1
|
Sekerková G, Kilic S, Cheng YH, Fredrick N, Osmani A, Kim H, Opal P, Martina M. Phenotypical, genotypical and pathological characterization of the moonwalker mouse, a model of ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106492. [PMID: 38575093 PMCID: PMC11089908 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106492] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a comprehensive study of the morphological, functional, and genetic features of moonwalker (MWK) mice, a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia caused by a gain of function of the TRPC3 channel. These mice show numerous behavioral symptoms including tremor, altered gait, circling behavior, impaired motor coordination, impaired motor learning and decreased limb strength. Cerebellar pathology is characterized by early and almost complete loss of unipolar brush cells as well as slowly progressive, moderate loss of Purkinje cell (PCs). Structural damage also includes loss of synaptic contacts from parallel fibers, swollen ER structures, and degenerating axons. Interestingly, no obvious correlation was observed between PC loss and severity of the symptoms, as the phenotype stabilizes around 2 months of age, while the cerebellar pathology is progressive. This is probably due to the fact that PC function is severely impaired much earlier than the appearance of PC loss. Indeed, PC firing is already impaired in 3 weeks old mice. An interesting feature of the MWK pathology that still remains to be explained consists in a strong lobule selectivity of the PC loss, which is puzzling considering that TRPC is expressed in every PC. Intriguingly, genetic analysis of MWK cerebella shows, among other alterations, changes in the expression of both apoptosis inducing and resistance factors possibly suggesting that damaged PCs initiate specific cellular pathways that protect them from overt cell loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Sekerková
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Sumeyra Kilic
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yen-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Natalie Fredrick
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Anne Osmani
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Haram Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marco Martina
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van der Heijden ME, Brown AM, Kizek DJ, Sillitoe RV. Cerebellar nuclei cells produce distinct pathogenic spike signatures in mouse models of ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.07.539767. [PMID: 37214855 PMCID: PMC10197583 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.07.539767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum contributes to a diverse array of motor conditions including ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The neural substrates that encode this diversity are unclear. Here, we tested whether the neural spike activity of cerebellar output neurons is distinct between movement disorders with different impairments, generalizable across movement disorders with similar impairments, and capable of causing distinct movement impairments. Using in vivo awake recordings as input data, we trained a supervised classifier model to differentiate the spike parameters between mouse models for ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The classifier model correctly assigned mouse phenotypes based on single neuron signatures. Spike signatures were shared across etiologically distinct but phenotypically similar disease models. Mimicking these pathophysiological spike signatures with optogenetics induced the predicted motor impairments in otherwise healthy mice. These data show that distinct spike signatures promote the behavioral presentation of cerebellar diseases.
Collapse
|
3
|
van der Heijden ME, Sillitoe RV. Cerebellar dysfunction in rodent models with dystonia, tremor, and ataxia. DYSTONIA 2023; 2:11515. [PMID: 38105800 PMCID: PMC10722573 DOI: 10.3389/dyst.2023.11515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary co- or over-contractions of the muscles, which results in abnormal postures and movements. These symptoms arise from the pathophysiology of a brain-wide dystonia network. There is mounting evidence suggesting that the cerebellum is a central node in this network. For example, manipulations that target the cerebellum cause dystonic symptoms in mice, and cerebellar neuromodulation reduces these symptoms. Although numerous findings provide insight into dystonia pathophysiology, they also raise further questions. Namely, how does cerebellar pathophysiology cause the diverse motor abnormalities in dystonia, tremor, and ataxia? Here, we describe recent work in rodents showing that distinct cerebellar circuit abnormalities could define different disorders and we discuss potential mechanisms that determine the behavioral presentation of cerebellar diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike E. van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rey Hipolito AG, van der Heijden ME, Sillitoe RV. Physiology of Dystonia: Animal Studies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 169:163-215. [PMID: 37482392 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia is currently ranked as the third most prevalent motor disorder. It is typically characterized by involuntary muscle over- or co-contractions that can cause painful abnormal postures and jerky movements. Dystonia is a heterogenous disorder-across patients, dystonic symptoms vary in their severity, body distribution, temporal pattern, onset, and progression. There are also a growing number of genes that are associated with hereditary dystonia. In addition, multiple brain regions are associated with dystonic symptoms in both genetic and sporadic forms of the disease. The heterogeneity of dystonia has made it difficult to fully understand its underlying pathophysiology. However, the use of animal models has been used to uncover the complex circuit mechanisms that lead to dystonic behaviors. Here, we summarize findings from animal models harboring mutations in dystonia-associated genes and phenotypic animal models with overt dystonic motor signs resulting from spontaneous mutations, neural circuit perturbations, or pharmacological manipulations. Taken together, an emerging picture depicts dystonia as a result of brain-wide network dysfunction driven by basal ganglia and cerebellar dysfunction. In the basal ganglia, changes in dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic signaling are found across different animal models. In the cerebellum, abnormal burst firing activity is observed in multiple dystonia models. We are now beginning to unveil the extent to which these structures mechanistically interact with each other. Such mechanisms inspire the use of pre-clinical animal models that will be used to design new therapies including drug treatments and brain stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro G Rey Hipolito
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang YH, Lee MT, Hsueh HY, Knutson DE, Cook J, Mihovilovic MD, Sieghart W, Chiou LC. Cerebellar α6GABA A Receptors as a Therapeutic Target for Essential Tremor: Proof-of-Concept Study with Ethanol and Pyrazoloquinolinones. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:399-418. [PMID: 36696034 PMCID: PMC10121996 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol has been shown to suppress essential tremor (ET) in patients at low-to-moderate doses, but its mechanism(s) of action remain unknown. One of the ET hypotheses attributes the ET tremorgenesis to the over-activated firing of inferior olivary neurons, causing synchronic rhythmic firings of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Purkinje cells, however, also receive excitatory inputs from granule cells where the α6 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α6GABAARs) are abundantly expressed. Since ethanol is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α6GABAARs, such action may mediate its anti-tremor effect. Employing the harmaline-induced ET model in male ICR mice, we evaluated the possible anti-tremor effects of ethanol and α6GABAAR-selective pyrazoloquinolinone PAMs. The burrowing activity, an indicator of well-being in rodents, was measured concurrently. Ethanol significantly and dose-dependently attenuated action tremor at non-sedative doses (0.4-2.4 g/kg, i.p.). Propranolol and α6GABAAR-selective pyrazoloquinolinones also significantly suppressed tremor activity. Neither ethanol nor propranolol, but only pyrazoloquinolinones, restored burrowing activity in harmaline-treated mice. Importantly, intra-cerebellar micro-injection of furosemide (an α6GABAAR antagonist) had a trend of blocking the effect of pyrazoloquinolinone Compound 6 or ethanol on harmaline-induced tremor. In addition, the anti-tremor effects of Compound 6 and ethanol were synergistic. These results suggest that low doses of ethanol and α6GABAAR-selective PAMs can attenuate action tremor, at least partially by modulating cerebellar α6GABAARs. Thus, α6GABAARs are potential therapeutic targets for ET, and α6GABAAR-selective PAMs may be a potential mono- or add-on therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
