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Nijboer TCW, Hessel EVS, van Haaften GW, van Zandvoort MJ, van der Spek PJ, Troelstra C, de Kovel CGF, Koeleman BPC, van der Zwaag B, Brilstra EH, Burbach JPH. Identification of candidate genes for developmental colour agnosia in a single unique family. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290013. [PMID: 37672513 PMCID: PMC10482254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colour agnosia is a disorder that impairs colour knowledge (naming, recognition) despite intact colour perception. Previously, we have identified the first and only-known family with hereditary developmental colour agnosia. The aim of the current study was to explore genomic regions and candidate genes that potentially cause this trait in this family. For three family members with developmental colour agnosia and three unaffected family members CGH-array analysis and exome sequencing was performed, and linkage analysis was carried out using DominantMapper, resulting in the identification of 19 cosegregating chromosomal regions. Whole exome sequencing resulted in 11 rare coding variants present in all affected family members with developmental colour agnosia and absent in unaffected members. These variants affected genes that have been implicated in neural processes and functions (CACNA2D4, DDX25, GRINA, MYO15A) or that have an indirect link to brain function, development or disease (MAML2, STAU1, TMED3, RABEPK), and a remaining group lacking brain expression or involved in non-neural traits (DEPDC7, OR1J1, OR8D4). Although this is an explorative study, the small set of candidate genes that could serve as a starting point for unravelling mechanisms of higher level cognitive functions and cortical specialization, and disorders therein such as developmental colour agnosia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja C. W. Nijboer
- UMCU Brain Center and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen V. S. Hessel
- UMCU Brain Center and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs W. van Haaften
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J. van Zandvoort
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J. van der Spek
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Troelstra
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carolien G. F. de Kovel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bobby P. C. Koeleman
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva H. Brilstra
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J. Peter H. Burbach
- UMCU Brain Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Cheung SKK, Kwok J, Or PMY, Wong CW, Feng B, Choy KW, Chang RCC, Burbach JPH, Cheng ASL, Chan AM. Neuropathological signatures revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis in Pten-deficient mouse models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6763. [PMID: 37185447 PMCID: PMC10130134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33869-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome is characterised by mutations in the human PTEN gene. We performed transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of neural tissues and primary cultures from heterozygous and homozygous Pten-knockout mice. The somatosensory cortex of heterozygous Pten-knockout mice was enriched in immune response and oligodendrocyte development Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Parallel proteomic analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to dendritic spine development, keratinisation and hamartoma signatures. However, primary astrocytes (ASTs) from heterozygous Pten-knockout mice were enriched in the extracellular matrix GO term, while primary cortical neurons (PCNs) were enriched in immediate-early genes. In ASTs from homozygous Pten-knockout mice, cilium-related activity was enriched, while PCNs exhibited downregulation of forebrain neuron generation and differentiation, implying an altered excitatory/inhibitory balance. By integrating DEPs with pre-filtered differentially expressed genes, we identified the enrichment of traits of intelligence, cognitive function and schizophrenia, while DEPs in ASTs were significantly associated with intelligence and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley K K Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jacinda Kwok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Penelope M Y Or
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Chi Wai Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kwong Wai Choy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Raymond C C Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Andrew M Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, Hui Yeung Shing Building, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Gandawijaya J, Bamford RA, Burbach JPH, Oguro-Ando A. Cell Adhesion Molecules Involved in Neurodevelopmental Pathways Implicated in 3p-Deletion Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:611379. [PMID: 33519384 PMCID: PMC7838543 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.611379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social interaction, language delay and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. With increasing prevalence, ASD is currently estimated to affect 0.5–2.0% of the global population. However, its etiology remains unclear due to high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Copy number variations (CNVs) are implicated in several forms of syndromic ASD and have been demonstrated to contribute toward ASD development by altering gene dosage and expression. Increasing evidence points toward the p-arm of chromosome 3 (chromosome 3p) as an ASD risk locus. Deletions occurring at chromosome 3p result in 3p-deletion syndrome (Del3p), a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms and often, ASD or ASD-associated behaviors. Therefore, we hypothesize that overlapping molecular mechanisms underlie the pathogenesis of Del3p and ASD. To investigate which genes encoded in chromosome 3p could contribute toward Del3p and ASD, we performed a comprehensive literature review and collated reports investigating the phenotypes of individuals with chromosome 3p CNVs. We observe that high frequencies of CNVs occur in the 3p26.3 region, the terminal cytoband of chromosome 3p. This suggests that CNVs disrupting genes encoded within the 3p26.3 region are likely to contribute toward the neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed in individuals affected by Del3p. The 3p26.3 region contains three consecutive genes encoding closely related neuronal immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs): Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1), Contactin-6 (CNTN6), and Contactin-4 (CNTN4). CNVs disrupting these neuronal IgCAMs may contribute toward ASD phenotypes as they have been associated with key roles in neurodevelopment. CHL1, CNTN6, and CNTN4 have been observed to promote neurogenesis and neuronal survival, and regulate neuritogenesis and synaptic function. Furthermore, there is evidence that these neuronal IgCAMs possess overlapping interactomes and participate in common signaling pathways regulating axon guidance. Notably, mouse models deficient for these neuronal IgCAMs do not display strong deficits in axonal migration or behavioral phenotypes, which is in contrast to the pronounced defects in neuritogenesis and axon guidance observed in vitro. This suggests that when CHL1, CNTN6, or CNTN4 function is disrupted by CNVs, other neuronal IgCAMs may suppress behavioral phenotypes by compensating for the loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josan Gandawijaya
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary A Bamford
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Latrophilins (LPHNs) are adhesion GPCRs that are originally discovered as spider's toxin receptors, but are now known to be involved in brain development and linked to several neuronal and non-neuronal disorders. Latrophilins act in conjunction with other cell adhesion molecules and may play a leading role in its network organization. Here, we focus on the main protein partners of latrophilins, namely teneurins, FLRTs and contactins and summarize their respective temporal and spatial expression patterns, links to neurodevelopmental disorders as well as their structural characteristics. We discuss how more recent insights into the separate cell biological functions of these proteins shed light on the central role of latrophilins in this network. We postulate that latrophilins control the refinement of synaptic properties of specific subtypes of neurons, requiring discrete combinations of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dimphna H Meijer
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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Molenhuis RT, Bruining H, Brandt MJV, van Soldt PE, Abu-Toamih Atamni HJ, Burbach JPH, Iraqi FA, Mott RF, Kas MJH. Modeling the quantitative nature of neurodevelopmental disorders using Collaborative Cross mice. Mol Autism 2018; 9:63. [PMID: 30559955 PMCID: PMC6293525 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal models for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) generally rely on a single genetic mutation on a fixed genetic background. Recent human genetic studies however indicate that a clinical diagnosis with ASDAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is almost always associated with multiple genetic fore- and background changes. The translational value of animal model studies would be greatly enhanced if genetic insults could be studied in a more quantitative framework across genetic backgrounds. Methods We used the Collaborative Cross (CC), a novel mouse genetic reference population, to investigate the quantitative genetic architecture of mouse behavioral phenotypes commonly used in animal models for NDD. Results Classical tests of social recognition and grooming phenotypes appeared insufficient for quantitative studies due to genetic dilution and limited heritability. In contrast, digging, locomotor activity, and stereotyped exploratory patterns were characterized by continuous distribution across our CC sample and also mapped to quantitative trait loci containing genes associated with corresponding phenotypes in human populations. Conclusions These findings show that the CC can move animal model studies beyond comparative single gene-single background designs, and point out which type of behavioral phenotypes are most suitable to quantify the effect of developmental etiologies across multiple genetic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco T. Molenhuis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilgo Bruining
