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Wang L, Xu M, Wang Y, Wang F, Deng J, Wang X, Zhao Y, Liao A, Yang F, Wang S, Li Y. Melatonin improves synapse development by PI3K/Akt signaling in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1618-1624. [PMID: 38051907 PMCID: PMC10883500 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202407000-00043/figure1/v/2023-11-20T171125Z/r/image-tiff
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders involving more than 1100 genes, including Ctnnd2 as a candidate gene. Ctnnd2 knockout mice, serving as an animal model of autism, have been demonstrated to exhibit decreased density of dendritic spines. The role of melatonin, as a neurohormone capable of effectively alleviating social interaction deficits and regulating the development of dendritic spines, in Ctnnd2 deletion-induced nerve injury remains unclear. In the present study, we discovered that the deletion of exon 2 of the Ctnnd2 gene was linked to social interaction deficits, spine loss, impaired inhibitory neurons, and suppressed phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex. Our findings demonstrated that the long-term oral administration of melatonin for 28 days effectively alleviated the aforementioned abnormalities in Ctnnd2 gene-knockout mice. Furthermore, the administration of melatonin in the prefrontal cortex was found to improve synaptic function and activate the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in this region. The pharmacological blockade of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, wortmannin, and melatonin receptor antagonists, luzindole and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin, prevented the melatonin-induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic function. These findings suggest that melatonin treatment can ameliorate GABAergic synaptic function by activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway, which may contribute to the improvement of dendritic spine abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyi Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Pediatric, Chongqing University Fuling Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Deng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailing Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Yang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shali Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Al Abed AS, Allen TV, Ahmed NY, Sellami A, Sontani Y, Rawlinson EC, Marighetto A, Desmedt A, Dehorter N. Parvalbumin interneuron activity in autism underlies susceptibility to PTSD-like memory formation. iScience 2024; 27:109747. [PMID: 38741709 PMCID: PMC11089364 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109747] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
A rising concern in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the heightened sensitivity to trauma, the potential consequences of which have been overlooked, particularly upon the severity of the ASD traits. We first demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between ASD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reveal that exposure to a mildly stressful event induces PTSD-like memory in four mouse models of ASD. We also establish an unanticipated consequence of stress, as the formation of PTSD-like memory leads to the aggravation of core autistic traits. Such a susceptibility to developing PTSD-like memory in ASD stems from hyperactivation of the prefrontal cortex and altered fine-tuning of parvalbumin interneuron firing. Traumatic memory can be treated by recontextualization, reducing the deleterious effects on the core symptoms of ASD in the Cntnap2 KO mouse model. This study provides a neurobiological and psychological framework for future examination of the impact of PTSD-like memory in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Shaam Al Abed
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tiarne Vickie Allen
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Noorya Yasmin Ahmed
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Azza Sellami
- Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la plasticité neuronale, U1215, INSERM, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Yovina Sontani
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Elise Caitlin Rawlinson
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Aline Marighetto
- Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la plasticité neuronale, U1215, INSERM, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Aline Desmedt
- Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la plasticité neuronale, U1215, INSERM, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Cording KR, Tu EM, Wang H, Agopyan-Miu AHCW, Bateup HS. Cntnap2 loss drives striatal neuron hyperexcitability and behavioral inflexibility. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593387. [PMID: 38766169 PMCID: PMC11100810 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by two major diagnostic criteria - persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). Evidence from both human and animal model studies of ASD suggest that alteration of striatal circuits, which mediate motor learning, action selection, and habit formation, may contribute to the manifestation of RRBs. CNTNAP2 is a syndromic ASD risk gene, and loss of function of Cntnap2 in mice is associated with RRBs. How loss of Cntnap2 impacts striatal neuron function is largely unknown. In this study, we utilized Cntnap2-/- mice to test whether altered striatal neuron activity contributes to aberrant motor behaviors relevant to ASD. We find that Cntnap2-/- mice exhibit increased cortical drive of striatal projection neurons (SPNs), with the most pronounced effects in direct pathway SPNs. This enhanced drive is likely due to increased intrinsic excitability of SPNs, which make them more responsive to cortical inputs. We also find that Cntnap2-/- mice exhibit spontaneous repetitive behaviors, increased motor routine learning, and cognitive inflexibility. Increased corticostriatal drive, in particular of the direct pathway, may contribute to the acquisition of repetitive, inflexible behaviors in Cntnap2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Emilie M. Tu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | | | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
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Zhang Q, Xing M, Bao Z, Xu L, Bai Y, Chen W, Pan W, Cai F, Wang Q, Guo S, Zhang J, Wang Z, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Li JD, Song W. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) mutations impair the essential α-secretase cleavages, leading to autism-like phenotypes. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:51. [PMID: 38424048 PMCID: PMC10904759 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01768-6] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and ectodomain shedding of the CNTNAP2 protein plays a role in its function. However, key enzymes involved in the C-terminal cleavage of CNTNAP2 remain largely unknown, and the effect of ASD-associated mutations on this process and its role in ASD pathogenesis remain elusive. In this report we showed that CNTNAP2 undergoes sequential cleavages by furin, ADAM10/17-dependent α-secretase and presenilin-dependent γ-secretase. We identified that the cleavage sites of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in CNTNAP2 locate at its C-terminal residue I79 and L96, and the main α-cleavage product C79 by ADAM10 is required for the subsequent γ-secretase cleavage to generate CNTNAP2 intracellular domain (CICD). ASD-associated CNTNAP2 mutations impair the α-cleavage to generate C79, and the inhibition leads to ASD-like repetitive and social behavior abnormalities in the Cntnap2-I1254T knock-in mice. Finally, exogenous expression of C79 improves autism-like phenotypes in the Cntnap2-I1254T knock-in and Cntnap2-/- knockout mice. This data demonstrates that the α-secretase is essential for CNTNAP2 processing and its function. Our study indicates that inhibition of the cleavage by pathogenic mutations underlies ASD pathogenesis, and upregulation of its C-terminal fragments could have therapeutical potentials for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Center, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Mengen Xing
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Zhengkai Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Wanqi Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Wenhao Pan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Fang Cai
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Qunxian Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Shipeng Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Jia-Da Li
- Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
| | - Weihong Song
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Center, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Ul Mudassir B, Agha Z. Novel and known minor alleles of CNTNAP2 gene variants are associated with comorbidity of intellectual disability and epilepsy phenotypes: a case-control association study reveals potential biomarkers. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:276. [PMID: 38315301 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders are heterogeneous due to underlying multiple shared genetic pathways and risk factors. Intellectual disability, epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder phenotypes overlap which indicates the diverse effects of common genes. Recent studies suggested the probable contribution of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms to the comorbidity of these neurological conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS This study was conducted to investigate the role of CNTNAP2 polymorphisms rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) as a risk factor for comorbidity of intellectual disability and epilepsy in a group of 345 individuals including 170 patients and 175 healthy controls recruited from various ethnic groups of Pakistani population. Our case-control study group was genotyped by tetra primer ARMS-PCR technique and results were analysed to know the effects of CNTNAP2 rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) polymorphisms in the group. The frequency of risk allele T (rs147815978) and risk allele G (rs2710102) for homozygous recessive genotypes (TT/GG) in our study group was 36.47% while odds ratios for risk allele T (rs147815978) was 5.45 (3.90-7.61: 95% CI, P = 0.000) and that for risk allele G (rs2710102) was 2.39 (1.76-3.24: 95% CI, P = 0.0001). Homozygous recessive genotypes (TT/GG) appeared only in cases and not in control group which indicated these as suspected risk genotypes and the significant association (p < 0.05%) of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) with co-occurrence of intellectual disability and epilepsy phenotypes in our study group which is in HWE (χ2 = 174, P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis shows additive (p < 0.0001) and multiplicative (p < 0.001) models which confirms significant association of both the polymorphisms in our data, which are closely located on same haplotype (D' = - 0.168). CONCLUSIONS We propose that CNTNAP2 rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) polymorphisms are possible risk loci for overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders in Pakistani population. We propose the role of a previously reported common SNP rs2710102 (A>G) with a rarely reported novel SNP rs147815978 (G>T) for CNTNAP2 gene association with neurodevelopmental disorders in our data. Our study has expanded the knowledge of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms as probable biomarkers for susceptibility of co-occurrence of intellectual disability and epilepsy phenotypes in Pakistani population. We hope that our study will open new horizons of CNTNAP2 gene variants research to cure the neurological conditions in Pakistani population where consanguinity is a tradition and prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders has increased from 1 to 2% during last 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behjat Ul Mudassir
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zehra Agha
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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Mohapatra AN, Peles D, Netser S, Wagner S. Synchronized LFP rhythmicity in the social brain reflects the context of social encounters. Commun Biol 2024; 7:2. [PMID: 38168971 PMCID: PMC10761981 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05728-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian social behavior is highly context-sensitive. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms that modulate social behavior according to its context. Recent studies have revealed a network of mostly limbic brain regions which regulates social behavior. We hypothesize that coherent theta and gamma rhythms reflect the organization of this network into functional sub-networks in a context-dependent manner. To test this concept, we simultaneously record local field potential (LFP) from multiple social brain regions in adult male mice performing three social discrimination tasks. While LFP rhythmicity across all tasks is dominated by a global internal state, the pattern of theta coherence between the various regions reflect the behavioral task more than other variables. Moreover, Granger causality analysis implicate the ventral dentate gyrus as a main player in coordinating the context-specific rhythmic activity. Thus, our results suggest that the pattern of coordinated rhythmic activity within the network reflects the subject's social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Nath Mohapatra
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, POB. 3338, Haifa, 3103301, Israel.