| | - Han-Yun Hsueh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - James Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | | | - Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown AM, Lackey EP, Salazar Leon LE, Rey Hipolito AG, Beckinghausen J, Lin T, Sillitoe RV. Electromyography as a Method for Distinguishing Dystonia in Mice. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 31:71-91. [PMID: 37338697 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26220-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Electromyography (EMG) methods allow quantitative analyses of motor function. The techniques include intramuscular recordings that are performed in vivo. However, recording muscle activity in freely moving mice, particularly in models of motor disease, often creates challenges that prevent the acquisition of clean signals. Recording preparations must be stable enough for the experimenter to collect an adequate number of signals for statistical analyses. Instability results in a low signal-to-noise ratio that prohibits proper isolation of EMG signals from the target muscle during the behavior of interest. Such insufficient isolation prevents the analysis of full electrical potential waveforms. In this case, resolving the shape of a waveform to differentiate individual spikes and bursts of muscle activity can be difficult. A common source of instability is an inadequate surgery. Poor surgical techniques cause blood loss, tissue damage, poor healing, encumbered movement, and unstable implantation of the electrodes. Here, we describe an optimized surgical procedure that ensures electrode stability for in vivo muscle recordings. We implement our technique to obtain recordings from agonist and antagonist muscle pairs in the hindlimbs of freely moving adult mice. We validate the stability of our method by holding EMG recordings during dystonic behavior. Our approach is ideal for studying normal and abnormal motor function in actively behaving mice and valuable for recording intramuscular activity when considerable motion is expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luis E Salazar Leon
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro G Rey Hipolito
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaclyn Beckinghausen
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou J, Van der Heijden ME, Salazar Leon LE, Lin T, Miterko LN, Kizek DJ, Perez RM, Pavešković M, Brown AM, Sillitoe RV. Propranolol Modulates Cerebellar Circuit Activity and Reduces Tremor. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233889. [PMID: 36497147 PMCID: PMC9740691 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremor is the most common movement disorder. Several drugs reduce tremor severity, but no cures are available. Propranolol, a β-adrenergic receptor blocker, is the leading treatment for tremor. However, the in vivo circuit mechanisms by which propranolol decreases tremor remain unclear. Here, we test whether propranolol modulates activity in the cerebellum, a key node in the tremor network. We investigated the effects of propranolol in healthy control mice and Car8wdl/wdl mice, which exhibit pathophysiological tremor and ataxia due to cerebellar dysfunction. Propranolol reduced physiological tremor in control mice and reduced pathophysiological tremor in Car8wdl/wdl mice to control levels. Open field and footprinting assays showed that propranolol did not correct ataxia in Car8wdl/wdl mice. In vivo recordings in awake mice revealed that propranolol modulates the spiking activity of control and Car8wdl/wdl Purkinje cells. Recordings in cerebellar nuclei neurons, the targets of Purkinje cells, also revealed altered activity in propranolol-treated control and Car8wdl/wdl mice. Next, we tested whether propranolol reduces tremor through β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors. Propranolol did not change tremor amplitude or cerebellar nuclei activity in β1 and β2 null mice or Car8wdl/wdl mice lacking β1 and β2 receptor function. These data show that propranolol can modulate cerebellar circuit activity through β-adrenergic receptors and may contribute to tremor therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Meike E. Van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luis E. Salazar Leon
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren N. Miterko
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dominic J. Kizek
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ross M. Perez
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Matea Pavešković
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amanda M. Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-832-824-8913
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van der Heijden ME, Brown AM, Sillitoe RV. Influence of data sampling methods on the representation of neural spiking activity in vivo. iScience 2022; 25:105429. [PMID: 36388953 PMCID: PMC9641233 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo single-unit recordings distinguish the basal spiking properties of neurons in different experimental settings and disease states. Here, we examined over 300 spike trains recorded from Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei neurons to test whether data sampling approaches influence the extraction of rich descriptors of firing properties. Our analyses included neurons recorded in awake and anesthetized control mice, and disease models of ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. We find that recording duration circumscribes overall representations of firing rate and pattern. Notably, shorter recording durations skew estimates for global firing rate variability toward lower values. We also find that only some populations of neurons in the same mouse are more similar to each other than to neurons recorded in different mice. These data reveal that recording duration and approach are primary considerations when interpreting task-independent single neuron firing properties. If not accounted for, group differences may be concealed or exaggerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike E. van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amanda M. Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brown AM, van der Heijden ME, Jinnah HA, Sillitoe RV. Cerebellar Dysfunction as a Source of Dystonic Phenotypes in Mice. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022:10.1007/s12311-022-01441-0. [PMID: 35821365 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01441-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is now a substantial amount of compelling evidence demonstrating that the cerebellum may be a central locus in dystonia pathogenesis. Studies using spontaneous genetic mutations in rats and mice, engineered genetic alleles in mice, shRNA knockdown in mice, and conditional genetic silencing of fast neurotransmission in mice have all uncovered a common set of behavioral and electrophysiological defects that point to cerebellar cortical and cerebellar nuclei dysfunction as a source of dystonic phenotypes. Here, we revisit the Ptf1aCre/+;Vglut2flox/flox mutant mouse to define fundamental phenotypes and measures that are valuable for testing the cellular, circuit, and behavioral mechanisms that drive dystonia. In this model, excitatory neurotransmission from climbing fibers is genetically eliminated and, as a consequence, Purkinje cell and cerebellar nuclei firing are altered in vivo, with a prominent and lasting irregular burst pattern of spike activity in cerebellar nuclei neurons. The resulting impact on behavior is that the mice have developmental abnormalities, including twisting of the limbs and torso. These behaviors continue into adulthood along with a tremor, which can be measured with a tremor monitor or EMG. Importantly, expression of dystonic behavior is reduced upon cerebellar-targeted deep brain stimulation. The presence of specific combinations of disease-like features and therapeutic responses could reveal the causative mechanisms of different types of dystonia and related conditions. Ultimately, an emerging theme places cerebellar dysfunction at the center of a broader dystonia brain network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - H A Jinnah