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Myrna J. V. Brandt
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra E. van Soldt
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hanifa J. Abu-Toamih Atamni
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - J. Peter H. Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fuad A. Iraqi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Richard F. Mott
- Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Martien J. H. Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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Heise C, Preuss JM, Schroeder JC, Battaglia CR, Kolibius J, Schmid R, Kreutz MR, Kas MJH, Burbach JPH, Boeckers TM. Heterogeneity of Cell Surface Glutamate and GABA Receptor Expression in Shank and CNTN4 Autism Mouse Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:212. [PMID: 29970989 PMCID: PMC6018460 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a large set of neurodevelopmental disorders, which have in common both repetitive behavior and abnormalities in social interactions and communication. Interestingly, most forms of ASD have a strong genetic contribution. However, the molecular underpinnings of this disorder remain elusive. The SHANK3 gene (and to a lesser degree SHANK2) which encode for the postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins SHANK3/SHANK2 and the CONTACTIN 4 gene which encodes for the neuronal glycoprotein CONTACTIN4 (CNTN4) exhibit mutated variants which are associated with ASD. Like many of the other genes associated with ASD, both SHANKs and CNTN4 affect synapse formation and function and are therefore related to the proper development and signaling capability of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks in the adult mammal brain. In this study, we used mutant/knock-out mice of Shank2 (Shank2−/−), Shank3 (Shank3αβ−/−), and Cntn4 (Cntn4−/−) as ASD-models to explore whether these mice share a molecular signature in glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission in ASD-related brain regions. Using a biotinylation assay and subsequent western blotting we focused our analysis on cell surface expression of several ionotropic glutamate and GABA receptor subunits: GluA1, GluA2, and GluN1 were analyzed for excitatory synaptic transmission, and the α1 subunit of the GABAA receptor was analyzed for inhibitory synaptic transmission. We found that both Shank2−/− and Shank3αβ−/− mice exhibit reduced levels of several cell surface glutamate receptors in the analyzed brain regions—especially in the striatum and thalamus—when compared to wildtype controls. Interestingly, even though Cntn4−/− mice also show reduced levels of some cell surface glutamate receptors in the cortex and hippocampus, increased levels of cell surface glutamate receptors were found in the striatum. Moreover, Cntn4−/− mice do not only show brain region-specific alterations in cell surface glutamate receptors but also a downregulation of cell surface GABA receptors in several of the analyzed brain regions. The results of this study suggest that even though mutations in defined genes can be associated with ASD this does not necessarily result in a common molecular phenotype in surface expression of glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor subunits in defined brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Heise
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Preuss
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan C Schroeder
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Jonas Kolibius
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schmid
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael R Kreutz
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Hillen AEJ, Burbach JPH, Hol EM. Cell adhesion and matricellular support by astrocytes of the tripartite synapse. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 165-167:66-86. [PMID: 29444459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the formation, function, and plasticity of synapses. Their processes enwrap the neuronal components of the tripartite synapse, and due to this close interaction they are perfectly positioned to modulate neuronal communication. The interaction between astrocytes and synapses is facilitated by cell adhesion molecules and matricellular proteins, which have been implicated in the formation and functioning of tripartite synapses. The importance of such neuron-astrocyte integration at the synapse is underscored by the emerging role of astrocyte dysfunction in synaptic pathologies such as autism and schizophrenia. Here we review astrocyte-expressed cell adhesion molecules and matricellular molecules that play a role in integration of neurons and astrocytes within the tripartite synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E J Hillen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neuroimmunology, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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8
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Nelissen TP, Bamford RA, Tochitani S, Akkus K, Kudzinskas A, Yokoi K, Okamoto H, Yamamoto Y, Burbach JPH, Matsuzaki H, Oguro-Ando A. CD38 is Required for Dendritic Organization in Visual Cortex and Hippocampus. Neuroscience 2018; 372:114-125. [PMID: 29306053 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Morphological screening of mouse brains with known behavioral deficits can give great insight into the relationship between brain regions and their behavior. Oxytocin- and CD38-deficient mice have previously been shown to have behavioral phenotypes, such as restrictions in social memory, social interactions, and maternal behavior. CD38 is reported as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) candidate gene and its behavioral phenotypes may be linked to ASD. To address whether these behavioral phenotypes relate to brain pathology and neuronal morphology, here we investigate the morphological changes in the CD38-deficient mice brains, with focus on the pathology and neuronal morphology of the cortex and hippocampus, using Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and Golgi staining. No difference was found in terms of cortical layer thickness. However, we found abnormalities in the number of neurons and neuronal morphology in the visual cortex and dentate gyrus (DG). In particular, there were arborisation differences between CD38-/- and CD38+/+ mice in the apical dendrites of the visual cortex and hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The data suggest that CD38 is implicated in appropriate development of brain regions important for social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thom P Nelissen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Stratenum 4.205, P.O. Box 85060, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rosemary A Bamford
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
| | - Shiro Tochitani
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Science, Suzaka University of Medical Science, Suzaka, Mie, Japan
| | - Kamuran Akkus
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
| | - Aurimas Kudzinskas
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
| | - Kenichiro Yokoi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendei 980-8575, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Stratenum 4.205, P.O. Box 85060, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Department of Development of Functional Brain Activities, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom.
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Kleijer KTE, van Nieuwenhuize D, Spierenburg HA, Gregorio-Jordan S, Kas MJH, Burbach JPH. Structural abnormalities in the primary somatosensory cortex and a normal behavioral profile in Contactin-5 deficient mice. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 12:5-18. [PMID: 28346043 PMCID: PMC5810773 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2017.1288788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Contactin-5 (Cntn5) is an immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecule that is exclusively expressed in the central nervous system. In view of its association with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this study focused on Cntn5-positive areas in the forebrain and aimed to explore the morphological and behavioral phenotypes of the Cntn5 null mutant (Cntn5−/−) mouse in relation to these areas and ASD symptomatology. A newly generated antibody enabled us to elaborately describe the spatial expression pattern of Cntn5 in P7 wild type (Cntn5+/+) mice. The Cntn5 expression pattern included strong expression in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and mammillary bodies in addition to described previously brain nuclei of the auditory pathway and the dorsal thalamus. Thinning of the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex was found in Cntn5−/− mice and ascribed to a misplacement of Cntn5-ablated cells. This phenotype was accompanied by a reduction in the barrel/septa ratio of the S1 barrel field. The structure and morphology of the hippocampus was intact in Cntn5−/− mice. A set of behavioral experiments including social, exploratory and repetitive behaviors showed that these were unaffected in Cntn5−/− mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate a selective role of Cntn5 in development of the cerebral cortex without overt behavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel T E Kleijer
- a Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , the Netherlands
| | - Denise van Nieuwenhuize
- a Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , the Netherlands
| | - Henk A Spierenburg
- a Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , the Netherlands
| | - Sara Gregorio-Jordan
- a Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , the Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- a Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , the Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- a Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , the Netherlands
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10
