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Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Mabry S, Wilson EN, Bradshaw JL, Gardner JJ, Fadeyibi O, Vera E, Osikoya O, Cushen SC, Karamichos D, Goulopoulou S, Cunningham RL. Sex and age differences in social and cognitive function in offspring exposed to late gestational hypoxia. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:81. [PMID: 37951901 PMCID: PMC10640736 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00557-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational sleep apnea is a hypoxic sleep disorder that affects 8-26% of pregnancies and increases the risk for central nervous system dysfunction in offspring. Specifically, there are sex differences in the sensitivity of the fetal hippocampus to hypoxic insults, and hippocampal impairments are associated with social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Yet, it is unclear whether gestational sleep apnea impacts these hippocampal-associated functions and if sex and age modify these effects. To examine the relationship between gestational sleep apnea and hippocampal-associated behaviors, we used chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) to model late gestational sleep apnea in pregnant rats. We hypothesized that late gestational CIH would produce sex- and age-specific social, anxiety-like, repetitive, and cognitive impairments in offspring. METHODS Timed pregnant Long-Evans rats were exposed to CIH or room air normoxia from GD 15-19. Behavioral testing of offspring occurred during either puberty or young adulthood. To examine gestational hypoxia-induced behavioral phenotypes, we quantified hippocampal-associated behaviors (social function, repetitive behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and spatial memory and learning), hippocampal neuronal activity (glutamatergic NMDA receptors, dopamine transporter, monoamine oxidase-A, early growth response protein 1, and doublecortin), and circulating hormones in offspring. RESULTS Late gestational CIH induced sex- and age-specific differences in social, repetitive, and memory functions in offspring. In female pubertal offspring, CIH impaired social function, increased repetitive behaviors, and elevated circulating corticosterone levels but did not impact memory. In contrast, CIH transiently induced spatial memory dysfunction in pubertal male offspring but did not impact social or repetitive functions. Long-term effects of gestational CIH on social behaviors were only observed in female offspring, wherein CIH induced social disengagement and suppression of circulating corticosterone levels in young adulthood. No effects of gestational CIH were observed in anxiety-like behaviors, hippocampal neuronal activity, or circulating testosterone and estradiol levels, regardless of sex or age of offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that hypoxia-associated pregnancy complications during late gestation can increase the risk for behavioral and physiological outcomes in offspring, such as social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive impairment, that are dependent on sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Mabry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - E Nicole Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jessica L Bradshaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jennifer J Gardner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Oluwadarasimi Fadeyibi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Edward Vera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Oluwatobiloba Osikoya
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Spencer C Cushen
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Departments of Basic Sciences, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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Mabry S, Wilson EN, Bradshaw JL, Gardner JJ, Fadeyibi O, Vera E, Osikoya O, Cushen SC, Karamichos D, Goulopoulou S, Cunningham RL. Sex and age differences in social and cognitive function in offspring exposed to late gestational hypoxia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2507737. [PMID: 37333114 PMCID: PMC10275064 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2507737/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Gestational sleep apnea affects 8-26% of pregnancies and can increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. To examine the relationship between gestational sleep apnea and ASD-associated behaviors, we used a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) protocol between gestational days (GD) 15-19 in pregnant rats to model late gestational sleep apnea. We hypothesized that late gestational CIH would produce sex- and age-specific social, mood, and cognitive impairments in offspring. Methods Timed pregnant Long-Evans rats were exposed to CIH or room air normoxia from GD 15-19. Behavioral testing of offspring occurred during either puberty or young adulthood. To examine ASD-associated phenotypes, we quantified ASD-associated behaviors (social function, repetitive behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and spatial memory and learning), hippocampal activity (glutamatergic NMDA receptors, dopamine transporter, monoamine oxidase-A, EGR-1, and doublecortin), and circulating hormones in offspring. Results Late gestational CIH induced sex- and age-specific differences in social, repetitive and memory functions in offspring. These effects were mostly transient and present during puberty. In female pubertal offspring, CIH impaired social function, increased repetitive behaviors, and increased circulating corticosterone levels, but did not impact memory. In contrast, CIH transiently induced spatial memory dysfunction in pubertal male offspring but did not impact social or repetitive functions. Long-term effects of gestational CIH were only observed in female offspring, wherein CIH induced social disengagement and suppression of circulating corticosterone levels in young adulthood. No effects of gestational CIH were observed on anxiety-like behaviors, hippocampal activity, circulating testosterone levels, or circulating estradiol levels, regardless of sex or age of offspring. Conclusions Our results indicate that hypoxia-associated pregnancy complications during late gestation can increase the risk for ASD-associated behavioral and physiological outcomes, such as pubertal social dysfunction, corticosterone dysregulation, and memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Mabry
