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Alldred MJ, Ibrahim KW, Pidikiti H, Lee SH, Heguy A, Chiosis G, Mufson EJ, Stutzmann GE, Ginsberg SD. Profiling hippocampal neuronal populations reveals unique gene expression mosaics reflective of connectivity-based degeneration in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2025; 18:1546375. [PMID: 40078964 PMCID: PMC11897496 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2025.1546375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit neurological deficits throughout life including the development of in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and cognitive impairment. At the cellular level, dysregulation in neuronal gene expression is observed in postmortem human brain and mouse models of DS/AD. To date, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of hippocampal neuronal gene expression including the characterization of discrete circuit-based connectivity in DS remains a major knowledge gap. We postulate that spatially characterized hippocampal neurons display unique gene expression patterns due, in part, to dysfunction of the integrity of intrinsic circuitry. Methods We combined laser capture microdissection to microisolate individual neuron populations with single population RNA-seq analysis to determine gene expression analysis of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons and dentate gyrus granule cells located in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning, memory, and synaptic activity. Results The hippocampus exhibits age-dependent neurodegeneration beginning at ~6 months of age in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS/AD. Each population of excitatory hippocampal neurons exhibited unique gene expression alterations in Ts65Dn mice. Bioinformatic inquiry revealed unique vulnerabilities and differences with mechanistic implications coinciding with onset of degeneration in this model of DS/AD. Conclusions These cell-type specific vulnerabilities may underlie degenerative endophenotypes suggesting precision medicine targeting of individual populations of neurons for rational therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Alldred
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kyrillos W. Ibrahim
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Harshitha Pidikiti
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Sang Han Lee
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gabriela Chiosis
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Breast Cancer Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elliott J. Mufson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Grace E. Stutzmann
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Rosalind Franklin University, The Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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2
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Granholm AC, Hamlett ED. The Role of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1338. [PMID: 38592182 PMCID: PMC10932364 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit an almost complete penetrance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology but are underrepresented in clinical trials for AD. The Tau protein is associated with microtubule function in the neuron and is crucial for normal axonal transport. In several different neurodegenerative disorders, Tau misfolding leads to hyper-phosphorylation of Tau (p-Tau), which may seed pathology to bystander cells and spread. This review is focused on current findings regarding p-Tau and its potential to seed pathology as a "prion-like" spreader. It also considers the consequences of p-Tau pathology leading to AD, particularly in individuals with Down syndrome. Methods: Scopus (SC) and PubMed (PM) were searched in English using keywords "tau AND seeding AND brain AND down syndrome". A total of 558 SC or 529 PM potentially relevant articles were identified, of which only six SC or three PM articles mentioned Down syndrome. This review was built upon the literature and the recent findings of our group and others. Results: Misfolded p-Tau isoforms are seeding competent and may be responsible for spreading AD pathology. Conclusions: This review demonstrates recent work focused on understanding the role of neurofibrillary tangles and monomeric/oligomeric Tau in the prion-like spreading of Tau pathology in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Charlotte Granholm
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eric D. Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
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Alldred MJ, Pidikiti H, Heguy A, Roussos P, Ginsberg SD. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are vulnerable in a mouse model of Down syndrome and their molecular fingerprint is rescued by maternal choline supplementation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22944. [PMID: 37191946 PMCID: PMC10292934 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202202111rr] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) degeneration is a hallmark of Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current therapeutics in these disorders have been unsuccessful in slowing disease progression, likely due to poorly understood complex pathological interactions and dysregulated pathways. The Ts65Dn trisomic mouse model recapitulates both cognitive and morphological deficits of DS and AD, including BFCN degeneration and has shown lifelong behavioral changes due to maternal choline supplementation (MCS). To test the impact of MCS on trisomic BFCNs, we performed laser capture microdissection to individually isolate choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive neurons in Ts65Dn and disomic littermates, in conjunction with MCS at the onset of BFCN degeneration. We utilized single population RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to interrogate transcriptomic changes within medial septal nucleus (MSN) BFCNs. Leveraging multiple bioinformatic analysis programs on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by genotype and diet, we identified key canonical pathways and altered physiological functions within Ts65Dn MSN BFCNs, which were attenuated by MCS in trisomic offspring, including the cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways. We linked differential gene expression bioinformatically to multiple neurological functions, including motor dysfunction/movement disorder, early onset neurological disease, ataxia and cognitive impairment via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. DEGs within these identified pathways may underlie aberrant behavior in the DS mice, with MCS attenuating the underlying gene expression changes. We propose MCS ameliorates aberrant BFCN gene expression within the septohippocampal circuit of trisomic mice through normalization of principally the cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signaling pathways, resulting in attenuation of underlying neurological disease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Alldred
