model of RTT displays many down-regulated genes, and those same genes are up-regulated in a MECP2 duplication mouse model. Furthermore, TCF20, which has been associated with transcriptional activation, have recently been identified as a protein interactor of MeCP2. These data broaden the potential functions of MeCP2 as a regulator of gene expression. Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying MeCP2-dependent gene regulation remain largely unknown. Here, using a human MECP2 gain-of-function Drosophila model, we screened for genetic modifiers of MECP2 -induced phenotypes. Our approach identified several subunits of the Drosophila super elongation complex, a P-TEFb containing RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) elongation factor required for the release of promoter-proximally paused RNA pol II, as genetic interactors of MECP2 . We discovered that MeCP2 physically interacts with the SEC in human cells and in the mouse brain. Furthermore, we found that MeCP2 directly binds AFF4, the scaffold of the SEC, via the transcriptional repression domain. Finally, loss of MeCP2 in the mouse cortex caused reduced binding of AFF4 specifically on a subset of genes involved in the regulation of synaptic function, which also displayed the strongest decrease in RNA pol II binding in the genebody. Taken together, our study reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism through which MeCP2 regulates transcription, providing a new dimension to its regulatory role in gene expression.
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5
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Feng Y, Wang J, Liu J, Zhou Y, Jiang Y, Zhou W, Wu F, Liu X, Luo L. Mecp2 Deficiency in Peripheral Sensory Neuron Improves Cognitive Function by Enhancing Hippocampal Dendritic Spine Densities in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:988. [PMID: 38891120 PMCID: PMC11171598 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110988] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2) is an epigenetic modulator and numerous studies have explored its impact on the central nervous system manifestations. However, little attention has been given to its potential contributions to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). To investigate the regulation of Mecp2 in the PNS on specific central regions, we generated Mecp2fl/flAdvillincre mice with the sensory-neuron-specific deletion of the Mecp2 gene and found the mutant mice had a heightened sensitivity to temperature, which, however, did not affect the sense of motion, social behaviors, and anxiety-like behavior. Notably, in comparison to Mecp2fl/fl mice, Mecp2fl/flAdvillincre mice exhibited improved learning and memory abilities. The levels of hippocampal synaptophysin and PSD95 proteins were higher in Mecp2fl/flAdvillincre mice than in Mecp2fl/fl mice. Golgi staining revealed a significant increase in total spine density, and dendritic arborization in the hippocampal pyramidal neurons of Mecp2fl/flAdvillincre mice compared to Mecp2fl/fl mice. In addition, the activation of the BDNF-TrkB-CREB1 pathway was observed in the hippocampus and spinal cord of Mecp2fl/flAdvillincre mice. Intriguingly, the hippocampal BDNF/CREB1 signaling pathway in mutant mice was initiated within 5 days after birth. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy targeting the BDNF-TrkB-CREB1 signaling pathway and peripheral somasensory neurons to treat learning and cognitive deficits associated with Mecp2 disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xingjun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.J.); (W.Z.); (F.W.)
| | - Lin Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.J.); (W.Z.); (F.W.)
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6
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Kalani L, Kim BH, Vincent JB, Ausió J. MeCP2 ubiquitination and sumoylation, in search of a function†. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 33:1-11. [PMID: 37694858 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 (Methyl CpG binding protein 2) is an intrinsically disordered protein that binds to methylated genome regions. The protein is a critical transcriptional regulator of the brain, and its mutations account for 95% of Rett syndrome (RTT) cases. Early studies of this neurodevelopmental disorder revealed a close connection with dysregulations of the ubiquitin system (UbS), notably as related to UBE3A, a ubiquitin ligase involved in the proteasome-mediated degradation of proteins. MeCP2 undergoes numerous post-translational modifications (PTMs), including ubiquitination and sumoylation, which, in addition to the potential functional outcomes of their monomeric forms in gene regulation and synaptic plasticity, in their polymeric organization, these modifications play a critical role in proteasomal degradation. UbS-mediated proteasomal degradation is crucial in maintaining MeCP2 homeostasis for proper function and is involved in decreasing MeCP2 in some RTT-causing mutations. However, regardless of all these connections to UbS, the molecular details involved in the signaling of MeCP2 for its targeting by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the functional roles of monomeric MeCP2 ubiquitination and sumoylation remain largely unexplored and are the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Kalani
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Bo-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - John B Vincent
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development (MiND) Lab, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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7
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Ralvenius WT, Mungenast AE, Woolf H, Huston MM, Gillingham TZ, Godin SK, Penney J, Cam HP, Gao F, Fernandez CG, Czako B, Lightfoot Y, Ray WJ, Beckmann A, Goate AM, Marcora E, Romero-Molina C, Ayata P, Schaefer A, Gjoneska E, Tsai LH. A novel molecular class that recruits HDAC/MECP2 complexes to PU.1 motifs reduces neuroinflammation. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20222105. [PMID: 37642942 PMCID: PMC10465325 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20222105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pervasive neuroinflammation occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). SPI1/PU.1 is a transcription factor located at a genome-wide significant AD-risk locus and its reduced expression is associated with delayed onset of AD. We analyzed single-cell transcriptomic datasets from microglia of human AD patients and found an enrichment of PU.1-binding motifs in the differentially expressed genes. In hippocampal tissues from transgenic mice with neurodegeneration, we found vastly increased genomic PU.1 binding. We then screened for PU.1 inhibitors using a PU.1 reporter cell line and discovered A11, a molecule with anti-inflammatory efficacy and nanomolar potency. A11 regulated genes putatively by recruiting a repressive complex containing MECP2, HDAC1, SIN3A, and DNMT3A to PU.1 motifs, thus representing a novel mechanism and class of molecules. In mouse models of AD, A11 ameliorated neuroinflammation, loss of neuronal integrity, AD pathology, and improved cognitive performance. This study uncovers a novel class of anti-inflammatory molecules with therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T. Ralvenius
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alison E. Mungenast
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Woolf
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Margaret M. Huston
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tyler Z. Gillingham
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen K. Godin
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jay Penney
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hugh P. Cam
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fan Gao
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Celia G. Fernandez
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Barbara Czako
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yaima Lightfoot
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William J. Ray
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adrian Beckmann
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alison M. Goate
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edoardo Marcora
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmen Romero-Molina
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pinar Ayata
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, Neuroscience Initiative, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Schaefer
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elizabeta Gjoneska
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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8
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Partscht P, Schiebel E. The diverging role of CDC14B: from mitotic exit in yeast to cell fate control in humans. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114364. [PMID: 37493185 PMCID: PMC10425841 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114364] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