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Zuko A, Oguro-Ando A, Post H, Taggenbrock RLRE, van Dijk RE, Altelaar AFM, Heck AJR, Petrenko AG, van der Zwaag B, Shimoda Y, Pasterkamp RJ, Burbach JPH. Association of Cell Adhesion Molecules Contactin-6 and Latrophilin-1 Regulates Neuronal Apoptosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:143. [PMID: 28018171 PMCID: PMC5156884 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of important neurobiological functions of the cell adhesion molecule contactin-6 (Cntn6) that have emerged from studies on null-mutant mice and autism spectrum disorders patients, we set out to examine pathways underlying functions of Cntn6 using a proteomics approach. We identified the cell adhesion GPCR latrophilin-1 (Lphn1, a.k.a. CIRL1/CL, ADGRL1) as a binding partner for Cntn6 forming together a heteromeric cis-complex. Lphn1 expression in cultured neurons caused reduction in neurite outgrowth and increase in apoptosis, which was rescued by coexpression of Cntn6. In cultured neurons derived from Cntn6-/- mice, Lphn1 knockdown reduced apoptosis, suggesting that the observed apoptosis was Lphn1-dependent. In line with these data, the number of apoptotic cells was increased in the cortex of Cntn6-/- mice compared to wild-type littermate controls. These results show that Cntn6 can modulate the activity of Lphn1 by direct binding and suggests that Cntn6 may prevent apoptosis thereby impinging on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amila Zuko
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Harm Post
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Renske L R E Taggenbrock
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roland E van Dijk
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - A F Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Albert J R Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexander G Petrenko
- Laboratory of Receptor Cell Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow, Russia
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Yasushi Shimoda
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology Nagaoka, Japan
| | - R J Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J P H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Peter H. Burbach
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands
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12
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Zuko A, Oguro-Ando A, van Dijk R, Gregorio-Jordan S, van der Zwaag B, Burbach JPH. Developmental role of the cell adhesion molecule Contactin-6 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:378-92. [PMID: 26939565 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1155018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the neural cell adhesion molecule Contactin-6 (Cntn6 a.k.a. NB-3) has been implicated as an autism risk gene, suggesting that its mutation is deleterious to brain development. Due to its GPI-anchor at Cntn6 may exert cell adhesion/receptor functions in complex with other membrane proteins, or serve as a ligand. We aimed to uncover novel phenotypes related to Cntn6 functions during development in the cerebral cortex of adult Cntn6(-/-) mice. We first determined Cntn6 protein and mRNA expression in the cortex, thalamic nuclei and the hippocampus at P14, which decreased specifically in the cortex at adult stages. Neuroanatomical analysis demonstrated a significant decrease of Cux1+ projection neurons in layers II-IV and an increase of FoxP2+ projection neurons in layer VI in the visual cortex of adult Cntn6(-/-) mice compared to wild-type controls. Furthermore, the number of parvalbumin+ (PV) interneurons was decreased in Cntn6(-/-) mice, while the amount of NPY+ interneurons remained unchanged. In the hippocampus the delineation and outgrowth of mossy fibers remained largely unchanged, except for the observation of a larger suprapyramidal bundle. The observed abnormalities in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of Cntn6(-/-) mice suggests that Cntn6 serves developmental functions involving cell survival, migration and fasciculation. Furthermore, these data suggest that Cntn6 engages in both trans- and cis-interactions and may be involved in larger protein interaction networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amila Zuko
- a Brain Center Rudolf Magnus , Department of Translational Neuroscience , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- a Brain Center Rudolf Magnus , Department of Translational Neuroscience , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Roland van Dijk
- a Brain Center Rudolf Magnus , Department of Translational Neuroscience , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Sara Gregorio-Jordan
- a Brain Center Rudolf Magnus , Department of Translational Neuroscience , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- b Department of Genetics , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- a Brain Center Rudolf Magnus , Department of Translational Neuroscience , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
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Molenhuis RT, Bruining H, Remmelink E, de Visser L, Loos M, Burbach JPH, Kas MJH. Limited impact of Cntn4 mutation on autism-related traits in developing and adult C57BL/6J mice. J Neurodev Disord 2016; 8:6. [PMID: 26958094 PMCID: PMC4782374 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mouse models offer an essential tool to unravel the impact of genetic mutations on autism-related phenotypes. The behavioral impact of some important candidate gene models for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been studied, and existing characterizations mostly describe behavioral phenotypes at adult ages, disregarding the developmental nature of the disorder. In this context, the behavioral influence of CNTN4, one of the strongest suggested ASD candidate genes, is unknown. Here, we used our recently established developmental test battery to characterize the consequences of disruption of contactin 4 (Cntn4) on neurological, sensory, cognitive, and behavioral phenotypes across different developmental stages. Methods C57BL/6J mice with heterozygous and homozygous disruption of Cntn4 were studied through an extensive, partially longitudinal, test battery at various developmental stages, including various paradigms testing social and restricted repetitive behaviors. Results Developmental neurological and cognitive screenings revealed no significant differences between genotypes, and ASD-related behavioral domains were also unchanged in Cntn4-deficient versus wild-type mice. The impact of Cntn4-deficiency was found to be limited to increased startle responsiveness following auditory stimuli of different high amplitudes in heterozygous and homozygous Cntn4-deficient mice and enhanced acquisition in a spatial learning task in homozygous mice. Conclusions Disruption of Cntn4 in the C57BL/6J background does not affect specific autism-related phenotypes in developing or adult mice but causes subtle non-disorder specific changes in sensory behavioral responses and cognitive performance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11689-016-9140-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco T Molenhuis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilgo Bruining
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Remmelink
- Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie de Visser
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bruining H, Matsui A, Oguro-Ando A, Kahn RS, Van't Spijker HM, Akkermans G, Stiedl O, van Engeland H, Koopmans B, van Lith HA, Oppelaar H, Tieland L, Nonkes LJ, Yagi T, Kaneko R, Burbach JPH, Yamamoto N, Kas MJ. Genetic Mapping in Mice Reveals the Involvement of Pcdh9 in Long-Term Social and Object Recognition and Sensorimotor Development. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 78:485-95. [PMID: 25802080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative genetic analysis of basic mouse behaviors is a powerful tool to identify novel genetic phenotypes contributing to neurobehavioral disorders. Here, we analyzed genetic contributions to single-trial, long-term social and nonsocial recognition and subsequently studied the functional impact of an identified candidate gene on behavioral development. METHODS Genetic mapping of single-trial social recognition was performed in chromosome substitution strains, a sophisticated tool for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL) of complex traits. Follow-up occurred by generating and testing knockout (KO) mice of a selected QTL candidate gene. Functional characterization of these mice was performed through behavioral and neurological assessments across developmental stages and analyses of gene expression and brain morphology. RESULTS Chromosome substitution strain 14 mapping studies revealed an overlapping QTL related to long-term social and object recognition harboring Pcdh9, a cell-adhesion gene previously associated with autism spectrum disorder. Specific long-term social and object recognition deficits were confirmed in homozygous (KO) Pcdh9-deficient mice, while heterozygous mice only showed long-term social recognition impairment. The recognition deficits in KO mice were not associated with alterations in perception, multi-trial discrimination learning, sociability, behavioral flexibility, or fear memory. Rather, KO mice showed additional impairments in sensorimotor development reflected by early touch-evoked biting, rotarod performance, and sensory gating deficits. This profile emerged with structural changes in deep layers of sensory cortices, where Pcdh9 is selectively expressed. CONCLUSIONS This behavior-to-gene study implicates Pcdh9 in cognitive functions required for long-term social and nonsocial recognition. This role is supported by the involvement of Pcdh9 in sensory cortex development and sensorimotor phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilgo Bruining
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Asuka Matsui
- Neuroscience Laboratories, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen M Van't Spijker
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Akkermans
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Stiedl
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam
| | - Herman van Engeland
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hein A van Lith
- Division of Animal Welfare & Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Program Emotion and Cognition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo Oppelaar
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liselotte Tieland
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lourens J Nonkes
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Takeshi Yagi