| | - David Peles
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, POB. 3338, Haifa, 3103301, Israel
| | - Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, POB. 3338, Haifa, 3103301, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, POB. 3338, Haifa, 3103301, Israel
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Fang Y, Cui Y, Yin Z, Hou M, Guo P, Wang H, Liu N, Cai C, Wang M. Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between common genetic variants and autism spectrum disorder. Gene 2023; 887:147723. [PMID: 37598788 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147723] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interactions. To date, numerous studies have investigated the associations between genetic variants and ASD risk. However, the results of these published studies lack a clear consensus. In the present study, we performed a systematic review on the association between genetic variants and ASD risk. Meanwhile, we conducted a meta-analysis on available data to identify the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of candidate genes and ASD risk. METHODS We systematically searched public databases including English and Chinese from their inception to August 1, 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. Odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval were used as effect indexes to evaluate the association between the SNPs of candidate genes and the risk of ASD. Heterogeneity was explored through subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was assessed by using Egger's and Begg's tests for funnel plot asymmetry. In addition, TSA analysis were performed to confirm the study findings. RESULTS We summarized 84 SNPs of 32 candidate genes from 81 articles included in the study. Subsequently, we analyzed 16 SNPs of eight genes by calculating pooled ORs, and identified eight significant SNPs of contactin associated protein 2 (CNTNAP2), methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR). Results showed that seven SNPs, including the CNTNAP2 rs2710102 (homozygote, heterozygote, dominant and allelic models) and rs7794745 (heterozygote and dominant models), MTHFR C677T (homozygote, heterozygote, dominant, recessive and allelic models) and A1298C (dominant and allelic models), OXTR rs2254298 (homozygote and recessive models), VDR rs731236 (homozygote, dominant, recessive and allelic models) and rs2228570 (homozygote and recessive models), were showed to be correlated with an increased ASD risk. By contrast, the VDR rs7975232 was correlated with a decreased the risk of ASD under the homozygote and allelic models. CONCLUSION Our study summarized research evidence on the genetic variants of ASD and provides a broad and detailed overview of ASD risk genes. The C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR, rs2710102 and rs7794745 polymorphisms of CNTNAP2, rs2254298 polymorphism of OXTR, and rs731236 and rs2228570 polymorphisms of VDR were genetic risk factors. The rs7975232 polymorphism of VDR was a genetic protective factor for ASD. Our study provides novel clues to clinicians and healthcare decision-makers to predict ASD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Fang
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Yaqiong Cui
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yin
- Division of Pediatrics, The People's Hospital of Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Dehong Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Mangshi, Yunnan 678400, China
| | - Mengzhu Hou
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Pan Guo
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Hanjie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University and Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China.
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Microbiome Therapy Center, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518116, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
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St George-Hyslop F, Haneklaus M, Kivisild T, Livesey FJ. Loss of CNTNAP2 Alters Human Cortical Excitatory Neuron Differentiation and Neural Network Development. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:780-791. [PMID: 37001843 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss-of-function mutations in the contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene are causal for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. CNTNAP2 encodes CASPR2, a single-pass transmembrane protein that belongs to the neurexin family of cell adhesion molecules. These proteins have a variety of functions in developing neurons, including connecting presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, and mediating signaling across the synapse. METHODS To study the effect of loss of CNTNAP2 function on human cerebral cortex development, and how this contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cells from one neurotypical control donor null for full-length CNTNAP2, modeling cortical development from neurogenesis through to neural network formation in vitro. RESULTS CNTNAP2 is particularly highly expressed in the first two populations of early-born excitatory cortical neurons, and loss of CNTNAP2 shifted the relative proportions of these two neuronal types. Live imaging of excitatory neuronal growth showed that loss of CNTNAP2 reduced neurite branching and overall neuronal complexity. At the network level, developing cortical excitatory networks null for CNTNAP2 had complex changes in activity compared with isogenic controls: an initial period of relatively reduced activity compared with isogenic controls, followed by a lengthy period of hyperexcitability, and then a further switch to reduced activity. CONCLUSIONS Complete loss of CNTNAP2 contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders through complex changes in several aspects of human cerebral cortex excitatory neuron development that culminate in aberrant neural network formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances St George-Hyslop
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moritz Haneklaus
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Toomas Kivisild
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick J Livesey
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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9
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Wang HC, Feldman DE. Degraded tactile coding in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560240. [PMID: 37808857 PMCID: PMC10557772 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing in autism involves altered neural circuit function and neural coding in sensory cortex, but the nature of coding disruption is poorly understood. We characterized neural coding in L2/3 of whisker somatosensory cortex (S1) of Cntnap2-/- mice, an autism model with pronounced hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) inhibitory circuits. We tested for both excess spiking, which is often hypothesized in autism models with reduced inhibition, and alterations in somatotopic coding, using c-fos immunostaining and 2-photon calcium imaging in awake mice. In Cntnap2-/- mice, c-fos-(+) neuron density was elevated in L2/3 of S1 under spontaneous activity conditions, but comparable to control mice after whisker stimulation, suggesting that sensory-evoked spiking was relatively normal. 2-photon GCaMP8m imaging in L2/3 pyramidal cells revealed no increase in whisker-evoked response magnitude, but instead showed multiple signs of degraded somatotopic coding. These included broadening of whisker tuning curves, blurring of the whisker map, and blunting of the point representation of each whisker. These altered properties were more pronounced in noisy than sparse sensory conditions. Tuning instability, assessed over 2-3 weeks of longitudinal imaging, was also significantly increased in Cntnap2-/- mice. Thus, Cntnap2-/- mice show no excess spiking, but a degraded and unstable tactile code in S1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chin Wang
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Daniel E Feldman
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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10
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Monday HR, Wang HC, Feldman DE. Circuit-level theories for sensory dysfunction in autism: convergence across mouse models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254297. [PMID: 37745660 PMCID: PMC10513044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a diverse range of behavioral features and genetic backgrounds, but whether different genetic forms of autism involve convergent pathophysiology of brain function is unknown. Here, we analyze evidence for convergent deficits in neural circuit function across multiple transgenic mouse models of ASD. We focus on sensory areas of neocortex, where circuit differences may underlie atypical sensory processing, a central feature of autism. Many distinct circuit-level theories for ASD have been proposed, including increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio and hyperexcitability, hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron circuits, impaired homeostatic plasticity, degraded sensory coding, and others. We review these theories and assess the degree of convergence across ASD mouse models for each. Behaviorally, our analysis reveals that innate sensory detection behavior is heightened and sensory discrimination behavior is impaired across many ASD models. Neurophysiologically, PV hypofunction and increased E-I ratio are prevalent but only rarely generate hyperexcitability and excess spiking. Instead, sensory tuning and other aspects of neural coding are commonly degraded and may explain impaired discrimination behavior. Two distinct phenotypic clusters with opposing neural circuit signatures are evident across mouse models. Such clustering could suggest physiological subtypes of autism, which may facilitate the development of tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Monday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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11
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Zhao M, Kwon SE. Interneuron-Targeted Disruption of SYNGAP1 Alters Sensory Representations in the Neocortex and Impairs Sensory Learning. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6212-6226. [PMID: 37558489 PMCID: PMC10476640 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1997-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency in humans leads to severe neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy, and sensory processing deficits. However, the circuit mechanisms underlying these disorders are not well understood. In mice, a decrease of SynGAP levels results in cognitive deficits by interfering with the development of excitatory glutamatergic connections. Recent evidence suggests that SynGAP also plays a crucial role in the development and function of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether and to what extent the expression of SYNGAP1 in inhibitory interneurons contributes to cortical circuit function and related behaviors. The activity of cortical neurons has not been measured simultaneously with behavior. To address these gaps, we recorded from layer 2/3 neurons in the primary whisker somatosensory cortex (wS1) of mice while they learned to perform a whisker tactile detection task. Our results demonstrate that mice with interneuron-specific SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency exhibit learning deficits characterized by heightened behavioral responses in the absence of relevant sensory input and premature responses to unrelated sensory stimuli not associated with reward acquisition. These behavioral deficits are accompanied by specific circuit abnormalities within wS1. Interneuron-specific SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency increases detrimental neuronal correlations directly related to task performance and enhances responses to irrelevant sensory stimuli unrelated to the reward acquisition. In summary, our findings indicate that a reduction of SynGAP in inhibitory interneurons impairs sensory representation in the primary sensory cortex by disrupting neuronal correlations, which likely contributes to the observed cognitive deficits in mice with pan-neuronal SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency leads to severe neurodevelopmental disorders. The exact nature of neural circuit dysfunction caused by SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency remains poorly understood. SynGAP plays a critical role in the function of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons as well as glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the neocortex. Whether and how decreasing SYNGAP1 level in inhibitory interneurons disrupts a behaviorally relevant circuit remains unclear. We measure neural activity and behavior in mice learning a perceptual task. Mice with interneuron-targeted disruption of SYNGAP1 display increased detrimental neuronal correlations and elevated responses to irrelevant sensory inputs, which are related to impaired task performance. These results show that cortical interneuron dysfunction contributes to sensory deficits in SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency with important implications for identifying therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Sung Eun Kwon
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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12
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Singh M, Zhao Y, Gastaldi VD, Wojcik SM, Curto Y, Kawaguchi R, Merino RM, Garcia-Agudo LF, Taschenberger H, Brose N, Geschwind D, Nave KA, Ehrenreich H. Erythropoietin re-wires cognition-associated transcriptional networks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4777. [PMID: 37604818 PMCID: PMC10442354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has potent procognitive effects, likely hematopoiesis-independent, but underlying mechanisms and physiological role of brain-expressed EPO remained obscure. Here, we provide transcriptional hippocampal profiling of male mice treated with rhEPO. Based on ~108,000 single nuclei, we unmask multiple pyramidal lineages with their comprehensive molecular signatures. By temporal profiling and gene regulatory analysis, we build developmental trajectory of CA1 pyramidal neurons derived from multiple predecessor lineages and elucidate gene regulatory networks underlying their fate determination. With EPO as 'tool', we discover populations of newly differentiating pyramidal neurons, overpopulating to ~200% upon rhEPO with upregulation of genes crucial for neurodifferentiation, dendrite growth, synaptogenesis, memory formation, and cognition. Using a Cre-based approach to visually distinguish pre-existing from newly formed pyramidal neurons for patch-clamp recordings, we learn that rhEPO treatment differentially affects excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into how EPO modulates neuronal functions and networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manvendra Singh
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Ying Zhao
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vinicius Daguano Gastaldi
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja M Wojcik
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yasmina Curto
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ricardo M Merino
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization and Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Holger Taschenberger
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Geschwind
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany.
