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Singh PP, Reeves GA, Contrepois K, Papsdorf K, Miklas JW, Ellenberger M, Hu CK, Snyder MP, Brunet A. Evolution of diapause in the African turquoise killifish by remodeling the ancient gene regulatory landscape. Cell 2024; 187:3338-3356.e30. [PMID: 38810644 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.048] [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: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Suspended animation states allow organisms to survive extreme environments. The African turquoise killifish has evolved diapause as a form of suspended development to survive a complete drought. However, the mechanisms underlying the evolution of extreme survival states are unknown. To understand diapause evolution, we performed integrative multi-omics (gene expression, chromatin accessibility, and lipidomics) in the embryos of multiple killifish species. We find that diapause evolved by a recent remodeling of regulatory elements at very ancient gene duplicates (paralogs) present in all vertebrates. CRISPR-Cas9-based perturbations identify the transcription factors REST/NRSF and FOXOs as critical for the diapause gene expression program, including genes involved in lipid metabolism. Indeed, diapause shows a distinct lipid profile, with an increase in triglycerides with very-long-chain fatty acids. Our work suggests a mechanism for the evolution of complex adaptations and offers strategies to promote long-term survival by activating suspended animation programs in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Adam Reeves
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kévin Contrepois
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Jason W Miklas
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Chi-Kuo Hu
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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2
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Mazuecos L, Artigas-Jerónimo S, Pintado C, Gómez O, Rubio B, Arribas C, Andrés A, Villar M, Gallardo N. Central leptin signaling deficiency induced by leptin receptor antagonist leads to hypothalamic proteomic remodeling. Life Sci 2024; 346:122649. [PMID: 38626868 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122649] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Leptin irresponsiveness, which is often associated with obesity, can have significant impacts on the hypothalamic proteome of individuals, including those who are lean. While mounting evidence on leptin irresponsiveness has focused on obese individuals, understanding the early molecular and proteomic changes associated with deficient hypothalamic leptin signaling in lean individuals is essential for early intervention and prevention of metabolic disorders. Leptin receptor antagonists block the binding of leptin to its receptors, potentially reducing its effects and used in cases where excessive leptin activity might be harmful. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this work, we blocked the central actions of leptin in lean male adult Wistar rat by chronically administering intracerebroventricularly the superactive leptin receptor antagonist (SLA) (D23L/L39A/D40A/F41A) and investigated its impact on the hypothalamic proteome using label-free sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) for quantitative proteomics. KEY FINDINGS Our results show an accumulation of proteins involved in mRNA processing, mRNA stability, and translation in the hypothalamus of SLA-treated rats. Conversely, hypothalamic leptin signaling deficiency reduces the representation of proteins implicated in energy metabolism, neural circuitry, and neurotransmitter release. SIGNIFICANCE The alterations in the adult rat hypothalamic proteome contribute to dysregulate appetite, metabolism, and energy balance, which are key factors in the development and progression of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Additionally, using bioinformatic analysis, we identified a series of transcription factors that are potentially involved in the upstream regulatory mechanisms responsible for the observed signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Mazuecos
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo Jose Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Sara Artigas-Jerónimo
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo Jose Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Cristina Pintado
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Oscar Gómez
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Blanca Rubio
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo Jose Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Carmen Arribas
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Antonio Andrés
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo Jose Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo Jose Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Nilda Gallardo
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo Jose Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; DOE, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.