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kaneko
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nobuhiko Yamamoto
- Neuroscience Laboratories, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Martien J Kas
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Burbach JPH, Hellemons AJCGM, Grant P, Pant HC. The homeodomain transcription factor Phox2 in the stellate ganglion of the squid Loligo pealei. Biol Open 2015; 4:954-60. [PMID: 26116657 PMCID: PMC4542286 DOI: 10.1242/bio.012476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeodomain transcription factors regulate development of embryos and cellular physiology in adult systems. Paired-type homeodomain genes constitute a subclass that has been particularly implicated in establishment of neuronal identity in the mammalian nervous system. We isolated fragments of eight homeodomain genes of this subclass expressed in the stellate ganglion of the North Atlantic long finned squid Loligo pealei (lp) [Note: Loligo pealei has been officially renamed Doryteuthis pealei. For reasons of uniformity and clarity Loligo pealei (lp) is used here]. Of the most abundant ones, we cloned a full length cDNA which encoded the squid ortholog of the paired-type homeodomain proteins Phox2a/b. The homology of lpPhox2 to invertebrate and mammalian Phox2 was limited to the homeodomain. In contrast to mouse Phox2b, lpPhox2 was unable to transactivate the dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) promoter in a heterologous mammalian transfection system. In vivo, lpPhox2 was expressed in the developing stellate ganglion of stage 27 squid embryos and continued to be expressed in the adult stellate neurons where expression was confined to the giant fiber lobe containing the neurons that form the giant axons. The expression of lpPhox was similarly timed and distributed as the Fmrf gene. Furthermore, the Fmrf upstream region contained putative Phox2a/b binding sites. These results suggest a role of lpPhox2 in the developmental specification of neuronal identity and regulation of neurons of the squid giant axon.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Peter H. Burbach
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CG, The Netherlands
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Anita J. C. G. M. Hellemons
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CG, The Netherlands
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Philip Grant
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harish C. Pant
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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van der Heide LP, Wijchers PJEC, von Oerthel L, Burbach JPH, Hoekman MFM, Smidt MP. FoxK2 is required for cellular proliferation and survival. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1013-23. [PMID: 25216324 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
FoxK2 is a forkhead transcription factor expressed ubiquitously in the developing murine central nervous system. Here we investigated the role of FoxK2 in vitro and focused on proliferation and cellular survival. Knockdown of FoxK2 results in a decrease in BrdU incorporation and H3 phosphorylation, suggesting attenuation of proliferation. In the absence of growth factors, FoxK2 knockdown results in a dramatic increase in caspase 3 activity and propidium iodide positive cells, indicative of cell death. Additionally, knockdown of FoxK2 results in an increase in the mRNA of Gadd45α, Gadd45γ, as well as an increase in the phosphorylation of the mTOR dependent kinase p70S6K. Rapamycin treatment completely blocked the increase in p70S6K and synergistically potentiated the decrease in H3 phosphorylation upon FoxK2 knockdown. To gain more insight into the proapoptotic effects upon FoxK2 knockdown we screened for changes in Bcl2 genes. Upon FoxK2 knockdown both Puma and Noxa were significantly upregulated. Both genes were not inhibited by rapamycin treatment, instead rapamycin increased Noxa mRNA. FoxK2 requirement in cellular survival is further emphasized by the fact that resistance to TGFβ-induced cell death was greatly diminished after FoxK2 knockdown. Overall our data suggest FoxK2 is required for proliferation and survival, that mTOR is part of a feedback loop partly compensating for FoxK2 loss, possibly by upregulating Gadd45s, whereas cell death upon FoxK2 loss is induced in a Bcl2 dependent manner via Puma and Noxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars P van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Kleijer KTE, Schmeisser MJ, Krueger DD, Boeckers TM, Scheiffele P, Bourgeron T, Brose N, Burbach JPH. Neurobiology of autism gene products: towards pathogenesis and drug targets. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1037-62. [PMID: 24419271 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The genetic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is enormous, and the neurobiology of proteins encoded by genes associated with ASD is very diverse. Revealing the mechanisms on which different neurobiological pathways in ASD pathogenesis converge may lead to the identification of drug targets. OBJECTIVE The main objective is firstly to outline the main molecular networks and neuronal mechanisms in which ASD gene products participate and secondly to answer the question how these converge. Finally, we aim to pinpoint drug targets within these mechanisms. METHOD Literature review of the neurobiological properties of ASD gene products with a special focus on the developmental consequences of genetic defects and the possibility to reverse these by genetic or pharmacological interventions. RESULTS The regulation of activity-dependent protein synthesis appears central in the pathogenesis of ASD. Through sequential consequences for axodendritic function, neuronal disabilities arise expressed as behavioral abnormalities and autistic symptoms in ASD patients. Several known ASD gene products have their effect on this central process by affecting protein synthesis intrinsically, e.g., through enhancing the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction pathway or through impairing synaptic function in general. These are interrelated processes and can be targeted by compounds from various directions: inhibition of protein synthesis through Lovastatin, mTOR inhibition using rapamycin, or mGluR-related modulation of synaptic activity. CONCLUSIONS ASD gene products may all feed into a central process of translational control that is important for adequate glutamatergic regulation of dendritic properties. This process can be modulated by available compounds but may also be targeted by yet unexplored routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel T E Kleijer
- Department Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3984 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Burbach JPH, Grant P, Hellemons AJCGM, Degiorgis JA, Li KW, Pant HC. Differential expression of the FMRF gene in adult and hatchling stellate ganglia of the squid Loligo pealei. Biol Open 2014; 3:50-8. [PMID: 24326188 PMCID: PMC3892160 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20136890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant fiber system of the squid Loligo pealei mediates the escape response and is an important neurobiological model. Here, we identified an abundant transcript in the stellate ganglion (SG) that encodes a FMRFamide precursor, and characterized FMRFamide and FI/LRF-amide peptides. To determine whether FMRFamide plays a role in the adult and hatchling giant fiber system, we studied the expression of the Fmrf gene and FMRFamide peptides. In stage 29 embryos and stage 30 hatchlings, Ffmr transcripts and FMRFamide peptide were low to undetectable in the SG, in contrast to groups of neurons intensely expressing the Fmrf gene in several brain lobes, including those that innervate the SG. In the adult SG the Fmrf gene was highly expressed, but the FMRFamide peptide was in low abundance. Intense staining for FMRFamide in the adult SG was confined to microneurons and fibers in the neuropil and to small fibers surrounding giant axons in stellar nerves. This shows that the Fmrf gene in the SG is strongly regulated post-hatching, and suggests that the FMRFamide precursor is incompletely processed in the adult SG. The data suggest that the SG only employs the Fmrf gene post-hatching and restricts the biosynthesis of FMRFamide, demonstrating that this peptide is not a major transmitter of the giant fiber system. This contrasts with brain lobes that engage FMRFamide embryonically as a regulatory peptide in multiple neuronal systems, including the afferent fibers that innervate the SG. The biological significance of these mechanisms may be to generate diversity within Fmrf-expressing systems in cephalopods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Zuko A, Kleijer KTE, Oguro-Ando A, Kas MJH, van Daalen E, van der Zwaag B, Burbach JPH. Contactins in the neurobiology of autism. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 719:63-74. [PMID: 23872404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a disease of brain plasticity. Inspiring work of Willem Hendrik Gispen on neuronal plasticity has stimulated us to investigate gene defects in autism and the consequences for brain development. The central process in the pathogenesis of autism is local dendritic mRNA translation which is dependent on axodendritic communication. Hence, most autism-related gene products (i) are part of the protein synthesis machinery itself, (ii) are components of the mTOR signal transduction pathway, or (iii) shape synaptic activity and plasticity. Accordingly, prototype drugs have been recognized that interfere with these pathways. The contactin (CNTN) family of Ig cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) harbours at least three members that have genetically been implicated in autism: CNTN4, CNTN5, and CNTN6. In this chapter we review the genetic and neurobiological data underpinning their role in normal and abnormal development of brain systems, and the consequences for behavior. Although data on each of these CNTNs are far from complete, we tentatively conclude that these three contactins play roles in brain development in a critical phase of establishing brain systems and their plasticity. They modulate neuronal activities, such as neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, survival, guidance of projections and terminal branching of axons in forming neural circuits. Current research on these CNTNs concentrate on the neurobiological mechanism of their developmental functions. A future task will be to establish if proposed pharmacological strategies to counteract ASD-related symptomes can also be applied to reversal of phenotypes caused by genetic defects in these CNTN genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amila Zuko