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13
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Dawson MS, Gordon-Fleet K, Yan L, Tardos V, He H, Mui K, Nawani S, Asgarian Z, Catani M, Fernandes C, Drescher U. Sexual dimorphism in the social behaviour of Cntnap2-null mice correlates with disrupted synaptic connectivity and increased microglial activity in the anterior cingulate cortex. Commun Biol 2023; 6:846. [PMID: 37582968 PMCID: PMC10427688 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A biological understanding of the apparent sex bias in autism is lacking. Here we have identified Cntnap2 KO mice as a model system to help better understand this dimorphism. Using this model, we observed social deficits in juvenile male KO mice only. These male-specific social deficits correlated with reduced spine densities of Layer 2/3 and Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, a forebrain region prominently associated with the control of social behaviour. Furthermore, in male KO mice, microglia showed an increased activated morphology and phagocytosis of synaptic structures compared to WT mice, whereas no differences were seen in female KO and WT mice. Our data suggest that sexually dimorphic microglial activity may be involved in the aetiology of ASD, disrupting the development of neural circuits that control social behaviour by overpruning synapses at a developmentally critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt S Dawson
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kevin Gordon-Fleet
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Lingxin Yan
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Vera Tardos
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Huanying He
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kwong Mui
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Smriti Nawani
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Zeinab Asgarian
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Molecular Therapeutics Lab, University College London, Research Department of Targeted Intervention, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Marco Catani
- NatBrainLab, Departments of Neuroimaging Sciences and Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Uwe Drescher
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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14
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Park G, Jang WE, Kim S, Gonzales EL, Ji J, Choi S, Kim Y, Park JH, Mohammad HB, Bang G, Kang M, Kim S, Jeon SJ, Kim JY, Kim KP, Shin CY, An JY, Kim MS, Lee YS. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via Rnf146 upregulation in a VPA-induced mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1783-1794. [PMID: 37524878 PMCID: PMC10474298 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with impaired social behavior and communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors such as prenatal drug exposure contribute to the development of ASD. However, how those prenatal factors induce behavioral deficits in the adult stage is not clear. To elucidate ASD pathogenesis at the molecular level, we performed a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic analysis on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) in utero, a widely used animal model of ASD. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in VPA-exposed mice showed significant overlap with ASD risk genes, including differentially expressed genes from the postmortem cortex of ASD patients. Functional annotations of the DEPs revealed significant enrichment in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is dysregulated by the upregulation of Rnf146 in VPA-exposed mice. Consistently, overexpressing Rnf146 in the PFC impaired social behaviors and altered the Wnt signaling pathway in adult mice. Furthermore, Rnf146-overexpressing PFC neurons showed increased excitatory synaptic transmission, which may underlie impaired social behavior. These results demonstrate that Rnf146 is critical for social behavior and that dysregulation of Rnf146 underlies social deficits in VPA-exposed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Eric Jang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyeon Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungeun Ji
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Choi
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Park
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Geul Bang
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Kyung Hee Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- New Biology Research Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Cell Fate Reprogramming and Control, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, 25159, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Greene AS, Horien C, Barson D, Scheinost D, Constable RT. Why is everyone talking about brain state? Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:508-524. [PMID: 37164869 PMCID: PMC10330476 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The rapid and coordinated propagation of neural activity across the brain provides the foundation for complex behavior and cognition. Technical advances across neuroscience subfields have advanced understanding of these dynamics, but points of convergence are often obscured by semantic differences, creating silos of subfield-specific findings. In this review we describe how a parsimonious conceptualization of brain state as the fundamental building block of whole-brain activity offers a common framework to relate findings across scales and species. We present examples of the diverse techniques commonly used to study brain states associated with physiology and higher-order cognitive processes, and discuss how integration across them will enable a more comprehensive and mechanistic characterization of the neural dynamics that are crucial to survival but are disrupted in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail S Greene
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; MD/PhD program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Corey Horien
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; MD/PhD program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Daniel Barson
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; MD/PhD program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Dustin Scheinost
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - R Todd Constable
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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16
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Zhang Q, Xu L, Bai Y, Chen P, Xing M, Cai F, Wu Y, Song W. Intermittent hypoxia-induced enhancement of sociability and working memory associates with CNTNAP2 upregulation. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1155047. [PMID: 37089693 PMCID: PMC10118049 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1155047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionHypoxia is an environmental risk factor for many disorders throughout life. Perinatal hypoxia contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while hypoxic conditions in the elderly facilitate memory deficits. However, the effects of hypoxia on adolescence remains elusive. CNTNAP2 is a critical molecule in ASD pathogenesis with undefined mechanisms. We investigate hypoxia’s impact on adolescence and the underlying mechanism related to CNTNAP2.MethodsThree-chamber social approach test, Y maze, Morris Water Maze and Open Field Test were applied to evaluate behavioral alterations. Immunoblotting, 5′- RACE and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to examine CNTNAP2 protein expression, transcription start site (TSS) of human CNTNAP2 gene and CNTNAP2 promoter activity, respectively.ResultsIntermittent hypoxia treatment improved social behaviors and working memory in adolescent mice. CNTNAP2 was increased in the brains of hypoxia-treated mice. The sequencing results identified the TSS at 518 bp upstream of the translation start site ATG. Hypoxia upregulated CNTNAP2 by interacting with functional hypoxia response elements in CNTNAP2 promoter.ConclusionIntermittent hypoxia enhanced sociability and working memory associated with CNTNAP2 upregulation. Our study provides novel insights into intermittent hypoxia’s impact on development and the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors in ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Center, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lu Xu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiye Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengen Xing
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Cai
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Center, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yili Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yili Wu,
| | - Weihong Song
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Center, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Weihong Song, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-9928-889X
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17
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Mann RS, Allman BL, Schmid S. Developmental changes in electrophysiological properties of auditory cortical neurons in the Cntnap2 knockout rat. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:937-947. [PMID: 36947880 PMCID: PMC10110732 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00029.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruptions in the CNTNAP2 gene are known to cause language impairments and symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Importantly, knocking out this gene in rodents results in ASD-like symptoms that include auditory processing deficits. This study used in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology to examine developmental alterations in auditory cortex pyramidal neurons of Cntnap2-/- rats, hypothesizing that CNTNAP2 is essential for maintaining intrinsic neuronal properties and synaptic wiring in the developing auditory cortex. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were conducted in wildtype and Cntnap2-/- littermates at three postnatal age ranges (P8-12, P18-21, and P70-90). Consistent changes across age were seen in all measures of intrinsic membrane properties and spontaneous synaptic input. Intrinsic cell properties such as action potential half-widths, rheobase, and action-potential firing frequencies were different between wildtype and Cntnap2-/- rats predominantly during the juvenile stage (P18-21), whereas adult Cntnap2-/- rats showed higher frequencies of spontaneous and mini postsynaptic currents (sPSCs; mPSCs), with lower sPSC amplitudes. These results indicate that intrinsic cell properties are altered in Cntnap2-/- rats during the juvenile age, leading to a hyperexcitable phenotype during this stage of synaptic remodeling and refinement. Although intrinsic properties eventually normalize by reaching adulthood, changes in synaptic input, potentially caused by the differences in intrinsic membrane properties, seem to manifest in the adult age and are presumably responsible for the hyperreactive behavioral phenotype. In conjunction with a previous study, the present results also indicate a large influence of breeding scheme, i.e., pre- or postnatal environment, on the impact of Cntnap2 on cellular physiology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that neurons in the auditory cortex of Cntnap2 knockout rats are hyperexcitable only during the juvenile age, whereas resulting changes in synaptic input persist in the adult. In conjunction with a previous study, the present results indicate that it is not the genes alone, but also the influence of pre- and postnatal environment, that shape neuronal function, highlighting the importance of early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkamalpreet S Mann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian L Allman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Zheng A, Scott KE, Schormans AL, Mann R, Allman BL, Schmid S. Differences in Startle and Prepulse Inhibition in Contactin-associated Protein-like 2 Knock-out Rats are Associated with Sex-specific Alterations in Brainstem Neural Activity. Neuroscience 2023; 513:96-110. [PMID: 36708798 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene encodes for the CASPR2 protein, which plays an essential role in neurodevelopment. Mutations in CNTNAP2 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Rats with a loss of function mutation in the Cntnap2 gene show increased acoustic startle response (ASR) and decreased prepulse inhibition (PPI). The neural basis of this altered auditory processing in Cntnap2 knock-out rats is currently unknown. Auditory brainstem recordings previously revealed no differences between the genotypes. The next step is to investigate brainstem structures outside of the primary auditory pathway that mediate ASR and PPI, which are the pontine reticular nucleus (PnC) and pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPTg), respectively. Multi-unit responses from the PnC and PPTg in vivo of the same rats revealed sex-specific effects of loss of CASPR2 expression on PnC activity, but no effects on PPTg activity. Female Cntnap2-/- rats showed considerably increased PnC firing rates compared with female wildtypes, whereas the difference between the genotypes was modest in male rats. In contrast, for both females and males we found meager differences between the genotypes for PPTg firing rates and inhibition of PnC firing rates, indicating that altered firing rates of these brainstem structures are not responsible for decreased PPI in Cntnap2-/- rats. We conclude that the auditory processing changes seen in Cntnap2-/- rats are associated with, but cannot be fully explained by, differences in PnC firing rates, and that a loss of function mutation in the Cntnap2 gene has differential effects depending on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Zheng