- UNTHSC: University of North Texas Health Science Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Edward Vera
- UNTHSC: University of North Texas Health Science Center
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Xie J, Zhong C, Wang T, He D, Lu L, Yang J, Yuan Z, Zhang J. Better Bioactivity, Cerebral Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Natural Medicine and Its Advanced Version. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:937075. [PMID: 35833035 PMCID: PMC9271619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.937075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, many people are afflicted by cerebral diseases that cause dysfunction in the brain and perturb normal daily life of people. Cerebral diseases are greatly affected by cerebral metabolism, including the anabolism and catabolism of neurotransmitters, hormones, neurotrophic molecules and other brain-specific chemicals. Natural medicines (NMs) have the advantages of low cost and low toxicity. NMs are potential treatments for cerebral diseases due to their ability to regulate cerebral metabolism. However, most NMs have low bioavailability due to their low solubility/permeability. The study is to summarize the better bioactivity, cerebral metabolism and pharmacokinetics of NMs and its advanced version. This study sums up research articles on the NMs to treat brain diseases. NMs affect cerebral metabolism and the related mechanisms are revealed. Nanotechnologies are applied to deliver NMs. Appropriate delivery systems (exosomes, nanoparticles, liposomes, lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, protein conjugation and nanosuspensions, etc.) provide better pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of NMs. The structure-based metabolic reactions and enzyme-modulated catalytic reactions related to advanced versions of NMs alter the pharmacological activities of NMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Xie
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cailing Zhong
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Experimental Teaching and Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan He
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luyang Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziyi Yuan
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingqing Zhang
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jingqing Zhang,
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Baronio D, Chen YC, Panula P. Abnormal brain development of monoamine oxidase mutant zebrafish and impaired social interaction of heterozygous fish. Dis Model Mech 2021; 15:273667. [PMID: 34881779 PMCID: PMC8891935 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) deficiency and imbalanced levels of brain monoamines have been associated with developmental delay, neuropsychiatric disorders and aggressive behavior. Animal models are valuable tools to gain mechanistic insight into outcomes associated with MAO deficiency. Here, we report a novel genetic model to study the effects of mao loss of function in zebrafish. Quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry were used to study neurotransmitter systems and expression of relevant genes for brain development in zebrafish mao mutants. Larval and adult fish behavior was evaluated through different tests. Stronger serotonin immunoreactivity was detected in mao+/− and mao−/− larvae compared with their mao+/+ siblings. mao−/− larvae were hypoactive, and presented decreased reactions to visual and acoustic stimuli. They also had impaired histaminergic and dopaminergic systems, abnormal expression of developmental markers and died within 20 days post-fertilization. mao+/− fish were viable, grew until adulthood, and demonstrated anxiety-like behavior and impaired social interactions compared with adult mao+/+ siblings. Our results indicate that mao−/− and mao+/− mutants could be promising tools to study the roles of MAO in brain development and behavior. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: We assessed developmental, neurochemical and behavioral alterations displayed by mao+/− and mao−/− zebrafish, establishing that these model organisms are promising tools to study the consequences of MAOA/B deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Baronio
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Jones DN, Raghanti MA. The role of monoamine oxidase enzymes in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 114:101957. [PMID: 33836221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.101957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase enzymes are responsible for the degredation of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the central neurvous system. Although it has been nearly 100 years since they were first described, we are still learning about their role in the healthy brain and how they are altered in various disease states. The present review provides a survey of our current understanding of monoamine oxidases, with a focus on their contributions to neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disease. Important species differences in monoamine oxidase function and development in the brain are highlighted. Sex-specific monoamine oxidase regulatory mechanisms and their implications for various neurological disorders are also discussed. While our understanding of these critical enzymes has expanded over the last century, gaps exist in our understanding of sex and species differences and the roles monoamine oxidases may play in conditions often comorbid with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N Jones
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA; Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA; Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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7
