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Xue J, Zhu Y, Pan Y, Huang H, Wei L, Peng Y, Xi H, Zhou S, Wu H, Gu Z, Huang W, Wang H, Duan R. Strategic Implementation of Fragile X Carrier Screening in China: A Focused Pilot Study. J Mol Diagn 2024; 26:897-905. [PMID: 39032823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Female premutation carriers exhibit no obvious symptoms during reproductive age, but the premutation allele can expand to full mutation when transmitted to the fetus. Given the relatively low prevalence but large population, the distinct health care system, the middle-income economic status, and low awareness among public and medical professionals, the optimal genetic screening strategy remains unknown. We conducted a pilot study of Fragile X carrier screening in China, involving 22,245 pregnant women and women with childbearing intentions, divided into control and pilot groups. The prevalence of Fragile X carriers in the control group was 1 of 850, similar to East Asian populations. Strikingly, the prevalence of Fragile X carriers in the pilot group was 1 of 356, which can be attributed to extensive medical training, participant education, and rigorous genetic counseling and testing protocols. Cost-effectiveness analyses of four strategies-no screening, population-based screening, targeted screening, and our pilot screening-indicated that our pilot screening was the most cost-effective option. A follow-up survey revealed that 55% of respondents reported undergoing screening because of their family history. We have successfully established a standardized system, addressing the challenges of low prevalence, limited awareness, and genetic testing complexities. Our study provides practical recommendations for implementing Fragile X carrier screening in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xue
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingbao Zhu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongjing Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liyi Wei
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Xi
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shihao Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongliang Wu
- Yueyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yueyang, China
| | - Zhenxiang Gu
- Huaihua Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, Huaihua, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Ranhui Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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2
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Lorenzon N, Musoles-Lleó J, Turrisi F, Gomis-González M, De La Torre R, Dierssen M. State-of-the-art therapy for Down syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36692980 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, an important effort was made in the field of Down syndrome to find new interventions that improve cognition. These therapies have added to the traditional symptomatic treatments and to the drugs for treating Alzheimer disease in the general population repurposed for Down syndrome. Defining next-generation therapeutics will involve biomarker-based therapeutic decision-making, and preventive and multimodal interventions. However, translation of specific findings into effective therapeutic strategies has been disappointingly slow and has failed in many cases at the clinical level, leading to reduced credibility of mouse studies. This is aggravated by a tendency to favour large-magnitude effects and highly significant findings, leading to high expectations but also to a biased view of the complex pathophysiology of Down syndrome. Here, we review some of the most recent and promising strategies for ameliorating the cognitive state of individuals with Down syndrome. We studied the landscape of preclinical and clinical studies and conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles published between June 2012 and August 2022 on therapies for ameliorating cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome. We critically assess current therapeutic approaches, why therapies fail in clinical trials in Down syndrome, and what could be the path forward. We discuss some intrinsic difficulties for translational research, and the need for a framework that improves the detection of drug efficacy to avoid discarding compounds too early from the companies' pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lorenzon
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juanluis Musoles-Lleó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federica Turrisi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Gomis-González
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael De La Torre
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Duchon A, del Mar Muñiz Moreno M, Chevalier C, Nalesso V, Andre P, Fructuoso-Castellar M, Mondino M, Po C, Noblet V, Birling MC, Potier MC, Herault Y. Ts66Yah, a mouse model of Down syndrome with improved construct and face validity. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:282398. [PMID: 36374158 PMCID: PMC9789398 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). The understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships, the identification of driver genes and various proofs of concept for therapeutics have benefited from mouse models. The premier model, named Ts(1716)65Dn/J (Ts65Dn), displayed phenotypes related to human DS features. It carries an additional minichromosome with the Mir155 to Zbtb21 region of mouse chromosome 16, homologous to Hsa21, encompassing around 90 genes, fused to the centromeric part of mouse chromosome 17 from Pisd-ps2/Scaf8 to Pde10a, containing 46 genes not related to Hsa21. Here, we report the investigation of a new model, Ts66Yah, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 without the genomic region unrelated to Hsa21 on the minichromosome. As expected, Ts66Yah replicated DS cognitive features. However, certain phenotypes related to increased activity, spatial learning and molecular signatures were changed, suggesting genetic interactions between the Mir155-Zbtb21 and Scaf8-Pde10a intervals. Thus, Ts66Yah mice have stronger construct and face validity than Ts65Dn mice for mimicking consequences of DS genetic overdosage. Furthermore, this study is the first to demonstrate genetic interactions between triplicated regions homologous to Hsa21 and others unrelated to Hsa21. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Duchon
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Maria del Mar Muñiz Moreno
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Claire Chevalier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Valérie Nalesso
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Philippe Andre
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marta Fructuoso-Castellar
- Paris Brain Institute ICM, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1127, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7225, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mary Mondino
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chrystelle Po
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Noblet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Christine Birling
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- Paris Brain Institute ICM, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1127, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7225, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France,Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France,Author for correspondence ()