CDC14, originally identified as crucial mediator of mitotic exit in budding yeast, belongs to the family of dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) that are present in most eukaryotes. Contradicting data have sparked a contentious discussion whether a cell cycle role is conserved in the human paralogs CDC14A and CDC14B but possibly masked due to redundancy. Subsequent studies on CDC14A and CDC14B double knockouts in human and mouse demonstrated that CDC14 activity is dispensable for mitotic progression in higher eukaryotes and instead suggested functional specialization. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of how faithful cell division is linked to phosphorylation and dephosphorylation and compare functional similarities and divergences between the mitotic phosphatases CDC14, PP2A, and PP1 from yeast and higher eukaryotes. Furthermore, we review the latest discoveries on CDC14B, which identify this nuclear phosphatase as a key regulator of gene expression and reveal its role in neuronal development. Finally, we discuss CDC14B functions in meiosis and possible implications in other developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Partscht
- Zentrum für Molekulare BiologieUniversität Heidelberg, DKFZ‐ZMBH AllianzHeidelbergGermany
| | - Elmar Schiebel
- Zentrum für Molekulare BiologieUniversität Heidelberg, DKFZ‐ZMBH AllianzHeidelbergGermany
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Imbe H, Ihara H. Mu opioid receptor expressing neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla are the source of mechanical hypersensitivity induced by repeated restraint stress. Brain Res 2023:148465. [PMID: 37331575 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148465] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to psychophysical stress often causes an increase in sensitivity and response to pain. This phenomenon is commonly called stress-induced hyperalgesia (SIH). Although psychophysical stress is a well-known risk factor for numerous chronic pain syndromes, the neural mechanism underlying SIH has not yet been elucidated. The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a key output element of the descending pain modulation system. Descending signals from the RVM have a major impact on spinal nociceptive neurotransmission. In the present study, to clarify changes in the descending pain modulatory system in rats with SIH, we examined the expression of Mu opioid receptor (MOR) mRNA, MeCP2 and global DNA methylation in the RVM after repeated restraint stress for 3 weeks. Additionally, we microinjected neurotoxin dermorphin-SAP into the RVM. The repeated restraint stress for 3 weeks induced mechanical hypersensitivity in the hind paw, a significant increase in the expression of MOR mRNA and MeCP2, and a significant decrease in global DNA methylation in the RVM. The MeCP2 binding to MOR gene promoter in the RVM was significantly decreased in rats with repeated restraint stress. Furthermore, microinjection of dermorphin-SAP into the RVM prevented the mechanical hypersensitivity induced by repeated restraint stress. Although, because of the lack of specific antibody to MOR, we could not show a quantitative analysis in the number of MOR-expressing neurons after the microinjection, these results suggest that MOR-expressing neurons in the RVM induce SIH after repeated restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Imbe
- Department of Physiology, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Hayato Ihara
- Radioisotope Laboratory Center, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, 641-8509, Japan
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Trostle AJ, Li L, Kim SY, Wang J, Al-Ouran R, Yalamanchili HK, Liu Z, Wan YW. A Comprehensive and Integrative Approach to MeCP2 Disease Transcriptomics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065122. [PMID: 36982190 PMCID: PMC10049497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in MeCP2 result in a crippling neurological disease, but we lack a lucid picture of MeCP2′s molecular role. Individual transcriptomic studies yield inconsistent differentially expressed genes. To overcome these issues, we demonstrate a methodology to analyze all modern public data. We obtained relevant raw public transcriptomic data from GEO and ENA, then homogeneously processed it (QC, alignment to reference, differential expression analysis). We present a web portal to interactively access the mouse data, and we discovered a commonly perturbed core set of genes that transcends the limitations of any individual study. We then found functionally distinct, consistently up- and downregulated subsets within these genes and some bias to their location. We present this common core of genes as well as focused cores for up, down, cell fraction models, and some tissues. We observed enrichment for this mouse core in other species MeCP2 models and observed overlap with ASD models. By integrating and examining transcriptomic data at scale, we have uncovered the true picture of this dysregulation. The vast scale of these data enables us to analyze signal-to-noise, evaluate a molecular signature in an unbiased manner, and demonstrate a framework for future disease focused informatics work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Trostle
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lucian Li
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiasheng Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rami Al-Ouran
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hari Krishna Yalamanchili
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (Y.-W.W.)
| | - Ying-Wooi Wan
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (Y.-W.W.)
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11
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Kunert S, Linhard V, Weirich S, Choudalakis M, Osswald F, Krämer L, Köhler AR, Bröhm A, Wollenhaupt J, Schwalbe H, Jeltsch A. The MECP2-TRD domain interacts with the DNMT3A-ADD domain at the H3-tail binding site. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4542. [PMID: 36519786 PMCID: PMC9798253 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4542] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The DNMT3A DNA methyltransferase and MECP2 methylation reader are highly expressed in neurons. Both proteins interact via their DNMT3A-ADD and MECP2-TRD domains, and the MECP2 interaction regulates the activity and subnuclear localization of DNMT3A. Here, we mapped the interface of both domains using peptide SPOT array binding, protein pull-down, equilibrium peptide binding assays, and structural analyses. The region D529-D531 on the surface of the ADD domain was identified as interaction point with the TRD domain. This includes important residues of the histone H3 N-terminal tail binding site to the ADD domain, explaining why TRD and H3 binding to the ADD domain is competitive. On the TRD domain, residues 214-228 containing K219 and K223 were found to be essential for the ADD interaction. This part represents a folded patch within the otherwise largely disordered TRD domain. A crystal structure analysis of ADD revealed that the identified H3/TDR lysine binding pocket is occupied by an arginine residue from a crystallographic neighbor in the ADD apoprotein structure. Finally, we show that mutations in the interface of ADD and TRD domains disrupt the cellular interaction of both proteins in NIH3T3 cells. In summary, our data show that the H3 peptide binding cleft of the ADD domain also mediates the interaction with the MECP2-TRD domain suggesting that this binding site may have a broader role also in the interaction of DNMT3A with other proteins leading to complex regulation options by competitive and PTM specific binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kunert
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Verena Linhard
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyGoethe UniversityFrankfurtGermany
| | - Sara Weirich
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Michel Choudalakis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Florian Osswald
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Lisa Krämer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Anja R. Köhler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Alexander Bröhm
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography GroupHelmholtz‐Zentrum BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyGoethe UniversityFrankfurtGermany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
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12
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Ciobanu LG, Stankov L, Schubert KO, Amare AT, Jawahar MC, Lawrence-Wood E, Mills NT, Knight M, Clark SR, Aidman E. General intelligence and executive functioning are overlapping but separable at genetic and molecular pathway levels: An analytical review of existing GWAS findings. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272368. [PMID: 36251633 PMCID: PMC9576059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genomic architecture and molecular mechanisms of cognitive functioning in healthy individuals is critical for developing tailored interventions to enhance cognitive functioning, as well as for identifying targets for treating impaired cognition. There has been substantial progress in uncovering the genetic composition of the general cognitive ability (g). However, there is an ongoing debate whether executive functioning (EF)–another key predictor of cognitive health and performance, is separable from general g. To provide an analytical review on existing findings on genetic influences on the relationship between g and EF, we re-analysed a subset of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the GWAS catalogue that used measures of g and EF as outcomes in non-clinical populations. We identified two sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with g (1,372 SNPs across 12 studies), and EF (300 SNPs across 5 studies) at p<5x10-6. A comparative analysis of GWAS-identified g and EF SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium (LD), followed by pathway enrichment analyses suggest that g and EF are overlapping but separable at genetic variant and molecular pathway levels, however more evidence is required to characterize the genetic overlap/distinction between the two constructs. While not without limitations, these findings may have implications for navigating further research towards translatable genetic findings for cognitive remediation, enhancement, and augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana G. Ciobanu