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaela E Scott
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley L Schormans
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Rajkamalpreet Mann
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian L Allman
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
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19
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He LN, Chen S, Yang Q, Wu Z, Lao ZK, Tang CF, Song JJ, Liu XD, Lu J, Xu XH, Chen JJ, Xu TL, Sun S, Xu NJ. EphB2-dependent prefrontal cortex activation promotes long-range social approach and partner responsiveness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219952120. [PMID: 36802416 PMCID: PMC9992767 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219952120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Social behavior starts with dynamic approach prior to the final consummation. The flexible processes ensure mutual feedback across social brains to transmit signals. However, how the brain responds to the initial social stimuli precisely to elicit timed behaviors remains elusive. Here, by using real-time calcium recording, we identify the abnormalities of EphB2 mutant with autism-associated Q858X mutation in processing long-range approach and accurate activity of prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). The EphB2-dependent dmPFC activation precedes the behavioral onset and is actively associated with subsequent social action with the partner. Furthermore, we find that partner dmPFC activity is responsive coordinately to the approaching WT mouse rather than Q858X mutant mouse, and the social defects caused by the mutation are rescued by synchro-optogenetic activation in dmPFC of paired social partners. These results thus reveal that EphB2 sustains neuronal activation in the dmPFC that is essential for the proactive modulation of social approach to initial social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na He
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Si Chen
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
| | - Zheng-Kai Lao
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Chang-Fei Tang
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Song
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
| | - Xian-Dong Liu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200025, China
| | - Jiangteng Lu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
| | - Suya Sun
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200025, China
| | - Nan-Jie Xu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200062, China
- Songjiang Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai201699, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200025, China
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20
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Wick ZC, Philipsberg PA, Lamsifer SI, Kohler C, Katanov E, Feng Y, Humphrey C, Shuman T. Manipulating single-unit theta phase-locking with PhaSER: An open-source tool for real-time phase estimation and manipulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.21.529420. [PMID: 36865324 PMCID: PMC9980125 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.21.529420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The precise timing of neuronal spiking relative to the brain's endogenous oscillations (i.e., phase-locking or spike-phase coupling) has long been hypothesized to coordinate cognitive processes and maintain excitatory-inhibitory homeostasis. Indeed, disruptions in theta phase-locking have been described in models of neurological diseases with associated cognitive deficits and seizures, such as Alzheimer's disease, temporal lobe epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorders. However, due to technical limitations, determining if phase-locking causally contributes to these disease phenotypes has not been possible until recently. To fill this gap and allow for the flexible manipulation of single-unit phase-locking to on-going endogenous oscillations, we developed PhaSER, an open-source tool that allows for phase-specific manipulations. PhaSER can deliver optogenetic stimulation at defined phases of theta in order to shift the preferred firing phase of neurons relative to theta in real-time. Here, we describe and validate this tool in a subpopulation of inhibitory neurons that express somatostatin (SOM) in the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the dorsal hippocampus. We show that PhaSER is able to accurately deliver a photo-manipulation that activates opsin+ SOM neurons at specified phases of theta in real-time in awake, behaving mice. Further, we show that this manipulation is sufficient to alter the preferred firing phase of opsin+ SOM neurons without altering the referenced theta power or phase. All software and hardware requirements to implement real-time phase manipulations during behavior are available online (https://github.com/ShumanLab/PhaSER).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cassidy Kohler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY
- New York University, New York NY
| | - Elizabeth Katanov
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY
- Hunter College, CUNY, New York NY
| | - Yu Feng
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY
| | - Corin Humphrey
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY
- Hunter College, CUNY, New York NY
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21
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Robust odor identification in novel olfactory environments in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:673. [PMID: 36781878 PMCID: PMC9925783 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36346-x] [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: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Relevant odors signaling food, mates, or predators can be masked by unpredictable mixtures of less relevant background odors. Here, we developed a mouse behavioral paradigm to test the role played by the novelty of the background odors. During the task, mice identified target odors in previously learned background odors and were challenged by catch trials with novel background odors, a task similar to visual CAPTCHA. Female wild-type (WT) mice could accurately identify known targets in novel background odors. WT mice performance was higher than linear classifiers and the nearest neighbor classifier trained using olfactory bulb glomerular activation patterns. Performance was more consistent with an odor deconvolution method. We also used our task to investigate the performance of female Cntnap2-/- mice, which show some autism-like behaviors. Cntnap2-/- mice had glomerular activation patterns similar to WT mice and matched WT mice target detection for known background odors. However, Cntnap2-/- mice performance fell almost to chance levels in the presence of novel backgrounds. Our findings suggest that mice use a robust algorithm for detecting odors in novel environments and this computation is impaired in Cntnap2-/- mice.
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22
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Cifuentes-Diaz C, Canali G, Garcia M, Druart M, Manett T, Savariradjane M, Guillaume C, Le Magueresse C, Goutebroze L. Differential impacts of Cntnap2 heterozygosity and Cntnap2 null homozygosity on axon and myelinated fiber development in mouse. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1100121. [PMID: 36793543 PMCID: PMC9922869 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1100121] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, a large variety of alterations of the Contactin Associated Protein 2 (CNTNAP2) gene, encoding Caspr2, have been identified in several neuronal disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders and peripheral neuropathies. Some of these alterations are homozygous but most are heterozygous, and one of the current challenges is to estimate to what extent they could affect the functions of Caspr2 and contribute to the development of these pathologies. Notably, it is not known whether the disruption of a single CNTNAP2 allele could be sufficient to perturb the functions of Caspr2. To get insights into this issue, we questioned whether Cntnap2 heterozygosity and Cntnap2 null homozygosity in mice could both impact, either similarly or differentially, some specific functions of Caspr2 during development and in adulthood. We focused on yet poorly explored functions of Caspr2 in axon development and myelination, and performed a morphological study from embryonic day E17.5 to adulthood of two major brain interhemispheric myelinated tracts, the anterior commissure (AC) and the corpus callosum (CC), comparing wild-type (WT), Cntnap2 -/- and Cntnap2 +/- mice. We also looked for myelinated fiber abnormalities in the sciatic nerves of mutant mice. Our work revealed that Caspr2 controls the morphology of the CC and AC throughout development, axon diameter at early developmental stages, cortical neuron intrinsic excitability at the onset of myelination, and axon diameter and myelin thickness at later developmental stages. Changes in axon diameter, myelin thickness and node of Ranvier morphology were also detected in the sciatic nerves of the mutant mice. Importantly, most of the parameters analyzed were affected in Cntnap2 +/- mice, either specifically, more severely, or oppositely as compared to Cntnap2 -/- mice. In addition, Cntnap2 +/- mice, but not Cntnap2 -/- mice, showed motor/coordination deficits in the grid-walking test. Thus, our observations show that both Cntnap2 heterozygosity and Cntnap2 null homozygosity impact axon and central and peripheral myelinated fiber development, but in a differential manner. This is a first step indicating that CNTNAP2 alterations could lead to a multiplicity of phenotypes in humans, and raising the need to evaluate the impact of Cntnap2 heterozygosity on the other neurodevelopmental functions of Caspr2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Cifuentes-Diaz
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Giorgia Canali
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Marta Garcia
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Druart
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Taylor Manett
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Mythili Savariradjane
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Camille Guillaume
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Corentin Le Magueresse
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Goutebroze
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France,*Correspondence: Laurence Goutebroze,
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23
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Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in autism spectrum disorder revealed through an integrative multi-omics analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:810-821. [PMID: 36253443 PMCID: PMC9908544 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients present with core symptoms of social communication impairment, restricted interest, and repetitive behaviors. Although various studies have been performed to identify ASD-related mechanisms, ASD pathology is still poorly understood. CNTNAP2 genetic variants have been found that represent ASD genetic risk factors, and disruption of Cntnap2 expression has been associated with ASD phenotypes in mice. In this study, we performed an integrative multi-omics analysis by combining quantitative proteometabolomic data obtained with Cntnap2 knockout (KO) mice with multi-omics data obtained from ASD patients and forebrain organoids to elucidate Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in ASD. To this end, a mass spectrometry-based proteometabolomic analysis of the medial prefrontal cortex in Cntnap2 KO mice led to the identification of Cntnap2-associated molecular features, and these features were assessed in combination with multi-omics data obtained on the prefrontal cortex in ASD patients to identify bona fide ASD cellular processes. Furthermore, a reanalysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data obtained from forebrain organoids derived from patients with CNTNAP2-associated ASD revealed that the aforementioned identified ASD processes were mainly linked to excitatory neurons. On the basis of these data, we constructed Cntnap2-associated ASD network models showing mitochondrial dysfunction, axonal impairment, and synaptic activity. Our results may shed light on the Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in ASD.
