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Lockshin ER, Calakos N. The integrated stress response in brain diseases: A double-edged sword for proteostasis and synapses. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 87:102886. [PMID: 38901329 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) is a highly conserved biochemical pathway that regulates protein synthesis. The ISR is activated in response to diverse stressors to restore cellular homeostasis. As such, the ISR is implicated in a wide range of diseases, including brain disorders. However, in the brain, the ISR also has potent influence on processes beyond proteostasis, namely synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Thus, in the setting of brain diseases, ISR activity may have dual effects on proteostasis and synaptic function. In this review, we consider the ISR's contribution to brain disorders through the lens of its potential effects on synaptic plasticity. From these examples, we illustrate that at times ISR activity may be a "double-edged sword". We also highlight its potential as a therapeutic target to improve circuit function in brain diseases independent of its role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Lockshin
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Nicole Calakos
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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2
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Bamford RA, Zuko A, Eve M, Sprengers JJ, Post H, Taggenbrock RLRE, Fäβler D, Mehr A, Jones OJR, Kudzinskas A, Gandawijaya J, Müller UC, Kas MJH, Burbach JPH, Oguro-Ando A. CNTN4 modulates neural elongation through interplay with APP. Open Biol 2024; 14:240018. [PMID: 38745463 PMCID: PMC11293442 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240018] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuronal cell adhesion molecule contactin-4 (CNTN4) is genetically associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other psychiatric disorders. Cntn4-deficient mouse models have previously shown that CNTN4 plays important roles in axon guidance and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. However, the pathogenesis and functional role of CNTN4 in the cortex has not yet been investigated. Our study found a reduction in cortical thickness in the motor cortex of Cntn4 -/- mice, but cortical cell migration and differentiation were unaffected. Significant morphological changes were observed in neurons in the M1 region of the motor cortex, indicating that CNTN4 is also involved in the morphology and spine density of neurons in the motor cortex. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis identified an interaction partner for CNTN4, confirming an interaction between CNTN4 and amyloid-precursor protein (APP). Knockout human cells for CNTN4 and/or APP revealed a relationship between CNTN4 and APP. This study demonstrates that CNTN4 contributes to cortical development and that binding and interplay with APP controls neural elongation. This is an important finding for understanding the physiological function of APP, a key protein for Alzheimer's disease. The binding between CNTN4 and APP, which is involved in neurodevelopment, is essential for healthy nerve outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary A. Bamford
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, ExeterEX2 5DW, UK
| | - Amila Zuko
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madeline Eve
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, ExeterEX2 5DW, UK
| | - Jan J. Sprengers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht3508 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Harm Post
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renske L. R. E. Taggenbrock
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht3508 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Fäβler
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Functional Genomics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg69120, Germany
| | - Annika Mehr
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Functional Genomics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg69120, Germany
| | - Owen J. R. Jones
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, ExeterEX2 5DW, UK
| | - Aurimas Kudzinskas
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, ExeterEX2 5DW, UK
| | - Josan Gandawijaya
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, ExeterEX2 5DW, UK
| | - Ulrike C. Müller
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Functional Genomics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg69120, Germany
| | - Martien J. H. Kas
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht3508 AB, The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. Peter H. Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht3508 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, ExeterEX2 5DW, UK
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan
- Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. Role of Post-Transcriptional Regulation in Learning and Memory in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:337. [PMID: 38540396 PMCID: PMC10970538 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
After many decades, during which most molecular studies on the regulation of gene expression focused on transcriptional events, it was realized that post-transcriptional control was equally important in order to determine where and when specific proteins were to be synthesized. Translational regulation is of the most importance in the brain, where all the steps of mRNA maturation, transport to different regions of the cells and actual expression, in response to specific signals, constitute the molecular basis for neuronal plasticity and, as a consequence, for structural stabilization/modification of synapses; notably, these latter events are fundamental for the highest brain functions, such as learning and memory, and are characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) of specific synapses. Here, we will discuss the molecular bases of these fundamental events by considering both the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the effects of non-coding RNAs involved in controlling splicing, editing, stability and translation of mRNAs. Importantly, it has also been found that dysregulation of mRNA metabolism/localization is involved in many pathological conditions, arising either during brain development or in the adult nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
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4