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Lazar Stankov
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K. Oliver Schubert
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Mental Health Services, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Azmeraw T. Amare
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Natalie T. Mills
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matthew Knight
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Weapons and Combat Systems Division, Defence Science & Technology Group, Edinburgh, SA, Australia
| | - Scott R. Clark
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eugene Aidman
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Land Division, Defence Science & Technology Group, Edinburgh, SA, Australia
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13
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Shen B, Zhang R, Yang G, Peng Y, Nie Q, Yu H, Dong W, Chen B, Song C, Tian Y, Qin L, Shu J, Hong S, Li L. Cannabidiol prevents methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity by modulating dopamine receptor D1-mediated calcium-dependent phosphorylation of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:972828. [PMID: 36147353 PMCID: PMC9486307 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.972828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, methamphetamine (METH) abuse has sharply increased in the United States, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. METH abuse not only leads to serious drug dependence, but also produces irreversible neurotoxicity. Currently, there are no approved pharmacotherapies for the treatment of METH use disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive (and non-addictive) cannabinoid from the cannabis plant, shows neuroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties under METH exposure. At present, however, the mechanisms underlying these properties remain unclear, which continues to hinder research on its therapeutic potential. In the current study, computational simulations showed that CBD and METH may directly bind to the dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) via two overlapping binding sites. Moreover, CBD may compete with METH for the PHE-313 binding site. We also found that METH robustly induced apoptosis with activation of the caspase-8/caspase-3 cascade in-vitro and in-vivo, while CBD pretreatment prevented these changes. Furthermore, METH increased the expression of DRD1, phosphorylation of Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) at serine 421 (Ser421), and level of intracellular Ca2+in-vitro and in-vivo, but these effects were blocked by CBD pretreatment. The DRD1 antagonist SCH23390 significantly prevented METH-induced apoptosis, MeCP2 phosphorylation, and Ca2+ overload in-vitro. In contrast, the DRD1 agonist SKF81297 markedly increased apoptosis, MeCP2 phosphorylation, and Ca2+ overload, which were blocked by CBD pretreatment in-vitro. These results indicate that CBD prevents METH-induced neurotoxicity by modulating DRD1-mediated phosphorylation of MeCP2 and Ca2+ signaling. This study suggests that CBD pretreatment may resist the effects of METH on DRD1 by competitive binding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lihua Li
- *Correspondence: Shijun Hong, ; Lihua Li,
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14
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Mauceri D. Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Chronic Pain. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162613. [PMID: 36010687 PMCID: PMC9406853 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant but essential-to-life sensation, usually resulting from tissue damage. When pain persists long after the injury has resolved, it becomes pathological. The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms causing the transition from acute to chronic pain are not fully understood. A key aspect of pain chronicity is that several plasticity events happen along the neural pathways involved in pain. These long-lasting adaptive changes are enabled by alteration in the expression of relevant genes. Among the different modulators of gene transcription in adaptive processes in the nervous system, epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role. In this review, I will first outline the main classes of epigenetic mediators and then discuss their implications in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Molecular Organization and Patterning of the Medulla Oblongata in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169260. [PMID: 36012524 PMCID: PMC9409237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The medulla oblongata, located in the hindbrain between the pons and the spinal cord, is an important relay center for critical sensory, proprioceptive, and motoric information. It is an evolutionarily highly conserved brain region, both structural and functional, and consists of a multitude of nuclei all involved in different aspects of basic but vital functions. Understanding the functional anatomy and developmental program of this structure can help elucidate potential role(s) of the medulla in neurological disorders. Here, we have described the early molecular patterning of the medulla during murine development, from the fundamental units that structure the very early medullary region into 5 rhombomeres (r7–r11) and 13 different longitudinal progenitor domains, to the neuronal clusters derived from these progenitors that ultimately make-up the different medullary nuclei. By doing so, we developed a schematic overview that can be used to predict the cell-fate of a progenitor group, or pinpoint the progenitor domain of origin of medullary nuclei. This schematic overview can further be used to help in the explanation of medulla-related symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, e.g., congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, Wold–Hirschhorn syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Pitt–Hopkins syndrome. Based on the genetic defects seen in these syndromes, we can use our model to predict which medullary nuclei might be affected, which can be used to quickly direct the research into these diseases to the likely affected nuclei.
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16
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Wang W, Liu Z, Jing B, Mai H, Jiao H, Guan T, Chen D, Kong J, Pan T. 4,8-dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside Promotes Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Through MeCP2. Dose Response 2022; 20:15593258221112959. [PMID: 35958275 PMCID: PMC9358204 DOI: 10.1177/15593258221112959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Borojó (Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec) fruit has recently been shown to have a variety of health benefit, but the mechanisms have been little studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4,8-dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside (388) on proliferation and differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs). Methods NSCs were treated with 388 and stem cell differentiation was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The role of MeCP2 in 388-mediated embryonic NSCs differentiation was examined. Results The results showed that in the presence of mitogen when NSCs proliferated and maintained their multipotency, treatment with 388 did not affect the viability of NSCs. Following mitogen withdrawal to initiate NSC differentiation, treatment with 388 at the doses of 10 and 50 μg/mL significantly increased neural differentiation in both cortex and spinal cord-derived culture. 388 also significantly up-regulated MeCP2 expression. The expression of the neuronal and oligodendrocytic markers was enhanced after addition of 388 in the differentiation culture. However, knockdown of MeCP2 results in inhibition of NSC differentiation, and the pro-differentiation effect of 388 was mostly abolished. Conclusions This study confirmed that 388 stimulates differentiation of NSCs and identifies its mechanism of action by upregulating MeCP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- WeiBing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated AnQing Municipal Hospitals of Anhui Medical University, AnQing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Orthopedic, The Affiliated AnQing Municipal Hospitals of Anhui Medical University, AnQing, China
| | - BaoSheng Jing
- Department of Orthopedic, The Affiliated AnQing Municipal Hospitals of Anhui Medical University, AnQing, China
| | - HaiMin Mai
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou, China
| | - Hong Jiao
- Guangzhou Bolojo Biological Technology Co. Ltd., GuangZhou, China
| | - Teng Guan
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - DanGui Chen
- Department of Hematology, The affiliated AnQing municipal hospitals of Anhui Medical University, AnQing, China
| | - JiMing Kong
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Orthopedic, The Affiliated AnQing Municipal Hospitals of Anhui Medical University, AnQing, China
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17