- Departments of Neurology, Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
van der Heijden ME, Lackey EP, Perez R, Ișleyen FS, Brown AM, Donofrio SG, Lin T, Zoghbi HY, Sillitoe RV. Maturation of Purkinje cell firing properties relies on neurogenesis of excitatory neurons. eLife 2021; 10:e68045. [PMID: 34542409 PMCID: PMC8452305 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants that suffer cerebellar insults often develop motor disorders and cognitive difficulty. Excitatory granule cells, the most numerous neuron type in the brain, are especially vulnerable and likely instigate disease by impairing the function of their targets, the Purkinje cells. Here, we use regional genetic manipulations and in vivo electrophysiology to test whether excitatory neurons establish the firing properties of Purkinje cells during postnatal mouse development. We generated mutant mice that lack the majority of excitatory cerebellar neurons and tracked the structural and functional consequences on Purkinje cells. We reveal that Purkinje cells fail to acquire their typical morphology and connectivity, and that the concomitant transformation of Purkinje cell firing activity does not occur either. We also show that our mutant pups have impaired motor behaviors and vocal skills. These data argue that excitatory cerebellar neurons define the maturation time-window for postnatal Purkinje cell functions and refine cerebellar-dependent behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Ross Perez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Fatma S Ișleyen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Sarah G Donofrio
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Doussau F, Perot JB, Roux MJ, Keime C, Hache A, Piguet F, Novati A, Weber C, Yalcin B, Meziane H, Champy MF, Grandgirard E, Karam A, Messaddeq N, Eisenmann A, Brouillet E, Nguyen HHP, Flament J, Isope P, Trottier Y. SCA7 Mouse Cerebellar Pathology Reveals Preferential Downregulation of Key Purkinje Cell-Identity Genes and Shared Disease Signature with SCA1 and SCA2. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4910-4936. [PMID: 33888607 PMCID: PMC8260160 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1882-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by motor incoordination because of progressive cerebellar degeneration. SCA7 is caused by polyglutamine expansion in ATXN7, a subunit of the transcriptional coactivator SAGA, which harbors histone modification activities. Polyglutamine expansions in specific proteins are also responsible for SCA1-SCA3, SCA6, and SCA17; however, the converging and diverging pathomechanisms remain poorly understood. Using a new SCA7 knock-in mouse, SCA7140Q/5Q, we analyzed gene expression in the cerebellum and assigned gene deregulation to specific cell types using published datasets. Gene deregulation affects all cerebellar cell types, although at variable degree, and correlates with alterations of SAGA-dependent epigenetic marks. Purkinje cells (PCs) are by far the most affected neurons and show reduced expression of 83 cell-type identity genes, including these critical for their spontaneous firing activity and synaptic functions. PC gene downregulation precedes morphologic alterations, pacemaker dysfunction, and motor incoordination. Strikingly, most PC genes downregulated in SCA7 have also decreased expression in SCA1 and SCA2 mice, revealing converging pathomechanisms and a common disease signature involving cGMP-PKG and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways and LTD. Our study thus points out molecular targets for therapeutic development, which may prove beneficial for several SCAs. Furthermore, we show that SCA7140Q/5Q males and females exhibit the major disease features observed in patients, including cerebellar damage, cerebral atrophy, peripheral nerves pathology, and photoreceptor dystrophy, which account for progressive impairment of behavior, motor, and visual functions. SCA7140Q/5Q mice represent an accurate model for the investigation of different aspects of SCA7 pathogenesis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) is one of the several forms of inherited SCAs characterized by cerebellar degeneration because of polyglutamine expansion in specific proteins. The ATXN7 involved in SCA7 is a subunit of SAGA transcriptional coactivator complex. To understand the pathomechanisms of SCA7, we determined the cell type-specific gene deregulation in SCA7 mouse cerebellum. We found that the Purkinje cells are the most affected cerebellar cell type and show downregulation of a large subset of neuronal identity genes, critical for their spontaneous firing and synaptic functions. Strikingly, the same Purkinje cell genes are downregulated in mouse models of two other SCAs. Thus, our work reveals a disease signature shared among several SCAs and uncovers potential molecular targets for their treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Frédéric Doussau
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UPR3212, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Perot
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Michel J Roux
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Celine Keime
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Antoine Hache
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Françoise Piguet
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Ariana Novati
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Chantal Weber
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Hamid Meziane
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Celphedia, Phenomin, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Marie-France Champy
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Celphedia, Phenomin, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Erwan Grandgirard
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Alice Karam
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Nadia Messaddeq
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Aurélie Eisenmann
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Hoa Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Julien Flament
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Philippe Isope
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UPR3212, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hooshmandi M, Truong VT, Fields E, Thomas RE, Wong C, Sharma V, Gantois I, Soriano Roque P, Chalkiadaki K, Wu N, Chakraborty A, Tahmasebi S, Prager-Khoutorsky M, Sonenberg N, Suvrathan A, Watt AJ, Gkogkas CG, Khoutorsky A. 4E-BP2-dependent translation in cerebellar Purkinje cells controls spatial memory but not autism-like behaviors. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109036. [PMID: 33910008 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109036] [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] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that selective activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in the cerebellum by deletion of the mTORC1 upstream repressors TSC1 or phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in Purkinje cells (PCs) causes autism-like features and cognitive deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms by which overactivated mTORC1 in the cerebellum engenders these behaviors remain unknown. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4E-BP2) is a central translational repressor downstream of mTORC1. Here, we show that mice with selective ablation of 4E-BP2 in PCs display a reduced number of PCs, increased regularity of PC action potential firing, and deficits in motor learning. Surprisingly, although spatial memory is impaired in these mice, they exhibit normal social interaction and show no deficits in repetitive behavior. Our data suggest that, downstream of mTORC1/4E-BP2, there are distinct cerebellar mechanisms independently controlling social behavior and memory formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hooshmandi
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Vinh Tai Truong
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Eviatar Fields
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Riya Elizabeth Thomas
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada
| | - Calvin Wong
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Vijendra Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Patricia Soriano Roque
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kleanthi Chalkiadaki
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Neil Wu