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24
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Walsh JJ, Christoffel DJ, Malenka RC. Neural circuits regulating prosocial behaviors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:79-89. [PMID: 35701550 PMCID: PMC9700801 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01348-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Positive, prosocial interactions are essential for survival, development, and well-being. These intricate and complex behaviors are mediated by an amalgamation of neural circuit mechanisms working in concert. Impairments in prosocial behaviors, which occur in a large number of neuropsychiatric disorders, result from disruption of the coordinated activity of these neural circuits. In this review, we focus our discussion on recent findings that utilize modern approaches in rodents to map, monitor, and manipulate neural circuits implicated in a variety of prosocial behaviors. We highlight how modulation by oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in specific brain regions is critical for regulation of adaptive prosocial interactions. We then describe how recent findings have helped elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the social deficits that accompany neuropsychiatric disorders. We conclude by discussing approaches for the development of more efficacious and targeted therapeutic interventions to ameliorate aberrant prosocial behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Walsh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| | - Daniel J Christoffel
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Robert C Malenka
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA.
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25
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Günther A, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Neuronal oscillations: early biomarkers of psychiatric disease? Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1038981. [PMID: 36600993 PMCID: PMC9806131 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1038981] [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: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the environmental and genetic factors contributing to the wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders has significantly increased in recent years. Impairment of neuronal network activity during early development has been suggested as a contributor to the emergence of neuropsychiatric pathologies later in life. Still, the neurobiological substrates underlying these disorders remain yet to be fully understood and the lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis has impeded research into curative treatment options. Here, we briefly review current knowledge on potential biomarkers for emerging neuropsychiatric disease. Moreover, we summarize recent findings on aberrant activity patterns in the context of psychiatric disease, with a particular focus on their potential as early biomarkers of neuropathologies, an essential step towards pre-symptomatic diagnosis and, thus, early intervention.
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26
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Ma X, Li L, Li Z, Huang Z, Yang Y, Liu P, Guo D, Li Y, Wu T, Luo R, Xu J, Ye W, Jiang B, Shi L. eEF2 in the prefrontal cortex promotes excitatory synaptic transmission and social novelty behavior. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54543. [PMID: 35993189 PMCID: PMC9535807 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of mRNA translation is essential for brain development and function. Translation elongation factor eEF2 acts as a molecular hub orchestrating various synaptic signals to protein synthesis control and participates in hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions. However, whether eEF2 regulates other behaviors in different brain regions has been unknown. Here, we construct a line of Eef2 heterozygous (HET) mice, which show a reduction in eEF2 and protein synthesis mainly in excitatory neurons of the prefrontal cortex. The mice also show lower spine density, reduced excitability, and AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). While HET mice exhibit normal learning and memory, they show defective social behavior and elevated anxiety. Knockdown of Eef2 in excitatory neurons of the mPFC specifically is sufficient to impair social novelty preference. Either chemogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in the mPFC or mPFC local infusion of the AMPAR potentiator PF-4778574 corrects the social novelty deficit of HET mice. Collectively, we identify a novel role for eEF2 in promoting prefrontal AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission underlying social novelty behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyue Ma
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Liuren Li
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ziming Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhengyi Huang
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaorong Yang
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Peng Liu
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Clinical Neuroscience InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yueyao Li
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tianying Wu
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ruixiang Luo
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation of the Children's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Wen‐Cai Ye
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
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27
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Adult re-expression of IRSp53 rescues NMDA receptor function and social behavior in IRSp53-mutant mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:838. [PMID: 35982261 PMCID: PMC9388611 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
IRSp53 (or BAIAP2) is an abundant excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding/adaptor protein that is involved in actin regulation and has been implicated in autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. IRSp53 deletion in mice leads to enhanced NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function and social deficits that are responsive to NMDAR inhibition. However, it remains unclear whether IRSp53 re-expression in the adult IRSp53-mutant mouse brain after the completion of brain development could reverse these synaptic and behavioral dysfunctions. Here we employed a brain-blood barrier (BBB)-penetrant adeno-associated virus (AAV) known as PHP.eB to drive adult IRSp53 re-expression in IRSp53-mutant mice. The adult IRSp53 re-expression normalized social deficits without affecting hyperactivity or anxiety-like behavior. In addition, adult IRSp53 re-expression normalized NMDAR-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex. Our results suggest that adult IRSp53 re-expression can normalize synaptic and behavioral deficits in IRSp53-mutant mice and that BBB-penetrant adult gene re-expression has therapeutic potential.
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Rahdar M, Hajisoltani R, Davoudi S, Karimi SA, Borjkhani M, Khatibi VA, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Alterations in the intrinsic discharge activity of CA1 pyramidal neurons associated with possible changes in the NADPH diaphorase activity in a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Brain Res 2022; 1792:148013. [PMID: 35841982 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sensory abnormalities, social skills impairment and cognitive deficits. Although recent evidence indicated that induction of autism-like behavior in animal models causes abnormal neuronal excitability, the impact of autism on neuronal properties is still an important issue. Thus, new findings at the cellular level may shed light on the pathophysiology of autism and may help to find effective treatment strategies. Here, we investigated the behavioral, electrophysiological and histochemical impacts of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in rats. Findings revealed that VPA exposure caused a significant increase in the hot plate response latency. The novel object recognition ability was also impaired in VPA-exposed rats. Along with these behavioral alterations, neurons from VPA-exposed animals exhibited altered excitability features in response to depolarizing current injections relative to control neurons. In the VPA-exposed group, these changes consisted of a significant increase in the amplitude, evoked firing frequency and the steady-state standard deviation of spike timing of action potentials (APs). Moreover, the half-width, the AHP amplitude and the decay time constant of APs were significantly decreased in this group. These changes in the evoked electrophysiological properties were accompanied by intrinsic hyperexcitability and lower spike-frequency adaptation and also a significant increase in the number of NADPH-diaphorase stained neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of the VPA-exposed rats. Taken together, findings demonstrate that abnormal nociception and recognition memory is associated with alterations in the neuronal responsiveness and nitrergic system in a rat model of autism-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Hajisoltani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Borjkhani
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran
| | - Vahid Ahli Khatibi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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29
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Genetics of autism spectrum disorder: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:249. [PMID: 35705542 PMCID: PMC9200752 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a large epidemiological and societal impact worldwide. To date, numerous studies have investigated the associations between genetic variants and ASD risk. To provide a robust synthesis of published evidence of candidate gene studies for ASD, we performed an umbrella review (UR) of meta-analyses of genetic studies for ASD (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021221868). We systematically searched eight English and Chinese databases from inception to March 31, 2022. Reviewing of eligibility, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two authors. In total, 28 of 5062 retrieved articles were analyzed, which investigated a combined 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of nine candidate genes. Overall, 12 significant SNPs of CNTNAP2, MTHFR, OXTR, SLC25A12, and VDR were identified, of which associations with suggestive evidence included the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR (under allelic, dominant, and heterozygote models) and the rs731236 polymorphism of VDR (under allelic and homozygote models). Associations with weak evidence included the rs2710102 polymorphism of CNTNAP2 (under allelic, homozygote, and recessive models), the rs7794745 polymorphism of CNTNAP2 (under dominant and heterozygote models), the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR (under homozygote model), and the rs731236 polymorphism of VDR (under dominant and recessive models). Our UR summarizes research evidence on the genetics of ASD and provides a broad and detailed overview of risk genes for ASD. The rs2710102 and rs7794745 polymorphisms of CNTNAP2, C677T polymorphism of MTHFR, and rs731236 polymorphism of VDR may confer ASD risks. This study will provide clinicians and healthcare decision-makers with evidence-based information about the most salient candidate genes relevant to ASD and recommendations for future treatment, prevention, and research.