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Iannuccelli M, Vitriolo A, Licata L, Lo Surdo P, Contino S, Cheroni C, Capocefalo D, Castagnoli L, Testa G, Cesareni G, Perfetto L. Curation of causal interactions mediated by genes associated with autism accelerates the understanding of gene-phenotype relationships underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:186-196. [PMID: 38102483 PMCID: PMC11078740 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02317-3] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a large group of neurodevelopmental conditions featuring, over a wide range of severity and combinations, a core set of manifestations (restricted sociality, stereotyped behavior and language impairment) alongside various comorbidities. Common and rare variants in several hundreds of genes and regulatory regions have been implicated in the molecular pathogenesis of ASD along a range of causation evidence strength. Despite significant progress in elucidating the impact of few paradigmatic individual loci, such sheer complexity in the genetic architecture underlying ASD as a whole has hampered the identification of convergent actionable hubs hypothesized to relay between the vastness of risk alleles and the core phenotypes. In turn this has limited the development of strategies that can revert or ameliorate this condition, calling for a systems-level approach to probe the cross-talk of cooperating genes in terms of causal interaction networks in order to make convergences experimentally tractable and reveal their clinical actionability. As a first step in this direction, we have captured from the scientific literature information on the causal links between the genes whose variants have been associated with ASD and the whole human proteome. This information has been annotated in a computer readable format in the SIGNOR database and is made freely available in the resource website. To link this information to cell functions and phenotypes, we have developed graph algorithms that estimate the functional distance of any protein in the SIGNOR causal interactome to phenotypes and pathways. The main novelty of our approach resides in the possibility to explore the mechanistic links connecting the suggested gene-phenotype relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Iannuccelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitriolo
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Luana Licata
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Prisca Lo Surdo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Contino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Capocefalo
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Castagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gianni Cesareni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Livia Perfetto
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Zhang L, Xiao K, Kong L. A computational method for small molecule-RNA binding sites identification by utilizing position specificity and complex network information. Biosystems 2024; 235:105094. [PMID: 38056591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105094] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Some computational methods have been given for small molecule-RNA binding site identification due to that it plays a significant role in revealing biology function researches. However, it is still challenging to design an accurate model, especially for MCC. We designed a feature extraction technology from two aspects (position specificity and complex network information). Specifically, complex network was employed to express the space topological structure and sequence position information for improving prediction effect. Then, the features fused position specificity and complex network information were input into random forest classifier for model construction. The AUC of 88.22%, 77.92% and 81.46% were obtained on three independent datasets (RB19, CS71, RB78). Compared with the existing method, the best MCC were obtained on three datasets, which were 8.19%, 0.59% and 4.35% higher than the state-of-the-art prediction methods, respectively. The outstanding performances show that our method is a powerful tool to identify RNA binding sites, helping to the design RNA-targeting small molecule drugs. The data and resource codes are available at https://github.com/Kangxiaoneuq/PCN_RNAsite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066000, PR China; Hebei Innovation Center for Smart Perception and Applied Technology of Agricultural Data, Qinhuangdao, 066000, PR China.
| | - Kang Xiao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066000, PR China.
| | - Liang Kong
- Hebei Innovation Center for Smart Perception and Applied Technology of Agricultural Data, Qinhuangdao, 066000, PR China; School of Mathematics and Information Science & Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066000, PR China.
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Ibrahim MJ, Baiju V, Sen S, Chandran PP, Ashraf GM, Haque S, Ahmad F. Utilities of Isolated Nerve Terminals in Ex Vivo Analyses of Protein Translation in (Patho)physiological Brain States: Focus on Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:91-103. [PMID: 37582987 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03562-x] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Synapses are the cellular substrates of higher-order brain functions, and their dysfunction is an early and primary pathogenic mechanism across several neurological disorders. In particular, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is categorized by prodromal structural and functional synaptic deficits, prior to the advent of classical behavioral and pathological features. Recent research has shown that the development, maintenance, and plasticity of synapses depend on localized protein translation. Synaptosomes and synaptoneurosomes are biochemically isolated synaptic terminal preparations which have long been used to examine a variety of synaptic processes ex vivo in both healthy and pathological conditions. These ex vivo preparations preserve the mRNA species and the protein translational machinery. Hence, they are excellent in organello tools for the study of alterations in mRNA levels and protein translation in neuropathologies. Evaluation of synapse-specific basal and activity-driven de novo protein translation activity can be conveniently performed in synaptosomal/synaptoneurosomal preparations from both rodent and human brain tissue samples. This review gives a quick overview of the methods for isolating synaptosomes and synaptoneurosomes before discussing the studies that have utilized these preparations to study localized synapse-specific protein translation in (patho)physiological situations, with an emphasis on AD. While the review is not an exhaustive accumulation of all the studies evaluating synaptic protein translation using the synaptosomal model, the aim is to assemble the most relevant studies that have done so. The hope is to provide a suitable research platform to aid neuroscientists to utilize the synaptosomal/synaptoneurosomal models to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction within the specific confines of mRNA localization and protein translation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jasim Ibrahim
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Viswanath Baiju
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Shivam Sen
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Pranav Prathapa Chandran
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University City, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014.