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Shen B, Zhang D, Zeng X, Guan L, Yang G, Liu L, Huang J, Li Y, Hong S, Li L. Cannabidiol inhibits methamphetamine-induced dopamine release via modulation of the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1521-1537. [PMID: 34997862 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06051-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adaptive alteration of dopamine (DA) system in mesocorticolimbic circuits is an extremely intricate and dynamic process, which contributes to maintaining methamphetamine (METH)-related disorders. There are no approved pharmacotherapies for METH-related disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has received attention for its therapeutic potential in treating METH-related disorders. However, the major research obstacles of CBD are the yet to be clarified mechanisms behind its therapeutic potential. Recent evidence showed that DA system may be active target of CBD. CBD could be a promising dopaminergic medication for METH-related disorders. OBJECTIVES We investigated the role of the DA receptor D1 (DRD1)-methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway in DA release induced by METH. Investigating the intervention effects of CBD on the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway could help clarify the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of CBD in METH-related disorders. RESULTS METH (400 μM) significantly increased DA release from primary neurons in vitro, which was blocked by CBD (1 μM) pretreatment. METH (400 μM) significantly increased the expression levels of DRD1, BDNF, and TrkB, but decreased the expression of MeCP2 in the neurons, whereas CBD (1 μM) pretreatment notably inhibited the protein changes induced by METH. In addition, DRD1 antagonist SCH23390 (10 μM) inhibited the DA release and protein change induced by METH in vitro. However, DRD1 agonist SKF81297 (10 μM) induced DA release and protein change in vitro, which was also blocked by CBD (1 μM) pretreatment. METH (2 mg/kg) significantly increased the DA level in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats with activation of the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway, but these changes were blocked by CBD (40 or 80 mg/kg) pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that METH induces DA release via the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. Furthermore, CBD significantly inhibits DA release induced by METH through modulation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Shen
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongxian Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lina Guan
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Genmeng Yang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Liu Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Shijun Hong
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| | - Lihua Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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18
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Steinkellner H, Kempaiah P, Beribisky AV, Pferschy S, Etzler J, Huber A, Sarne V, Neuhaus W, Kuttke M, Bauer J, Arunachalam JP, Christodoulou J, Dressel R, Mildner A, Prinz M, Laccone F. TAT-MeCP2 protein variants rescue disease phenotypes in human and mouse models of Rett syndrome. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:972-983. [PMID: 35460749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants leading to functional impairment of the MeCP2 protein. Here, we used purified recombinant MeCP2e1 and MeCP2e2 protein variants fused to a TAT protein transduction domain (PTD) to evaluate their transduction ability into RTT patient-derived fibroblasts and the ability to carry out their cellular function. We then assessed their transduction ability and therapeutic effects in a RTT mouse model. In vitro, TAT-MeCP2e2-eGFP reversed the pathological hyperacetylation of histones H3K9 and H4K16, a hallmark of abolition of MeCP2 function. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of TAT-MeCP2e1 and TAT-MeCP2e2 extended the lifespan of Mecp2-/y mice by >50%. This was accompanied by rescue of hippocampal CA2 neuron size in animals treated with TAT-MeCP2e1. Taken together, these findings provide a strong indication that recombinant TAT-MeCP2 can reach mouse brains following peripheral injection and can ameliorate the phenotype of RTT mouse models. Thus, our study serves as a first step in the development of a potentially novel RTT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Steinkellner
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Prakasha Kempaiah
- Institute for Human Genetics, Georg August University, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander V Beribisky
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Pferschy
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Etzler
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Huber
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences (PhaNuSpo), University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Sarne
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Competence Center Molecular Diagnostics, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Kuttke
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Bauer
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jayamuruga P Arunachalam
- Institute for Human Genetics, Georg August University, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Christodoulou
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Discipline of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Australia
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Georg August University, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Mildner
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franco Laccone
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Human Genetics, Georg August University, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Georg August University, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
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19
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Sharaf-Eldin WE, Issa MY, Zaki MS, Kilany A, Fayez AG. Variable predicted pathogenic mechanisms for novel MECP2 variants in RTT patients. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:44. [PMID: 35275316 PMCID: PMC8917248 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00305-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is essential for the normal function of mature neurons. Mutations in the MECP2 gene are the main cause of Rett syndrome (RTT). Gene mutations have been identified throughout the gene and the mutation effect is mainly correlated with its type and location. METHODS In this study, a series of in silico algorithms were applied for analyzing the functional consequences of 3 novel gene missense mutations (D121A, S359Y, and P403S) and a rarely reported one with suspicious effect (R133H) on RettBASE. Besides, a ROC curve analysis was performed to investigate the critical factors affecting variant pathogenicity. RESULTS (1) The ROC curve analysis for a retrieved set of MeCP2 variants showed that physicochemical characters do not significantly affect variant pathogenicity; (2) PREM PDI tool revealed that both D121A and R133H mainly contribute to disease progression via reducing MeCP2 affinity to DNA; (3) GPS v5.0 software indicated that P403S may correlate with altered protein phosphorylation; however, no defective protein interaction has been already documented. (4) The applied computational algorithms failed to explore any informative pathogenic mechanism for the S359Y variant. CONCLUSION The conducted approach might provide an efficient prediction model for the effect of MECP2 variants that are located in MBD and CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wessam E. Sharaf-Eldin
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12311 Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Y. Issa
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha S. Zaki
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Kilany
- Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, Medical Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaaeldin G. Fayez
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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20
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Zhang H, Romero H, Schmidt A, Gagova K, Qin W, Bertulat B, Lehmkuhl A, Milden M, Eck M, Meckel T, Leonhardt H, Cardoso MC. MeCP2-induced heterochromatin organization is driven by oligomerization-based liquid–liquid phase separation and restricted by DNA methylation. Nucleus 2022; 13:1-34. [PMID: 35156529 PMCID: PMC8855868 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2021.2024691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hector Romero
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Annika Schmidt
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Katalina Gagova
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Weihua Qin
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bianca Bertulat
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anne Lehmkuhl
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Manuela Milden
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Malte Eck
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tobias Meckel
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Heinrich Leonhardt
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M. Cristina Cardoso
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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21
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Bouzroud W, Tazzite A, Berrada S, Gazzaz B, Dehbi H. R306X Mutation in the MECP2 Gene Causes an Atypical Rett Syndrome in a Moroccan Patient: A Case Report. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2022; 15:2632010X221124269. [PMID: 36147795 PMCID: PMC9486266 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x221124269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked syndrome that predominantly affects girls.