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel T E Kleijer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma van Daalen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Rabe TI, Griesel G, Blanke S, Kispert A, Leitges M, van der Zwaag B, Burbach JPH, Varoqueaux F, Mansouri A. The transcription factor Uncx4.1 acts in a short window of midbrain dopaminergic neuron differentiation. Neural Dev 2012; 7:39. [PMID: 23217170 PMCID: PMC3558320 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-7-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The homeobox containing transcription factor Uncx4.1 is, amongst others, expressed in the mouse midbrain. The early expression of this transcription factor in the mouse, as well as in the chick midbrain, points to a conserved function of Uncx4.1, but so far a functional analysis in this brain territory is missing. The goal of the current study was to analyze in which midbrain neuronal subgroups Uncx4.1 is expressed and to examine whether this factor plays a role in the early development of these neuronal subgroups. Results We have shown that Uncx4.1 is expressed in GABAergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons in the mouse midbrain. In midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons Uncx4.1 expression is particularly high around E11.5 and strongly diminished already at E17.5. The analysis of knockout mice revealed that the loss of Uncx4.1 is accompanied with a 25% decrease in the population of mDA neurons, as marked by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), Pitx3 and Ngn2. In contrast, the number of glutamatergic Pax6-positive cells was augmented, while the GABAergic neuron population appears not affected in Uncx4.1-deficient embryos. Conclusion We conclude that Uncx4.1 is implicated in the development of mDA neurons where it displays a unique temporal expression profile in the early postmitotic stage. Our data indicate that the mechanism underlying the role of Uncx4.1 in mDA development is likely related to differentiation processes in postmitotic stages, and where Ngn2 is engaged. Moreover, Uncx4.1 might play an important role during glutamatergic neuronal differentiation in the mouse midbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara I Rabe
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Goettingen, 37077, Germany
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Goorden MC, van der Have F, Kreuger R, Ramakers RM, Vastenhouw B, Burbach JPH, Booij J, Molthoff CFM, Beekman FJ. VECTor: A Preclinical Imaging System for Simultaneous Submillimeter SPECT and PET. J Nucl Med 2012; 54:306-12. [PMID: 23077113 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.112.109538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Jacobs FMJ, Veenvliet JV, Almirza WH, Hoekstra EJ, von Oerthel L, van der Linden AJA, Neijts R, Koerkamp MG, van Leenen D, Holstege FCP, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Retinoic acid-dependent and -independent gene-regulatory pathways of Pitx3 in meso-diencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Development 2012; 138:5213-22. [PMID: 22069189 DOI: 10.1242/dev.071704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of meso-diencephalic dopamine (mdDA) neurons requires the combined actions of the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 and the paired-like homeobox transcription factor Pitx3. Whereas all mdDA neurons require Nurr1 for expression of Th and survival, dependence on Pitx3 is displayed only by the mdDA subpopulation that will form the substantia nigra (SNc). Previously, we have demonstrated that Pitx3(-/-) embryos lack the expression of the retinoic acid (RA)-generating enzyme Ahd2, which is normally selectively expressed in the Pitx3-dependent DA neurons of the SNc. Restoring RA signaling in Pitx3(-/-) embryos revealed a selective dependence of SNc neurons on the presence of RA for differentiation into Th-positive neurons and maintenance throughout embryonic development. Whereas these data are suggestive of an important developmental role for RA in neurons of the SNc, it remained unclear whether other Nurr1 and Pitx3 target genes depend on RA signaling in a manner similar to Th. In the search for genes that were affected in Pitx3-deficient mdDA neurons and restored upon embryonic RA treatment, we provide evidence that Delta-like 1, D2R (Drd2) and Th are regulated by Pitx3 and RA signaling, which influences the mdDA terminal differentiated phenotype. Furthermore, we show that regulation of Ahd2-mediated RA signaling represents only one aspect of the Pitx3 downstream cascade, as Vmat2, Dat, Ahd2 (Aldh1a1), En1, En2 and Cck were unaffected by RA treatment and are (subset) specifically modulated by Pitx3. In conclusion, our data reveal several RA-dependent and -independent aspects of the Pitx3-regulated gene cascade, suggesting that Pitx3 acts on multiple levels in the molecular subset-specification of mdDA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Rudolf Magnus Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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DeGiorgis JA, Cavaliere KR, Burbach JPH. Identification of molecular motors in the Woods Hole squid, Loligo pealei: an expressed sequence tag approach. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2011; 68:566-77. [PMID: 21913340 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The squid giant axon and synapse are unique systems for studying neuronal function. While a few nucleotide and amino acid sequences have been obtained from squid, large scale genetic and proteomic information is lacking. We have been particularly interested in motors present in axons and their roles in transport processes. Here, to obtain genetic data and to identify motors expressed in squid, we initiated an expressed sequence tag project by single-pass sequencing mRNAs isolated from the stellate ganglia of the Woods Hole Squid, Loligo pealei. A total of 22,689 high quality expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences were obtained and subjected to basic local alignment search tool analysis. Seventy six percent of these sequences matched genes in the National Center for Bioinformatics databases. By CAP3 analysis this library contained 2459 contigs and 7568 singletons. Mining for motors successfully identified six kinesins, six myosins, a single dynein heavy chain, as well as components of the dynactin complex, and motor light chains and accessory proteins. This initiative demonstrates that EST projects represent an effective approach to obtain sequences of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A DeGiorgis
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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van Daalen E, Kemner C, Verbeek NE, van der Zwaag B, Dijkhuizen T, Rump P, Houben R, van 't Slot R, de Jonge MV, Staal WG, Beemer FA, Vorstman JAS, Burbach JPH, van Amstel HKP, Hochstenbach R, Brilstra EH, Poot M. Social Responsiveness Scale-aided analysis of the clinical impact of copy number variations in autism. Neurogenetics 2011; 12:315-23. [PMID: 21837366 PMCID: PMC3215885 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-011-0297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent array-based studies have detected a wealth of copy number variations (CNVs) in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Since CNVs also occur in healthy individuals, their contributions to the patient’s phenotype remain largely unclear. In a cohort of children with symptoms of ASD, diagnosis of the index patient using ADOS-G and ADI-R was performed, and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was administered to the index patients, both parents, and all available siblings. CNVs were identified using SNP arrays and confirmed by FISH or array CGH. To evaluate the clinical significance of CNVs, we analyzed three families with multiple affected children (multiplex) and six families with a single affected child (simplex) in which at least one child carried a CNV with a brain-transcribed gene. CNVs containing genes that participate in pathways previously implicated in ASD, such as the phosphoinositol signaling pathway (PIK3CA, GIRDIN), contactin-based networks of cell communication (CNTN6), and microcephalin (MCPH1) were found not to co-segregate with ASD phenotypes. In one family, a loss of CNTN5 co-segregated with disease. This indicates that most CNVs may by themselves not be sufficient to cause ASD, but still may contribute to the phenotype by additive or epistatic interactions with inherited (transmitted) mutations or non-genetic factors. Our study extends the scope of genome-wide CNV profiling beyond de novo CNVs in sporadic patients and may aid in uncovering missing heritability in genome-wide screening studies of complex psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma van Daalen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
We know neuropeptides now for over 40 years as chemical signals in the brain. The discovery of neuropeptides is founded on groundbreaking research in physiology, endocrinology, and biochemistry during the last century and has been built on three seminal notions: (1) peptide hormones are chemical signals in the endocrine system; (2) neurosecretion of peptides is a general principle in the nervous system; and (3) the nervous system is responsive to peptide signals. These historical lines have contributed to how neuropeptides can be defined today: "Neuropeptides are small proteinaceous substances produced and released by neurons through the regulated secretory route and acting on neural substrates." Thus, neuropeptides are the most diverse class of signaling molecules in the brain engaged in many physiological functions. According to this definition almost 70 genes can be distinguished in the mammalian genome, encoding neuropeptide precursors and a multitude of bioactive neuropeptides. In addition, among cytokines, peptide hormones, and growth factors there are several subfamilies of peptides displaying most of the hallmarks of neuropeptides, for example neural chemokines, cerebellins, neurexophilins, and granins. All classical neuropeptides as well as putative neuropeptides from the latter families are presented as a resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CG, Netherlands.