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Anindyo Chakraborty
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Soroush Tahmasebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Aparna Suvrathan
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada
| | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Christos G Gkogkas
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Arkady Khoutorsky
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Miterko LN, Lin T, Zhou J, van der Heijden ME, Beckinghausen J, White JJ, Sillitoe RV. Neuromodulation of the cerebellum rescues movement in a mouse model of ataxia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1295. [PMID: 33637754 PMCID: PMC7910465 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, and other movement disorders. Here, we demonstrate the potential benefits of DBS in a model of ataxia by targeting the cerebellum, a major motor center in the brain. We use the Car8 mouse model of hereditary ataxia to test the potential of using cerebellar nuclei DBS plus physical activity to restore movement. While low-frequency cerebellar DBS alone improves Car8 mobility and muscle function, adding skilled exercise to the treatment regimen additionally rescues limb coordination and stepping. Importantly, the gains persist in the absence of further stimulation. Because DBS promotes the most dramatic improvements in mice with early-stage ataxia, we postulated that cerebellar circuit function affects stimulation efficacy. Indeed, genetically eliminating Purkinje cell neurotransmission blocked the ability of DBS to reduce ataxia. These findings may be valuable in devising future DBS strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N. Miterko
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XProgram in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Tao Lin
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Joy Zhou
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Meike E. van der Heijden
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jaclyn Beckinghausen
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Joshua J. White
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XProgram in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.416975.80000 0001 2200 2638Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDevelopment, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Achilly NP, He LJ, Kim OA, Ohmae S, Wojaczynski GJ, Lin T, Sillitoe RV, Medina JF, Zoghbi HY. Deleting Mecp2 from the cerebellum rather than its neuronal subtypes causes a delay in motor learning in mice. eLife 2021; 10:64833. [PMID: 33494858 PMCID: PMC7837679 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a devastating childhood neurological disorder caused by mutations in MECP2. Of the many symptoms, motor deterioration is a significant problem for patients. In mice, deleting Mecp2 from the cortex or basal ganglia causes motor dysfunction, hypoactivity, and tremor, which are abnormalities observed in patients. Little is known about the function of Mecp2 in the cerebellum, a brain region critical for motor function. Here we show that deleting Mecp2 from the cerebellum, but not from its neuronal subtypes, causes a delay in motor learning that is overcome by additional training. We observed irregular firing rates of Purkinje cells and altered heterochromatin architecture within the cerebellum of knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that the motor deficits present in Rett syndrome arise, in part, from cerebellar dysfunction. For Rett syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders, our results highlight the importance of understanding which brain regions contribute to disease phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Achilly
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Ling-Jie He
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Olivia A Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Shogo Ohmae
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | | | - Tao Lin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Javier F Medina
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Objective detection of microtremors in netrin-G2 knockout mice. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 351:109074. [PMID: 33450333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor is the most prevalent movement disorder and is thought to be caused by abnormalities in the cerebellar system; however, its underlying neural mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we found that mice lacking netrin-G2, a cell adhesion molecule which is expressed in neural circuits related to the cerebellar system, exhibited a microtremor resembling an essential tremor. However, it was difficult to quantify microtremors in netrin-G2 KO mice. NEW METHOD We developed a new tremor detector which can quantify the intensity and frequency of a tremor. RESULTS Using this system, we were able to characterize both the microtremors in netrin-G2 KO mice and low-dose harmaline-induced tremors which, to date, had been difficult to detect. Alcohol and anti-tremor drugs, which are effective in decreasing the symptoms of essential tremor in patients, were examined in netrin-G2 KO mice. We found that some drugs lowered the tremor frequency, but had little effect on tremor intensity. Forced swim as a stress stimulus in netrin-G2 KO mice dramatically enhanced tremor symptoms. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS The detection performance even for tremors induced by low-dose harmaline was similar to that in previous studies or more sensitive than the others. CONCLUSIONS Microtremors in netrin-G2 KO mice are reliably and quantitatively detected by our new tremor detection system. We found different effects of medicines and factors between human essential tremors and microtremors in netrin-G2 KO mice, suggesting that the causations, mechanisms, and symptoms of tremors vary and are heterogeneous, and the objective analyses are required.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhou M, Melin MD, Xu W, Südhof TC. Dysfunction of parvalbumin neurons in the cerebellar nuclei produces an action tremor. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:5142-5156. [PMID: 32634124 PMCID: PMC7524475 DOI: 10.1172/jci135802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential tremor is a common brain disorder affecting millions of people, yet the neuronal mechanisms underlying this prevalent disease remain elusive. Here, we showed that conditional deletion of synaptotagmin-2, the fastest Ca2+ sensor for synaptic neurotransmitter release, from parvalbumin neurons in mice caused an action tremor syndrome resembling the core symptom of essential tremor patients. Combining brain region-specific and cell type-specific genetic manipulation methods, we found that deletion of synaptotagmin-2 from excitatory parvalbumin-positive neurons in cerebellar nuclei was sufficient to generate an action tremor. The synaptotagmin-2 deletion converted synchronous into asynchronous neurotransmitter release in projections from cerebellar nuclei neurons onto gigantocellular reticular nucleus neurons, which might produce an action tremor by causing signal oscillations during movement. The tremor was rescued by completely blocking synaptic transmission with tetanus toxin in cerebellar nuclei, which also reversed the tremor phenotype in the traditional harmaline-induced essential tremor model. Using a promising animal model for action tremor, our results thus characterized a synaptic circuit mechanism that may underlie the prevalent essential tremor disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mu Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and
| | | | - Wei Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and