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7
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Yurdakul E, Barlas Y, Ulgen KO. Circadian clock crosstalks with autism. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3273. [PMID: 37807632 PMCID: PMC10726833 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3273] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains incompletely understood, but researchers have identified over a thousand genes involved in complex interactions within the brain, nervous, and immune systems, particularly during the mechanism of brain development. Various contributory environmental effects including circadian rhythm have also been studied in ASD. Thus, capturing the global picture of the ASD-clock network in combined form is critical. METHODS We reconstructed the protein-protein interaction network of ASD and circadian rhythm to understand the connection between autism and the circadian clock. A graph theoretical study is undertaken to evaluate whether the network attributes are biologically realistic. The gene ontology enrichment analyses provide information about the most important biological processes. RESULTS This study takes a fresh look at metabolic mechanisms and the identification of potential key proteins/pathways (ribosome biogenesis, oxidative stress, insulin/IGF pathway, Wnt pathway, and mTOR pathway), as well as the effects of specific conditions (such as maternal stress or disruption of circadian rhythm) on the development of ASD due to environmental factors. CONCLUSION Understanding the relationship between circadian rhythm and ASD provides insight into the involvement of these essential pathways in the pathogenesis/etiology of ASD, as well as potential early intervention options and chronotherapeutic strategies for treating or preventing the neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekin Yurdakul
- Department of Chemical EngineeringBogazici University, Biosystems Engineering LaboratoryIstanbulTurkey
| | - Yaman Barlas
- Department of Industrial EngineeringBogazici University, Socio‐Economic System Dynamics Research Group (SESDYN)IstanbulTurkey
| | - Kutlu O. Ulgen
- Department of Chemical EngineeringBogazici University, Biosystems Engineering LaboratoryIstanbulTurkey
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LaForce GR, Philippidou P, Schaffer AE. mRNA isoform balance in neuronal development and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1762. [PMID: 36123820 PMCID: PMC10024649 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Balanced mRNA isoform diversity and abundance are spatially and temporally regulated throughout cellular differentiation. The proportion of expressed isoforms contributes to cell type specification and determines key properties of the differentiated cells. Neurons are unique cell types with intricate developmental programs, characteristic cellular morphologies, and electrophysiological potential. Neuron-specific gene expression programs establish these distinctive cellular characteristics and drive diversity among neuronal subtypes. Genes with neuron-specific alternative processing are enriched in key neuronal functions, including synaptic proteins, adhesion molecules, and scaffold proteins. Despite the similarity of neuronal gene expression programs, each neuronal subclass can be distinguished by unique alternative mRNA processing events. Alternative processing of developmentally important transcripts alters coding and regulatory information, including interaction domains, transcript stability, subcellular localization, and targeting by RNA binding proteins. Fine-tuning of mRNA processing is essential for neuronal activity and maintenance. Thus, the focus of neuronal RNA biology research is to dissect the transcriptomic mechanisms that underlie neuronal homeostasis, and consequently, predispose neuronal subtypes to disease. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneva R LaForce
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Polyxeni Philippidou
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashleigh E Schaffer
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Pintacuda G, Hsu YHH, Tsafou K, Li KW, Martín JM, Riseman J, Biagini JC, Ching JK, Mena D, Gonzalez-Lozano MA, Egri SB, Jaffe J, Smit AB, Fornelos N, Eggan KC, Lage K. Protein interaction studies in human induced neurons indicate convergent biology underlying autism spectrum disorders. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100250. [PMID: 36950384 PMCID: PMC10025425 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2022.100250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been linked to genes with enriched expression in the brain, but it is unclear how these genes converge into cell-type-specific networks. We built a protein-protein interaction network for 13 ASD-associated genes in human excitatory neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The network contains newly reported interactions and is enriched for genetic and transcriptional perturbations observed in individuals with ASDs. We leveraged the network data to show that the ASD-linked brain-specific isoform of ANK2 is important for its interactions with synaptic proteins and to characterize a PTEN-AKAP8L interaction that influences neuronal growth. The IGF2BP1-3 complex emerged as a convergent point in the network that may regulate a transcriptional circuit of ASD-associated genes. Our findings showcase cell-type-specific interactomes as a framework to complement genetic and transcriptomic data and illustrate how both individual and convergent interactions can lead to biological insights into ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pintacuda