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van der Zwaag B, Staal WG, Hochstenbach R, Poot M, Spierenburg HA, de Jonge MV, Verbeek NE, van ’t Slot R, van Es MA, Staal FJ, Freitag CM, Buizer-Voskamp JE, Nelen MR, van den Berg LH, van Amstel HKP, van Engeland H, Burbach JPH. A co-segregating microduplication of chromosome 15q11.2 pinpoints two risk genes for autism spectrum disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2010; 153B:960-6. [PMID: 20029941 PMCID: PMC2933514 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
High resolution genomic copy-number analysis has shown that inherited and de novo copy-number variations contribute significantly to autism pathology, and that identification of small chromosomal aberrations related to autism will expedite the discovery of risk genes involved. Here, we report a microduplication of chromosome 15q11.2, spanning only four genes, co-segregating with autism in a Dutch pedigree, identified by SNP microarray analysis, and independently confirmed by FISH and MLPA analysis. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed over 70% increase in peripheral blood mRNA levels for the four genes present in the duplicated region in patients, and RNA in situ hybridization on mouse embryonic and adult brain sections revealed that two of the four genes, CYFIP1 and NIPA1, were highly expressed in the developing mouse brain. These findings point towards a contribution of microduplications at chromosome 15q11.2 to autism, and highlight CYFIP1 and NIPA1 as autism risk genes functioning in axonogenesis and synaptogenesis. Thereby, these findings further implicate defects in dosage-sensitive molecular control of neuronal connectivity in autism. However, the prevalence of this microduplication in patient samples was statistically not significantly different from control samples (0.94% in patients vs. 0.42% controls, P = 0.247), which suggests that our findings should be interpreted with caution and indicates the need for studies that include large numbers of control subjects to ascertain the impact of these changes on a population scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert van der Zwaag
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter G Staal
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Poot
- Department of Medical Genetics, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Henk A Spierenburg
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maretha V de Jonge
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - R. van ’t Slot
- Complex Genetics Section, Department of Biomedical Genetics, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michael A van Es
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J Staal
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jacobine E Buizer-Voskamp
- Complex Genetics Section, Department of Biomedical Genetics, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands, Department of Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel R Nelen
- Department of Medical Genetics, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Herman van Engeland
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Burbach JPH. Neuropeptides from concept to online database www.neuropeptides.nl. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 626:27-48. [PMID: 19837055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Revised: 09/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the early 1970's the term "neuropeptide" was used for the first time by David de Wied for peptides related to peptide hormones but with non-endocrine biological activity in the brain. This early notion appreciated neuropeptides as a specific class of chemical signals produced by neurons, released in a regulated fashion and acting on other neural cells. As we define them today, neuropeptides are encoded by over 70 genes in mammalian genomes. Neuropeptides can be clustered in at least 10 subfamilies according to structural features, for which often shared or related receptors exist. A complete overview is provided through hyperlinks to bioinformatic databases on genome and transcripts, protein structure and brain expression. Other proteineous signaling molecules in the nervous system which originally were discovered in other biological systems, particularly chemokines, growth factors and peptide hormones, share the hallmarks of classical neuropeptides and may be considered as neuropeptides as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, AB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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29
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Kolk SM, Gunput RAF, Tran TS, van den Heuvel DMA, Prasad AA, Hellemons AJCGM, Adolfs Y, Ginty DD, Kolodkin AL, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP, Pasterkamp RJ. Semaphorin 3F is a bifunctional guidance cue for dopaminergic axons and controls their fasciculation, channeling, rostral growth, and intracortical targeting. J Neurosci 2009; 29:12542-57. [PMID: 19812329 PMCID: PMC3097132 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2521-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2009] [Revised: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons in the mesodiencephalon (mdDA neurons) make precise synaptic connections with targets in the forebrain via the mesostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesoprefrontal pathways. Because of the functional importance of these remarkably complex ascending axon pathways and their implication in human disease, the mechanisms underlying the development of these connections are of considerable interest. Despite extensive in vitro studies, the molecular determinants that ensure the perfect formation of these pathways in vivo remain mostly unknown. Here, we determine the embryonic origin and ontogeny of the mouse mesoprefrontal pathway and use these data to reveal an unexpected requirement for semaphorin 3F (Sema3F) and its receptor neuropilin-2 (Npn-2) during mdDA pathway development using tissue culture approaches and analysis of sema3F(-/-), npn-2(-/-), and npn-2(-/-);TH-Cre mice. We show that Sema3F is a bifunctional guidance cue for mdDA axons, some of which have the remarkable ability to regulate their responsiveness to Sema3F as they develop. During early developmental stages, Sema3F chemorepulsion controls previously uncharacterized aspects of mdDA pathway development through both Npn-2-dependent (axon fasciculation and channeling) and Npn-2-independent (rostral growth) mechanisms. Later on, chemoattraction mediated by Sema3F and Npn-2 is required to orient mdDA axon projections in the cortical plate of the medial prefrontal cortex. This latter finding demonstrates that regulation of axon orientation in the target field occurs by chemoattractive mechanisms, and this is likely to also apply to other neural systems. In all, this study provides a framework for additional dissection of the molecular basis of mdDA pathway development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M. Kolk
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Rou-Afza F. Gunput
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Tracy S. Tran
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Dianne M. A. van den Heuvel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Asheeta A. Prasad
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Anita J. C. G. M. Hellemons
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - David D. Ginty
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Alex L. Kolodkin
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - J. Peter H. Burbach
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - R. Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
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30
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Abstract
A conserved gene regulatory circuit for dopaminergic neuron differentiation. Comparison of a regulatory network that specifies dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans to the development of vertebrate dopamine systems in the mouse reveals a possible partial conservation of such a network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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31
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Jacobs FMJ, van der Linden AJA, Wang Y, von Oerthel L, Sul HS, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Identification of Dlk1, Ptpru and Klhl1 as novel Nurr1 target genes in meso-diencephalic dopamine neurons. Development 2009; 136:2363-73. [PMID: 19515692 DOI: 10.1242/dev.037556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is essential for the development of meso-diencephalic dopamine (mdDA) neurons and is required, together with the homeobox transcription factor Pitx3, for the expression of genes involved in dopamine metabolism. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the neuronal deficits in Nurr1(-/-) mice, we performed combined gene expression microarrays and ChIP-on-chip analysis and thereby identified Dlk1, Ptpru and Klhl1 as novel Nurr1 target genes in vivo. In line with the previously described cooperativity between Nurr1 and Pitx3, we show that the expression of Ptpru and Klhl1 in mdDA neurons is also dependent on Pitx3. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nurr1 interacts with the Ptpru promoter directly and requires Pitx3 for full expression of Ptpru in mdDA neurons. By contrast, the expression of Dlk1 is maintained in Pitx3(-/-) embryos and is even expanded into the rostral part of the mdDA area, suggesting a unique position of Dlk1 in the Nurr1 and Pitx3 transcriptional cascades. Expression analysis in Dlk1(-/-) embryos reveals that Dlk1 is required to prevent premature expression of Dat in mdDA neuronal precursors as part of the multifaceted process of mdDA neuronal differentiation driven by Nurr1 and Pitx3. Taken together, the involvement of Nurr1 and Pitx3 in the expression of novel target genes involved in important neuronal processes such as neuronal patterning, axon outgrowth and terminal differentiation, opens up new avenues to study the properties of mdDA neurons during development and in neuronal pathology as observed in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Jacobs FMJ, van Erp S, van der Linden AJA, von Oerthel L, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Pitx3 potentiates Nurr1 in dopamine neuron terminal differentiation through release of SMRT-mediated repression. Development 2009; 136:531-40. [PMID: 19144721 DOI: 10.1242/dev.029769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons have been extensively studied for their association with Parkinson's disease. Thus far, specification of the dopaminergic phenotype of mdDA neurons is largely attributed to the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1. In this study, we provide evidence for extensive interplay between Nurr1 and the homeobox transcription factor Pitx3 in vivo. Both Nurr1 and Pitx3 interact with the co-repressor PSF and occupy the promoters of Nurr1 target genes in concert. Moreover, in vivo expression analysis reveals that Nurr1 alone is not sufficient to drive the dopaminergic phenotype in mdDA neurons but requires Pitx3 for full activation of target gene expression. In the absence of Pitx3, Nurr1 is kept in a repressed state through interaction with the co-repressor SMRT. Highly resembling the effect of ligand activation of nuclear receptors, recruitment of Pitx3 modulates the Nurr1 transcriptional complex by decreasing the interaction with SMRT, which acts through HDACs to keep promoters in a repressed deacetylated state. Indeed, interference with HDAC-mediated repression in Pitx3(-/-) embryos efficiently reactivates the expression of Nurr1 target genes, bypassing the necessity for Pitx3. These data position Pitx3 as an essential potentiator of Nurr1 in specifying the dopaminergic phenotype, providing novel insights into mechanisms underlying development of mdDA neurons in vivo, and the programming of stem cells as a future cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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33