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Vitale C, Natali G, Cerullo MS, Floss T, Michetti C, Grasselli G, Benfenati F. The homeostatic effects of the RE-1 silencing transcription factor on cortical networks are altered under ictogenic conditions in the mouse. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14146. [PMID: 38606882 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14146] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM The Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) is an epigenetic master regulator playing a crucial role in the nervous system. In early developmental stages, REST downregulation promotes neuronal differentiation and the acquisition of the neuronal phenotype. In addition, postnatal fluctuations in REST expression contribute to shaping neuronal networks and maintaining network homeostasis. Here we investigate the role of the early postnatal deletion of neuronal REST in the assembly and strength of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. METHODS We investigated excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission by patch-clamp recordings in acute neocortical slices in a conditional knockout mouse model (RestGTi) in which Rest was deleted by delivering PHP.eB adeno-associated viruses encoding CRE recombinase under the control of the human synapsin I promoter in the lateral ventricles of P0-P1 pups. RESULTS We show that, under physiological conditions, Rest deletion increased the intrinsic excitability of principal cortical neurons in the primary visual cortex and the density and strength of excitatory synaptic connections impinging on them, without affecting inhibitory transmission. Conversely, in the presence of a pathological excitation/inhibition imbalance induced by pentylenetetrazol, Rest deletion prevented the increase in synaptic excitation and decreased seizure severity. CONCLUSION The data indicate that REST exerts distinct effects on the excitability of cortical circuits depending on whether it acts under physiological conditions or in the presence of pathologic network hyperexcitability. In the former case, REST preserves a correct excitatory/inhibitory balance in cortical circuits, while in the latter REST loses its homeostatic activity and may become pro-epileptogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Vitale
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Natali
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Sabina Cerullo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grasselli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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4
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Pigareva Y, Gladkov A, Kolpakov V, Kazantsev VB, Mukhina I, Pimashkin A. The Profile of Network Spontaneous Activity and Functional Organization Interplay in Hierarchically Connected Modular Neural Networks In Vitro. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:732. [PMID: 38930702 PMCID: PMC11205292 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Modern microtechnology methods are widely used to create neural networks on a chip with a connection architecture demonstrating properties of modularity and hierarchy similar to brain networks. Such in vitro networks serve as a valuable model for studying the interplay of functional architecture within modules, their activity, and the effectiveness of inter-module interaction. In this study, we use a two-chamber microfluidic platform to investigate functional connectivity and global activity in hierarchically connected modular neural networks. We found that the strength of functional connections within the module and the profile of network spontaneous activity determine the effectiveness of inter-modular interaction and integration activity in the network. The direction of intermodular activity propagation configures the different densities of inhibitory synapses in the network. The developed microfluidic platform holds the potential to explore function-structure relationships and efficient information processing in two- or multilayer neural networks, in both healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Pigareva
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Arseniy Gladkov
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kolpakov
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Victor B. Kazantsev
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Irina Mukhina
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Alexey Pimashkin
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
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5
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Hall AM, Kamei N, Shao M, Mun HS, Chen K, Chen Y, Baram TZ. Inhibition of Neuron-Restrictive Silencing Factor (REST/NRSF) Chromatin Binding Attenuates Epileptogenesis. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0006-24.2024. [PMID: 38641413 PMCID: PMC11103648 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0006-24.2024] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which brain insults lead to subsequent epilepsy remain unclear. Insults including trauma, stroke, infections, and long seizures (status epilepticus, SE) increase the nuclear expression and chromatin binding of the neuron-restrictive silencing factor/RE-1 silencing transcription factor (NRSF/REST). REST/NRSF orchestrates major disruption of the expression of key neuronal genes, including ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, potentially contributing to epileptogenesis. Accordingly, transient interference with REST/NRSF chromatin binding after an epilepsy-provoking SE suppressed spontaneous seizures for the 12 d duration of a prior study. However, whether the onset of epileptogenesis was suppressed or only delayed has remained unresolved. The current experiments determined if transient interference with REST/NRSF chromatin binding prevented epileptogenesis enduringly or, alternatively, slowed epilepsy onset. Epileptogenesis was elicited in adult male rats via systemic kainic acid-induced SE (KA-SE). We then determined if decoy, NRSF-binding-motif oligodeoxynucleotides (NRSE-ODNs), given twice following KA-SE (1) prevented REST/NRSF binding to chromatin, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, or (2) prevented the onset of spontaneous seizures, measured with chronic digital video-electroencephalogram. Blocking NRSF function transiently after KA-SE significantly lengthened the latent period to a first spontaneous seizure. Whereas this intervention did not influence the duration and severity of spontaneous seizures, total seizure number and seizure burden were lower in the NRSE-ODN compared with scrambled-ODN cohorts. Transient interference with REST/NRSF function after KA-SE delays and moderately attenuates insult-related hippocampal epilepsy, but does not abolish it. Thus, the anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic actions of NRSF are but one of the multifactorial mechanisms generating epilepsy in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Hall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Manlin Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Hyun-Seung Mun
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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6