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Higazi AM, Kamel HM, Abdel-Naeem EA, Abdullah NM, Mahrous DM, Osman AM. Expression analysis of selected genes involved in tryptophan metabolic pathways in Egyptian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and learning disabilities. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6931. [PMID: 33767242 PMCID: PMC7994393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities are neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by dramatically increasing incidence rates, yet the exact etiology for these disabilities is not identified. Impairment in tryptophan metabolism has been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of ASD, however, further validation of its involvement is required. Additionally, its role in learning disabilities is still uninvestigated. Our objective was to evaluate some aspects of tryptophan metabolism in ASD children (N = 45) compared to children with learning disabilities (N = 44) and healthy controls (N = 40) by measuring the expression levels of the MAOA, HAAO and AADAT genes using real-time RT-qPCR. We also aimed to correlate the expression patterns of these genes with parental ages at the time of childbirth, levels of serum iron, and vitamin D3 and zinc/copper ratio, as possible risk factors for ASD. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of the selected genes within ASD children (p < 0.001) relative to children with learning disabilities and healthy controls, which significantly associated with the levels of our targeted risk factors (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated to ASD scoring (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that the expression of the MAOA, HAAO and AADAT genes may underpin the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliaa M. Higazi
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Hanan M. Kamel
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Emad A. Abdel-Naeem
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Abdullah
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Doaa M. Mahrous
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Ashraf M. Osman
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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8
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Jia C, Cheng C, Li T, Chen X, Yang Y, Liu X, Li S, Le W. α-Synuclein Up-regulates Monoamine Oxidase A Expression and Activity via Trans-Acting Transcription Factor 1. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:653379. [PMID: 33815093 PMCID: PMC8010665 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.653379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal α-Synuclein (α-SYN) aggregates are the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which may affect dopamine (DA) neuron function and DA metabolism. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is an enzyme located on the outer mitochondrial membrane that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of DA. Both α-SYN and MAOA are associated with PD pathogenesis, suggesting possible crosstalk between these two molecules. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential impacts of α-SYN on MAOA function and further explore the underlying mechanisms. Our study showed that overexpression of α-SYN [both wild-type (WT) and A53T] increased MAOA function via upregulating its expression without impacting MAOA stability. Overexpression of α-SYNWT or α-SYNA53T enhanced the transcription activity of the MAOA promoter region containing the binding sites of cell division cycle associated 7 like (R1, a transcriptional repressor of MAOA) and trans-acting transcription factor 1 (Sp1, a transcription factor of MAOA). Interestingly, α-SYN selectively increased Sp1 expression, thereby enhancing the binding capacity of Sp1 with MAOA promoter to increase MAOA expression. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that α-SYN can upregulate MAOA expression via modulation of Sp1 and may shed light on future studies of α-SYN associated PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Jia
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tianbai Li
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuting Yang
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyao Liu
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Song Li
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Weidong Le
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department and Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Decreased phenol sulfotransferase activities associated with hyperserotonemia in autism spectrum disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:23. [PMID: 33414449 PMCID: PMC7791095 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperserotonemia is the most replicated biochemical abnormality associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, previous studies of serotonin synthesis, catabolism, and transport have not elucidated the mechanisms underlying this hyperserotonemia. Here we investigated serotonin sulfation by phenol sulfotransferases (PST) in blood samples from 97 individuals with ASD and their first-degree relatives (138 parents and 56 siblings), compared with 106 controls. We report a deficient activity of both PST isoforms (M and P) in platelets from individuals with ASD (35% and 78% of patients, respectively), confirmed in autoptic tissues (9 pineal gland samples from individuals with ASD-an important source of serotonin). Platelet PST-M deficiency was strongly associated with hyperserotonemia in individuals with ASD. We then explore genetic or pharmacologic modulation of PST activities in mice: variations of PST activities were associated with marked variations of blood serotonin, demonstrating the influence of the sulfation pathway on serotonemia. We also conducted in 1645 individuals an extensive study of SULT1A genes, encoding PST and mapping at highly polymorphic 16p11.2 locus, which did not reveal an association between copy number or single nucleotide variations and PST activity, blood serotonin or the risk of ASD. In contrast, our broader assessment of sulfation metabolism in ASD showed impairments of other sulfation-related markers, including inorganic sulfate, heparan-sulfate, and heparin sulfate-sulfotransferase. Our study proposes for the first time a compelling mechanism for hyperserotonemia, in a context of global impairment of sulfation metabolism in ASD.