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30
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Mohapatra AN, Netser S, Wagner S. Modular Electrode Array for Multi-site Extracellular Recordings from Brains of Freely Moving Rodents. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e399. [PMID: 35536117 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Multi-site extracellular recordings from awake, freely moving rodents are an insightful technique that allows deduction of the dynamics of neural activity within a network of brain regions. Multiple advances in the design and materials of recording setups are available in the literature. However, most of these designs require several skill sets to assemble the electrodes and are expensive. Here, we explain in detail a custom design to build a multi-site (16 sites) electrode array (EA) and record extracellular electrical signals (local field potential and multi-unit spiking activity) at variable depths in freely behaving rodents. This EA weighs ∼3.0 g and costs less than $30. It provides mesoscopic neural activity maps (at millimeter scale) at low spatial resolution, thus enabling the experimenting group to further target specific regions with more expensive high-density probes at the resolution of an individual neuron. The article outlines the processes of building and implanting the array and recording neural activity during a behavior task. We also highlight the limitations of our design and the necessary steps to troubleshoot common issues faced during the initial implementation of the protocols. Finally, we explain the specific data one would obtain while using the probes during social interactions between rodents. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of the electrode array Basic Protocol 2: Surgical implantation of the electrode array Basic Protocol 3: Recording of neural activity from the electrode array while a mouse performs social investigation of a novel conspecific Basic Protocol 4: Histology and electrode registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Nath Mohapatra
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Nisar S, Bhat AA, Masoodi T, Hashem S, Akhtar S, Ali TA, Amjad S, Chawla S, Bagga P, Frenneaux MP, Reddy R, Fakhro K, Haris M. Genetics of glutamate and its receptors in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2380-2392. [PMID: 35296811 PMCID: PMC9135628 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01506-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment characterized by deficits in social interaction skills, impaired communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors that are thought to be due to altered neurotransmission processes. The amino acid glutamate is an essential excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain that regulates cognitive functions such as learning and memory, which are usually impaired in ASD. Over the last several years, increasing evidence from genetics, neuroimaging, protein expression, and animal model studies supporting the notion of altered glutamate metabolism has heightened the interest in evaluating glutamatergic dysfunction in ASD. Numerous pharmacological, behavioral, and imaging studies have demonstrated the imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, thus revealing the involvement of the glutamatergic system in ASD pathology. Here, we review the effects of genetic alterations on glutamate and its receptors in ASD and the role of non-invasive imaging modalities in detecting these changes. We also highlight the potential therapeutic targets associated with impaired glutamatergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tayyiba Akbar Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Amjad
- Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, 276001, India
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Michael P Frenneaux
- Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Laboratory of Animal Research, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Theta and gamma oscillatory dynamics in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease: A path to prospective therapeutic intervention. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104628. [PMID: 35331816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neural basis of cognitive deficits, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is imperative for achieving the therapy of the disease. Rhythmic oscillatory activities in neural systems are a fundamental mechanism for diverse brain functions, including cognition. In several neurological conditions like AD, aberrant neural oscillations have been shown to play a central role. Furthermore, manipulation of brain oscillations in animals has confirmed their impact on cognition and disease. In this article, we review the evidence from mouse models that shows how synchronized oscillatory activity is intricately linked to AD machinery. We primarily focus on recent reports showing abnormal oscillatory activities at theta and gamma frequencies in AD condition and their influence on cellular disturbances and cognitive impairments. A thorough comprehension of the role that neuronal oscillations play in AD pathology should pave the way to therapeutic interventions that can curb the disease.
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Balasco L, Pagani M, Pangrazzi L, Chelini G, Viscido F, Chama AGC, Galbusera A, Provenzano G, Gozzi A, Bozzi Y. Somatosensory cortex hyperconnectivity and impaired whisker-dependent responses in Cntnap2 -/- mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 169:105742. [PMID: 35483565 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities are a common feature in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Tactile responsiveness is altered in autistic individuals, with hypo-responsiveness being associated with the severity of ASD core symptoms. Similarly, sensory abnormalities have been described in mice lacking ASD-associated genes. Loss-of-function mutations in CNTNAP2 result in cortical dysplasia-focal epilepsy syndrome (CDFE) and autism. Likewise, Cntnap2-/- mice show epilepsy and deficits relevant with core symptoms of human ASDs, and are considered a reliable model to study ASDs. Altered synaptic transmission and synchronicity found in the cerebral cortex of Cntnap2-/- mice would suggest a network dysfunction. Here, we investigated the neural substrates of whisker-dependent responses in Cntnap2+/+ and Cntnap2-/- adult mice. When compared to controls, Cntnap2-/- mice showed focal hyper-connectivity within the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), in the absence of altered connectivity between S1 and other somatosensory areas. This data suggests the presence of impaired somatosensory processing in these mutants. Accordingly, Cntnap2-/- mice displayed impaired whisker-dependent discrimination in the textured novel object recognition test (tNORT) and increased c-fos mRNA induction within S1 following whisker stimulation. S1 functional hyperconnectivity might underlie the aberrant whisker-dependent responses observed in Cntnap2-/- mice, indicating that Cntnap2 mice are a reliable model to investigate sensory abnormalities that characterize ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Balasco
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Luca Pangrazzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Francesca Viscido
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy; CNR Neuroscience Institute, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Park G, Jeon SJ, Ko IO, Park JH, Lee KC, Kim MS, Shin CY, Kim H, Lee YS. Decreased in vivo glutamate/GABA ratio correlates with the social behavior deficit in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Brain 2022; 15:19. [PMID: 35183218 PMCID: PMC8858545 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00904-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers have sought biomarkers whose alterations correlate with the susceptibility to ASD. However, biomarkers closely related to the pathophysiology of ASD are lacking. Even though excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance has been suggested as an underlying mechanism of ASD, few studies have investigated the actual ratio of glutamate (Glu) to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in vivo. Moreover, there are controversies in the directions of E/I ratio alterations even in extensively studied ASD animal models. Here, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 9.4T, we found significant differences in the levels of different metabolites or their ratios in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of Cntnap2−/− mice compared to their wild-type littermates. The Glu/GABA ratio, N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/total creatine (tCr) ratio, and tCr level in the prefrontal cortex were significantly different in Cntnap2−/− mice compared to those in wild-type mice, and they significantly correlated with the sociability of mice. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses indicated high specificity and selectivity of these metabolites in discriminating genotypes. These results suggest that the lowered Glu/GABA ratio in the prefrontal cortex along with the changes in the other metabolites might contribute to the social behavior deficit in Cntnap2−/− mice. Our results also demonstrate the utility of 1H-MRS in investigating the underlying mechanisms or the diagnosis of ASD.
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35
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Markopoulos A, Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Evaluating the Potential Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:749068. [PMID: 35177979 PMCID: PMC8846292 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.749068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence points towards empathogenic and prosocial effects elicited by psychedelic compounds, notably the serotonin 5-HT2A agonists lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and their derivatives. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for some of the behavioural traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical social behaviour. In this review, we highlight evidence suggesting that psychedelics may potentially ameliorate some of the behavioural atypicalities of ASD, including reduced social behaviour and highly co-occurring anxiety and depression. Next, we discuss dysregulated neurobiological systems in ASD and how they may underlie or potentially limit the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. These phenomena include: 1) synaptic function, 2) serotonergic signaling, 3) prefrontal cortex activity, and 4) thalamocortical signaling. Lastly, we discuss clinical studies from the 1960s and 70s that assessed the use of psychedelics in the treatment of children with ASD. We highlight the positive behavioural outcomes of these studies, including enhanced mood and social behaviour, as well as the adverse effects of these trials, including increases in aggressive behaviour and dissociative and psychotic states. Despite preliminary evidence, further studies are needed to determine whether the benefits of psychedelic treatment in ASD outweigh the risks associated with the use of these compounds in this population, and if the 5-HT2A receptor may represent a target for social-behavioural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Markopoulos
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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36
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Zhao H, Mao X, Zhu C, Zou X, Peng F, Yang W, Li B, Li G, Ge T, Cui R. GABAergic System Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:781327. [PMID: 35198562 PMCID: PMC8858939 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.781327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a series of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by two hallmark symptoms, social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission is critical for the regulation of brain rhythm and spontaneous neuronal activities during neurodevelopment. Genetic evidence has identified some variations of genes associated with the GABA system, indicating an abnormal excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission ratio implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which GABA and GABAergic synaptic transmission affect ASD remains unclear. Transgenic technology enables translating genetic variations into rodent models to further investigate the structural and functional synaptic dysregulation related to ASD. In this review, we summarized evidence from human neuroimaging, postmortem, and genetic and pharmacological studies, and put emphasis on the GABAergic synaptic dysregulation and consequent E/I imbalance. We attempt to illuminate the pathophysiological role of structural and functional synaptic dysregulation in ASD and provide insights for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ranji Cui
- *Correspondence: Tongtong Ge, ; Ranji Cui,
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37
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St George-Hyslop F, Kivisild T, Livesey FJ. The role of contactin-associated protein-like 2 in neurodevelopmental disease and human cerebral cortex evolution. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1017144. [PMID: 36340692 PMCID: PMC9630569 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1017144] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene is associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and specific language impairment (SLI). Experimental work has shown that CNTNAP2 is important for neuronal development and synapse formation. There is also accumulating evidence for the differential use of CNTNAP2 in the human cerebral cortex compared with other primates. Here, we review the current literature on CNTNAP2, including what is known about its expression, disease associations, and molecular/cellular functions. We also review the evidence for its role in human brain evolution, such as the presence of eight human accelerated regions (HARs) within the introns of the gene. While progress has been made in understanding the function(s) of CNTNAP2, more work is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms through which CNTNAP2 acts. Such information will be crucial for developing effective treatments for CNTNAP2 patients. It may also shed light on the longstanding question of what makes us human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances St George-Hyslop
- Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Toomas Kivisild
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick J Livesey
- Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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38
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Yan Z, Rein B. Mechanisms of synaptic transmission dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex: pathophysiological implications. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:445-465. [PMID: 33875802 PMCID: PMC8523584 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) serves as the chief executive officer of the brain, controlling the highest level cognitive and emotional processes. Its local circuits among glutamatergic principal neurons and GABAergic interneurons, as well as its long-range connections with other brain regions, have been functionally linked to specific behaviors, ranging from working memory to reward seeking. The efficacy of synaptic signaling in the PFC network is profundedly influenced by monoaminergic inputs via the activation of dopamine, adrenergic, or serotonin receptors. Stress hormones and neuropeptides also exert complex effects on the synaptic structure and function of PFC neurons. Dysregulation of PFC synaptic transmission is strongly linked to social deficits, affective disturbance, and memory loss in brain disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Critical neural circuits, biological pathways, and molecular players that go awry in these mental illnesses have been revealed by integrated electrophysiological, optogenetic, biochemical, and transcriptomic studies of PFC. Novel epigenetic mechanism-based strategies are proposed as potential avenues of therapeutic intervention for PFC-involved diseases. This review provides an overview of PFC network organization and synaptic modulation, as well as the mechanisms linking PFC dysfunction to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Insights from the preclinical studies offer the potential for discovering new medical treatments for human patients with these brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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39