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Shmal D, Mantero G, Floss T, Benfenati F, Maya-Vetencourt JF. Restoring vision in adult amblyopia by enhancing plasticity through deletion of the transcriptional repressor REST. iScience 2024; 27:109507. [PMID: 38591011 PMCID: PMC11000024 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109507] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual cortical plasticity is high during early life, but gradually decreases with development. This is due to the Otx2-driven maturation of intracortical inhibition that parallels the condensation of extracellular matrix components into perineuronal nets mainly around parvalbumin-positive GABAergic neurons. Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription (REST) epigenetically controls the expression of a plethora of neuron-specific genes. We demonstrate that the conditional knockout of REST in the primary visual cortex of adult mice induces a shift of ocular dominance after short-term monocular deprivation and promotes the recovery of vision in long-term deprived animals after reverse suture. These phenomena paralleled a reduction of perineuronal net density and increased expression of REST target genes, but not of the homeoprotein Otx2 in the visual cortex contralateral to the deprived eye. This shows that REST regulates adult visual cortical plasticity and is a potential therapeutic target to restore vision in adult amblyopia by enhancing V1 plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantero
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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7
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Van Hook MJ, McCool S. Nonuniform scaling of synaptic inhibition in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus in a mouse model of glaucoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.27.587036. [PMID: 38586044 PMCID: PMC10996666 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.587036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) triggers glaucoma by damaging the output neurons of the retina called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This leads to the loss of RGC signaling to visual centers of the brain such as the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which is critical for processing and relaying information to the cortex for conscious vision. In response to altered levels of activity or synaptic input, neurons can homeostatically modulate postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor numbers, allowing them to scale their synaptic responses to stabilize spike output. While prior work has indicated unaltered glutamate receptor properties in the glaucomatous dLGN, it is unknown whether glaucoma impacts dLGN inhibition. Here, using DBA/2J mice, which develop elevated IOP beginning at 6-7 months of age, we tested whether the strength of inhibitory synapses on dLGN thalamocortical relay neurons is altered in response to the disease state. We found an enhancement of feed-forward disynaptic inhibition arising from local interneurons along with increased amplitude of quantal inhibitory synaptic currents. A combination of immunofluorescence staining for the GABA A -α1 receptor subunit, peak-scaled nonstationary fluctuation analysis, and measures of homeostatic synaptic scaling indicated this was the result of an approximately 1.4-fold increase in GABA receptor number at post-synaptic inhibitory synapses, although several pieces of evidence strongly indicate a non-uniform scaling across inhibitory synapses within individual relay neurons. Together, these results indicate an increase in inhibitory synaptic strength in the glaucomatous dLGN, potentially pointing toward homeostatic compensation for disruptions in network and neuronal function triggered by increased IOP. Significance Statement Elevated eye pressure in glaucoma leads to loss of retinal outputs to the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which is critical for relaying information to the cortex for conscious vision. Alterations in neuronal activity, as could arise from excitatory synapse loss, can trigger homeostatic adaptations to synaptic function that attempt to maintain activity within a meaningful dynamic range, although whether this occurs uniformly at all synapses within a given neuron or is a non-uniform process is debated. Here, using a mouse model of glaucoma, we show that dLGN inhibitory synapses undergo non-uniform upregulation due to addition of post-synaptic GABA receptors. This is likely to be a neuronal adaptation to glaucomatous pathology in an important sub-cortical visual center.
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8
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Michetti C, Ferrante D, Parisi B, Ciano L, Prestigio C, Casagrande S, Martinoia S, Terranova F, Millo E, Valente P, Giovedi' S, Benfenati F, Baldelli P. Low glycemic index diet restrains epileptogenesis in a gender-specific fashion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:356. [PMID: 37947886 PMCID: PMC10638170 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04988-1] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Dietary restriction, such as low glycemic index diet (LGID), have been successfully used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. However, if such diet could also counteract antiepileptogenesis is still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the administration of LGID during the latent pre-epileptic period, prevents or delays the appearance of the overt epileptic phenotype. To this aim, we used the Synapsin II knockout (SynIIKO) mouse, a model of temporal lobe epilepsy in which seizures manifest 2-3 months after birth, offering a temporal window in which LGID may affect epileptogenesis. Pregnant SynIIKO mice were fed with either LGID or standard diet during gestation and lactation. Both diets were maintained in weaned mice up to 5 months of age. LGID delayed the seizure onset and induced a reduction of seizures severity only in female SynIIKO mice. In parallel with the epileptic phenotype, high-density multielectrode array recordings revealed a reduction of frequency, amplitude, duration, velocity of propagation and spread of interictal events by LGID in the hippocampus of SynIIKO females, but not mutant males, confirming the gender-specific effect. ELISA-based analysis revealed that LGID increased cortico-hippocampal allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels only in females, while it was unable to affect ALLO plasma concentrations in either sex. The results indicate that the gender-specific interference of LGID with the epileptogenic process can be ascribed to a gender-specific increase in cortical ALLO, a neurosteroid known to strengthen GABAergic transmission. The study highlights the possibility of developing a personalized gender-based therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Daniele Ferrante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Parisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ciano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cosimo Prestigio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Terranova