| | - Thomas C. Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Locke TM, Fujita H, Hunker A, Johanson SS, Darvas M, du Lac S, Zweifel LS, Carlson ES. Purkinje Cell-Specific Knockout of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Impairs Cognitive Behaviors. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:228. [PMID: 32848620 PMCID: PMC7403473 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) expression has previously been reported in Purkinje cells (PCs) of rodents and humans, but its role in the regulation of behavior is not understood. Catecholamines are well known for facilitating cognitive behaviors and are expressed in many regions of the brain. Here, we investigated a possible role in cognitive behaviors of PC catecholamines, by mapping and testing functional roles of Th positive PCs in mice. Comprehensive mapping analyses revealed a distinct population of Th expressing PCs primarily in the posterior and lateral regions of the cerebellum (comprising about 18% of all PCs). To identify the role of PC catecholamines, we selectively knocked out Th in PCs using a conditional knockout approach, by crossing a Purkinje cell-selective Cre recombinase line, Pcp2-Cre, with a floxed tyrosine hydroxylase mouse line (Thlox/lox) to produce Pcp2-Cre;Thlox/lox mice. This manipulation resulted in approximately 50% reduction of Th protein expression in the cerebellar cortex and lateral cerebellar nucleus, but no reduction of Th in the locus coeruleus, which is known to innervate the cerebellum in mice. Pcp2-Cre;Thlox/lox mice showed impairments in behavioral flexibility, response inhibition, social recognition memory, and associative fear learning relative to littermate controls, but no deficits in gross motor, sensory, instrumental learning, or sensorimotor gating functions. Catecholamines derived from specific populations of PCs appear to support cognitive functions, and their spatial distribution in the cerebellum suggests that they may underlie patterns of activation seen in human studies on the cerebellar role in cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Locke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hirofumi Fujita
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Avery Hunker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shelby S. Johanson
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Martin Darvas
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sascha du Lac
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Larry S. Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Erik S. Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brown AM, White JJ, van der Heijden ME, Zhou J, Lin T, Sillitoe RV. Purkinje cell misfiring generates high-amplitude action tremors that are corrected by cerebellar deep brain stimulation. eLife 2020; 9:e51928. [PMID: 32180549 PMCID: PMC7077982 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tremor is currently ranked as the most common movement disorder. The brain regions and neural signals that initiate the debilitating shakiness of different body parts remain unclear. Here, we found that genetically silencing cerebellar Purkinje cell output blocked tremor in mice that were given the tremorgenic drug harmaline. We show in awake behaving mice that the onset of tremor is coincident with rhythmic Purkinje cell firing, which alters the activity of their target cerebellar nuclei cells. We mimic the tremorgenic action of the drug with optogenetics and present evidence that highly patterned Purkinje cell activity drives a powerful tremor in otherwise normal mice. Modulating the altered activity with deep brain stimulation directed to the Purkinje cell output in the cerebellar nuclei reduced tremor in freely moving mice. Together, the data implicate Purkinje cell connectivity as a neural substrate for tremor and a gateway for signals that mediate the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lackey EP, Sillitoe RV. Eph/ephrin Function Contributes to the Patterning of Spinocerebellar Mossy Fibers Into Parasagittal Zones. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:7. [PMID: 32116578 PMCID: PMC7033604 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purkinje cell microcircuits perform diverse functions using widespread inputs from the brain and spinal cord. The formation of these functional circuits depends on developmental programs and molecular pathways that organize mossy fiber afferents from different sources into a complex and precisely patterned map within the granular layer of the cerebellum. During development, Purkinje cell zonal patterns are thought to guide mossy fiber terminals into zones. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate this process remain unclear. Here, we used knockout mice to test whether Eph/ephrin signaling controls Purkinje cell-mossy fiber interactions during cerebellar circuit formation. Loss of ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5 disrupted the patterning of spinocerebellar terminals into discrete zones. Zone territories in the granular layer that normally have limited spinocerebellar input contained ectopic terminals in ephrin-A2 -/-;ephrin-A5 -/- double knockout mice. However, the overall morphology of the cerebellum, lobule position, and Purkinje cell zonal patterns developed normally in the ephrin-A2 -/-;ephrin-A5 -/- mutant mice. This work suggests that communication between Purkinje cell zones and mossy fibers during postnatal development allows contact-dependent molecular cues to sharpen the innervation of sensory afferents into functional zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sathyanesan A, Zhou J, Scafidi J, Heck DH, Sillitoe RV, Gallo V. Emerging connections between cerebellar development, behaviour and complex brain disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:298-313. [PMID: 30923348 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human cerebellum has a protracted developmental timeline compared with the neocortex, expanding the window of vulnerability to neurological disorders. As the cerebellum is critical for motor behaviour, it is not surprising that most neurodevelopmental disorders share motor deficits as a common sequela. However, evidence gathered since the late 1980s suggests that the cerebellum is involved in motor and non-motor function, including cognition and emotion. More recently, evidence indicates that major neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Down syndrome have potential links to abnormal cerebellar development. Out of recent findings from clinical and preclinical studies, the concept of the 'cerebellar connectome' has emerged that can be used as a framework to link the role of cerebellar development to human behaviour, disease states and the design of better therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Sathyanesan
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Scafidi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Detlef H Heck
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA. .,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological movement disorder characterised by bilateral limb kinetic/postural tremor, with or without tremor in other body parts including head, voice and lower limbs. Since no causative genes for ET have been identified, it is likely that the disorder occurs as a result of complex genetic factors interacting with various cellular and environmental factors that can result in abnormal function of circuitry involving the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway. Genetic analyses have uncovered at least 14 loci and 11 genes that are related to ET, as well as various risk or protective genetic factors. Limitations in ET genetic analyses include inconsistent disease definition, small sample size, varied ethnic backgrounds and many other factors that may contribute to paucity of relevant genetic data in ET. Genetic analyses, coupled with functional and animal studies, have led to better insights into possible pathogenic mechanisms underlying ET. These genetic studies may guide the future development of genetic testing and counselling, and specific, pathogenesis-targeted, therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
22
|
Stay TL, Miterko LN, Arancillo M, Lin T, Sillitoe RV. In vivo cerebellar circuit function is disrupted in an mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm040840. [PMID: 31704708 PMCID: PMC6906634 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating and ultimately lethal disease involving progressive muscle degeneration and neurological dysfunction. DMD is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which result in extremely low or total loss of dystrophin protein expression. In the brain, dystrophin is heavily localized to cerebellar Purkinje cells, which control motor and non-motor functions. In vitro experiments in mouse Purkinje cells revealed that loss of dystrophin leads to low firing rates and high spiking variability. However, it is still unclear how the loss of dystrophin affects cerebellar function in the intact brain. Here, we used in vivo electrophysiology to record Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclear neurons in awake and anesthetized female mdx (also known as Dmd) mice. Purkinje cell simple spike firing rate is significantly lower in mdx mice compared to controls. Although simple spike firing regularity is not affected, complex spike regularity is increased in mdx mutants. Mean firing rate in cerebellar nuclear neurons is not altered in mdx mice, but their local firing pattern is irregular. Based on the relatively well-preserved cytoarchitecture in the mdx cerebellum, our data suggest that faulty signals across the circuit between Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei drive the abnormal firing activity. The in vivo requirements of dystrophin during cerebellar circuit communication could help explain the motor and cognitive anomalies seen in individuals with DMD.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trace L Stay