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Contractor A, Ethell IM, Portera-Cailliau C. Cortical interneurons in autism. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1648-1659. [PMID: 34848882 PMCID: PMC9798607 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The mechanistic underpinnings of autism remain a subject of debate and controversy. Why do individuals with autism share an overlapping set of atypical behaviors and symptoms, despite having different genetic and environmental risk factors? A major challenge in developing new therapies for autism has been the inability to identify convergent neural phenotypes that could explain the common set of symptoms that result in the diagnosis. Although no striking macroscopic neuropathological changes have been identified in autism, there is growing evidence that inhibitory interneurons (INs) play an important role in its neural basis. In this Review, we evaluate and interpret this evidence, focusing on recent findings showing reduced density and activity of the parvalbumin class of INs. We discuss the need for additional studies that investigate how genes and the environment interact to change the developmental trajectory of INs, permanently altering their numbers, connectivity and circuit engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Contractor
- Department of Neuroscience Feinberg School of Medicine, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, UC Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Portera-Cailliau
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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40
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Paterno R, Marafiga JR, Ramsay H, Li T, Salvati KA, Baraban SC. Hippocampal gamma and sharp-wave ripple oscillations are altered in a Cntnap2 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109970. [PMID: 34758298 PMCID: PMC8783641 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired synaptic neurotransmission may underly circuit alterations contributing to behavioral autism spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotypes. A critical component of impairments reported in somatosensory and prefrontal cortex of ASD mouse models are parvalbumin (PV)-expressing fast-spiking interneurons. However, it remains unknown whether PV interneurons mediating hippocampal networks crucial to navigation and memory processing are similarly impaired. Using PV-labeled transgenic mice, a battery of behavioral assays, in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology, and in vivo 32-channel silicon probe local field potential recordings, we address this question in a Cntnap2-null mutant mouse model representing a human ASD risk factor gene. Cntnap2-/- mice show a reduction in hippocampal PV interneuron density, reduced inhibitory input to CA1 pyramidal cells, deficits in spatial discrimination ability, and frequency-dependent circuit changes within the hippocampus, including alterations in gamma oscillations, sharp-wave ripples, and theta-gamma modulation. Our findings highlight hippocampal involvement in ASD and implicate interneurons as a potential therapeutical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Paterno
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Joseane Righes Marafiga
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Harrison Ramsay
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tina Li
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kathryn A Salvati
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Scott C Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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41
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Adil KJ, Gonzales EL, Remonde CG, Boo KJ, Jeon SJ, Shin CY. Autism-Like Behavioral Phenotypes in Mice Treated with Systemic N-Methyl-D-Aspartate. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 30:232-237. [PMID: 34702791 PMCID: PMC9047488 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) having core characteristics of social interaction problems and repetitive behaviors and interests affects individuals at varying degrees and comorbidities, making it difficult to determine the precise etiology underlying the symptoms. Given its heterogeneity, ASD is difficult to treat and the development of therapeutics is slow due to the scarcity of animal models that are easy to produce and screen with. Based on the theory of excitation/inhibition imbalance in the brain with ASD which involves glutamatergic and/or GABAergic neurotransmission, a pharmacologic agent to modulate these receptors might be a good starting point for modeling. N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) is an amino acid derivative acting as a specific agonist at the NMDA receptor and therefore imitates the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate on that receptor. In contrast to glutamate, NMDA selectively binds to and regulates the NMDA receptor, but not other glutamate receptors such as AMPA and kainite receptors. Given this role, we aimed to determine whether NMDA administration could result in autistic-like behavior in adolescent mice. Both male and female mice were treated with saline or NMDA (50 and 75 mg/kg) and were tested on various behavior experiments. Interestingly, acute NMDA-treated mice showed social deficits and repetitive behavior similar to ASD phenotypes. These results support the excitation/inhibition imbalance theory of ASD and that NMDA injection can be used as a pharmacologic model of ASD-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keremkleroo Jym Adil
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chilly Gay Remonde
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jun Boo
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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42
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Pagani M, Barsotti N, Bertero A, Trakoshis S, Ulysse L, Locarno A, Miseviciute I, De Felice A, Canella C, Supekar K, Galbusera A, Menon V, Tonini R, Deco G, Lombardo MV, Pasqualetti M, Gozzi A. mTOR-related synaptic pathology causes autism spectrum disorder-associated functional hyperconnectivity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6084. [PMID: 34667149 PMCID: PMC8526836 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26131-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem studies have revealed increased density of excitatory synapses in the brains of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a putative link to aberrant mTOR-dependent synaptic pruning. ASD is also characterized by atypical macroscale functional connectivity as measured with resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI). These observations raise the question of whether excess of synapses causes aberrant functional connectivity in ASD. Using rsfMRI, electrophysiology and in silico modelling in Tsc2 haploinsufficient mice, we show that mTOR-dependent increased spine density is associated with ASD -like stereotypies and cortico-striatal hyperconnectivity. These deficits are completely rescued by pharmacological inhibition of mTOR. Notably, we further demonstrate that children with idiopathic ASD exhibit analogous cortical-striatal hyperconnectivity, and document that this connectivity fingerprint is enriched for ASD-dysregulated genes interacting with mTOR or Tsc2. Finally, we show that the identified transcriptomic signature is predominantly expressed in a subset of children with autism, thereby defining a segregable autism subtype. Our findings causally link mTOR-related synaptic pathology to large-scale network aberrations, revealing a unifying multi-scale framework that mechanistically reconciles developmental synaptopathy and functional hyperconnectivity in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Autism Center, Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Noemi Barsotti
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bertero
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stavros Trakoshis
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Laura Ulysse
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Locarno
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Ieva Miseviciute
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia De Felice
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Carola Canella
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Tonini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Gustavo Deco
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de la Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael V Lombardo
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
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Saber M, Ortiz JB, Rojas Valencia LM, Ma X, Tallent BR, Adelson PD, Rowe RK, Qiu S, Lifshitz J. Mice Born to Mothers with Gravida Traumatic Brain Injury Have Distorted Brain Circuitry and Altered Immune Responses. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2862-2880. [PMID: 34155930 PMCID: PMC8820287 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) increases risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Physical assaults increase in frequency and intensity during pregnancy. The consequences of TBI during pregnancy (gravida TBI; gTBI) on offspring development is unknown, for which stress and inflammation during pregnancy worsen fetal developmental outcomes. We hypothesized that gTBI would lead to increased anxiety- and depression-related behavior, altered inflammatory responses and gut pathology, and distorted brain circuitry in mixed-sex offspring compared to mice born to control mothers. Pregnant dams received either diffuse TBI or sham injury (control) 12 days post-coitum. We found that male gTBI offspring were principal drivers of the gTBI effects on health, physiology, and behavior. For example, male, but not female, gTBI offspring weighed significantly less at weaning compared to male control offspring. At post-natal day (PND) 28, gTBI offspring had significantly weaker intralaminar connectivity onto layer 5 pre-frontal pyramidal neurons compared to control offspring. Neurological performance on anxiety-like behaviors was decreased, with only marginal differences in depressive-like behaviors, for gTBI offspring compared to control offspring. At PND42 and PND58, circulating neutrophil and monocyte populations were significantly smaller in gTBI male offspring than control male offspring. In response to a subsequent inflammatory challenge at PND75, gTBI offspring had significantly smaller circulating neutrophil populations than control offspring. Anxiety-like behaviors persisted during the immune challenge in gTBI offspring. However, spleen immune response and gut histology showed no significant differences between groups. The results compel further studies to determine the full extent of gTBI on fetal and maternal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Saber
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - J. Bryce Ortiz
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Luisa M. Rojas Valencia
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Bret R. Tallent
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - P. David Adelson
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Rachel K. Rowe
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Scala M, Anijs M, Battini R, Madia F, Capra V, Scudieri P, Verrotti A, Zara F, Minetti C, Vernes SC, Striano P. Hyperkinetic stereotyped movements in a boy with biallelic CNTNAP2 variants. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:208. [PMID: 34641913 PMCID: PMC8507175 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous variants in CNTNAP2 have been implicated in a wide range of neurological phenotypes, including intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and impaired language. However, heterozygous variants can also be found in unaffected individuals. Biallelic CNTNAP2 variants are rarer and cause a well-defined genetic syndrome known as CASPR2 deficiency disorder, a condition characterised by ID, early-onset refractory epilepsy, language impairment, and autistic features. Case-report A 7-year-old boy presented with hyperkinetic stereotyped movements that started during early infancy and persisted over childhood. Abnormal movements consisted of rhythmic and repetitive shaking of the four limbs, with evident stereotypic features. Additional clinical features included ID, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ASD, and speech impairment, consistent with CASPR2 deficiency disorder. Whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization detected a maternally inherited 0.402 Mb duplication, which involved intron 1, exon 2, and intron 2 of CNTNAP2 (c.97 +?_209-?dup). The affected region in intron 1 contains a binding site for the transcription factor FOXP2, potentially leading to abnormal CNTNAP2 expression regulation. Sanger sequencing of the coding region of CNTNAP2 also identified a paternally-inherited missense variant c.2752C > T, p.(Leu918Phe). Conclusion This case expands the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of CASPR2 deficiency disorder, suggesting that Hyperkinetic stereotyped movements may be a rare, yet significant, clinical feature of this complex neurological disorder. Furthermore, the identification of an in-frame, largely non-coding duplication in CNTNAP2 points to a sophisticated underlying molecular mechanism, likely involving impaired FOXP2 binding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-021-01162-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Midas Anijs
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Federico Zara
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK. .,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy. .,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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45
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Lee E, Lee S, Shin JJ, Choi W, Chung C, Lee S, Kim J, Ha S, Kim R, Yoo T, Yoo YE, Kim J, Noh YW, Rhim I, Lee SY, Kim W, Lee T, Shin H, Cho IJ, Deisseroth K, Kim SJ, Park JM, Jung MW, Paik SB, Kim E. Excitatory synapses and gap junctions cooperate to improve Pv neuronal burst firing and cortical social cognition in Shank2-mutant mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5116. [PMID: 34433814 PMCID: PMC8387434 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and GABA neuronal dysfunctions are observed in animal models of autism spectrum disorders, but how these dysfunctions impair social cognition and behavior remains unclear. We report here that NMDARs in cortical parvalbumin (Pv)-positive interneurons cooperate with gap junctions to promote high-frequency (>80 Hz) Pv neuronal burst firing and social cognition. Shank2–/– mice, displaying improved sociability upon NMDAR activation, show impaired cortical social representation and inhibitory neuronal burst firing. Cortical Shank2–/– Pv neurons show decreased NMDAR activity, which suppresses the cooperation between NMDARs and gap junctions (GJs) for normal burst firing. Shank2–/– Pv neurons show compensatory increases in GJ activity that are not sufficient for social rescue. However, optogenetic boosting of Pv neuronal bursts, requiring GJs, rescues cortical social cognition in Shank2–/– mice, similar to the NMDAR-dependent social rescue. Therefore, NMDARs and gap junctions cooperate to promote cortical Pv neuronal bursts and social cognition. How NMDAR and GABA neuronal dysfunctions result in impaired social behaviour is unclear. Here, the authors show that NMDARs and gap junctions in cortical PV interneurons modulate burst firing, affecting social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunee Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungjoon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jae Jin Shin
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, College of Natural Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Woochul Choi
- Program of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Changuk Chung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Suho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seungmin Ha
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ryunhee Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Taesun Yoo
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ye-Eun Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jisoo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Young Woo Noh
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Issac Rhim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Woohyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Taekyung Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyogeun Shin
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea
| | - Il-Joo Cho
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sang Jeong Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Min Park
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea.