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harshitha Pidikiti
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Psychiatry and the Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Lorenzon N, Musoles-Lleó J, Turrisi F, Gomis-González M, De La Torre R, Dierssen M. State-of-the-art therapy for Down syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36692980 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, an important effort was made in the field of Down syndrome to find new interventions that improve cognition. These therapies have added to the traditional symptomatic treatments and to the drugs for treating Alzheimer disease in the general population repurposed for Down syndrome. Defining next-generation therapeutics will involve biomarker-based therapeutic decision-making, and preventive and multimodal interventions. However, translation of specific findings into effective therapeutic strategies has been disappointingly slow and has failed in many cases at the clinical level, leading to reduced credibility of mouse studies. This is aggravated by a tendency to favour large-magnitude effects and highly significant findings, leading to high expectations but also to a biased view of the complex pathophysiology of Down syndrome. Here, we review some of the most recent and promising strategies for ameliorating the cognitive state of individuals with Down syndrome. We studied the landscape of preclinical and clinical studies and conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles published between June 2012 and August 2022 on therapies for ameliorating cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome. We critically assess current therapeutic approaches, why therapies fail in clinical trials in Down syndrome, and what could be the path forward. We discuss some intrinsic difficulties for translational research, and the need for a framework that improves the detection of drug efficacy to avoid discarding compounds too early from the companies' pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lorenzon
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juanluis Musoles-Lleó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federica Turrisi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Gomis-González
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael De La Torre
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Hendrix JA, Amon A, Abbeduto L, Agiovlasitis S, Alsaied T, Anderson HA, Bain LJ, Baumer N, Bhattacharyya A, Bogunovic D, Botteron KN, Capone G, Chandan P, Chase I, Chicoine B, Cieuta-Walti C, DeRuisseau LR, Durand S, Esbensen A, Fortea J, Giménez S, Granholm AC, Hahn LJ, Head E, Hillerstrom H, Jacola LM, Janicki MP, Jasien JM, Kamer AR, Kent RD, Khor B, Lawrence JB, Lemonnier C, Lewanda AF, Mobley W, Moore PE, Nelson LP, Oreskovic NM, Osorio RS, Patterson D, Rasmussen SA, Reeves RH, Roizen N, Santoro S, Sherman SL, Talib N, Tapia IE, Walsh KM, Warren SF, White AN, Wong GW, Yi JS. Opportunities, barriers, and recommendations in down syndrome research. TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE OF RARE DISEASES 2021; 5:99-129. [PMID: 34268067 PMCID: PMC8279178 DOI: 10.3233/trd-200090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in medical care have increased life expectancy and improved the quality of life for people with Down syndrome (DS). These advances are the result of both pre-clinical and clinical research but much about DS is still poorly understood. In 2020, the NIH announced their plan to update their DS research plan and requested input from the scientific and advocacy community. OBJECTIVE The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the LuMind IDSC Foundation worked together with scientific and medical experts to develop recommendations for the NIH research plan. METHODS NDSS and LuMind IDSC assembled over 50 experts across multiple disciplines and organized them in eleven working groups focused on specific issues for people with DS. RESULTS This review article summarizes the research gaps and recommendations that have the potential to improve the health and quality of life for people with DS within the next decade. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights many of the scientific gaps that exist in DS research. Based on these gaps, a multidisciplinary group of DS experts has made recommendations to advance DS research. This paper may also aid policymakers and the DS community to build a comprehensive national DS research strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelika Amon
- Deceased. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Tarek Alsaied
- Heart Institute Department of Pediatrics Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Nicole Baumer
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Down Syndrome Program, Developmental Medicine Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dusan Bogunovic
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly N. Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Priya Chandan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Isabelle Chase
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian Chicoine
- Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center, Park Ridge, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anna Esbensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine & Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Juan Fortea
- Barcelona Down Medical Center, Fundació Catalana de Síndrome de Down, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Giménez
- Multidisciplinary Sleep Unit, Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ann-Charlotte Granholm
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura J. Hahn
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
| | | | - Lisa M. Jacola
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Joan M. Jasien
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Angela R. Kamer
- Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raymond D. Kent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bernard Khor
- Benaroy Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeanne B. Lawrence
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Amy Feldman Lewanda
- Children s National Rare Disease Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC., USA
| | - William Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Paul E. Moore
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Nicolas M. Oreskovic
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo S. Osorio
- Center for Brain Health, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Patterson
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Program, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Sonja A. Rasmussen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Roger H. Reeves
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Roizen
- Department of Pediatrics, UH/Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie Santoro