It is characterized by a severe and progressive neurodevelopmental disorder with
neurological regression and autism spectrum features. The Rett syndrome is
associated with a broad phenotypic spectrum. It ranges from a classical Rett
syndrome defined by well-established criteria to atypical cases with symptoms
similar to other syndromes, such as Angelman syndrome. The first case of a
Moroccan female child carrying a R306X mutation in the MECP2
(Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2) gene, with an unusual manifestation of Rett
syndrome, is presented here. She showed autistic regression, behavioral
stagnation, epilepsy, unmotivated laughter, and craniofacial dysmorphia. Whole
exome sequencing revealed a nonsense mutation (R306X), resulting in a truncated,
nonfunctional MECP2 protein. The overlapping phenotypic spectrums between Rett
and Angelman syndromes have been described, and an interaction between the
MECP2 gene and the UBE3A (Ubiquitin
Protein Ligase E3A) gene pathways is possible but has not yet been proven. An
extensive genetic analysis is highly recommended in atypical cases to ensure an
accurate diagnosis and to improve patient management and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa Bouzroud
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amal Tazzite
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sarah Berrada
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bouchaïb Gazzaz
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.,Genetics Analysis Institute, Royal Gendarmerie, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hind Dehbi
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
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22
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Hu X, Yang J, Zhang M, Fang T, Gao Q, Liu X. Clinical Feature, Treatment, and KCNH5 Mutations in Epilepsy. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:858008. [PMID: 35874597 PMCID: PMC9301331 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.858008] [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: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated Kv10.2 potassium channel, encoded by KCNH5, is broadly expressed in mammalian tissues, including the brain. Its potential mechanism remains unclear. According to previous studies, dysfunction of Kv10.2 may be associated with epileptic encephalopathies and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, only one disease-causing mutation of KCNH5 has been reported, and it involves a case that presented with seizures and autism symptoms. In this study, we discovered and characterized three de novo mutations in KCNH5 that potentially caused severe conditions observed in three Chinese children. All of them experienced seizures, two of them presented with epileptic encephalopathy, one of them presented with ASD, and one did not relapse after drug withdrawal. Notably, treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) was effective in all patients whose epileptic seizures were controlled. The structures of the proteins resulting from the mutations were predicted in two of the three cases. This provides powerful insight into clinical heterogeneity and genotype-phenotype correlation in KCNH5-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufu Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junli Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Man Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tie Fang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Gao
- Beijing MyGenostics Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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23
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Arnoriaga-Rodríguez M, Mayneris-Perxachs J, Contreras-Rodríguez O, Burokas A, Ortega-Sanchez JA, Blasco G, Coll C, Biarnés C, Castells-Nobau A, Puig J, Garre-Olmo J, Ramos R, Pedraza S, Brugada R, Vilanova JC, Serena J, Barretina J, Gich J, Pérez-Brocal V, Moya A, Fernández-Real X, Ramio-Torrentà L, Pamplona R, Sol J, Jové M, Ricart W, Portero-Otin M, Maldonado R, Fernández-Real JM. Obesity-associated deficits in inhibitory control are phenocopied to mice through gut microbiota changes in one-carbon and aromatic amino acids metabolic pathways. Gut 2021; 70:2283-2296. [PMID: 33514598 PMCID: PMC8588299 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitory control (IC) is critical to keep long-term goals in everyday life. Bidirectional relationships between IC deficits and obesity are behind unhealthy eating and physical exercise habits. METHODS We studied gut microbiome composition and functionality, and plasma and faecal metabolomics in association with cognitive tests evaluating inhibitory control (Stroop test) and brain structure in a discovery (n=156), both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and in an independent replication cohort (n=970). Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mice evaluated the impact on reversal learning and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) transcriptomics. RESULTS An interplay among IC, brain structure (in humans) and mPFC transcriptomics (in mice), plasma/faecal metabolomics and the gut metagenome was found. Obesity-dependent alterations in one-carbon metabolism, tryptophan and histidine pathways were associated with IC in the two independent cohorts. Bacterial functions linked to one-carbon metabolism (thyX,dut, exodeoxyribonuclease V), and the anterior cingulate cortex volume were associated with IC, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. FMT from individuals with obesity led to alterations in mice reversal learning. In an independent FMT experiment, human donor's bacterial functions related to IC deficits were associated with mPFC expression of one-carbon metabolism-related genes of recipient's mice. CONCLUSION These results highlight the importance of targeting obesity-related impulsive behaviour through the induction of gut microbiota shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Arnoriaga-Rodríguez
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oren Contreras-Rodríguez
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurelijus Burokas
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Deparment of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Present address: Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Juan-Antonio Ortega-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Deparment of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Blasco
- Institute of Diagnostic Imaging (IDI)-Research Unit (IDIR), Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
| | - Claudia Coll
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Deparment of Neurology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Carles Biarnés
- Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
| | - Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Puig
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Institute of Diagnostic Imaging (IDI)-Research Unit (IDIR), Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
| | - Josep Garre-Olmo
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Research Group on Aging, Health and Disability, Girona Biomedical Research Institute, Health Assistance Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Rafel Ramos
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Salvador Pedraza
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- Deparment of Radiology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Ramon Brugada
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, CIBER-CV, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Deparment of Cardiology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Joan C Vilanova
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- Deparment of Radiology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Serena
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Barretina
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gich
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
| | - Vicente Pérez-Brocal
- Joint Investigation Unit of FISABIO and I2Sysbio, University of València and CSIC, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Moya
- Joint Investigation Unit of FISABIO and I2Sysbio, University of València and CSIC, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernández-Real
- Institute of Mathematics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lluis Ramio-Torrentà
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Deparment of Neurology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
- Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- Red Española de Esclerosis Múltiple (REEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Reinald Pamplona
- Metabolic Physiopathology Research Group, Experimental Medicine Department, Lleida University-Lleida Biochemical Research Institute (UdL-IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Joaquim Sol
- Metabolic Physiopathology Research Group, Experimental Medicine Department, Lleida University-Lleida Biochemical Research Institute (UdL-IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
- Institut Català de la Salut, Atenció Primària, Lleida, Spain
- Research Support Unit Lleida, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Lleida, Spain
| | - Mariona Jové
- Metabolic Physiopathology Research Group, Experimental Medicine Department, Lleida University-Lleida Biochemical Research Institute (UdL-IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Wifredo Ricart
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Manuel Portero-Otin
- Metabolic Physiopathology Research Group, Experimental Medicine Department, Lleida University-Lleida Biochemical Research Institute (UdL-IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Deparment of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Fernández-Real
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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24
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Abdala BB, Gonçalves AP, Dos Santos JM, Boy R, de Carvalho CMB, Grochowski CM, Krepischi ACV, Rosenberg C, Gusmão L, Pehlivan D, Pimentel MMG, Santos-Rebouças CB. Molecular and clinical insights into complex genomic rearrangements related to MECP2 duplication syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104367. [PMID: 34678473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is caused by copy number variation (CNV) spanning the MECP2 gene at Xq28 and is a major cause of intellectual disability (ID) in males. Herein, we describe two unrelated males harboring non-recurrent complex Xq28 rearrangements associated with MDS. Copy number gains were initially detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and further delineated by high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization, familial segregation, expression analysis and X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) evaluation in a carrier mother. SNVs within the rearrangements and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to assess the parental origin of the rearrangements. Patient 1 exhibited an intrachromosomal rearrangement, whose structure is consistent with a triplicated segment presumably embedded in an inverted orientation between two duplicated sequences (DUP-TRP/INV-DUP). The rearrangement was inherited from the carrier mother, who exhibits extreme XCI skewing and subtle psychiatric symptoms. Patient 2 presented a de novo (X;Y) unbalanced translocation resulting in duplication of Xq28 and deletion of Yp, originated in the paternal gametogenesis. Neurodevelopmental trajectory and non-neurological symptoms were consistent with previous reports, with the exception of cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in patient 2. Although both patients share the core MDS phenotype, patient 1 showed MECP2 transcript levels in blood similar to controls. Understanding the molecular mechanisms related to MDS is essential for designing targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Barbosa Abdala