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Giovedi'
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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9
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Ma H, Khaled HG, Wang X, Mandelberg NJ, Cohen SM, He X, Tsien RW. Excitation-transcription coupling, neuronal gene expression and synaptic plasticity. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:672-692. [PMID: 37773070 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Excitation-transcription coupling (E-TC) links synaptic and cellular activity to nuclear gene transcription. It is generally accepted that E-TC makes a crucial contribution to learning and memory through its role in underpinning long-lasting synaptic enhancement in late-phase long-term potentiation and has more recently been linked to late-phase long-term depression: both processes require de novo gene transcription, mRNA translation and protein synthesis. E-TC begins with the activation of glutamate-gated N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptors and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels at the membrane and culminates in the activation of transcription factors in the nucleus. These receptors and ion channels mediate E-TC through mechanisms that include long-range signalling from the synapse to the nucleus and local interactions within dendritic spines, among other possibilities. Growing experimental evidence links these E-TC mechanisms to late-phase long-term potentiation and learning and memory. These advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of E-TC mean that future efforts can focus on understanding its mesoscale functions and how it regulates neuronal network activity and behaviour in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotional Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Houda G Khaled
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nataniel J Mandelberg
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel M Cohen
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xingzhi He
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotional Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Richard W Tsien
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Jin L, Liu Y, Wu Y, Huang Y, Zhang D. REST Is Not Resting: REST/NRSF in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1477. [PMID: 37892159 PMCID: PMC10605157 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dianbao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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In silico prediction and in vivo testing of promoters targeting GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 28:330-343. [PMID: 36874244 PMCID: PMC9974971 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.01.007] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of GABAergic inhibitory neuronal function is linked to epilepsy and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy targeting GABAergic neurons is a promising treatment for GABA-associated disorders. However, there is a need to develop rAAV-compatible gene-regulatory elements capable of selectively driving expression in GABAergic neurons throughout the brain. Here, we designed several novel GABAergic gene promoters. In silico analyses, including evolutionarily conserved DNA sequence alignments and transcription factor binding site searches among GABAergic neuronal genes, were carried out to reveal novel sequences for use as rAAV-compatible promoters. rAAVs (serotype 9) were injected into the CSF of neonatal mice and into the brain parenchyma of adult mice to assess promoter specificity. In mice injected neonatally, transgene expression was detected in multiple brain regions with very high neuronal specificity and moderate-to-high GABAergic neuronal selectivity. The GABA promoters differed greatly in their levels of expression and, in some brain regions, showed strikingly different patterns of GABAergic neuron transduction. This study is the first report of rAAV vectors that are functional in multiple brain regions using promoters designed by in silico analyses from multiple GABAergic genes. These novel GABA-targeting vectors may be useful tools to advance gene therapy for GABA-associated disorders.
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Qiu Y, O’Neill N, Maffei B, Zourray C, Almacellas-Barbanoj A, Carpenter JC, Jones SP, Leite M, Turner TJ, Moreira FC, Snowball A, Shekh-Ahmad T, Magloire V, Barral S, Kurian MA, Walker MC, Schorge S, Kullmann DM, Lignani G. On-demand cell-autonomous gene therapy for brain circuit disorders. Science 2022; 378:523-532. [PMID: 36378958 PMCID: PMC7613996 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq6656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders are characterized by intermittent episodes of pathological activity. Although genetic therapies offer the ability to modulate neuronal excitability, a limiting factor is that they do not discriminate between neurons involved in circuit pathologies and "healthy" surrounding or intermingled neurons. We describe a gene therapy strategy that down-regulates the excitability of overactive neurons in closed loop, which we tested in models of epilepsy. We used an immediate early gene promoter to drive the expression of Kv1.1 potassium channels specifically in hyperactive neurons, and only for as long as they exhibit abnormal activity. Neuronal excitability was reduced by seizure-related activity, leading to a persistent antiepileptic effect without interfering with normal behaviors. Activity-dependent gene therapy is a promising on-demand cell-autonomous treatment for brain circuit disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Qiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nathanael O’Neill
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Benito Maffei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Clara Zourray
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, GOS−Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda Almacellas-Barbanoj
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jenna C. Carpenter
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Steffan P. Jones
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Leite
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas J. Turner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francisco C. Moreira
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Albert Snowball
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tawfeeq Shekh-Ahmad
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vincent Magloire
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Serena Barral
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, GOS−Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A. Kurian
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, GOS−Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Matthew C. Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri M. Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Brewster AL. A REST paradox: Does it control or enhance neural activity? Epilepsy Curr 2022; 22:196-197. [DOI: 10.1177/15357597221081582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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