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Sherman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nasreen Talib
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ignacio E. Tapia
- Sleep Center, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyle M. Walsh
- Division of Neuro-epidemiology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven F. Warren
- Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - A. Nicole White
- Research Foundation, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Guang William Wong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John S. Yi
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Enlargement of early endosomes and traffic jam in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer's disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 179:207-218. [PMID: 34225963 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819975-6.00011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While a handful of neurotransmitter systems including cholinergic, norepinephrinergic, and serotonergic undergo significant degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the cholinergic system has been the prime target for research and therapy. The cholinergic system in the basal forebrain is strategically located to impose significant modulatory effects on vast cortical and subcortical regions of the brain. Numerous studies have established a strong link between neurotrophin signaling and basal forebrain cholinergic neuron degeneration in several neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence presented during the last few years points to the effects of endosomal pathology and primarily unidirectional traffic jam. Hence, formulating new therapies, e.g., to reduce local production of β C-terminal fragments and preventing changes in endosomal morphology have become attractive potential therapeutic strategies to restore cholinergic neurons and their neuromodulatory function. While it is not expected that restoring the cholinergic system function will fully mitigate cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, pivotal aspects of cognition including attention-deficit during the prodromal stages might well be at disposal for corrective measures.
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Mahernia S, Sarvari S, Fatahi Y, Amanlou M. The Role of HSA21 Encoded Mirna in Down Syndrome Pathophysiology:Opportunities in miRNA-Targeted Pharmacotherapy and Diagnosis of the Down Syndrome. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/ps.2020.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trisomy 21 is the most prevalent aneuploidy disorder among live-born children worldwide. Itresults from the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 which leads to a wide spectrum ofpathophysiological abnormalities and intellectual disabilities. Nevertheless human chromosome21 (HSA21) possess protein non-coding regions where HAS-21 derived-microRNA genes aretranscribed from. In turn, these HSA21-derived miRNAs curb protein translation of severalgenes which are essential to meet memory and cognitive abilities. From the genetics andmolecular biology standpoints, dissecting the mechanistic relationship between DS pathology/symptoms and five chromosome 21-encoded miRNAs including miR-99a, let-7c, miR-125b-2,miR-155 and miR-802 seems pivotal for unraveling novel therapeutic targets. Recently,several studies have successfully carried out small molecule inhibition of miRNAs function,maturation, and biogenesis. One might assume in the case of DS trisomy, the pharmacologicalinhibition of these five overexpressed miRNAs might open new avenues for amelioration of theDS symptoms and complications. In this review, we primarily elucidated the role of HSA21-encoded miRNAs in the DS pathology which in turn introduced and addressed importanttherapeutic targets. Moreover, we reviewed relevant pharmaceutical efforts that based theirgoals on inhibition of these pathological miRNAs at their different biogenesis steps. We havealso discussed the challenges that undermine and question the reliability of miRNAs as noneinvasivebiomarkers in prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Mahernia
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Sarvari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Amanlou
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran
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London J, Ndiaye FK, Bui LC, Souchet B, Daubigney F, Magnan C, Luquet S, Dairou J, Janel N, Rouch C. Alterations in the Serotonin and Dopamine Pathways by Cystathionine Beta Synthase Overexpression in Murine Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3958-3971. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1323-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Kaur G, Gauthier SA, Perez-Gonzalez R, Pawlik M, Singh AB, Cosby B, Mohan PS, Smiley JF, Levy E. Cystatin C prevents neuronal loss and behavioral deficits via the endosomal pathway in a mouse model of down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 120:165-173. [PMID: 30176349 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystatin C (CysC) plays diverse protective roles under conditions of neuronal challenge. We investigated whether CysC protects from trisomy-induced pathologies in a mouse model of Down syndrome (DS), the most common cause of developmental cognitive and behavioral impairments in humans. We have previously shown that the segmental trisomy mouse model, Ts[Rb(12.1716)]2Cje (Ts2) has DS-like neuronal and behavioral deficiencies. The current study reveals that transgene-mediated low levels of human CysC overexpression has a preventive effect on numerous neuropathologies in the brains of Ts2 mice, including reducing early and late endosome enlargement in cortical neurons and decreasing loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs). Consistent with these cellular benefits, behavioral dysfunctions were also prevented, including deficits in nesting behavior and spatial memory. We determined that the CysC-induced neuroprotective mechanism involves activation of the phosphotidylinositol kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. Activating this pathway leads to enhanced clearance of accumulated endosomal substrates, protecting cells from DS-mediated dysfunctions in the endosomal system and, for BFCNs, from neurodegeneration. Our findings suggest that modulation of the PI3/AKT pathway offers novel therapeutic interventions for patients with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Monika Pawlik
- Nathan S. Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA 10962
| | | | | | | | - John F Smiley
- Nathan S. Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA 10962; Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA 10016
| | - Efrat Levy
- Nathan S. Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA 10962; Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA 10016; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA 10016; Neuroscience Institute, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA 10016.
