1
|
Brown RE. Measuring the replicability of our own research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 406:110111. [PMID: 38521128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang M, Qi Q, Xu T. Targeting Shank3 deficiency and paresthesia in autism spectrum disorder: A brief review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1128974. [PMID: 36846568 PMCID: PMC9948097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1128974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Several studies have shown an association between cases of ASD and mutations in the genes of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domain protein 3 (SHANK3). These genes encode many cell adhesion molecules, scaffold proteins, and proteins involved in synaptic transcription, protein synthesis, and degradation. They have a profound impact on all aspects of synaptic transmission and plasticity, including synapse formation and degeneration, suggesting that the pathogenesis of ASD may be partially attributable to synaptic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of synapses related to Shank3 in ASD. We also discuss the molecular, cellular, and functional studies of experimental models of ASD and current autism treatment methods targeting related proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Tao Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Intellectual Disability and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116118. [PMID: 35682796 PMCID: PMC9181295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human brain, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed in an exquisitely temporally and spatially regulated manner, thus suggesting their contribution to normal brain development and their probable involvement in the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Bypassing the classic protein-centric conception of disease mechanisms, some studies have been conducted to identify and characterize the putative roles of non-coding sequences in the genetic pathogenesis and diagnosis of complex diseases. However, their involvement in NDD, and more specifically in intellectual disability (ID), is still poorly documented and only a few genomic alterations affecting the lncRNAs function and/or expression have been causally linked to the disease endophenotype. Considering that a significant fraction of patients still lacks a genetic or molecular explanation, we expect that a deeper investigation of the non-coding genome will unravel novel pathogenic mechanisms, opening new translational opportunities. Here, we present evidence of the possible involvement of many lncRNAs in the etiology of different forms of ID and NDD, grouping the candidate disease-genes in the most frequently affected cellular processes in which ID-risk genes were previously collected. We also illustrate new approaches for the identification and prioritization of NDD-risk lncRNAs, together with the current strategies to exploit them in diagnosis.
Collapse
|
4
|
Jhang CL, Lee HY, Chen JC, Liao W. Dopaminergic loss of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 recapitulates methylphenidate-remediable hyperlocomotion in mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2408-2419. [PMID: 32588892 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5), a serine-threonine kinase encoded by an X-linked gene, is highly expressed in the mammalian forebrain. Mutations in this gene cause CDKL5 deficiency disorder, a neurodevelopmental encephalopathy characterized by early-onset seizures, motor dysfunction, and intellectual disability. We previously found that mice lacking CDKL5 exhibit hyperlocomotion and increased impulsivity, resembling the core symptoms in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we report the potential neural mechanisms and treatment for hyperlocomotion induced by CDKL5 deficiency. Our results showed that loss of CDKL5 decreases the proportion of phosphorylated dopamine transporter (DAT) in the rostral striatum, leading to increased levels of extracellular dopamine and hyperlocomotion. Administration of methylphenidate (MPH), a DAT inhibitor clinically effective to improve symptoms in ADHD, significantly alleviated the hyperlocomotion phenotype in Cdkl5 null mice. In addition, the improved behavioral effects of MPH were accompanied by a region-specific restoration of phosphorylated dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr 32 kDa, a key signaling protein for striatal motor output. Finally, mice carrying a Cdkl5 deletion selectively in DAT-expressing dopaminergic neurons, but not dopamine receptive neurons, recapitulated the hyperlocomotion phenotype found in Cdkl5 null mice. Our findings suggest that CDKL5 is essential to control locomotor behavior by regulating region-specific dopamine content and phosphorylation of dopamine signaling proteins in the striatum. The direct, as well as indirect, target proteins regulated by CDKL5 may play a key role in movement control and the therapeutic development for hyperactivity disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cian-Ling Jhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Hom-Yi Lee
- Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.,Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wenlin Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan.,Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee J, Avramets D, Jeon B, Choo H. Modulation of Serotonin Receptors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on 5-HT7 Receptor. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113348. [PMID: 34199418 PMCID: PMC8199608 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) influence more than 3% of children worldwide, there has been intense investigation to understand the etiology of disorders and develop treatments. Although there are drugs such as aripiprazole, risperidone, and lurasidone, these medications are not cures for the disorders and can only help people feel better or alleviate their symptoms. Thus, it is required to discover therapeutic targets in order to find the ultimate treatments of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is suggested that abnormal neuronal morphology in the neurodevelopment process is a main cause of NDDs, in which the serotonergic system is emerging as playing a crucial role. From this point of view, we noticed the correlation between serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5-HT7R) and NDDs including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fragile X syndrome (FXS), and Rett syndrome (RTT). 5-HT7R modulators improved altered behaviors in animal models and also affected neuronal morphology via the 5-HT7R/G12 signaling pathway. Through the investigation of recent studies, it is suggested that 5-HT7R could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NDDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieon Lee
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea; (J.L.); (D.A.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Diana Avramets
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea; (J.L.); (D.A.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Byungsun Jeon
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea; (J.L.); (D.A.)