| | - Min Whan Jung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea. .,Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea.
| | - Se-Bum Paik
- Program of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea.
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Korea. .,Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea.
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Lee S, Kang H, Jung H, Kim E, Lee E. Gene Dosage- and Age-Dependent Differential Transcriptomic Changes in the Prefrontal Cortex of Shank2-Mutant Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:683196. [PMID: 34177464 PMCID: PMC8226033 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.683196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank2 is an abundant postsynaptic scaffolding protein that is known to regulate excitatory synapse assembly and synaptic transmission and has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies on Shank2-mutant mice provided mechanistic insights into their autistic-like phenotypes, but it remains unclear how transcriptomic patterns are changed in brain regions of the mutant mice in age- and gene dosage-dependent manners. To this end, we performed RNA-Seq analyses of the transcripts from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of heterozygous and homozygous Shank2-mutant mice lacking exons 6 and 7 at juvenile (week 3) and adult (week 12) stages. Juvenile heterozygous Shank2-mutant mice showed upregulation of glutamate synapse-related genes, downregulation of ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, and transcriptomic changes that are opposite to those observed in ASD (anti-ASD) such as upregulation of ASD_down (downregulated in ASD), GABA neuron-related, and oligodendrocyte-related genes. Juvenile homozygous Shank2 mice showed upregulation of chromatin-related genes and transcriptomic changes that are in line with those occurring in ASD (pro-ASD) such as downregulation of ASD_down, GABA neuron-related, and oligodendrocyte-related genes. Adult heterozygous and homozygous Shank2-mutant mice both exhibited downregulation of ribosomal and mitochondrial genes and pro-ASD transcriptomic changes. Therefore, the gene dosage- and age-dependent effects of Shank2 deletions in mice include differential transcriptomic changes across distinct functional contexts, including synapses, chromatin, ribosomes, mitochondria, GABA neurons, and oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjoon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, KISTI, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hwajin Jung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunee Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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Del Rosario J, Speed A, Arrowood H, Motz C, Pardue M, Haider B. Diminished Cortical Excitation and Elevated Inhibition During Perceptual Impairments in a Mouse Model of Autism. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3462-3474. [PMID: 33677512 PMCID: PMC8525192 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory impairments are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These impairments affect visual perception and have been hypothesized to arise from imbalances in cortical excitatory and inhibitory activity. There is conflicting evidence for this hypothesis from several recent studies of transgenic mouse models of ASD; crucially, none have measured activity from identified excitatory and inhibitory neurons during simultaneous impairments of sensory perception. Here, we directly recorded putative excitatory and inhibitory population spiking in primary visual cortex (V1) while simultaneously measuring visual perceptual behavior in CNTNAP2-/- knockout (KO) mice. We observed quantitative impairments in the speed, accuracy, and contrast sensitivity of visual perception in KO mice. During these perceptual impairments, stimuli evoked more firing of inhibitory neurons and less firing of excitatory neurons, with reduced neural sensitivity to contrast. In addition, pervasive 3-10 Hz oscillations in superficial cortical layers 2/3 (L2/3) of KO mice degraded predictions of behavioral performance from neural activity. Our findings show that perceptual deficits relevant to ASD may be associated with elevated cortical inhibitory activity along with diminished and aberrant excitatory population activity in L2/3, a major source of feedforward projections to higher cortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Del Rosario
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Anderson Speed
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Hayley Arrowood
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Cara Motz
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Machelle Pardue
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Bilal Haider
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms in autism spectrum disorder and language impairment among Bangladeshi children: a case-control study combined with a meta-analysis. Hum Cell 2021; 34:1410-1423. [PMID: 33950402 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication deficits, impaired social interactions, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors with restricted interests, and connected with the interaction between environmental factors and genetic vulnerability. CNTNAP2 gene has been extensively investigated for ASD and related neurodevelopment diseases. However, previous studies have resulted in an inconsistent outcome. Based on this fact, we conducted a case-control study followed by a meta-analysis to investigate the association of rs7794745 and rs2710102 polymorphisms with ASD. A total of 216 autistic children and 240 healthy volunteers were recruited, and genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. We observed that SNP rs7794745 revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) increased association with the development of ASD in children in all genetic models. No significant association was found for rs2710102 with ASD. Besides, rs2710102 exhibited a significant association with language impairment in TC genotype, C allele, and dominant model. From the meta-analysis of both SNPs, we found a significant association in codominant 1, 2, and the dominant model of rs2710102 and codominant 1 and dominant model of rs7794745 with ASD. Our case-control study suggests that rs7794745 polymorphism is associated with ASD, while rs2710102 is correlated with language impairment. Moreover, meta-analysis results indicated the association between both rs7794745 and rs2710102 polymorphisms and ASD.
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Klune CB, Jin B, DeNardo LA. Linking mPFC circuit maturation to the developmental regulation of emotional memory and cognitive flexibility. eLife 2021; 10:e64567. [PMID: 33949949 PMCID: PMC8099425 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and its abundant connections with other brain regions play key roles in memory, cognition, decision making, social behaviors, and mood. Dysfunction in mPFC is implicated in psychiatric disorders in which these behaviors go awry. The prolonged maturation of mPFC likely enables complex behaviors to emerge, but also increases their vulnerability to disruption. Many foundational studies have characterized either mPFC synaptic or behavioral development without establishing connections between them. Here, we review this rich body of literature, aligning major events in mPFC development with the maturation of complex behaviors. We focus on emotional memory and cognitive flexibility, and highlight new work linking mPFC circuit disruption to alterations of these behaviors in disease models. We advance new hypotheses about the causal connections between mPFC synaptic development and behavioral maturation and propose research strategies to establish an integrated understanding of neural architecture and behavioral repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra B Klune
- Physiology Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
| | - Benita Jin
- Physiology Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
| | - Laura A DeNardo
- Physiology Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
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Buffington SA, Dooling SW, Sgritta M, Noecker C, Murillo OD, Felice DF, Turnbaugh PJ, Costa-Mattioli M. Dissecting the contribution of host genetics and the microbiome in complex behaviors. Cell 2021; 184:1740-1756.e16. [PMID: 33705688 PMCID: PMC8996745 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The core symptoms of many neurological disorders have traditionally been thought to be caused by genetic variants affecting brain development and function. However, the gut microbiome, another important source of variation, can also influence specific behaviors. Thus, it is critical to unravel the contributions of host genetic variation, the microbiome, and their interactions to complex behaviors. Unexpectedly, we discovered that different maladaptive behaviors are interdependently regulated by the microbiome and host genes in the Cntnap2-/- model for neurodevelopmental disorders. The hyperactivity phenotype of Cntnap2-/- mice is caused by host genetics, whereas the social-behavior phenotype is mediated by the gut microbiome. Interestingly, specific microbial intervention selectively rescued the social deficits in Cntnap2-/- mice through upregulation of metabolites in the tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis pathway. Our findings that behavioral abnormalities could have distinct origins (host genetic versus microbial) may change the way we think about neurological disorders and how to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly A Buffington
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sean W Dooling
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martina Sgritta
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cecilia Noecker
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Oscar D Murillo
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniela F Felice
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peter J Turnbaugh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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