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10
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Phillips C, Fahimi A. Immune and Neuroprotective Effects of Physical Activity on the Brain in Depression. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:498. [PMID: 30093853 PMCID: PMC6070639 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity-a lifestyle factor that is associated with immune function, neuroprotection, and energy metabolism-modulates the cellular and molecular processes in the brain that are vital for emotional and cognitive health, collective mechanisms that can go awry in depression. Physical activity optimizes the stress response, neurotransmitter level and function (e.g., serotonergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic), myokine production (e.g., interleukin-6), transcription factor levels and correlates [e.g., peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor C coactivator-1α [PGC-1α], mitochondrial density, nitric oxide pathway activity, Ca2+ signaling, reactive oxygen specie production, and AMP-activated protein kinase [AMPK] activity], kynurenine metabolites, glucose regulation, astrocytic health, and growth factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Dysregulation of these interrelated processes can effectuate depression, a chronic mental illness that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Although the biogenic amine model has provided some clinical utility in understanding chronic depression, a need remains to better understand the interrelated mechanisms that contribute to immune dysfunction and the means by which various therapeutics mitigate them. Fortunately, convergent evidence suggests that physical activity improves emotional and cognitive function in persons with depression, particularly in those with comorbid inflammation. Accordingly, the aims of this review are to (1) underscore the link between inflammatory correlates and depression, (2) explicate immuno-neuroendocrine foundations, (3) elucidate evidence of neurotransmitter and cytokine crosstalk in depressive pathobiology, (4) determine the immunomodulatory effects of physical activity in depression, (5) examine protocols used to effectuate the positive effects of physical activity in depression, and (6) highlight implications for clinicians and scientists. It is our contention that a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which inflammation contributes to the pathobiology of depression will translate to novel and more effective treatments, particularly by identifying relevant patient populations that can benefit from immune-based therapies within the context of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy Phillips
- Physical Therapy, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, United States
- Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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London J, Rouch C, Bui LC, Assayag E, Souchet B, Daubigney F, Medjaoui H, Luquet S, Magnan C, Delabar JM, Dairou J, Janel N. Overexpression of the DYRK1A Gene (Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinase 1A) Induces Alterations of the Serotoninergic and Dopaminergic Processing in Murine Brain Tissues. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:3822-3831. [PMID: 28540658 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0591-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 21 (T21) or Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability and affects around 5 million persons worldwide. Neuroanatomical phenotypes associated with T21 include slight reduction of brain size and weight, abnormalities in several brain areas including spines dysgenesis, dendritic morphogenesis, and early neuroanatomical characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. Monoamine neurotransmitters are involved in dendrites development, functioning of synapses, memory consolidation, and their levels measured in the cerebrospinal fluid, blood, or brain areas that are modified in individuals with T21. DYRK1A is one of the recognized key genes that could explain some of the deficits present in individuals with T21. We investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection the contents and processing of monoamines neurotransmitters in four brain areas of female and male transgenic mice for the Dyrk1a gene (mBactgDyrk1a). DYRK1A overexpression induced dramatic deficits in the serotonin contents of the four brain areas tested and major deficits in dopamine and adrenaline contents especially in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that DYRK1A overexpression might be associated with the modification of monoamines content found in individuals with T21 and reinforce the interest to target the level of DYRK1A expression as a therapeutic approach for persons with T21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline London
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France.
