1
|
Coulson RL, Frattini V, Moyer CE, Hodges J, Walter P, Mourrain P, Zuo Y, Wang GX. Translational modulator ISRIB alleviates synaptic and behavioral phenotypes in Fragile X syndrome. iScience 2024; 27:109259. [PMID: 38510125 PMCID: PMC10951902 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), a translational regulator that binds the transcripts of proteins involved in synaptic function and plasticity. Dysregulated protein synthesis is a central effect of FMRP loss, however, direct translational modulation has not been leveraged in the treatment of FXS. Thus, we examined the effect of the translational modulator integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB) in treating synaptic and behavioral symptoms of FXS. We show that FMRP loss dysregulates synaptic protein abundance, stabilizing dendritic spines through increased PSD-95 levels while preventing spine maturation through reduced glutamate receptor accumulation, thus leading to the formation of dense, immature dendritic spines, characteristic of FXS patients and Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. ISRIB rescues these deficits and improves social recognition in Fmr1 KO mice. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting core translational mechanisms in FXS and neurodevelopmental disorders more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle L. Coulson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Valentina Frattini
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caitlin E. Moyer
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer Hodges
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Peter Walter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Philippe Mourrain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- INSERM 1024, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Gordon X. Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stamenkovic V, Lautz JD, Harsh FM, Smith SEP. SRC family kinase inhibition rescues molecular and behavioral phenotypes, but not protein interaction network dynamics, in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02418-7. [PMID: 38297084 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02418-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Glutamatergic synapses encode information from extracellular inputs using dynamic protein interaction networks (PINs) that undergo widespread reorganization following synaptic activity, allowing cells to distinguish between signaling inputs and generate coordinated cellular responses. Here, we investigate how Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) deficiency disrupts signal transduction through a glutamatergic synapse PIN downstream of NMDA receptor or metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) stimulation. In cultured cortical neurons or acute cortical slices from P7, P17 and P60 FMR1-/y mice, the unstimulated protein interaction network state resembled that of wildtype littermates stimulated with mGluR agonists, demonstrating resting state pre-activation of mGluR signaling networks. In contrast, interactions downstream of NMDAR stimulation were similar to WT. We identified the Src family kinase (SFK) Fyn as a network hub, because many interactions involving Fyn were pre-activated in FMR1-/y animals. We tested whether targeting SFKs in FMR1-/y mice could modify disease phenotypes, and found that Saracatinib (SCB), an SFK inhibitor, normalized elevated basal protein synthesis, novel object recognition memory and social behavior in FMR1-/y mice. However, SCB treatment did not normalize the PIN to a wild-type-like state in vitro or in vivo, but rather induced extensive changes to protein complexes containing Shank3, NMDARs and Fyn. We conclude that targeting abnormal nodes of a PIN can identify potential disease-modifying drugs, but behavioral rescue does not correlate with PIN normalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Stamenkovic
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Lautz
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Felicia M Harsh
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen E P Smith
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jordan TL, Bartholomay KL, Lee CHY, Lightbody AA, Reiss AL. Cognition, academic achievement, and adaptive behavior in school-aged girls with fragile X syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 143:104622. [PMID: 37939495 PMCID: PMC10842844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism in males and females. Females with FXS typically display a milder cognitive phenotype than males, despite experiencing significant developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. AIMS To measure and distinguish the cognitive-behavioral profile of girls with FXS relative to verbal IQ-matched peers. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Ninety-seven participants (NFXS=55, Ncomparison=42) six to 16 years of age completed assessments evaluating cognition, academic achievement, and adaptive behavior. The comparison group consisted of age-, sex-, and verbal IQ-matched peers. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Consistent with previous studies, the FXS group demonstrated mean cognitive skills, academic achievement, and adaptive behavior in the borderline to low average range. On average, the FXS group showed poorer nonverbal reasoning, visual pattern recognition, verbal abstraction, math abilities, attention, inhibitory control, and working memory than the comparison group. There were no significant group differences in adaptive behavior. Different patterns of associations between cognition and selected outcomes emerged in each group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results highlight the importance of identifying specific cognitive-behavioral profiles in girls with FXS to inform more targeted interventions for optimizing outcomes and quality of life in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Jordan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kristi L Bartholomay