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marife Arancillo
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kuo SH, Louis ED, Faust PL, Handforth A, Chang SY, Avlar B, Lang EJ, Pan MK, Miterko LN, Brown AM, Sillitoe RV, Anderson CJ, Pulst SM, Gallagher MJ, Lyman KA, Chetkovich DM, Clark LN, Tio M, Tan EK, Elble RJ. Current Opinions and Consensus for Studying Tremor in Animal Models. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 18:1036-1063. [PMID: 31124049 PMCID: PMC6872927 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01037-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tremor is the most common movement disorder; however, we are just beginning to understand the brain circuitry that generates tremor. Various neuroimaging, neuropathological, and physiological studies in human tremor disorders have been performed to further our knowledge of tremor. But, the causal relationship between these observations and tremor is usually difficult to establish and detailed mechanisms are not sufficiently studied. To overcome these obstacles, animal models can provide an important means to look into human tremor disorders. In this manuscript, we will discuss the use of different species of animals (mice, rats, fruit flies, pigs, and monkeys) to model human tremor disorders. Several ways to manipulate the brain circuitry and physiology in these animal models (pharmacology, genetics, and lesioning) will also be discussed. Finally, we will discuss how these animal models can help us to gain knowledge of the pathophysiology of human tremor disorders, which could serve as a platform towards developing novel therapies for tremor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 800 Howard Avenue, Ste Lower Level, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrian Handforth
- Neurology Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Su-Youne Chang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Billur Avlar
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Lang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming-Kai Pan
- Department of Medical Research and Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Collin J Anderson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Kyle A Lyman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Lorraine N Clark
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Murni Tio
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Miterko LN, Sillitoe RV. Climbing Fiber Development Is Impaired in Postnatal Car8 wdl Mice. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:56-61. [PMID: 28940157 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-017-0886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is critical for an array of motor functions. During postnatal development, the Purkinje cells (PCs) guide afferent topography to establish the final circuit. Perturbing PC morphogenesis or activity during development can result in climbing fiber (CF) multi-innervation or mis-patterning. Structural defects during circuit formation typically have long-term effects on behavior as they contribute to the phenotype of movement disorders such as cerebellar ataxia. The Car8 wdl mouse is one model in which early circuit destruction influences movement. However, although the loss of Car8 leads to the mis-wiring of afferent maps and abnormal PC firing, adult PC morphology is largely intact and there is no neurodegeneration. Here, we sought to uncover how defects in afferent connectivity arise in Car8 wdl mutants to resolve how functional deficits persist in motor diseases with subtle neuropathology. To address this problem, we analyzed CF development during the first 3 weeks of life. By immunolabeling CF terminals with VGLUT2, we found evidence of premature CF synapse elimination and delayed translocation from PC somata at postnatal day (P) 10 in Car8 wdl mice. Surprisingly, by P15, the wiring normalized, suggesting that CAR8 regulates the early but not the late stages of CF development. The data support the hypothesis of a defined sequence of events for cerebellar circuits to establish function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Miterko LN, White JJ, Lin T, Brown AM, O'Donovan KJ, Sillitoe RV. Persistent motor dysfunction despite homeostatic rescue of cerebellar morphogenesis in the Car8 waddles mutant mouse. Neural Dev 2019; 14:6. [PMID: 30867000 PMCID: PMC6417138 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-019-0130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Purkinje cells play a central role in establishing the cerebellar circuit. Accordingly, disrupting Purkinje cell development impairs cerebellar morphogenesis and motor function. In the Car8wdl mouse model of hereditary ataxia, severe motor deficits arise despite the cerebellum overcoming initial defects in size and morphology. Methods To resolve how this compensation occurs, we asked how the loss of carbonic anhydrase 8 (CAR8), a regulator of IP3R1 Ca2+ signaling in Purkinje cells, alters cerebellar development in Car8wdl mice. Using a combination of histological, physiological, and behavioral analyses, we determined the extent to which the loss of CAR8 affects cerebellar anatomy, neuronal firing, and motor coordination during development. Results Our results reveal that granule cell proliferation is reduced in early postnatal mutants, although by the third postnatal week there is enhanced and prolonged proliferation, plus an upregulation of Sox2 expression in the inner EGL. Modified circuit patterning of Purkinje cells and Bergmann glia accompany these granule cell adjustments. We also find that although anatomy eventually normalizes, the abnormal activity of neurons and muscles persists. Conclusions Our data show that losing CAR8 only transiently restricts cerebellar growth, but permanently damages its function. These data support two current hypotheses about cerebellar development and disease: (1) Sox2 expression may be upregulated at sites of injury and contribute to the rescue of cerebellar structure and (2) transient delays to developmental processes may precede permanent motor dysfunction. Furthermore, we characterize waddles mutant mouse morphology and behavior during development and propose a Sox2-positive, cell-mediated role for rescue in a mouse model of human motor diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13064-019-0130-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kevin J O'Donovan
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, 10996, USA.,Burke Neurological Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, 10605, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brown AM, Arancillo M, Lin T, Catt DR, Zhou J, Lackey EP, Stay TL, Zuo Z, White JJ, Sillitoe RV. Molecular layer interneurons shape the spike activity of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1742. [PMID: 30742002 PMCID: PMC6370775 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purkinje cells receive synaptic input from several classes of interneurons. Here, we address the roles of inhibitory molecular layer interneurons in establishing Purkinje cell function in vivo. Using conditional genetics approaches in mice, we compare how the lack of stellate cell versus basket cell GABAergic neurotransmission sculpts the firing properties of Purkinje cells. We take advantage of an inducible Ascl1CreER allele to spatially and temporally target the deletion of the vesicular GABA transporter, Vgat, in developing neurons. Selective depletion of basket cell GABAergic neurotransmission increases the frequency of Purkinje cell simple spike firing and decreases the frequency of complex spike firing in adult behaving mice. In contrast, lack of stellate cell communication increases the regularity of Purkinje cell simple spike firing while increasing the frequency of complex spike firing. Our data uncover complementary roles for molecular layer interneurons in shaping the rate and pattern of Purkinje cell activity in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Marife Arancillo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Daniel R Catt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Trace L Stay