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andressa Pereira Gonçalves
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jussara Mendonça Dos Santos
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel Boy
- Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carla Rosenberg
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonor Gusmão
- DNA Diagnostic Laboratory (LDD), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA; Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA
| | - Márcia Mattos Gonçalves Pimentel
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Barros Santos-Rebouças
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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25
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Lee LC, Su MT, Huang HY, Cho YC, Yeh TK, Chang CY. Association of CaMK2A and MeCP2 signaling pathways with cognitive ability in adolescents. Mol Brain 2021; 14:152. [PMID: 34607601 PMCID: PMC8491411 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The glutamatergic signaling pathway is involved in molecular learning and human cognitive ability. Specific single variants (SNVs, formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the genes encoding N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders by altering glutamate transmission. However, these variants associated with cognition and mental activity have rarely been explored in healthy adolescents. In this study, we screened for SNVs in the glutamatergic signaling pathway to identify genetic variants associated with cognitive ability. We found that SNVs in the subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors, including GRIA1, GRIN1, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, GRIN3A, GRIN3B, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMK2A) are associated with cognitive function. Plasma CaMK2A level was correlated positively with the cognitive ability of Taiwanese senior high school students. We demonstrated that elevating CaMK2A increased its autophosphorylation at T286 and increased the expression of its downstream targets, including GluA1 and phosphor- GluA1 in vivo. Additionally, methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a downstream target of CaMK2A, was found to activate the expression of CaMK2A, suggesting that MeCP2 and CaMK2A can form a positive feedback loop. In summary, two members of the glutamatergic signaling pathway, CaMK2A and MeCP2, are implicated in the cognitive ability of adolescents; thus, altering the expression of CaMK2A may affect cognitive ability in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ching Lee
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Ying Huang
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Cho
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ting-Kuang Yeh
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Institute of Marine Environment Science and Technology, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Earth Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yen Chang
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Earth Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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26
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Zhou Q, Tian Y, Xu C, Wang J, Jin Y. Prenatal and postnatal traffic pollution exposure, DNA methylation in Shank3 and MeCP2 promoter regions, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 and sociability in rats' offspring. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:180. [PMID: 34565458 PMCID: PMC8474908 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01170-x] [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: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Road traffic air pollution is linked with an increased risk of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of exposure to prenatal or postnatal traffic-related air pollution combining concomitant noise pollution on ASD-related epigenetic and behavioral alternations on offspring. Methods A 2 × 2 factorial analysis experiment was designed. Wistar rats were exposed at different sites (L group: green space; H group: crossroads) and timings (E group: full gestation; P group: 21 days after birth) at the same time, and air pollutants of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) were meanwhile sampled. On postnatal day 25, brains from offspring of each group were extracted to determine the levels of DNA methylation in Shank3 (three parts: Shank3_01, Shank3_02, Shank3_03) and MeCP2 (two parts: MeCP2_01, MeCP2_02) promoter regions, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 after three-chamber social test. Meanwhile, the Shank3 and MeCP2 levels were quantified. Results The concentrations of PM2.5 (L: 58.33 µg/m3; H: 88.33 µg/m3, P < 0.05) and NO2 (L: 52.76 µg/m3; H: 146.03 µg/m3, P < 0.01) as well as the intensity of noise pollution (L: 44.4 dB (A); H: 70.1 dB (A), P < 0.001) differed significantly from 18:00 to 19:00 between experimental sites. Traffic pollution exposure (P = 0.006) and neonatal exposure (P = 0.001) led to lower weight of male pups on PND25. Male rats under early-life exposure had increased levels of Shank3 (Shank3_02: timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05, Shank3_03: timing P < 0.001) and MeCP2 (MeCP2_01: timing P < 0.001, MeCP2_02: timing P < 0.001) methylation and H3K4me3 (EL: 11.94 µg/mg; EH: 11.98; PL: 17.14; PH: 14.78, timing P < 0.05), and reduced levels of H3K27me3 (EL: 71.07 µg/mg; EH: 44.76; PL: 29.15; PH: 28.67, timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05) in brain compared to those under prenatal exposure. There was, for female pups, a same pattern of Shank3 (Shank3_02: timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05, Shank3_03: timing P < 0.001) and MeCP2 (MeCP2_01: timing P < 0.05, MeCP2_02: timing P < 0.001) methylation and H3K4me3 (EL: 11.27 µg/mg; EH: 11.55; PL: 16.11; PH: 15.44, timing P < 0.001), but the levels of H3K27me3 exhibited an inverse trend concerning exposure timing. Hypermethylation at the MeCP2 and Shank3 promoter was correlated with the less content of MeCP2 (female: EL: 32.23 ng/mg; EH: 29.58; PL: 25.01; PH: 23.03, timing P < 0.001; site P < 0.05; male: EL: 31.05 ng/mg; EH: 32.75; PL: 23.40; PH: 25.91, timing P < 0.001) and Shank3 (female: EL: 5.10 ng/mg; EH: 5.31; PL: 4.63; PH: 4.82, timing P < 0.001; male: EL: 5.40 ng/mg; EH: 5.48; PL: 4.82; PH: 4.87, timing P < 0.001). Rats with traffic pollution exposure showed aberrant sociability preference and social novelty, while those without it behaved normally. Conclusions Our findings suggest early life under environmental risks is a crucial window for epigenetic perturbations and then abnormalities in protein expression, and traffic pollution impairs behaviors either during pregnancy or after birth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01170-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfeng Zhou
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Tian
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenlu Xu
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juling Wang
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongtang Jin
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. .,Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Bicker F, Nardi L, Maier J, Vasic V, Schmeisser MJ. Criss-crossing autism spectrum disorder and adult neurogenesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:452-478. [PMID: 34478569 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior. Although the onset is typically in early childhood, ASD poses a lifelong challenge for both patients and caretakers. Adult neurogenesis (AN) is the process by which new functional neurons are created from neural stem cells existing in the post-natal brain. The entire event is based on a sequence of cellular processes, such as proliferation, specification of cell fate, maturation, and ultimately, synaptic integration into the existing neural circuits. Hence, AN is implicated in structural and functional brain plasticity throughout life. Accumulating evidence shows that impaired AN may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes seen in ASD. In this review, we approach the interconnections between the molecular pathways related to AN and ASD. We also discuss existing therapeutic approaches targeting such pathways both in preclinical and clinical studies. A deeper understanding of how ASD and AN reciprocally affect one another could reveal important converging pathways leading to the emergence of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bicker
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonardo Nardi
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jannik Maier
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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28
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Wei B, Xiao GR, Wu CL, Xu YQ. HAGLR promotes neuron differentiation through the miR-130a-3p-MeCP2 axis. Open Med (Wars) 2021; 16:1121-1131. [PMID: 34430707 PMCID: PMC8345017 DOI: 10.1515/med-2021-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying the progressions of PD are not fully understood. The human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y has been widely used as an in vitro model for PD. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the non-coding RNA-mediated SH-SY5Y differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA). By microArray analysis, lncRNA HAGLR was observed to be significantly upregulated during the RA-induced SH-SY5Y differentiation. Silencing HAGLR blocked the RA-induced SH-SY5Y differentiation. Moreover, bioinformatical analysis illustrated that miR-130a-3p contains binding sites for HAGLR. The RNA-pull down assay and luciferase assay demonstrated that HAGLR functioned as a ceRNA of miR-130a-3p in SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p effectively inhibited SH-SY5Y differentiation. We identified MeCP2, a vital molecule in neuronal diseases, to be a direct target of miR-130a-3p in SH-SY5Y cells by western blot and luciferase assays. The rescue experiments verified that recovery of miR-130a-3p in HAGLR-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells could successfully overcome the RA-induced SH-SY5Y differentiation by targeting MeCP2. In summary, this study reveals a potential molecular mechanism for the lncRNA-HAGLR-promoted in vitro neuron differentiation by targeting the miR-130a-3p-MeCP2 axis, contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Gui-Rong Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Cheng-Long Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Yi-Qin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