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Cindy Hsin-Yu Lee
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Amy A Lightbody
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arakawa H. Revisiting sociability: Factors facilitating approach and avoidance during the three-chamber test. Physiol Behav 2023; 272:114373. [PMID: 37805136 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The three-chamber test, the so-called sociability test, has been widely used to assess social deficits based on impaired socially oriented investigations in rodent models. An innate motivation for investigating conspecifics is theoretically a prerequisite for gaining sociability scores in this paradigm. However, several relevant factors mediating investigatory motives, such as familiarity, attractiveness, and aggression, may affect sociability scores, which must be verified to obtain an adequate evaluation of the psychiatric phenotypes exhibited by disease-relevant rodent models. We assessed the social and non-social factors that mediate proximity preference by the three-chamber test with standard C57BL/6 J (B6) mice and low sociability BTBR+ltpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice. Strains of the opponents had no effect. Sexual cues (i.e., opposite sex) increased proximity preference in both strains of mice; in contrast, novel objects induced an approach in B6 mice but avoidance in BTBR mice. Single-housing before testing, stimulated social motive, affected BTBR mice but not B6 mice. BTBR females showed increased proximity preference across the sessions, and BTBR males showed increased preference toward a male B6 stimulus, but not a male BTBR stimulus. The male preference was restored when the male BTBR stimulus was anesthetized. In addition, self-grooming was facilitated by social and non-social novelty cues in both strains. B6 mice predominantly exhibited an investigatory approach toward social or non-social stimuli, whereas BTBR mice recognized social cues but tended to show avoidance. The three-chamber test could evaluate approach-avoidance strategies in target mouse strains that comprise innate social distance between mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department Systems Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lax E, Do Carmo S, Enuka Y, Sapozhnikov DM, Welikovitch LA, Mahmood N, Rabbani SA, Wang L, Britt JP, Hancock WW, Yarden Y, Szyf M. Methyl-CpG binding domain 2 (Mbd2) is an epigenetic regulator of autism-risk genes and cognition. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:259. [PMID: 37443311 PMCID: PMC10344909 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Methyl-CpG-Binding Domain Protein family has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The Methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 (Mbd2) binds methylated DNA and was shown to play an important role in cancer and immunity. Some evidence linked this protein to neurodevelopment. However, its exact role in neurodevelopment and brain function is mostly unknown. Here we show that Mbd2-deficiency in mice (Mbd2-/-) results in deficits in cognitive, social and emotional functions. Mbd2 binds regulatory DNA regions of neuronal genes in the hippocampus and loss of Mbd2 alters the expression of hundreds of genes with a robust down-regulation of neuronal gene pathways. Further, a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis found an altered DNA methylation pattern in regulatory DNA regions of neuronal genes in Mbd2-/- mice. Differentially expressed genes significantly overlap with gene-expression changes observed in brains of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) individuals. Notably, downregulated genes are significantly enriched for human ortholog ASD risk genes. Observed hippocampal morphological abnormalities were similar to those found in individuals with ASD and ASD rodent models. Hippocampal Mbd2 knockdown partially recapitulates the behavioral phenotypes observed in Mbd2-/- mice. These findings suggest that Mbd2 is a novel epigenetic regulator of genes that are associated with ASD in humans. Mbd2 loss causes behavioral alterations that resemble those found in ASD individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elad Lax
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yehoshua Enuka
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Daniel M Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Welikovitch
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Liqing Wang
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Biesecker Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Britt
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wayne W Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Biesecker Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Svalina MN, Sullivan R, Restrepo D, Huntsman MM. From circuits to behavior: Amygdala dysfunction in fragile X syndrome. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1128529. [PMID: 36969493 PMCID: PMC10034113 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1128529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a repeat expansion mutation in the promotor region of the FMR1 gene resulting in transcriptional silencing and loss of function of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 protein (FMRP). FMRP has a well-defined role in the early development of the brain. Thus, loss of the FMRP has well-known consequences for normal cellular and synaptic development leading to a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including an increased prevalence of amygdala-based disorders. Despite our detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of FXS, the precise cellular and circuit-level underpinnings of amygdala-based disorders is incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the development of the amygdala, the role of neuromodulation in the critical period plasticity, and recent advances in our understanding of how synaptic and circuit-level changes in the basolateral amygdala contribute to the behavioral manifestations seen in FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N. Svalina