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10
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Béroule DG. Paradoxical Effects of a Cytokine and an Anticonvulsant Strengthen the Epigenetic/Enzymatic Avenue for Autism Research. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:585395. [PMID: 33262691 PMCID: PMC7686807 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.585395] [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: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to the valproate short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) during pregnancy is known to possibly induce autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the offspring. By contrast, case studies have evidenced positive outcomes of this anticonvulsant drug in children with severe autism. Interestingly, the same paradoxical pattern applies to the IL-17a inflammatory cytokine involved in the immune system regulation. Such joint apparent contradictions can be overcome by pointing out that, among their respective signaling pathways, valproate and IL-17a share an enhancement of the “type A monoamine oxidase” (MAOA) enzyme carried by the X chromosome. In the Guided Propagation (GP) model of autism, such enzymatic rise triggers a prenatal epigenetic downregulation, which, without possible X-inactivation, and when coinciding with genetic expression variants of other brain enzymes, results in the delayed onset of autistic symptoms. The underlying imbalance of synaptic monoamines, serotonin in the first place, would reflect a mismatch between the environment to which the brain metabolism was prepared during gestation and the postnatal actual surroundings. Following a prenatal exposure to molecules that significantly elicit the MAOA gene expression, a daily treatment with the same metabolic impact would tend to recreate the fetal environment and contribute to rebalance monoamines, thus allowing proper neural circuits to gradually develop, provided behavioral re-education. Given the multifaceted other players than MAOA that are involved in the regulation of serotonin levels, potential compensatory effects are surveyed, which may underlie the autism heterogeneity. This explanatory framework opens up prospects regarding autism prevention and treatment, strikingly in line with current advances along the gut microbiome–brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Béroule
- CNRS, Bat.508, Faculté des Sciences d'Orsay, BP 133, Orsay, France.,CRIIGEN, Paris, France
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11
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Maes M, Anderson G, Betancort Medina SR, Seo M, Ojala JO. Integrating Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathophysiology: Mitochondria, Vitamin A, CD38, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Melatonergic Alterations in the Placenta and Gut. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4405-4420. [PMID: 31682209 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102165459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diverse array of data has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reflecting the complexity of its pathophysiology as well as its heterogeneity. Two important hubs have emerged, the placenta/prenatal period and the postnatal gut, with alterations in mitochondria functioning crucial in both. METHODS Factors acting to regulate mitochondria functioning in ASD across development are reviewed in this article. RESULTS Decreased vitamin A, and its retinoic acid metabolites, lead to a decrease in CD38 and associated changes that underpin a wide array of data on the biological underpinnings of ASD, including decreased oxytocin, with relevance both prenatally and in the gut. Decreased sirtuins, poly-ADP ribose polymerase-driven decreases in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), hyperserotonemia, decreased monoamine oxidase, alterations in 14-3-3 proteins, microRNA alterations, dysregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, suboptimal mitochondria functioning, and decreases in the melatonergic pathways are intimately linked to this. Many of the above processes may be modulating, or mediated by, alterations in mitochondria functioning. Other bodies of data associated with ASD may also be incorporated within these basic processes, including how ASD risk factors such as maternal obesity and preeclampsia, as well as more general prenatal stressors, modulate the likelihood of offspring ASD. CONCLUSION Such a mitochondria-focussed integrated model of the pathophysiology of ASD has important preventative and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna O Ojala
- Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Seo M, Anderson G. Gut-Amygdala Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Roles via regulating Mitochondria, Exosomes, Immunity and microRNAs. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4344-4356. [PMID: 31692435 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191105102545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have long been conceived as developmental disorder. A growing body of data highlights a role for alterations in the gut in the pathoetiology and/or pathophysiology of ASD. Recent work shows alterations in the gut microbiome to have a significant impact on amygdala development in infancy, suggesting that the alterations in the gut microbiome may act to modulate not only amygdala development but how the amygdala modulates the development of the frontal cortex and other brain regions. METHODS This article reviews wide bodies of data pertaining to the developmental roles of the maternal and foetal gut and immune systems in the regulation of offspring brain development. RESULTS A number of processes seem to be important in mediating how genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors interact in early development to regulate such gut-mediated changes in the amygdala, wider brain functioning and inter-area connectivity, including via regulation of microRNA (miR)-451, 14-3-3 proteins, cytochrome P450 (CYP)1B1 and the melatonergic pathways. As well as a decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase, heightened levels of in miR-451 and CYP1B1, coupled to decreased 14-3-3 act to inhibit the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin, contributing to the hyperserotonemia that is often evident in ASD, with consequences for mitochondria functioning and the content of released exosomes. These same factors are likely to play a role in regulating placental changes that underpin the association of ASD with preeclampsia and other perinatal risk factors, including exposure to heavy metals and air pollutants. Such alterations in placental and gut processes act to change the amygdala-driven biological underpinnings of affect-cognitive and affect-sensory interactions in the brain. CONCLUSION Such a perspective readily incorporates previously disparate bodies of data in ASD, including the role of the mu-opioid receptor, dopamine signaling and dopamine receptors, as well as the changes occurring to oxytocin and taurine levels. This has a number of treatment implications, the most readily applicable being the utilization of sodium butyrate and melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
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Tatarinova TV, Deiss T, Franckle L, Beaven S, Davis J. The Impact of MNRI Therapy on the Levels of Neurotransmitters Associated with Inflammatory Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1358. [PMID: 32085403 PMCID: PMC7072967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter levels of representatives from five different diagnosis groups were tested before and after participation in the MNRI®-Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Intervention. The purpose of this study was to ascertain neurological impact on (1) Developmental disorders, (2) Anxiety disorders/OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress disorder), (3) Palsy/Seizure disorders, (4) ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactive Disorder), and (5) ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) disorders. Each participant had a form of neurological dysregulation and typical symptoms respective to their diagnosis. These diagnoses have a severe negative impact on the quality of life, immunity, stress coping, cognitive skills, and social assimilation. This study showed a trend towards optimization and normalization of neurological and immunological functioning, thus supporting the claim that the MNRI method is an effective non-pharmacological neuromodulation treatment of neurological disorders. The effects of MNRI on inflammation have not yet been assessed. The resulting post-MNRI changes in participants' neurotransmitters show significant adjustments in the regulation of the neurotransmitter resulting in being calmer, a decrease of hypervigilance, an increase in stress resilience, behavioral and emotional regulation improvements, a more positive emotional state, and greater control of cognitive processes. In this paper, we demonstrate that the MNRI approach is an intervention that reduces inflammation. It is also likely to reduce oxidative stress and encourage homeostasis of excitatory neurotransmitters. MNRI may facilitate neurodevelopment, build stress resiliency, neuroplasticity, and optimal learning opportunity. There have been no reported side effects of MNRI treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Tatarinova
- Department of Biology, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA 91750, USA
- Functional Genomics Group, Vavilov Institute for General Genetics, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Forest Genomics Laboratory, Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
- Bioinformatics Center, Information Transmission Problems Institute, Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Trina Deiss
- Research Department, United1Front Foundation, Minneapolis, MN 55111, USA;
| | - Lorri Franckle
- Laser Health Department, Laser Health, Orlando, FL 33709, USA;
| | - Susan Beaven
- Family Medicine, St. Petersburg Free Clinic, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA;
| | - Jeffrey Davis
- Family Medicine, Prairie Health and Wellness, Wichita, KS 67206, USA;