| | - Claude Rouch
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Linh Chi Bui
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Assayag
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Souchet
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Daubigney
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Hind Medjaoui
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Serge Luquet
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Magnan
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
| | - Jean Maurice Delabar
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
- UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Julien Dairou
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
- UMR 8601 CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, Paris Sorbonne Cité, 75270, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205, Paris, France
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Block A, Ahmed M, Rueda N, Hernandez MC, Martinez-Cué C, Gardiner K. The GABA A α5-selective Modulator, RO4938581, Rescues Protein Anomalies in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. Neuroscience 2018; 372:192-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Caraci F, Iulita MF, Pentz R, Flores Aguilar L, Orciani C, Barone C, Romano C, Drago F, Cuello AC. Searching for new pharmacological targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 817:7-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mircher C, Cieuta-Walti C, Marey I, Rebillat AS, Cretu L, Milenko E, Conte M, Sturtz F, Rethore MO, Ravel A. Acute Regression in Young People with Down Syndrome. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7060057. [PMID: 28555009 PMCID: PMC5483630 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7060057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: Adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome (DS) can present a rapid regression with loss of independence and daily skills. Causes of regression are unknown and treatment is most of the time symptomatic. We did a retrospective cohort study of regression cases: patients were born between 1959 and 2000, and were followed from 1984 to now. We found 30 DS patients aged 11 to 30 years old with history of regression. Regression occurred regardless of the cognitive level (severe, moderate, or mild intellectual disability (ID)). Patients presented psychiatric symptoms (catatonia, depression, delusions, stereotypies, etc.), partial or total loss of independence in activities of daily living (dressing, toilet, meals, and continence), language impairment (silence, whispered voice, etc.), and loss of academic skills. All patients experienced severe emotional stress prior to regression, which may be considered the trigger. Partial or total recovery was observed for about 50% of them. In our cohort, girls were more frequently affected than boys (64%). Neurobiological hypotheses are discussed as well as preventative and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Laura Cretu
- Jérôme Lejeune Institute, Paris 75015, France.
| | | | | | | | | | - Aimé Ravel
- Jérôme Lejeune Institute, Paris 75015, France.
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Mojabi FS, Fahimi A, Moghadam S, Moghadam S, Windy McNerneny M, Ponnusamy R, Kleschevnikov A, Mobley WC, Salehi A. GABAergic hyperinnervation of dentate granule cells in the Ts65Dn mouse model of down syndrome: Exploring the role of App. Hippocampus 2016; 26:1641-1654. [PMID: 27701794 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that increased GABAergic innervation in the hippocampus plays a significant role in cognitive dysfunction in Down syndrome (DS). Bolstering this notion, are studies linking hyper-innervation of the dentate gyrus (DG) by GABAergic terminals to failure in LTP induction in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Here, we used extensive morphometrical methods to assess the status of GABAergic interneurons in the DG of young and old Ts65Dn mice and their 2N controls. We detected an age-dependent increase in GABAergic innervation of dentate granule cells (DGCs) in Ts65Dn mice. The primary source of GABAergic terminals to DGCs somata is basket cells (BCs). For this reason, we assessed the status of these cells and found a significant increase in the number of BCs in Ts65Dn mice compared with controls. Then we aimed to identify the gene/s whose overexpression could be linked to increased number of BCs in Ts65Dn and found that deleting the third copy of App gene in Ts65Dn mice led to normalization of the number of BCs in these mice. Our data suggest that App overexpression plays a major role in the pathophysiology of GABAergic hyperinnervation of the DG in Ts65Dn mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh S Mojabi
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Atoossa Fahimi
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | | | | | - M Windy McNerneny
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | | | | | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
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Zhou W, Zhu B, Liu F, Lyu C, Zhang S, Yan C, Cheng Y, Wei H. A rapid and simple method for the simultaneous determination of four endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters in rat brain using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2015; 1002:379-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2015.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Das D, Medina B, Baktir MA, Mojabi FS, Fahimi A, Ponnusamy R, Salehi A. Increased incidence of intermittent hypoxemia in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome. Neurosci Lett 2015; 604:91-6. [PMID: 26240993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In addition to nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems are primarily affected in Down syndrome (DS). The Ts65Dn mouse model is widely used to recapitulate cognitive dysfunction in DS. While these mice consistently show failure in learning and memory along with functional and structural abnormalities in the hippocampal region, the underlying mechanisms behind cognitive dysfunction remain to be fully elucidated. Convergent evidence implicates chronic episodes of hypoxemia in cognitive dysfunction in people with DS. Using an infra-red detection system to assess oxygen saturation in free-moving mice, we assessed arterial blood oxygenation in both adolescent and adult Ts65Dn mice and found a significant increase in the incidence of hypoxemia in both groups. Notably, the severity of hypoxemia increased during the dark cycle, suggesting a link between hypoxemia and increased motor activity. Postmortem analysis showed significant increase in the expression of mitochondrial Cox4i2, the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and oxygen response element. Altogether these data suggest early and chronic occurrence of hypoxemia in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, which can contribute to cognitive dysfunction in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devsmita Das
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brian Medina
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Fatemeh S Mojabi
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA
| | - Atoossa Fahimi
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ravikumar Ponnusamy
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA.