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Regina Sullivan
- Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Study Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diego Restrepo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Molly M. Huntsman
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Molly M. Huntsman,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schmitt LM, Arzuaga AL, Dapore A, Duncan J, Patel M, Larson JR, Erickson CA, Sweeney JA, Ragozzino ME. Parallel learning and cognitive flexibility impairments between Fmr1 knockout mice and individuals with fragile X syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1074682. [PMID: 36688132 PMCID: PMC9849779 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1074682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic condition that leads to intellectual disability along with behavioral and learning difficulties. Among behavioral and learning difficulties, cognitive flexibility impairments are among the most commonly reported in FXS, which significantly impacts daily living. Despite the extensive use of the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse to understand molecular, synaptic and behavioral alterations related to FXS, there has been limited development of translational paradigms to understand cognitive flexibility that can be employed in both animal models and individuals with FXS to facilitate treatment development. Methods To begin addressing this limitation, a parallel set of studies were carried out that investigated probabilistic reversal learning along with other behavioral and cognitive tests in individuals with FXS and Fmr1 KO mice. Fifty-five adolescents and adults with FXS (67% male) and 34 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls (62% male) completed an initial probabilistic learning training task and a probabilistic reversal learning task. Results In males with FXS, both initial probabilistic learning and reversal learning deficits were found. However, in females with FXS, we only observed reversal learning deficits. Reversal learning deficits related to more severe psychiatric features in females with FXS, whereas increased sensitivity to negative feedback (lose:shift errors) unexpectedly appear to be adaptive in males with FXS. Male Fmr1 KO mice exhibited both an initial probabilistic learning and reversal learning deficit compared to that of wildtype (WT) mice. Female Fmr1 KO mice were selectively impaired on probabilistic reversal learning. In a prepotent response inhibition test, both male and female Fmr1 KO mice were impaired in learning to choose a non-preferred spatial location to receive a food reward compared to that of WT mice. Neither male nor female Fmr1 KO mice exhibited a change in anxiety compared to that of WT mice. Discussion Together, our findings demonstrate strikingly similar sex-dependent learning disturbances across individuals with FXS and Fmr1 KO mice. This suggests the promise of using analogous paradigms of cognitive flexibility across species that may speed treatment development to improve lives of individuals with FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Schmitt
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Anna L. Arzuaga
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ashley Dapore
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jason Duncan
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maya Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John R. Larson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Michael E. Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Michael E. Ragozzino,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Petroni V, Subashi E, Premoli M, Memo M, Lemaire V, Pietropaolo S. Long-term behavioral effects of prenatal stress in the Fmr1-knock-out mouse model for fragile X syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:917183. [PMID: 36385949 PMCID: PMC9647640 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.917183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS is caused by a mutation in the X-linked FMR1 gene leading to the absence of the FMRP protein, inducing several behavioral deficits, including motor, emotional, cognitive, and social abnormalities. Beside its clear genetic origins, FXS can be modulated by environmental factors, e.g., stress exposure: indeed the behavioral phenotype of FXS, as well as of ASD patients can be exacerbated by the repeated experience of stressful events, especially early in life. Here we investigated the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to unpredictable chronic stress on the behavioral phenotype of the Fmr1-knock-out (KO) mouse model for FXS and ASD. Mice were tested for FXS- and ASD-relevant behaviors first at adulthood (3 months) and then at aging (18 months), in order to assess the persistence and the potential time-related progression of the stress effects. Stress induced the selective emergence of behavioral deficits in Fmr1-KO mice that were evident in spatial memory only at aging. Stress also exerted several age-specific behavioral effects in mice of both genotypes: at adulthood it enhanced anxiety levels and reduced social interaction, while at aging it enhanced locomotor activity and reduced the complexity of ultrasonic calls. Our findings underline the relevance of gene-environment interactions in mouse models of neurodevelopmental syndromes and highlight the long-term behavioral impact of prenatal stress in laboratory mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Petroni
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Enejda Subashi
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valerie Lemaire
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanna Pietropaolo