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Li M, Zhu J, Fang H, Wang M, Wang Q, Zhou B. Coexposure to environmental concentrations of cis-bifenthrin and graphene oxide: Adverse effects on the nervous system during metamorphic development of Xenopus laevis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 381:120995. [PMID: 31425913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite the great concerns associated with the combined biological effects of nanoparticles and insecticides, the current understanding of the corresponding ecological risks remains limited. Xenopus laevis (X. laevis) tadpoles were exposed to various concentrations of typical pyrethroid (cis-bifenthrin; cis-BF), either alone or in combination with graphene oxide (GO), for 21 days. The presence of GO resulted in increased bioconcentration of cis-BF and a higher 1S-enantiomer fraction. Exposure to cis-BF and GO caused further reduction in pre-metamorphic developmental rates and activated dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems. Reduced tadpole activity and levels of genomic DNA methylation at cytosine nucleotides (5hmC) were observed in the coexposure groups. These results indicate that GO enhance the bioconcentration of cis-BF and promote the conversion of its 1R-enantiomer to the 1S form, which lead to disruption of neurotransmitter systems as well as interference in metamorphic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiaping Zhu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengcen Wang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiangwei Wang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Bingsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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Shomrat T, Nesher N. Updated View on the Relation of the Pineal Gland to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:37. [PMID: 30804889 PMCID: PMC6370651 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the biological features of autism is essential for designing an efficient treatment and for prevention of the disorder. Though the subject of extensive research, the neurophysiological features of autism remain unclear. One of the proposed biological causes of autism is malfunction of the pineal gland and deficiency of its principal hormone, melatonin. The main function of melatonin is to link and synchronize the body's homeostasis processes to the circadian and seasonal rhythms, and to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, pineal dysfunction has been implicated based on the common observation of low melatonin levels and sleep disorders associated with autism. In this perspective, we highlight several recent findings that support the hypothesis of pineal gland/melatonin involvement in autism. Another common symptom of autism is abnormal neuroplasticity, such as cortical overgrowth and dendritic spine dysgenesis. Here, we synthesize recent information and speculate on the possibility that this abnormal neuroplasticity is caused by hyperactivity of endogenous N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The pineal gland was proposed as the source of DMT in the brain and therefore, our assumption is that besides melatonin deficiency, pineal dysfunction might also play a part in the development of autism through abnormal metabolism of DMT. We hope that this manuscript will encourage future research of the DMT hypothesis and reexamination of several observations that were previously attributed to other factors, to see if they could be related to pineal gland/melatonin malfunction. Such research could contribute to the development of autism treatment by exogenous melatonin and monitored light exposure.
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Gur TL, Palkar AV, Rajasekera T, Allen J, Niraula A, Godbout J, Bailey MT. Prenatal stress disrupts social behavior, cortical neurobiology and commensal microbes in adult male offspring. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:886-894. [PMID: 29949734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In utero and early neonatal exposure to maternal stress is linked with psychiatric disorders, and the underlying mechanisms are currently being elucidated. We used a prenatal stressor in pregnant mice to examine novel relationships between prenatal stress exposure, changes in the gut microbiome, and social behavior. Here, we show that males exposed to prenatal stress had a significant reduction in social behavior in adulthood, with increased corticosterone release following social interaction. Male offspring exposed to prenatal stress also had neuroinflammation, decreased oxytocin receptor, and decreased serotonin metabolism in their cortex in adulthood, which are linked to decreased social behavior. Finally, we found a significant difference in commensal microbes, including decreases in Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, in adult male offspring exposed to prenatal stress when compared to non-stressed controls. Our findings indicate that gestation is a critical window where maternal stress contributes to the development of aberrant social behaviors and alterations in cortical neurobiology, and that prenatal stress is sufficient to disrupt the male gut-brain axis into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar L Gur
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States.