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Susco SG, Ghosh S, Mazzucato P, Angelini G, Beccard A, Barrera V, Berryer MH, Messana A, Lam D, Hazelbaker DZ, Barrett LE. Molecular convergence between Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome identified using human pluripotent stem cell models. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111312. [PMID: 36070702 PMCID: PMC9465809 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), driven by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (HSA21), and fragile X syndrome (FXS), driven by loss of the RNA-binding protein FMRP, are two common genetic causes of intellectual disability and autism. Based upon the number of DS-implicated transcripts bound by FMRP, we hypothesize that DS and FXS may share underlying mechanisms. Comparing DS and FXS human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) and glutamatergic neuron models, we identify increased protein expression of select targets and overlapping transcriptional perturbations. Moreover, acute upregulation of endogenous FMRP in DS patient cells using CRISPRa is sufficient to significantly reduce expression levels of candidate proteins and reverse 40% of global transcriptional perturbations. These results pinpoint specific molecular perturbations shared between DS and FXS that can be leveraged as a strategy for target prioritization; they also provide evidence for the functional relevance of previous associations between FMRP targets and disease-implicated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Susco
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sulagna Ghosh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Patrizia Mazzucato
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gabriella Angelini
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Amanda Beccard
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Victor Barrera
- Bioinformatics Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Martin H Berryer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Angelica Messana
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daisy Lam
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dane Z Hazelbaker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lindy E Barrett
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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5
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Dakwar-Kawar O, Berger I, Barzilay S, Grossman ES, Cohen Kadosh R, Nahum M. Examining the Effect of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and Cognitive Training on Processing Speed in Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:791478. [PMID: 35966992 PMCID: PMC9363890 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.791478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveProcessing Speed (PS), the ability to perceive and react fast to stimuli in the environment, has been shown to be impaired in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it is unclear whether PS can be improved following targeted treatments for ADHD. Here we examined potential changes in PS following application of transcranial electric stimulation (tES) combined with cognitive training (CT) in children with ADHD. Specifically, we examined changes in PS in the presence of different conditions of mental fatigue.MethodsWe used a randomized double-blind active-controlled crossover study of 19 unmedicated children with ADHD. Participants received either anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) or transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), while completing CT, and the administration order was counterbalanced. PS was assessed before and after treatment using the MOXO-CPT, which measures PS in the presence of various conditions of mental fatigue and cognitive load.ResultstRNS combined with CT yielded larger improvements in PS compared to tDCS combined with CT, mainly under condition of increased mental fatigue. Further improvements in PS were also seen in a 1-week follow up testing.ConclusionThis study provides initial support for the efficacy of tRNS combined with CT in improving PS in the presence of mental fatigue in pediatric ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Dakwar-Kawar
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itai Berger
- Pediatric Neurology, Assuta-Ashdod University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Snir Barzilay
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ephraim S. Grossman
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roi Cohen Kadosh
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Mor Nahum
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- *Correspondence: Mor Nahum,
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McNeill RV, Ziegler GC, Radtke F, Nieberler M, Lesch KP, Kittel-Schneider S. Mental health dished up-the use of iPSC models in neuropsychiatric research. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:1547-1568. [PMID: 32377792 PMCID: PMC7578166 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and molecular mechanisms that play a causal role in mental illnesses are challenging to elucidate, particularly as there is a lack of relevant in vitro and in vivo models. However, the advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has provided researchers with a novel toolbox. We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA statement. A PubMed and Web of Science online search was performed (studies published between 2006–2020) using the following search strategy: hiPSC OR iPSC OR iPS OR stem cells AND schizophrenia disorder OR personality disorder OR antisocial personality disorder OR psychopathy OR bipolar disorder OR major depressive disorder OR obsessive compulsive disorder OR anxiety disorder OR substance use disorder OR alcohol use disorder OR nicotine use disorder OR opioid use disorder OR eating disorder OR anorexia nervosa OR attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder OR gaming disorder. Using the above search criteria, a total of 3515 studies were found. After screening, a final total of 56 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in our study. Using iPSC technology, psychiatric disease can be studied in the context of a patient’s own unique genetic background. This has allowed great strides to be made into uncovering the etiology of psychiatric disease, as well as providing a unique paradigm for drug testing. However, there is a lack of data for certain psychiatric disorders and several limitations to present iPSC-based studies, leading us to discuss how this field may progress in the next years to increase its utility in the battle to understand psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon V McNeill
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Georg C Ziegler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Radtke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Nieberler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Kittel-Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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7