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29
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Ibrahim A, Papin C, Mohideen-Abdul K, Le Gras S, Stoll I, Bronner C, Dimitrov S, Klaholz BP, Hamiche A. MeCP2 is a microsatellite binding protein that protects CA repeats from nucleosome invasion. Science 2021; 372:372/6549/eabd5581. [PMID: 34324427 DOI: 10.1126/science.abd5581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Rett syndrome protein MeCP2 was described as a methyl-CpG-binding protein, but its exact function remains unknown. Here we show that mouse MeCP2 is a microsatellite binding protein that specifically recognizes hydroxymethylated CA repeats. Depletion of MeCP2 alters chromatin organization of CA repeats and lamina-associated domains and results in nucleosome accumulation on CA repeats and genome-wide transcriptional dysregulation. The structure of MeCP2 in complex with a hydroxymethylated CA repeat reveals a characteristic DNA shape, with considerably modified geometry at the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, which is recognized specifically by Arg133, a key residue whose mutation causes Rett syndrome. Our work identifies MeCP2 as a microsatellite DNA binding protein that targets the 5hmC-modified CA-rich strand and maintains genome regions nucleosome-free, suggesting a role for MeCP2 dysfunction in Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkhaleg Ibrahim
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France.,Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Biotechnology Research Center (BTRC), 30303 Tripoli, Libya
| | - Christophe Papin
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France.,Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Kareem Mohideen-Abdul
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Stéphanie Le Gras
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle Stoll
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France.,Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Christian Bronner
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France.,Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Stefan Dimitrov
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Santé - Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France. .,Roumen Tsanev Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Bruno P Klaholz
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France. .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France. .,Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Center of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Transcriptomic and Epigenomic Landscape in Rett Syndrome. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070967. [PMID: 34209228 PMCID: PMC8301932 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an extremely invalidating, cureless, developmental disorder, and it is considered one of the leading causes of intellectual disability in female individuals. The vast majority of RTT cases are caused by de novo mutations in the X-linked Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes a multifunctional reader of methylated DNA. MeCP2 is a master epigenetic modulator of gene expression, with a role in the organization of global chromatin architecture. Based on its interaction with multiple molecular partners and the diverse epigenetic scenario, MeCP2 triggers several downstream mechanisms, also influencing the epigenetic context, and thus leading to transcriptional activation or repression. In this frame, it is conceivable that defects in such a multifaceted factor as MeCP2 lead to large-scale alterations of the epigenome, ranging from an unbalanced deposition of epigenetic modifications to a transcriptional alteration of both protein-coding and non-coding genes, with critical consequences on multiple downstream biological processes. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning the transcriptomic and epigenomic alterations found in RTT patients and animal models.
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31
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Zocher S, Overall RW, Lesche M, Dahl A, Kempermann G. Environmental enrichment preserves a young DNA methylation landscape in the aged mouse hippocampus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3892. [PMID: 34162876 PMCID: PMC8222384 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline of brain function during aging is associated with epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation. Lifestyle interventions can improve brain function during aging, but their influence on age-related epigenetic changes is unknown. Using genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing, we here show that experiencing a stimulus-rich environment counteracts age-related DNA methylation changes in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of mice. Specifically, environmental enrichment prevented the aging-induced CpG hypomethylation at target sites of the methyl-CpG-binding protein Mecp2, which is critical to neuronal function. The genes at which environmental enrichment counteracted aging effects have described roles in neuronal plasticity, neuronal cell communication and adult hippocampal neurogenesis and are dysregulated with age-related cognitive decline in the human brain. Our results highlight the stimulating effects of environmental enrichment on hippocampal plasticity at the level of DNA methylation and give molecular insights into the specific aspects of brain aging that can be counteracted by lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zocher
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rupert W Overall
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mathias Lesche
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center c/o Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center c/o Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerd Kempermann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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32
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Wittrahm R, Takalo M, Marttinen M, Kuulasmaa T, Mäkinen P, Kemppainen S, Martiskainen H, Rauramaa T, Pike I, Leinonen V, Natunen T, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M. MECP2 Increases the Pro-Inflammatory Response of Microglial Cells and Phosphorylation at Serine 423 Regulates Neuronal Gene Expression upon Neuroinflammation. Cells 2021; 10:860. [PMID: 33918872 PMCID: PMC8070522 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a critical transcriptional regulator for synaptic function. Dysfunction of synapses, as well as microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, represent the earliest pathological events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, expression, protein levels, and activity-related phosphorylation changes of MECP2 were analyzed in post-mortem human temporal cortex. The effects of wild type and phosphorylation-deficient MECP2 variants at serine 423 (S423) or S80 on microglial and neuronal function were assessed utilizing BV2 microglial monocultures and co-cultures with mouse cortical neurons under inflammatory stress conditions. MECP2 phosphorylation at the functionally relevant S423 site nominally decreased in the early stages of AD-related neurofibrillary pathology in the human temporal cortex. Overexpression of wild type MECP2 enhanced the pro-inflammatory response in BV2 cells upon treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) and decreased BV2 cell phagocytic activity. The expression of the phosphorylation-deficient MECP2-S423A variant, but not S80A, further increased the pro-inflammatory response of BV2 cells. In neurons co-cultured with BV2 cells, the MECP2-S423A variant increased the expression of several genes, which are important for the maintenance and protection of neurons and synapses upon inflammatory stress. Collectively, functional analyses in different cellular models suggest that MECP2 may influence the inflammatory response in microglia independently of S423 and S80 phosphorylation, while the S423 phosphorylation might play a role in the activation of neuronal gene expression, which conveys neuroprotection under neuroinflammation-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Petra Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Susanna Kemppainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Henna Martiskainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland;
- Unit of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Sciences plc, Hamilton House, London WC1H 9BB, UK;
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland;
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
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33
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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34
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Raza SHA, Abdelnour SA, Dhshan AIM, Hassanin AA, Noreldin AE, Albadrani GM, Abdel-Daim MM, Cheng G, Zan L. Potential role of specific microRNAs in the regulation of thermal stress response in livestock. J Therm Biol 2021; 96:102859. [PMID: 33627286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Thermal stress is known to have harmful effects on livestock productivity and can cause livestock enterprises considerable financial loss. These effects may be aggravated by climate change. Stress responses to nonspecific systemic actions lead to perturbation of molecular pathways in the organism. The molecular response is regulated in a dynamic and synchronized manner that assurances robustness and flexibility for the restoration of functional and structural homeostasis in stressed cells and tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are micro molecules of small non-coding RNA that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recently, various studies have discovered precise types of miRNA that regulate cellular machinery and homeostasis under various types of stress, suggesting a significant role of miRNA in thermal stress responses in animals. The miRNAs revealed in this paper could serve as promising candidates and biomarkers for heat stress and could be used as potential pharmacological targets for mitigating the consequences of thermal stress. Stress miRNA pathways may be associated with thermal stress, which offers some potential approaches to combat the negative impacts of thermal stress in livestock. The review provides new data that can assist the elucidation of the miRNA mechanisms that mediate animals' responses to thermal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Sameh A Abdelnour
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Aya I M Dhshan
- Ministry of Health and Population, Health Affairs Directorate in Sharkia, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abdallah A Hassanin
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The Scientific Campus, Damanhour University, 22511, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Ghadeer M Albadrani
- 1Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11474, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Gong Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Linsen Zan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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35