| | - Aditi Vadodkar Palkar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Therese Rajasekera
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Jacob Allen
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, United States; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Anzela Niraula
- Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Jonathan Godbout
- Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Michael T Bailey
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, United States; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
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Wang X, Kery R, Xiong Q. Synaptopathology in autism spectrum disorders: Complex effects of synaptic genes on neural circuits. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:398-415. [PMID: 28986278 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Rachel Kery
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Qiaojie Xiong
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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Lu DH, Liao HM, Chen CH, Tu HJ, Liou HC, Gau SSF, Fu WM. Impairment of social behaviors in Arhgef10 knockout mice. Mol Autism 2018; 9:11. [PMID: 29456827 PMCID: PMC5810065 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0197-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired social interaction is one of the essential features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our previous copy number variation (CNV) study discovered a novel deleted region associated with ASD. One of the genes included in the deleted region is ARHGEF10. A missense mutation of ARHGEF10 has been reported to be one of the contributing factors in several diseases of the central nervous system. However, the relationship between the loss of ARHGEF10 and the clinical symptoms of ASD is unclear. Methods We generated Arhgef10 knockout mice as a model of ASD and characterized the social behavior and the biochemical changes in the brains of the knockout mice. Results Compared with their wild-type littermates, the Arhgef10-depleted mice showed social interaction impairment, hyperactivity, and decreased depression-like and anxiety-like behavior. Behavioral measures of learning in the Morris water maze were not affected by Arhgef10 deficiency. Moreover, neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine were significantly increased in different brain regions of the Arhgef10 knockout mice. In addition, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) decreased in several brain regions. Conclusions These results suggest that ARHGEF10 is a candidate risk gene for ASD and that the Arhgef10 knockout model could be a tool for studying the mechanisms of neurotransmission in ASD. Trial registration Animal studies were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of National Taiwan University (IACUC 20150023). Registered 1 August 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-018-0197-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Hua Lu
- 1Pharmacological Institute, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Liao
- 2Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- 3Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,4Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Ju Tu
- 1Pharmacological Institute, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Houng-Chi Liou
- 1Pharmacological Institute, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- 2Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Mei Fu
- 1Pharmacological Institute, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hoxha E, Lippiello P, Scelfo B, Tempia F, Ghirardi M, Miniaci MC. Maturation, Refinement, and Serotonergic Modulation of Cerebellar Cortical Circuits in Normal Development and in Murine Models of Autism. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:6595740. [PMID: 28894610 PMCID: PMC5574313 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6595740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of the complex cerebellar cortical circuits follows different phases, with initial synaptogenesis and subsequent processes of refinement guided by a variety of mechanisms. The regularity of the cellular and synaptic organization of the cerebellar cortex allowed detailed studies of the structural plasticity mechanisms underlying the formation of new synapses and retraction of redundant ones. For the attainment of the monoinnervation of the Purkinje cell by a single climbing fiber, several signals are involved, including electrical activity, contact signals, homosynaptic and heterosynaptic interaction, calcium transients, postsynaptic receptors, and transduction pathways. An important role in this developmental program is played by serotonergic projections that, acting on temporally and spatially regulated postsynaptic receptors, induce and modulate the phases of synaptic formation and maturation. In the adult cerebellar cortex, many developmental mechanisms persist but play different roles, such as supporting synaptic plasticity during learning and formation of cerebellar memory traces. A dysfunction at any stage of this process can lead to disorders of cerebellar origin, which include autism spectrum disorders but are not limited to motor deficits. Recent evidence in animal models links impairment of Purkinje cell function with autism-like symptoms including sociability deficits, stereotyped movements, and interspecific communication by vocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriola Hoxha
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Bibiana Scelfo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Torino, Italy
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Hsueh PT, Wang HH, Liu CL, Ni WF, Chen YL, Liu JK. Expression of cerebral serotonin related to anxiety-like behaviors in C57BL/6 offspring induced by repeated subcutaneous prenatal exposure to low-dose lipopolysaccharide. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28650979 PMCID: PMC5484498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which likely occurs due to infection or contact with environmental allergens during pregnancy, is a proposed risk factor that induces anxiety- and autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in offspring. However, the molecular and behavioral changes in offspring after maternal immune activation have not been completely identified. We hypothesized that a subcutaneous injection of LPS in a pregnant mouse would induce changes in cerebral serotonin (5-HT) in parallel to the appearance of anxiety-like behaviors in the dam’s offspring. After LPS injections (total, 100 μg/Kg), the time spent in the central region during the open field test and the number of times that the mice moved between the light and dark boxes and between the open and closed arms on the elevated plus maze test revealed anxiety-like behaviors in offspring at 5, 6 and 9 weeks of age. The mRNA expression levels of tph2 (5-HT synthesizing enzyme) and slc6a4 (5-HT transporter) were down-regulated in both adolescent (5 weeks of age) and adult (8 weeks of age) brains. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the numbers and sizes of tph2-expressing cells were notably decreased in the raphe nuclei of the midbrain of adults. Moreover, compared with controls (phosphate-buffered saline-treated offspring), the cerebral 5-HT concentration at adolescence and adulthood in LPS-induced offspring was significantly decreased. We concluded that maternal immune activation induced by exposure to a low dose of LPS decreased cerebral 5-HT levels in parallel to the down-regulation of the tph2 and slc6a4 genes and in conjunction with anxiety-like behaviors in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Tan Hsueh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Han Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Lin Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fen Ni
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Lei Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (LJK); (CYL)
| | - Jong-Kang Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (LJK); (CYL)
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