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Zhongyuan Zuo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mancini C, Hoxha E, Iommarini L, Brussino A, Richter U, Montarolo F, Cagnoli C, Parolisi R, Gondor Morosini DI, Nicolò V, Maltecca F, Muratori L, Ronchi G, Geuna S, Arnaboldi F, Donetti E, Giorgio E, Cavalieri S, Di Gregorio E, Pozzi E, Ferrero M, Riberi E, Casari G, Altruda F, Turco E, Gasparre G, Battersby BJ, Porcelli AM, Ferrero E, Brusco A, Tempia F. Mice harbouring a SCA28 patient mutation in AFG3L2 develop late-onset ataxia associated with enhanced mitochondrial proteotoxicity. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:14-28. [PMID: 30389403 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia 28 is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by missense mutations affecting the proteolytic domain of AFG3L2, a major component of the mitochondrial m-AAA protease. However, little is known of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms or how to treat patients with SCA28. Currently available Afg3l2 mutant mice harbour deletions that lead to severe, early-onset neurological phenotypes that do not faithfully reproduce the late-onset and slowly progressing SCA28 phenotype. Here we describe production and detailed analysis of a new knock-in murine model harbouring an Afg3l2 allele carrying the p.Met665Arg patient-derived mutation. Heterozygous mutant mice developed normally but adult mice showed signs of cerebellar ataxia detectable by beam test. Although cerebellar pathology was negative, electrophysiological analysis showed a trend towards increased spontaneous firing in Purkinje cells from heterozygous mutants with respect to wild-type controls. As homozygous mutants died perinatally with evidence of cardiac atrophy, for each genotype we generated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to investigate mitochondrial function. MEFs from mutant mice showed altered mitochondrial bioenergetics, with decreased basal oxygen consumption rate, ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial network formation and morphology was altered, with greatly reduced expression of fusogenic Opa1 isoforms. Mitochondrial alterations were also detected in cerebella of 18-month-old heterozygous mutants and may be a hallmark of disease. Pharmacological inhibition of de novo mitochondrial protein translation with chloramphenicol caused reversal of mitochondrial morphology in homozygous mutant MEFs, supporting the relevance of mitochondrial proteotoxicity for SCA28 pathogenesis and therapy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Mancini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Eriola Hoxha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Luisa Iommarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies (FABIT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Uwe Richter
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Francesca Montarolo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Claudia Cagnoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Parolisi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Diana Iulia Gondor Morosini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Valentina Nicolò
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Francesca Maltecca
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Muratori
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy; Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Ronchi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy; Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy; Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Simona Cavalieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Eleonora Di Gregorio
- Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Pozzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Ferrero
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Evelise Riberi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Casari
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Emilia Turco
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies (FABIT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enza Ferrero
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Torino, Italy.
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Trzesniewski J, Altmann S, Jäger L, Kapfhammer JP. Reduced Purkinje cell size is compatible with near normal morphology and function of the cerebellar cortex in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia. Exp Neurol 2018; 311:205-212. [PMID: 30312605 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by diverse mutations in the Protein Kinase C gamma (PKCγ) gene which is one of the crucial signaling molecules of Purkinje cells. We have previously created a mouse model of SCA14 by transgenic expression of a mutated PKCγ gene causing SCA14 with a mutation in the catalytic domain. Purkinje cells from the mutated mice have a strong reduction of their dendritic tree in organotypic slice cultures typical for increased PKC activity. There was no overt degeneration of Purkinje cells in vivo and the cerebellum appeared morphologically normal with the exception of lobule 7 where abnormal Purkinje cells were present. Besides from mild motor deficits the mice have no major phenotype. We have now done a more extensive study of cerebellar morphology in these mice and show by rapid Golgi staining that there is a marked reduction of Purkinje cell dendritic tree size throughout the cerebellum. Despite this reduction in dendritic tree size, climbing fiber innervation of Purkinje cells as visualized by immunostaining for the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGlut2) appeared normal in most parts of the cerebellum. The same was true for the expression of the activity and plasticity markers pS6, c-Fos and Arc. These finding suggest that the cerebellar cortex in the transgenic mice is functioning fairly normal and that the reduction of dendritic tree size and the increased PKC activity can be compensated in most Purkinje cells. Around cerebellar lobule 7 there was high transgene expression from the L7 promotor and Purkinje cells showed abnormal morphologies. Climbing fiber innervation as well as the expression of the activity and plasticity markers was strongly disturbed in this area. Our results show that there is substantial potential for functional compensation in the cerebellar cortex. In lobule 7, an area with high transgene expression, compensation failed resulting in Purkinje cell degeneration and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Trzesniewski
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 20, CH - 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Altmann
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 20, CH - 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Levy Jäger
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 20, CH - 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josef P Kapfhammer
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 20, CH - 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pan MK, Ni CL, Wu YC, Li YS, Kuo SH. Animal Models of Tremor: Relevance to Human Tremor Disorders. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2018; 8:587. [PMID: 30402338 PMCID: PMC6214818 DOI: 10.7916/d89s37mv] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tremor is the most common movement disorder; however, the pathophysiology of tremor remains elusive. While several neuropathological alterations in tremor disorders have been observed in post-mortem studies of human brains, a full understanding of the relationship between brain circuitry alterations and tremor requires testing in animal models. Additionally, tremor animal models are critical for our understanding of tremor pathophysiology, and/or to serve as a platform for therapy development. Methods A PubMed search was conducted in May 2018 to identify published papers for review. Results The methodology used in most studies on animal models of tremor lacks standardized measurement of tremor frequency and amplitude; instead, these studies are based on the visual inspection of phenotypes, which may fail to delineate tremor from other movement disorders such as ataxia. Of the animal models with extensive tremor characterization, harmaline-induced rodent tremor models provide an important framework showing that rhythmic and synchronous neuronal activities within the olivocerebellar circuit can drive action tremor. In addition, dopamine-depleted monkey and mouse models may develop rest tremor, highlighting the role of dopamine in rest tremor generation. Finally, other animal models of tremor have involvement of the cerebellar circuitry, leading to altered Purkinje cell physiology. Discussion Both the cerebellum and the basal ganglia are likely to play a role in tremor generation. While the cerebellar circuitry can generate rhythmic movements, the nigrostriatal system is likely to modulate the tremor circuit. Tremor disorders are heterogeneous in nature. Therefore, each animal model may represent a subset of tremor disorders, which collectively can advance our understanding of tremor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Kai Pan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TW