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Chiotto AMA, Migliorero M, Pallavicini G, Bianchi FT, Gai M, Di Cunto F, Berto GE. Neuronal Cell-Intrinsic Defects in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1081. [PMID: 31649502 PMCID: PMC6795679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID). Excitatory neurons of DS patients and mouse models show decreased size of dendritic field and reduction of spine density. Whether these defects are caused by cell autonomous alterations or by abnormal multicellular circuitry is still unknown. In this work, we explored this issue by culturing cortical neurons obtained from two mouse models of DS: the widely used Ts65Dn and the less characterized Ts2Cje. We observed that, in the in vitro conditions, axon specification and elongation, as well as dendritogenesis, take place without evident abnormalities, indicating that the initial phases of neuronal differentiation do not suffer from the presence of an imbalanced genetic dosage. Conversely, our analysis highlighted differences between trisomic and euploid neurons in terms of reduction of spine density, in accordance with in vivo data obtained by other groups, proposing the presence of a cell-intrinsic malfunction. This work suggests that the characteristic morphological defects of DS neurons are likely to be caused by the possible combination of cell-intrinsic defects together with cell-extrinsic cues. Additionally, our data support the possibility of using the more sustainable line Ts2Cje as a standard model for the study of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Maria Adelaide Chiotto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Migliorero
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gaia Elena Berto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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8
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Lauterborn JC, Schultz MN, Le AA, Amani M, Friedman AE, Leach PT, Gall CM, Lynch GS, Crawley JN. Spaced training improves learning in Ts65Dn and Ube3a mouse models of intellectual disabilities. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:166. [PMID: 31182707 PMCID: PMC6557858 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits of distributed learning strategies have been extensively described in the human literature, but minimally investigated in intellectual disability syndromes. We tested the hypothesis that training trials spaced apart in time could improve learning in two distinct genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual impairments. As compared to training with massed trials, spaced training significantly improved learning in both the Ts65Dn trisomy mouse model of Down syndrome and the maternally inherited Ube3a mutant mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Spacing the training trials at 1 h intervals accelerated acquisition of three cognitive tasks by Ts65Dn mice: (1) object location memory, (2) novel object recognition, (3) water maze spatial learning. Further, (4) spaced training improved water maze spatial learning by Ube3a mice. In contrast, (5) cerebellar-mediated rotarod motor learning was not improved by spaced training. Corroborations in three assays, conducted in two model systems, replicated within and across two laboratories, confirm the strength of the findings. Our results indicate strong translational relevance of a behavioral intervention strategy for improving the standard of care in treating the learning difficulties that are characteristic and clinically intractable features of many neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M N Schultz
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - A A Le
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M Amani
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - A E Friedman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - C M Gall
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - G S Lynch
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - J N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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9
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Franceschi C, Garagnani P, Gensous N, Bacalini MG, Conte M, Salvioli S. Accelerated bio-cognitive aging in Down syndrome: State of the art and possible deceleration strategies. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12903. [PMID: 30768754 PMCID: PMC6516152 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) has been proposed by George Martin as a segmental progeroid syndrome since 1978. In fact, DS persons suffer from several age-associated disorders much earlier than euploid persons. Furthermore, a series of recent studies have found that DS persons display elevated levels of age biomarkers, thus supporting the notion that DS is a progeroid trait. Nowadays, due to the progressive advancements in social inclusion processes and medical assistance, DS persons live much longer than in the past; therefore, the early-onset health problems of these persons are becoming an urgent and largely unmet social and medical burden. In particular, the most important ailment of DS persons is the accelerated cognitive decline that starts when they reach about 40 years of age. This decline can be at least in part counteracted by multi-systemic approaches including early-onset cognitive training, physical activity, and psychosocial assistance. However, no pharmacological treatment is approved to counteract this decline. According to the most advanced conceptualization of Geroscience, tackling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the aging process should be a smart/feasible strategy to combat and/or delay the great majority of age-related diseases, including cognitive decline. We think that a debate is needed urgently on if (and how) this strategy could be integrated in protocols to face DS-associated dementia and overall unhealthy aging. In particular we propose that, on the basis of data obtained in different clinical settings, metformin is a promising candidate that could be exploited to counteract cognitive decline in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Franceschi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny NovgorodNizhny NovgorodRussia
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaBolognaItaly
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska Institutet at Huddinge University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Applied Biomedical Research Center (CRBA)S. Orsola‐Malpighi PolyclinicBolognaItaly
- CNR Institute of Molecular GeneticsUnit of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Noémie Gensous
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | | | - Maria Conte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaBolognaItaly
- Interdepartmental Center “L. Galvani” (CIG)University of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaBolognaItaly
- Interdepartmental Center “L. Galvani” (CIG)University of BolognaBolognaItaly
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Hagerman R, Tuchman R. Turning the tide on targeted treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurology 2019; 92:741-742. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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11
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Best Practices in Fragile X Syndrome Treatment Development. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8120224. [PMID: 30558274 PMCID: PMC6315698 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8120224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies using animal models of fragile X syndrome have yielded several agents that rescue a wide variety of phenotypes. However, translation of these treatments to humans with the disorder has not yet been successful, shedding light on a variety of limitations with both animal models and human trial design. As members of the Clinical Trials Committee of the National Fragile X Foundation, we have discussed a variety of recommendations at the level of preclinical development, transition from preclinical to human projects, family involvement, and multi-site trial planning. Our recommendations are made with the vision that effective new treatment will lie at the intersection of innovation, rigorous and reproducible research, and stakeholder involvement.
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