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- *Correspondence: Susanna Pietropaolo,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Velloso FJ, Wadhwa A, Kumari E, Carcea I, Gunal O, Levison SW. Modestly increasing systemic interleukin-6 perinatally disturbs secondary germinal zone neurogenesis and gliogenesis and produces sociability deficits. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:23-36. [PMID: 34954074 PMCID: PMC8885860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that infections during pregnancy increase the risk of offspring developing Schizophrenia, Autism, Depression and Bipolar Disorder and have implicated interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a causal agent. However, other cytokines have been associated with the developmental origins of psychiatric disorders; therefore, it remains to be established whether elevating IL-6 is sufficient to alter the trajectory of neural development. Furthermore, most rodent studies have manipulated the maternal immune system at mid-gestation, which affects the stem cells and progenitors in both the primary and secondary germinal matrices. Therefore, a question that remains to be addressed is whether elevating IL-6 when the secondary germinal matrices are most active will affect brain development. Here, we have increased IL-6 from postnatal days 3-6 when the secondary germinal matrices are rapidly expanding. Using Nestin-CreERT2 fate mapping we show that this transient increase in IL-6 decreased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus, reduced astrogliogenesis in the amygdala and decreased oligodendrogenesis in the body and splenium of the corpus callosum all by ∼ 50%. Moreover, the IL-6 treatment elicited behavioral changes classically associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. As adults, IL-6 injected male mice lost social preference in the social approach test, spent ∼ 30% less time socially engaging with sexually receptive females and produced ∼ 50% fewer ultrasonic vocalizations during mating. They also engaged ∼ 50% more time in self-grooming behavior and had an increase in inhibitory avoidance. Altogether, these data provide new insights into the biological mechanisms linking perinatal immune activation to complex neurodevelopmental brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Janczur Velloso
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Anna Wadhwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA 07103
| | - Ekta Kumari
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA 07103
| | - Ioana Carcea
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Ozlem Gunal
- Department of Psychiatry, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Steven W. Levison
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA 07103,Correspondence should be addressed to: Steven W. Levison, PhD, Department Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, Phone: 973-972-5162;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
To date, much of the focus of gut-brain axis research has been on gut microbiota regulation of anxiety and stress-related behaviors. Much less attention has been directed to potential connections between gut microbiota and compulsive behavior. Here, we discuss a potential link between gut barrier dysfunction and compulsive behavior that is mediated through "type 2" rather than "type 1" inflammation. We examine connections between compulsive behavior and type 2 inflammation in Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Next, we discuss potential connections between gut barrier dysfunction, type 2 inflammation, and compulsive behavior. We posit a potential mechanism whereby gut barrier dysfunction-associated type 2 inflammation may drive compulsive behavior through histamine regulation of dopamine neurotransmission. Finally, we discuss the possibility of exploiting the greater accessibility of the gut relative to the brain in identifying targets to treat compulsive behavior disorders.
Collapse
|
11
|
Harris E, Myers H, Saxena K, Mitchell-Heggs R, Kind P, Chattarji S, Morris R. Experiential modulation of social dominance in a SYNGAP1 rat model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:7733-7748. [PMID: 34672048 PMCID: PMC7614819 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of developmental brain disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are being achieved through human neurogenetics such as, for example, identifying de novo mutations in SYNGAP1 as one relatively common cause of ASD. A recently developed rat line lacking the calcium/lipid binding (C2) and GTPase activation protein (GAP) domain may further help uncover the neurobiological basis of deficits in children with ASD. This study focused on social dominance in the tube test using Syngap+/Δ-GAP (rats heterozygous for the C2/GAP domain deletion) as alterations in social behaviour are a key facet of the human phenotype. Male animals of this line living together formed a stable intra-cage hierarchy, but they were submissive when living with wild-type (WT) cage-mates, thereby modelling the social withdrawal seen in ASD. The study includes a detailed analysis of specific behaviours expressed in social interactions by WT and mutant animals, including the observation that when the Syngap+/Δ-GAP mutants that had been living together had separate dominance encounters with WT animals from other cages, the two higher ranking Syngap+/Δ-GAP rats remained dominant whereas the two lower ranking mutants were still submissive. Although only observed in a small subset of animals, these findings support earlier observations with a rat model of Fragile X, indicating that their experience of winning or losing dominance encounters has a lasting influence on subsequent encounters with others. Our results highlight and model that even with single-gene mutations, dominance phenotypes reflect an interaction between genotypic and environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Harris
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
| | - H. Myers
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
| | - K. Saxena
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
| | - R. Mitchell-Heggs
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
| | - P. Kind