| | - Chun-Lun Ni
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yeuh-Chi Wu
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yong-Shi Li
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shimobayashi E, Kapfhammer JP. Calcium Signaling, PKC Gamma, IP3R1 and CAR8 Link Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Purkinje Cell Dendritic Development. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:151-159. [PMID: 28554312 PMCID: PMC5883377 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170529104000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of cerebellar diseases characterized by progressive ataxia and cerebellar atrophy. Several forms of SCAs are caused by missense mutations or deletions in genes related to calcium signaling in Purkinje cells. Among them, spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14) is caused by missense mutations in PRKCG gene which encodes protein kinase C gamma (PKCγ). It is remarkable that in several cases in which SCA is caused by point mutations in an individual gene, the affected genes are involved in the PKCγ signaling pathway and calcium signaling which is not only crucial for proper Purkinje cell function but is also involved in the control of Purkinje cell dendritic development. In this review, we will focus on the PKCγ signaling related genes and calcium signaling related genes then discuss their role for both Purkinje cell dendritic development and cerebellar ataxia. Methods Research related to SCAs and Purkinje cell dendritic development is reviewed. Results PKCγ dysregulation causes abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic development and SCA14. Carbonic anhydrase related protein 8 (Car8) encoding CAR8 and Itpr1 encoding IP3R1were identified as upregulated genes in one of SCA14 mouse model. IP3R1, CAR8 and PKCγ proteins are strongly and specifically expressed in Purkinje cells. The common function among them is that they are involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in Purkinje cells and their dysfunction causes ataxia in mouse and human. Furthermore, disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis caused by mutations in some calcium channels in Purkinje cells links to abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic development and the pathogenesis of several SCAs. Conclusion Once PKCγ signaling related genes and calcium signaling related genes are disturbed, the normal dendritic development of Purkinje cells is impaired as well as the integration of signals from other neurons, resulting in abnormal development, cerebellar dysfunction and eventually Purkinje cell loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etsuko Shimobayashi
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josef P Kapfhammer
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Beckinghausen J, Sillitoe RV. Insights into cerebellar development and connectivity. Neurosci Lett 2018; 688:2-13. [PMID: 29746896 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum has a well-established role in controlling motor functions such coordination, balance, posture, and skilled learning. There is mounting evidence that it might also play a critical role in non-motor functions such as cognition and emotion. It is therefore not surprising that cerebellar defects are associated with a wide array of diseases including ataxia, dystonia, tremor, schizophrenia, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder. What is intriguing is that a seemingly uniform circuit that is often described as being "simple" should carry out all of these behaviors. Analyses of how cerebellar circuits develop have revealed that such descriptions massively underestimate the complexity of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in fact highly patterned and organized around a series of parasagittal stripes and transverse zones. This topographic architecture partitions all cerebellar circuits into functional modules that are thought to enhance processing power during cerebellar dependent behaviors. What are arguably the most remarkable features of cerebellar topography are the developmental processes that produce them. This review is concerned with the genetic and cellular mechanisms that orchestrate cerebellar patterning. We place a major focus on how Purkinje cells control multiple aspects of cerebellar circuit assembly. Using this model, we discuss evidence for how "zebra-like" patterns in Purkinje cells sculpt the cerebellum, how specific genetic cues mediate the process, and how activity refines the patterns into an adult map that is capable of executing various functions. We also discuss how defective Purkinje cell patterning might impact the pathogenesis of neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Beckinghausen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of TX Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of TX Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Levy SL, White JJ, Lackey EP, Schwartz L, Sillitoe RV. WGA-Alexa Conjugates for Axonal Tracing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 79:1.28.1-1.28.24. [PMID: 28398642 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Anatomical labeling approaches are essential for understanding brain organization. Among these approaches are various methods of performing tract tracing. However, a major hurdle to overcome when marking neurons in vivo is visibility. Poor visibility makes it challenging to image a desired neuronal pathway so that it can be easily differentiated from a closely neighboring pathway. As a result, it becomes impossible to analyze individual projections or their connections. The tracer that is chosen for a given purpose has a major influence on the quality of the tracing. Here, we describe the wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) tracer conjugated to Alexa fluorophores for reliable high-resolution tracing of central nervous system projections. Using the mouse cerebellum as a model system, we implement WGA-Alexa tracing for marking and mapping neural circuits that control motor function. We also show its utility for marking localized regions of the cerebellum after performing single-unit extracellular recordings in vivo. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Levy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lindsey Schwartz
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
White JJ, Sillitoe RV. Genetic silencing of olivocerebellar synapses causes dystonia-like behaviour in mice. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14912. [PMID: 28374839 PMCID: PMC5382291 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Theories of cerebellar function place the inferior olive to cerebellum connection at the centre of motor behaviour. One possible implication of this is that disruption of olivocerebellar signalling could play a major role in initiating motor disease. To test this, we devised a mouse genetics approach to silence glutamatergic signalling only at olivocerebellar synapses. The resulting mice had a severe neurological condition that mimicked the early-onset twisting, stiff limbs and tremor that is observed in dystonia, a debilitating movement disease. By blocking olivocerebellar excitatory neurotransmission, we eliminated Purkinje cell complex spikes and induced aberrant cerebellar nuclear activity. Pharmacologically inhibiting the erratic output of the cerebellar nuclei in the mutant mice improved movement. Furthermore, deep brain stimulation directed to the interposed cerebellar nuclei reduced dystonia-like postures in these mice. Collectively, our data uncover a neural mechanism by which olivocerebellar dysfunction promotes motor disease phenotypes and identify the cerebellar nuclei as a therapeutic target for surgical intervention. Dystonia is thought to be driven by impairments in cerebellar signalling. The authors use a mouse genetic approach to silence excitatory transmission in the inferior olive to cerebellum pathway, resulting in dystonia-like signs in the animals which can be alleviated using DBS stimulation of the pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|