- Correspondence: (B.J.); (H.C.); Tel.: +82-2-958-5191 (B.J.); +82-2-958-5157 (H.C.)
| | - Hyunah Choo
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea; (J.L.); (D.A.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence: (B.J.); (H.C.); Tel.: +82-2-958-5191 (B.J.); +82-2-958-5157 (H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hernández‐Jerez A, Adriaanse P, Aldrich A, Berny P, Coja T, Duquesne S, Focks A, Marinovich M, Millet M, Pelkonen O, Pieper S, Tiktak A, Topping C, Widenfalk A, Wilks M, Wolterink G, Crofton K, Hougaard Bennekou S, Paparella M, Tzoulaki I. Development of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) case studies on developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) risk assessment. EFSA J 2021. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
|
7
|
Barros II, Leão V, Santis JO, Rosa RCA, Brotto DB, Storti CB, Siena ÁDD, Molfetta GA, Silva WA. Non-Syndromic Intellectual Disability and Its Pathways: A Long Noncoding RNA Perspective. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:ncrna7010022. [PMID: 33799572 PMCID: PMC8005948 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-syndromic intellectual disability (NS-ID or idiopathic) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that represents a global health issue. Although many efforts have been made to characterize it and distinguish it from syndromic intellectual disability (S-ID), the highly heterogeneous aspect of this disorder makes it difficult to understand its etiology. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a large group of transcripts that can act through various mechanisms and be involved in important neurodevelopmental processes. In this sense, comprehending the roles they play in this intricate context is a valuable way of getting new insights about how NS-ID can arise and develop. In this review, we attempt to bring together knowledge available in the literature about lncRNAs involved with molecular and cellular pathways already described in intellectual disability and neural function, to better understand their relevance in NS-ID and the regulatory complexity of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabela I. Barros
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Vitor Leão
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Jessica O. Santis
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Reginaldo C. A. Rosa
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Danielle B. Brotto
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Camila B. Storti
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Ádamo D. D. Siena
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Greice A. Molfetta
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Wilson A. Silva
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy and Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Rua Tenente Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14051-140, Brazil
- Center for Integrative Systems Biology-CISBi, NAP/USP, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Rua Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14051-140, Brazil
- Department of Medicine at the Midwest State University of Paraná-UNICENTRO, and Guarapuava Institute for Cancer Research, Rua Fortim Atalaia, 1900, Cidade dos Lagos, Guarapuava 85100-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-3293
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Disrupted Excitatory Synaptic Contacts and Altered Neuronal Network Activity Underpins the Neurological Phenotype in PCDH19-Clustering Epilepsy (PCDH19-CE). Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2005-2018. [PMID: 33411240 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PCDH19-Clustering Epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is an infantile onset disorder caused by mutation of the X-linked PCDH19 gene. Intriguingly, heterozygous females are affected while hemizygous males are not. While there is compelling evidence that this disorder stems from the coexistence of WT and PCDH19-null cells, the cellular mechanism underpinning the neurological phenotype remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of Pcdh19 WT and KO neuron mosaicism on synaptogenesis and network activity. Using our previously established knock-in and knock-out mouse models, together with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, we demonstrate a reduction in excitatory synaptic contacts between PCDH19-expressing and PCDH19-null neurons. Significantly altered neuronal morphology and neuronal network activities were also identified in the mixed populations. In addition, we show that in Pcdh19 heterozygous mice, where the coexistence of WT and KO neurons naturally occurs, aberrant contralateral axonal branching is present. Overall, our data show that mosaic expression of PCDH19 disrupts physiological neurite communication leading to abnormal neuronal activity, a hallmark of PCDH19-CE.
Collapse
|
9
|
Luck B, Engevik MA, Ganesh BP, Lackey EP, Lin T, Balderas M, Major A, Runge J, Luna RA, Sillitoe RV, Versalovic J. Bifidobacteria shape host neural circuits during postnatal development by promoting synapse formation and microglial function. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7737. [PMID: 32385412 PMCID: PMC7210968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that early-life gut microbiota support the functional organization of neural circuitry in the brain via regulation of synaptic gene expression and modulation of microglial functionality. Germ-free mice were colonized as neonates with either a simplified human infant microbiota consortium consisting of four Bifidobacterium species, or with a complex, conventional murine microbiota. We examined the cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus of both groups of colonized mice in addition to germ-free control mice. At postnatal day 4 (P4), conventionalized mice and Bifidobacterium-colonized mice exhibited decreased expression of synapse-promoting genes and increased markers indicative of reactive microglia in the cerebellum, cortex and hippocampus relative to germ-free mice. By P20, both conventional and Bifidobacterium-treated mice exhibited normal synaptic density and neuronal activity as measured by density of VGLUT2+ puncta and Purkinje cell firing rate respectively, in contrast to the increased synaptic density and decreased firing rate observed in germ-free mice. The conclusions from this study further reveal how bifidobacteria participate in establishing functional neural circuits. Collectively, these data indicate that neonatal microbial colonization of the gut elicits concomitant effects on the host CNS, which promote the homeostatic developmental balance of neural connections during the postnatal time period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berkley Luck
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences (IMBS), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Melinda A Engevik
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
| | - Bhanu Priya Ganesh
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Miriam Balderas
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Angela Major
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jessica Runge
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ruth Ann Luna
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - James Versalovic
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|