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Smidt MP, Burbach JPH. Terminal differentiation ofmesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons: the role of Nurr1 and Pitx3. Adv Exp Med Biol 2009; 651:47-57. [PMID: 19731549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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34
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Pasterkamp RJ, Smidt MP, Burbach JPH. Development and engineering of dopamine neurons. Preface. Adv Exp Med Biol 2009; 651:v-vi. [PMID: 19731545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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35
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Wintzen M, Ostijn DMJD, Polderman MCA, Le Cessie S, Burbach JPH, Vermeer BJ. Total body exposure to ultraviolet radiation does not influence plasma levels of immunoreactive β-endorphin in man. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2001.170602.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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36
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Blauw HM, Veldink JH, van Es MA, van Vught PW, Saris CGJ, van der Zwaag B, Franke L, Burbach JPH, Wokke JH, Ophoff RA, van den Berg LH. Copy-number variation in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a genome-wide screen. Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:319-26. [PMID: 18313986 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(08)70048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by the selective death of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Genetic risk factors have been implicated in susceptibility to ALS. Like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy-number variants (CNVs) are a source of genetic variation that have important effects on gene expression and disease phenotypes, and our aim was to identify CNVs that predispose to sporadic ALS. METHODS We did a genome-wide screen for CNVs by analysis of Illumina 317K SNP arrays for 406 patients with sporadic ALS and 404 controls. We examined CNVs for association with ALS, and used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database and the Gene Ontology database to investigate the functionality of genes that were deleted exclusively in patients with ALS. FINDINGS We detected 2328 CNVs in 810 individuals. No CNV locus was significantly associated with sporadic ALS. 406 genes were duplicated or deleted exclusively in patients with ALS and have not been reported in previous studies of CNVs. Of the 390 genes heterozygously deleted in patients with sporadic ALS, 155 (40%) deletions were recorded exclusively in patients. By contrast, of the 323 genes heterozygously deleted in control participants, only 51 (16%) were exclusive to the controls (p=2.15 x 10(-12) for difference between groups). Products of the genes deleted specifically in patients with sporadic ALS include proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and interactions between cytokines and their receptors. INTERPRETATION Common CNVs in the regions of the genome represented on the SNP array are unlikely to be associated with sporadic ALS. However, the high number of genes deleted specifically in patients with ALS strongly suggests that multiple rare deletions might have an important role in ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hylke M Blauw
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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37
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Vastenhouw B, van der Have F, van der Linden AJA, von Oerthel L, Booij J, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP, Beekman FJ. Movies of dopamine transporter occupancy with ultra-high resolution focusing pinhole SPECT. Mol Psychiatry 2007; 12:984-7. [PMID: 17957236 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4002028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A pivotal question in neuropharmacology is how the function of neurotransmitter systems relates to psychiatric diseases. In experimental neuropharmacology, we have dreamt about a looking glass that would allow us to see neurotransmitter systems in action, and about animals that would faithfully serve us as models for human psychiatric disease. Analysis of animal models has been limited by the availability of methods to study in vivo neurotransmitter dynamics. Now, a single photon emission computed tomography system called U-SPECT can localize dopamine transporters in sub-compartments of the mouse brain during a range of points in time. Applied to the midbrain dopamine system of different models of disease, this will aid the understanding of dynamic processes of this neurotransmitter that underlie brain functions and human brain pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Vastenhouw
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Jacobs FMJ, Smits SM, Noorlander CW, von Oerthel L, van der Linden AJA, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Retinoic acid counteracts developmental defects in the substantia nigra caused by Pitx3 deficiency. Development 2007; 134:2673-84. [PMID: 17592014 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Selective neuronal loss in the substantia nigra (SNc), as described for Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans and for Pitx3 deficiency in mice, highlights the existence of neuronal subpopulations. As yet unknown subset-specific gene cascades might underlie the observed differences in neuronal vulnerability. We identified a developmental cascade in mice in which Ahd2 (Aldh1a1) is under the transcriptional control of Pitx3. Interestingly, Ahd2 distribution is restricted to a subpopulation of the meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons that is affected by Pitx3 deficiency. Ahd2 is involved in the synthesis of retinoic acid (RA), which has a crucial role in neuronal patterning, differentiation and survival in the brain. Most intriguingly, restoring RA signaling in the embryonic mdDA area counteracts the developmental defects caused by Pitx3 deficiency. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons was significantly increased after RA treatment in the rostral mdDA region of Pitx3-/- embryos. This effect was specific for the rostral part of the developing mdDA area, and was observed exclusively in Pitx3-/- embryos. The effect of RA treatment during the critical phase was preserved until later in development, and our data suggest that RA is required for the establishment of proper mdDA neuronal identity. This positions Pitx3 centrally in a mdDA developmental cascade linked to RA signaling. Here, we propose a novel mechanism in which RA is involved in mdDA neuronal development and maintenance, providing new insights into subset-specific vulnerability in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons located in the ventral mesodiencephalon are essential for the control of voluntary movement and the regulation of emotion, and are severely affected in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Recent advances in molecular biology and mouse genetics have helped to unravel the mechanisms involved in the development of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons, including their specification, migration and differentiation, as well as the processes that govern axonal pathfinding and their specific patterns of connectivity and maintenance. Here, we follow the developmental path of these neurons with the goal of generating a molecular code that could be exploited in cell-replacement strategies to treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 AB Utrecht [corrected] The Netherlands.
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Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Molecular programming of stem cells into mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Trends Neurosci 2006; 29:601-3. [PMID: 17030431 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2006] [Revised: 08/21/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In a screen for homeobox transcription factors expressed in the embryonic ventral midbrain, Andersson et al. recently identified Lmx1a and Msx1. Using in ovo electroporation in chick embryos, they showed that these factors are crucial for initiating the differentiation of neuroepithelial progenitor neurons into mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. Lmx1a also initiated a developmental program that drove an mdDA phenotype in mouse embryonic stem cells. This indicates that these factors can be exploited in cell-replacement strategies for treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Forkhead proteins comprise a highly conserved family of transcription factors, named after the original forkhead gene in Drosophila. To date, over 100 forkhead genes have been identified in a large variety of species, all sharing the evolutionary conserved 'forkhead' DNA-binding domain, and the cloning and characterization of forkhead genes have continued in recent years. Forkhead transcription factors regulate the expression of countless genes downstream of important signalling pathways in most, if not all, tissues and cell types. Recent work has provided novel insights into the mechanisms that contribute to their functional diversity, including functional protein domains and interactions of forkheads with other transcription factors. Studies using loss- and gain-of-function models have elucidated the role of forkhead factors in developmental biology and cellular functions such as metabolism, cell division and cell survival. The importance of forkhead transcription factors is underlined by the developmental defects observed in mutant model organisms, and multiple human disorders and cancers which can be attributed to mutations within members of the forkhead gene family. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on forkhead transcription factors, from structural organization and regulatory mechanisms to cellular and developmental functions in mice and humans. Finally, we will discuss how novel insights gained from involvement of 'Foxes' in the mechanisms underlying human pathology may create new opportunities for treatment strategies.