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yu-Han H. Hsu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kalliopi Tsafou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ka Wan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline M. Martín
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jackson Riseman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Julia C. Biagini
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Joshua K.T. Ching
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daya Mena
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Miguel A. Gonzalez-Lozano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shawn B. Egri
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jake Jaffe
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine Fornelos
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kevin C. Eggan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kasper Lage
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, Mental Health Services Copenhagen, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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10
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Palumbo JM, Thomas BF, Budimirovic D, Siegel S, Tassone F, Hagerman R, Faulk C, O’Quinn S, Sebree T. Role of the endocannabinoid system in fragile X syndrome: potential mechanisms for benefit from cannabidiol treatment. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:1. [PMID: 36624400 PMCID: PMC9830713 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest a central role for the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the neuronal development and cognitive function and in the pathogenesis of fragile X syndrome (FXS). This review describes the ECS, its role in the central nervous system, how it is dysregulated in FXS, and the potential role of cannabidiol as a treatment for FXS. FXS is caused by deficiency or absence of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) protein, FMRP, typically due to the presence of >200 cytosine, guanine, guanine sequence repeats leading to methylation of the FMR1 gene promoter. The absence of FMRP, following FMR1 gene-silencing, disrupts ECS signaling, which has been implicated in FXS pathogenesis. The ECS facilitates synaptic homeostasis and plasticity through the cannabinoid receptor 1, CB1, on presynaptic terminals, resulting in feedback inhibition of neuronal signaling. ECS-mediated feedback inhibition and synaptic plasticity are thought to be disrupted in FXS, leading to overstimulation, desensitization, and internalization of presynaptic CB1 receptors. Cannabidiol may help restore synaptic homeostasis by acting as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1, thereby attenuating the receptor overstimulation, desensitization, and internalization. Moreover, cannabidiol affects DNA methylation, serotonin 5HT1A signal transduction, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor signaling, and dopamine D2 and D3 receptor signaling, which may contribute to beneficial effects in patients with FXS. Consistent with these proposed mechanisms of action of cannabidiol in FXS, in the CONNECT-FX trial the transdermal cannabidiol gel, ZYN002, was associated with improvements in measures of social avoidance, irritability, and social interaction, particularly in patients who are most affected, showing ≥90% methylation of the FMR1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Palumbo
- grid.422480.80000 0004 8307 0679Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc., Devon, PA USA
| | | | - Dejan Budimirovic
- grid.240023.70000 0004 0427 667XDepartments of Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Steven Siegel
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- grid.413079.80000 0000 9752 8549Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California-Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA ,grid.413079.80000 0000 9752 8549Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- grid.413079.80000 0000 9752 8549Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California-Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Christopher Faulk
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Stephen O’Quinn
- grid.422480.80000 0004 8307 0679Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc., Devon, PA USA
| | - Terri Sebree
- grid.422480.80000 0004 8307 0679Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc., Devon, PA USA
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11
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. RNA-Binding Proteins as Epigenetic Regulators of Brain Functions and Their Involvement in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314622. [PMID: 36498959 PMCID: PMC9739182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A central aspect of nervous system development and function is the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA fate, which implies time- and site-dependent translation, in response to cues originating from cell-to-cell crosstalk. Such events are fundamental for the establishment of brain cell asymmetry, as well as of long-lasting modifications of synapses (long-term potentiation: LTP), responsible for learning, memory, and higher cognitive functions. Post-transcriptional regulation is in turn dependent on RNA-binding proteins that, by recognizing and binding brief RNA sequences, base modifications, or secondary/tertiary structures, are able to control maturation, localization, stability, and translation of the transcripts. Notably, most RBPs contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that are thought to be involved in the formation of membrane-less structures, probably due to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Such structures are evidenced as a variety of granules that contain proteins and different classes of RNAs. The other side of the peculiar properties of IDRs is, however, that, under altered cellular conditions, they are also prone to form aggregates, as observed in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, RBPs, as part of both normal and aggregated complexes, are also able to enter extracellular vesicles (EVs), and in doing so, they can also reach cells other than those that produced them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-238-97 (ext. 415/446)