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Basilico B, Morandell J, Novarino G. Molecular mechanisms for targeted ASD treatments. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:126-137. [PMID: 32659636 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The possibility to generate construct valid animal models enabled the development and testing of therapeutic strategies targeting the core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). At the same time, these studies highlighted the necessity of identifying sensitive developmental time windows for successful therapeutic interventions. Animal and human studies also uncovered the possibility to stratify the variety of ASDs in molecularly distinct subgroups, potentially facilitating effective treatment design. Here, we focus on the molecular pathways emerging as commonly affected by mutations in diverse ASD-risk genes, on their role during critical windows of brain development and the potential treatments targeting these biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmin Morandell
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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36
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Brito DVC, Gulmez Karaca K, Kupke J, Frank L, Oliveira AMM. MeCP2 gates spatial learning-induced alternative splicing events in the mouse hippocampus. Mol Brain 2020; 13:156. [PMID: 33203444 PMCID: PMC7672966 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00695-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory formation is supported by functional and structural changes of neuronal networks, which rely on de novo gene transcription and protein synthesis. The modulation of the neuronal transcriptome in response to learning depends on transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. DNA methylation writers and readers regulate the activity-dependent genomic program required for memory consolidation. The most abundant DNA methylation reader, the Methyl CpG binding domain protein 2 (MeCP2), has been shown to regulate alternative splicing, but whether it establishes splicing events important for memory consolidation has not been investigated. In this study, we identified the alternative splicing profile of the mouse hippocampus in basal conditions and after a spatial learning experience, and investigated the requirement of MeCP2 for these processes. We observed that spatial learning triggers a wide-range of alternative splicing events in transcripts associated with structural and functional remodeling and that virus-mediated knockdown of MeCP2 impairs learning-dependent post-transcriptional responses of mature hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that MeCP2 preferentially affected the splicing modalities intron retention and exon skipping and guided the alternative splicing of distinct set of genes in baseline conditions and after learning. Lastly, comparative analysis of the MeCP2-regulated transcriptome with the alternatively spliced mRNA pool, revealed that MeCP2 disruption alters the relative abundance of alternatively spliced isoforms without affecting the overall mRNA levels. Taken together, our findings reveal that adult hippocampal MeCP2 is required to finetune alternative splicing events in basal conditions, as well as in response to spatial learning. This study provides new insight into how MeCP2 regulates brain function, particularly cognitive abilities, and sheds light onto the pathophysiological mechanisms of Rett syndrome, that is characterized by intellectual disability and caused by mutations in the Mecp2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- David V C Brito
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kubra Gulmez Karaca
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janina Kupke
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Frank
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant (Heidelberg University), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana M M Oliveira
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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37
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Rea V, Van Raay TJ. Using Zebrafish to Model Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparison of ASD Risk Genes Between Zebrafish and Their Mammalian Counterparts. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:575575. [PMID: 33262688 PMCID: PMC7686559 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.575575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a highly variable and complex set of neurological disorders that alter neurodevelopment and cognitive function, which usually presents with social and learning impairments accompanied with other comorbid symptoms like hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, or repetitive behaviors. Autism can be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors and unraveling the etiology of ASD has proven challenging, especially given that different genetic mutations can cause both similar and different phenotypes that all fall within the autism spectrum. Furthermore, the list of ASD risk genes is ever increasing making it difficult to synthesize a common theme. The use of rodent models to enhance ASD research is invaluable and is beginning to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms of this disease. Recently, zebrafish have been recognized as a useful model of neurodevelopmental disorders with regards to genetics, pharmacology and behavior and one of the main foundations supporting autism research (SFARI) recently identified 12 ASD risk genes with validated zebrafish mutant models. Here, we describe what is known about those 12 ASD risk genes in human, mice and zebrafish to better facilitate this research. We also describe several non-genetic models including pharmacological and gnotobiotic models that are used in zebrafish to study ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence J. Van Raay
- Dept of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Cacciatori E, Lelii M, Russo S, Alari V, Masciadri M, Guez S, Patria MF, Marchisio P, Milani D. Sleep disordered breathing and daytime hypoventilation in a male with MECP2 mutation. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:2982-2987. [PMID: 32954625 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT, MIM * 312750) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants at the Xq28 region involving the gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2, MIM * 300005). The spectrum of MECP2-related phenotypes is wide and it ranges from asymptomatic female carriers to severe neonatal-onset encephalopathy in males. Abnormal breathing represents one of the leading features, but today little is known about polysomnographic features in RTT females; no data are available about males. We report the case of a male of Moroccan origins with a MECP2 pathogenic variant and a history of encephalopathy and severe breathing disturbances in the absence of dysmorphic features. For the first time we describe in detail the polysomnographic characteristics of a MECP2-mutated male and we show the relevance of severe central apneas, which may represent a new clinical clue to suggest the diagnosis. Moreover, we want to highlight the importance to maintain a high index of suspicion for MECP2-related disorders in the presence of severe hypotonia, apneic crises, and respiratory insufficiency in males to permit an earlier diagnosis and the consequent definition of recurrence risk of the family and to avoid other useless and invasive exams.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Lelii
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Russo
- Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Alari
- Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Masciadri
- Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Marchisio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Sandweiss AJ, Brandt VL, Zoghbi HY. Advances in understanding of Rett syndrome and MECP2 duplication syndrome: prospects for future therapies. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:689-698. [PMID: 32702338 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30217-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The X-linked gene encoding MECP2 is involved in two severe and complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Loss of function of the MeCP2 protein underlies Rett syndrome, whereas duplications of the MECP2 locus cause MECP2 duplication syndrome. Research on the mechanisms by which MeCP2 exerts effects on gene expression in neurons, studies of animal models bearing different disease-causing mutations, and more in-depth observations of clinical presentations have clarified some issues even as they have raised further questions. Yet there is enough evidence so far to suggest possible approaches to therapy for these two diseases that could go beyond attempting to address specific signs and symptoms (of which there are many) and instead target the pathophysiology underlying MECP2 disorders. Further work could bring antisense oligonucleotides, deep brain stimulation, and gene therapy into the clinic within the next decade or so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Sandweiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicky L Brandt
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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Tejada MI, Ibarluzea N. Non-syndromic X linked intellectual disability: Current knowledge in light of the recent advances in molecular and functional studies. Clin Genet 2020; 97:677-687. [PMID: 31898314 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the FMR1 gene and the clinical and molecular characterization of Fragile X Syndrome in 1991, more than 141 genes have been identified in the X-chromosome in these 28 years thanks to applying continuously evolving molecular techniques to X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) families. In the past decade, array comparative genomic hybridization and next generation sequencing technologies have accelerated gene discovery exponentially. Classically, XLID has been subdivided in syndromic intellectual disability (S-XLID)-where intellectual disability (ID) is always associated with other recognizable physical and/or neurological features-and non-specific or non-syndromic intellectual disability (NS-XLID) where the only common feature is ID. Nevertheless, new advances on the study of these entities have showed that this classification is not always clear-cut because distinct variants in several of these XLID genes can result in S-XLID as well as in NS-XLID. This review focuses on the current knowledge on the XLID genes involved in non-syndromic forms, with the emphasis on their pathogenic mechanism, thus allowing the possibility to elucidate why some of them can give both syndromic and non-syndromic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Tejada
- Genetics Service, Cruces University Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo, Spain.,Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Group, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Nekane Ibarluzea
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Group, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
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