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
| | - S Chattarji
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, National Centre for Biological Sciences and Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - R.G.M. Morris
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Prieto M, Folci A, Poupon G, Schiavi S, Buzzelli V, Pronot M, François U, Pousinha P, Lattuada N, Abelanet S, Castagnola S, Chafai M, Khayachi A, Gwizdek C, Brau F, Deval E, Francolini M, Bardoni B, Humeau Y, Trezza V, Martin S. Missense mutation of Fmr1 results in impaired AMPAR-mediated plasticity and socio-cognitive deficits in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1557. [PMID: 33692361 PMCID: PMC7946954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and the best-described monogenic cause of autism. CGG-repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene leads to FMR1 silencing, loss-of-expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), and is a common cause of FXS. Missense mutations in the FMR1 gene were also identified in FXS patients, including the recurrent FMRP-R138Q mutation. To investigate the mechanisms underlying FXS caused by this mutation, we generated a knock-in mouse model (Fmr1R138Q) expressing the FMRP-R138Q protein. We demonstrate that, in the hippocampus of the Fmr1R138Q mice, neurons show an increased spine density associated with synaptic ultrastructural defects and increased AMPA receptor-surface expression. Combining biochemical assays, high-resolution imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioural testing, we also show that the R138Q mutation results in impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and socio-cognitive deficits in mice. These findings reveal the functional impact of the FMRP-R138Q mutation in a mouse model of FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Prieto
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Marie Pronot
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | | | | | - Norma Lattuada
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dept. of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Magda Chafai
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | | | | | - Frédéric Brau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Maura Francolini
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dept. of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bardoni
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | - Yann Humeau
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IINS, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Stéphane Martin
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Myosin Va Brain-Specific Mutation Alters Mouse Behavior and Disrupts Hippocampal Synapses. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0284-20.2020. [PMID: 33229412 PMCID: PMC7769881 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0284-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin Va (MyoVa) is a plus-end filamentous-actin motor protein that is highly and broadly expressed in the vertebrate body, including in the nervous system. In excitatory neurons, MyoVa transports cargo toward the tip of the dendritic spine, where the postsynaptic density (PSD) is formed and maintained. MyoVa mutations in humans cause neurologic dysfunction, intellectual disability, hypomelanation, and death in infancy or childhood. Here, we characterize the Flailer (Flr) mutant mouse, which is homozygous for a myo5a mutation that drives high levels of mutant MyoVa (Flr protein) specifically in the CNS. Flr protein functions as a dominant-negative MyoVa, sequestering cargo and blocking its transport to the PSD. Flr mice have early seizures and mild ataxia but mature and breed normally. Flr mice display several abnormal behaviors known to be associated with brain regions that show high expression of Flr protein. Flr mice are defective in the transport of synaptic components to the PSD and in mGluR-dependent long-term depression (LTD) and have a reduced number of mature dendritic spines. The synaptic and behavioral abnormalities of Flr mice result in anxiety and memory deficits similar to that of other mouse mutants with obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because of the dominant-negative nature of the Flr protein, the Flr mouse offers a powerful system for the analysis of how the disruption of synaptic transport and lack of LTD can alter synaptic function, development and wiring of the brain and result in symptoms that characterize many neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
15
|
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy, Insights from Animal Models. Neuroscience 2020; 445:69-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
|
16
|
Schiavi S, Carbone E, Melancia F, Buzzelli V, Manduca A, Campolongo P, Pallottini V, Trezza V. Perinatal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids corrects the aberrant social and cognitive traits observed in a genetic model of autism based on FMR1 deletion in rats. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 25:898-911. [PMID: 32912100 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1819107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder for which no treatments exist. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited mental retardation and the most frequent monogenic cause of ASD. Given the lack of pharmacological treatments for ASD, increasing interest is devoted to non-pharmacological approaches, including dietary interventions. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are critical for neurobehavioraldevelopment. This study had two aims: 1. To validatethe recently developed Fmr1-Δexon 8 rat model of FXS; 2. To assess the impact of omega-3 PUFAs dietary supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the altered behavior displayed by Fmr1-Δexon 8 rats.Methods: Female Fmr1-Δexon 8 and wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with either an omega-3 PUFAs enriched diet or with an isocaloric control diet during pregnancy and lactation. Behavioral experiments were carried out on the infant (Postnatal days (PNDs) 9 and 13), juvenile (PND 35) and adult (PND 90) male offspring.Results: Fmr1-Δexon 8 pups showed hypolocomotion, reduced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emission and impaired social discrimination compared to wild-type controls. Juvenile and adult Fmr1-Δexon 8 rats showed deficits in the social and cognitive domains, that were counteracted by perinatal omega-3 PUFAs supplementation.Conclusion: Our results support the validity of the Fmr1-Δexon 8 rat model to mimic key autistic-like features and support an important role of omega-3 PUFAs during of neurodevelopment. Although the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation in ASD needs to be clarified, this dietary intervention holds promise to mitigate core and comorbid autistic features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, University 'Roma Tre', Rome Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Department of Science, University 'Roma Tre', Rome Italy
| | | | | | | | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, University 'Roma Tre', Rome Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Altered anxiety and social behaviors in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 73:245-251. [PMID: 32067828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common mental retardation syndrome. Anxiety and abnormal social behaviors are prominent features of FXS in humans. To better understand the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on these behaviors, we analyzed anxiety-related and social behaviors in Fmr1 knockout mice treated by HBOT. In the open field test, HBOT group mice preferred the periphery to central areas and tended to run or walk along the wall. The results suggested that thigmotaxis was significantly increased in the HBOT group compared with the control group. In the elevated plus maze test, the percentage of distance traveled was significantly increased in the open arm and significantly decreased in the closed arm for HBOT group mice compared with control group mice. These results suggested that HBOT group mice displayed enhanced motor activity in the open arm and exhibited fewer anxiety-related behaviors. In the three-chambered social approach test, the HBOT group mice made more approaches to the wire cup containing an acquaintance mouse than control group mice in the sociability test and made more approaches to the wire cup containing a stranger mouse than control group mice in the social novelty preference test. The results suggested that HBOT group mice showed increased levels of social interaction and decreased "social anxiety" than the control group to partner mice in this test. Our findings indicated that HBOT resulted in altered anxiety and social behavior in Fmr1 knockout mice and could possibly be used as a treatment for FXS.
Collapse
|
18
|
Möhrle D, Fernández M, Peñagarikano O, Frick A, Allman B, Schmid S. What we can learn from a genetic rodent model about autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 109:29-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
19
|
Wen TH, Afroz S, Reinhard SM, Palacios AR, Tapia K, Binder DK, Razak KA, Ethell IM. Genetic Reduction of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Promotes Formation of Perineuronal Nets Around Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons and Normalizes Auditory Cortex Responses in Developing Fmr1 Knock-Out Mice. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:3951-3964. [PMID: 29040407 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal sensory responses associated with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorders include hypersensitivity and impaired habituation to repeated stimuli. Similar sensory deficits are also observed in adult Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice and are reversed by genetic deletion of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through yet unknown mechanisms. Here we present new evidence that impaired development of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing inhibitory interneurons may underlie hyper-responsiveness in auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice via MMP-9-dependent regulation of perineuronal nets (PNNs). First, we found that PV cell development and PNN formation around GABAergic interneurons were impaired in developing auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice. Second, MMP-9 levels were elevated in P12-P18 auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice and genetic reduction of MMP-9 to WT levels restored the formation of PNNs around PV cells. Third, in vivo single-unit recordings from auditory cortex neurons showed enhanced spontaneous and sound-driven responses in developing Fmr1 KO mice, which were normalized following genetic reduction of MMP-9. These findings indicate that elevated MMP-9 levels contribute to the development of sensory hypersensitivity by influencing formation of PNNs around PV interneurons suggesting MMP-9 as a new therapeutic target to reduce sensory deficits in FXS and potentially other autism spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa H Wen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sonia Afroz
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Reinhard
- Psychology Department and Psychology Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Arnold R Palacios