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12
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Lutz AK, Pérez Arévalo A, Ioannidis V, Stirmlinger N, Demestre M, Delorme R, Bourgeron T, Boeckers TM. SHANK2 Mutations Result in Dysregulation of the ERK1/2 Pathway in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Neurons and Shank2(-/-) Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:773571. [PMID: 34899182 PMCID: PMC8662699 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.773571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
SHANK2 (ProSAP1) is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system and implicated in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Patients with mutations in SHANK2 show autism-like behaviors, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. We generated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from a patient carrying a heterozygous deletion of SHANK2 and from the unaffected parents. In patient hiPSCs and derived neurons SHANK2 mRNA and protein expression was reduced. During neuronal maturation, a reduction in growth cone size and a transient increase in neuronal soma size were observed. Neuronal proliferation was increased, and apoptosis was decreased in young and mature neurons. Additionally, mature patient hiPSC-derived neurons showed dysregulated excitatory signaling and a decrease of a broad range of signaling molecules of the ERK-MAP kinase pathway. These findings could be confirmed in brain samples from Shank2(−/−) mice, which also showed decreased mGluR5 and phospho-ERK1/2 expression. Our study broadens the current knowledge of SHANK2-related ASD. We highlight the importance of excitatory-inhibitory balance and mGluR5 dysregulation with disturbed downstream ERK1/2 signaling in ASD, which provides possible future therapeutic strategies for SHANK2-related ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kathrin Lutz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Maria Demestre
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
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Postsynaptic autism spectrum disorder genes and synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105564. [PMID: 34838666 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the synaptic dysfunction of neuronal circuits and the ensuing behavioral alterations caused by mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-linked genes directly or indirectly affecting the postsynaptic neuronal compartment. There are plenty of ASD risk genes, that may be broadly grouped into those involved in gene expression regulation (epigenetic regulation and transcription) and genes regulating synaptic activity (neural communication and neurotransmission). Notably, the effects mediated by ASD-associated genes can vary extensively depending on the developmental time and/or subcellular site of expression. Therefore, in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of disruptions in postsynaptic function, an effort to better model ASD in experimental animals is required to improve standardization and increase reproducibility within and among studies. Such an effort holds promise to provide deeper insight into the development of these disorders and to improve the translational value of preclinical studies.
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Synaptic Alterations in a Transgenic Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Relevance to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810058. [PMID: 34576223 PMCID: PMC8466868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, multi-system genetic disease with serious neurological and mental symptoms, including autism. Mutations in the TSC1/TSC2 genes lead to the overactivation of mTOR signalling, which is also linked to nonsyndromic autism. Our aim was to analyse synaptic pathology in a transgenic model of TSC: two-month-old male B6;129S4-Tsc2tm1Djk/J mice with Tsc2 haploinsufficiency. Significant brain-region-dependent alterations in the expression of several synaptic proteins were identified. The most prominent changes were observed in the immunoreactivity of presynaptic VAMP1/2 (ca. 50% increase) and phospho-synapsin-1 (Ser62/67) (ca. 80% increase). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated serious ultrastructural abnormalities in synapses such as a blurred structure of synaptic density and a significantly increased number of synaptic vesicles. The impairment of synaptic mitochondrial ultrastructure was represented by excessive elongation, swelling, and blurred crista contours. Polyribosomes in the cytoplasm and swollen Golgi apparatus suggest possible impairment of protein metabolism. Moreover, the delamination of myelin and the presence of vacuolar structures in the cell nucleus were observed. We also report that Tsc2+/- mice displayed increased brain weights and sizes. The behavioural analysis demonstrated the impairment of memory function, as established in the novel object recognition test. To summarise, our data indicate serious synaptic impairment in the brains of male Tsc2+/- mice.
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