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Gardiner KJ. Pharmacological approaches to improving cognitive function in Down syndrome: current status and considerations. Drug Des Devel Ther 2014; 9:103-25. [PMID: 25552901 PMCID: PMC4277121 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s51476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Although ID can be mild, the average intelligence quotient is in the range of 40-50. All individuals with DS will also develop the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the age of 30-40 years, and approximately half will display an AD-like dementia by the age of 60 years. DS is caused by an extra copy of the long arm of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and the consequent elevated levels of expression, due to dosage, of trisomic genes. Despite a worldwide incidence of one in 700-1,000 live births, there are currently no pharmacological treatments available for ID or AD in DS. However, over the last several years, very promising results have been obtained with a mouse model of DS, the Ts65Dn. A diverse array of drugs has been shown to rescue, or partially rescue, DS-relevant deficits in learning and memory and abnormalities in cellular and electrophysiological features seen in the Ts65Dn. These results suggest that some level of amelioration or prevention of cognitive deficits in people with DS may be possible. Here, we review information from the preclinical evaluations in the Ts65Dn, how drugs were selected, how efficacy was judged, and how outcomes differ, or not, among studies. We also summarize the current state of human clinical trials for ID and AD in DS. Lastly, we describe the genetic limitations of the Ts65Dn as a model of DS, and in the preclinical testing of pharmacotherapeutics, and suggest additional targets to be considered for potential pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katheleen J Gardiner
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Chokroborty-Hoque A, Alberry B, Singh SM. Exploring the complexity of intellectual disability in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:90. [PMID: 25207264 PMCID: PMC4143882 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain development in mammals is long lasting. It begins early during embryonic growth and is finalized in early adulthood. This progression represents a delicate choreography of molecular, cellular, and physiological processes initiated and directed by the fetal genotype in close interaction with environment. Not surprisingly, most aberrations in brain functioning including intellectual disability (ID) are attributed to either gene(s), or environment or the interaction of the two. The ensuing complexity has made the assessment of this choreography, ever challenging. A model to assess this complexity has used a mouse model (C57BL/6J or B6) that is subjected to prenatal alcohol exposure. The resulting pups show learning and memory deficits similar to patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which is associated with life-long changes in gene expression. Interestingly, this change in gene expression underlies epigenetic processes including DNA methylation and miRNAs. This paradigm is applicable to ethanol exposure at different developmental times (binge at trimesters 1, 2, and 3 as well as continuous preference drinking (70%) of 10% alcohol by B6 females during pregnancy). The exposure leads to life-long changes in neural epigenetic marks, gene expression, and a variety of defects in neurodevelopment and CNS function. We argue that this cascade may be reversed postnatally via drugs, chemicals, and environment including maternal care. Such conclusions are supported by two sets of results. First, antipsychotic drugs that are used to treat ID including psychosis function via changes in DNA methylation, a major epigenetic mark. Second, post-natal environment may improve (with enriched environments) or worsen (with negative and maternal separation stress) the cognitive ability of pups that were prenatally exposed to ethanol as well as their matched controls. In this review, we will discuss operational epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of intellectual ability/disability in response to alcohol during prenatal or post-natal development. In doing so, we will explore the potential of epigenetic manipulation in the treatment of FASD and related disorders implicated in ID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bonnie Alberry
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON , Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario , London, ON , Canada
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