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Key Words
- cell cycle
- development
- forkhead
- fox
- immunoregulation
- transcription factor
- cbp, creb (camp-response-element-binding protein)-binding protein
- ccnb, cyclin b
- cdk, cyclin-dependent kinase
- cki, cdk inhibitor
- dyrk1a, dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylated and -regulated kinase 1a
- er, oestrogen receptor
- fha, forkhead-associated domain
- fm, foxh1 motif
- fox, forkhead box
- gadd45a, growth arrest and dna-damage-inducible protein 45α
- hdac, histone deacetylase
- iκb, inhibitory κb
- ikkβ, iκb kinase β
- mh domain, mothers against decapentaplegic homology domain
- nf-κb, nuclear factor κb
- nls, nuclear localization signal
- pkb, protein kinase b
- plk-1, polo-like kinase 1
- scf, skp2/cullin/f-box
- sgk, serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase
- smad, similar to mothers against decapentaplegic
- sid, smad-interaction domain
- sim, smad-interaction motif
- tgfβ, transforming growth factor β
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J E C Wijchers
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Jacobs FMJ, Smits SM, Hornman KJM, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Strategies to unravel molecular codes essential for the development of meso-diencephalic dopaminergic neurons. J Physiol 2006; 575:397-402. [PMID: 16809365 PMCID: PMC1819470 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.113233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development of neuronal systems has become an important asset in the attempt to solve complex questions about neuropathology as found in Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and other complex neuronal diseases. The development of anatomical and functional divergent structures in the brain is achieved by a combination of early anatomical patterning and highly coordinated neuronal migration and differentiation events. Fundamental to the existence of divergent structures in the brain is the early region-specific molecular programming. Neuronal progenitors located along the neural tube can still adapt many different identities. Their exact position in the developing brain, however, determines early molecular specification by region-specific signalling molecules. These signals determine time and region-specific expression of early regulatory genes, leading to neuronal differentiation. Here, we focus on a well-described neuronal group, the meso-diencephalic dopaminergic neurons, of which heterogeneity based on anatomical position could account for the difference in vulnerability of specific subgroups as observed in Parkinson's disease. The knowledge of their molecular coding helps us to understand how the meso-diencephalic dopaminergic system is built and could provide clues that unravel mechanisms associated with the neuropathology in complex diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M J Jacobs
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
A number of transcription factors have been implicated in the development of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS). Null mutations for these factors caused severe defects in proliferation, migration and survival during early embryogenesis. While they have informed about early events of HNS developments no insights in mechanisms of late development and maturation of this major peptidergic system have been obtained as yet. In a screen for adult-expressed homeobox genes we identified Uncx4.1 as a gene expressed in adult and embryonic magnocellular neurons of the (HNS). Null mutation of Uncx4.1 left these neurons viable and able to express neuropeptides. However, the connectivity of magnocellular neurons with posterior pituitary elements was compromised. As a consequence neuronal fibres traversed to the adenohypophysis. The penetrance of this phenotype was about 50%. The data show a selective role of Uncx4.1 in controlling the development of connections of hypothalamic neurons to pituitary elements, allowing central neurons to reach the peripheral blood circulation and to deliver hormones for control of peripheral functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H J Asbreuk
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hoekman MFM, Jacobs FMJ, Smidt MP, Burbach JPH. Spatial and temporal expression of FoxO transcription factors in the developing and adult murine brain. Gene Expr Patterns 2006; 6:134-40. [PMID: 16326148 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2005.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Revised: 07/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to obtain leads to molecular mechanisms of signal transduction pathways and controlled gene expression in neuronal development we have screened the adult mouse brain for expressed forkhead transcription factors using a degenerate RT-PCR approach. Here, we focus on three FoxO genes found to be expressed in the brain: FoxO1, FoxO3 and FoxO6. The FoxO subfamily of forkhead transcription family is emerging as a central keypoint in an array of cellular functions, such as metabolism, differentiation and transformation. In situ hybridization experiments on adult and embryonic mouse brain showed differential expression patterns for three FoxO members. FoxO1 was strongly expressed in the striatum and neuronal subsets of the hippocampus (dentate gyrus and the ventral/posterior part of the CA regions), whereas FoxO3 was more diffusely expressed throughout the brain including all hippocampal areas, cortex and cerebellum. FoxO6 expression was eminent in various parts of the adult mouse brain, including the entire hippocampus, the amygdalohippocampal area and the shell of the nucleus accumbens. Remarkably, all three FoxO transcription factors were expressed relatively late in the developing murine brain, starting between E12.5 and E14. In summary, the presented data show FoxO factors to be expressed in the adult and developing mouse brain, in a spatially end temporally restricted manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco F M Hoekman
- Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Wijchers PJEC, Hoekman MFM, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Identification of forkhead transcription factors in cortical and dopaminergic areas of the adult murine brain. Brain Res 2006; 1068:23-33. [PMID: 16376864 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2005] [Revised: 11/02/2005] [Accepted: 11/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The murine forkhead family of transcription factors consists of over 30 members, the vast majority of which is important in embryonic development. Implicated in processes such as proliferation, differentiation and survival, forkhead factors show highly restricted expression patterns. In search for forkhead genes expressed in specific neural systems, we identified multiple family members. We performed a detailed expression analysis for Foxj2, Foxk1 and the murine orthologue of the human ILF1 gene, which show a remarkable preference for complex cortical structures. In addition, a comprehensive examination of forkhead gene expression in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta, revealed Ilf1 as a novel transcriptional regulator in midbrain dopamine neurons. These forkhead transcription factors may play a role in maintenance and survival of developing and adult neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J E C Wijchers
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Smits SM, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Developmental origin and fate of meso-diencephalic dopamine neurons. Prog Neurobiol 2006; 78:1-16. [PMID: 16414173 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2005] [Revised: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 12/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Specific vulnerability of substantia nigra compacta neurons as compared to ventral tegmental area neurons, as emphasized in Parkinson's disease, has been studied for many years and is still not well understood. The molecular codes and mechanisms that drive development of these structures have recently been studied through the use of elegant genetic ablation experiments. The data suggested that specific genes at specific anatomical positions in the ventricular zone are crucial to drive development of young neurons into the direction of the dopaminergic phenotype. In addition, it has become clear the these dopaminergic neurons are present in the diencephalon and in the mesencephalon and that they may contain a specific molecular signature that defines specific subsets in terms of position and function. The data indicate that these specific subsets may explain the specific response of these neurons to toxins and genetic ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M Smits
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bruins J, Kovács GL, Abbes AP, Burbach JPH, van den Akker ELT, Engel H, Franken AAM, de Wied D. Minor disturbances in central nervous system function in familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2006; 31:80-91. [PMID: 16125866 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2005.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2005] [Revised: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 06/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus (FNDI) is caused by a defect in vasopressin synthesis and release as a result of a heterozygous mutation in the gene for the vasopressin prohormone. The predominant characteristic of FNDI is excessive thirst and urine production. However, vasopressin not only has peripheral endocrine effects, but also regulates numerous brain functions. We investigated whether central functions are affected in FNDI, by studying neuropsychological functioning of 23 affected members (15 males, 8 females) of a large family carrying a T/G transition mutation at nucleotide 2110 (codon 116) of the vasopressin prohormone gene (Cys116Gly). The relatively large number of family members with FNDI made it possible to compare cognitive and other CNS effects in these subjects with those of family members without FNDI. Thirty-seven adult volunteers (20 males, 17 females) from the same family and 11 non-family members (2 males, 9 females) from northern part of The Netherlands were tested. The mean age of the subjects was 35+/-12 years. Of the 63 quantified neuropsychological parameters few were statistically different between the subjects with FDNI and control subjects. Memory retrieval processes and sustained attention were worse in the subjects with FDNI. Moreover, these individuals reported significantly fewer symptoms of agoraphobia and miscellaneous symptoms, and had significantly lower scores on a scale measuring anger. The performance of FNDI subjects on an auditory verbal learning test (the 15-word test learning trial) was worse, but not significantly so, than that of the subjects without FDNI. There were subjective complaints of forgetfulness and slow recalls and those were observed in daily life by non-affected family members. These moderate differences in neuropsychological performance indicate that in human FNDI parvocellular vasopressin systems that supply the brain may be less affected or give no such serious disabilities, than the magnocellular hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system that provides vasopressin for endocrine regulation of water homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bruins
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wijchers PJEC, Hoekman MFM, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Cloning and analysis of the murine Foxi2 transcription factor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 1731:133-8. [PMID: 16289364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbaexp.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2005] [Revised: 08/31/2005] [Accepted: 09/13/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead transcription factors comprise a large family of key regulators of embryonic development. Here, we describe the cloning and analysis of the murine Foxi2 gene, coding for a putative 311 amino acid protein resembling Foxi subfamily members in mice and other species. Expression analysis during the final stages of embryonic development revealed that Foxi2 expression is mainly confined to subsets of cells in epithelial structures and particular ducts, in addition to the developing forebrain and neural retina. Since FoxI factors are thought to be implicated in the regulation of cell fate, the highly restricted expression pattern of Foxi2 suggestive of a possible role in controlling cellular identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J E C Wijchers
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Smits SM, van der Nobelen S, Hornman KJM, von Oerthel L, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Signalling through phospholipase C beta 4 is not essential for midbrain dopaminergic neuron survival. Neuroscience 2005; 136:171-9. [PMID: 16198487 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2005] [Revised: 06/21/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The most prominent progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder, Parkinson's disease, is attributed to selective loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in severe deficiency of dopamine. The homeo-domain gene, Pit x 3, is essential for proper development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and might be involved in midbrain dopaminergic survival pathways. The mGluR1-signaling downstream-effector phospholipase C beta 4 was identified in a suppression subtractive hybridization screen comparing wild-type and Pit x 3-deficient Aphakia midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Expression pattern analysis revealed that phospholipase C beta 4 was expressed in midbrain dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and part of the ventral tegmental area, whereas expression of mGluR1alpha was predominantly observed in the more vulnerable midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the lateral substantia nigra pars compacta. However, clear expression of phospholipase C beta 4 in spared midbrain dopaminergic neurons of Aphakia mice located in the ventral tegmental area, indicated that induction and maintenance of phospholipase C beta 4 expression is Pit x 3-independent in these neurons. Furthermore, we report here a normal distribution of midbrain dopaminergic cell bodies and axonal projection to the striatum in phospholipase C beta 4-/- mice, indicating that signaling of phospholipase C beta 4 is not essential for the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Smits
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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