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kendal Tapia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.,Psychology Department and Psychology Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Iryna M Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mejias R, Chiu SL, Han M, Rose R, Gil-Infante A, Zhao Y, Huganir RL, Wang T. Purkinje cell-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice show increased repetitive self-grooming and enhanced mGluR5 signaling in cerebellum. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104602. [PMID: 31476380 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) loss is a consistent pathological finding in autism. However, neural mechanisms of PC-dysfunction in autism remain poorly characterized. Glutamate receptor interacting proteins 1/2 (Grip1/2) regulate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking and synaptic strength. To evaluate role of PC-AMPAR signaling in autism, we produced PC-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice by crossing Grip2 conventional and Grip1 conditional KO with L7-Cre driver mice. PCs in the mutant mice showed normal morphology and number, and a lack of Grip1/2 expression. Rodent behavioral testing identified normal ambulation, anxiety, social interaction, and an increase in repetitive self-grooming. Electrophysiology studies revealed normal mEPSCs but an impaired mGluR-LTD at the Parallel Fiber-PC synapses. Immunoblots showed increased expression of mGluR5 and Arc, and enhanced phosphorylation of P38 and AKT in cerebellum of PC-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice. Results indicate that loss of Grip1/2 in PCs contributes to increased repetitive self-grooming, a core autism behavior in mice. Results support a role of AMPAR trafficking defects in PCs and disturbances of mGluR5 signaling in cerebellum in the pathogenesis of repetitive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Mejias
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Shu-Ling Chiu
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mei Han
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Rose
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ana Gil-Infante
- Department of Physiology, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Yifan Zhao
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Reversal of ultrasonic vocalization deficits in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome with minocycline treatment or genetic reduction of MMP-9. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:112068. [PMID: 31271818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. The Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse is a commonly studied pre-clinical model of FXS. Adult male Fmr1 KO mice produce fewer ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during mating, suggestive of abnormal social communication. Minocycline treatment for 2 months from birth alleviates a number of FXS phenotypes in mice, including USV call rate deficits. In the current study, we investigated if treatment initiated past the early developmental period would be effective, given that in many cases, individuals with FXS are treated during later developmental periods. Wildtype (WT) and Fmr1 KO mice were treated with minocycline between postnatal day (P) 30 and P58. Mating-related USVs were then recorded from these mice between P75 and P90 and analyzed for call rate, duration, bandwidth, and peak frequency. Untreated Fmr1 KO mice call at a significantly reduced rate compared to untreated WT mice. After minocycline treatment from 1 to 2 months of age, WT and Fmr1 KO mice exhibited similar call rates, due to an increase in calling in the latter group. Minocycline is thought to be effective in reducing FXS symptoms by lowering matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels. To determine whether abnormal MMP-9 levels underlie USV deficits, we characterized USVs in Fmr1 KO mice which were heterozygous for MMP-9 (MMP-9+/-/Fmr1 KO). The MMP-9+/-/Fmr1 KO mice were between P75 and P90 at the time of recording. MMP-9+/-/Fmr1 KO mice exhibited significantly increased USV call rates, at times even exceeding WT rates. Taken together, these results suggest that minocycline may reverse USV call rate deficits in Fmr1 KO mice through attenuation of MMP-9 levels. These data suggest targeting MMP-9, even in late development, may reduce FXS symptoms.
Collapse
|
22
|
Verma V, Paul A, Amrapali Vishwanath A, Vaidya B, Clement JP. Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour. Open Biol 2019; 9:180265. [PMID: 31185809 PMCID: PMC6597757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhik Paul
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhupesh Vaidya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moffat JJ, Jung EM, Ka M, Smith AL, Jeon BT, Santen GWE, Kim WY. The role of ARID1B, a BAF chromatin remodeling complex subunit, in neural development and behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:30-38. [PMID: 30149092 PMCID: PMC6249083 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of the chromatin remodeling factor ARID1B leads to autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Several independent research groups, including our own, recently examined the effects of heterozygous deletion of Arid1b in mice and reported severe behavioral abnormalities reminiscent of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability as well as marked changes in gene expression and decreased body size. Arid1b heterozygous mice also display significant cortical excitatory/inhibitory imbalance due to altered GABAergic neuron numbers and impaired inhibitory synaptic transmission. Abnormal epigenetic modifications, including histone acetylation and methylation, are additionally associated with Arid1b haploinsufficiency in the brain. Treating adult Arid1b mutant mice with a positive GABA allosteric modulator, however, rescues multiple behavioral abnormalities, such as cognitive and social impairments, as well as elevated anxiety. While treating Arid1b haploinsufficient mice with recombinant mouse growth hormone successfully increases body size, it has no effect on aberrant behavior. Here we summarize the recent findings regarding the role of ARID1B in brain development and behavior and discuss the utility of the Arid1b heterozygous mouse model in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric research. We also discuss some of the opportunities and potential challenges in developing translational applications for humans and possible avenues for further research into the mechanisms of ARID1B pathology in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eui-Man Jung
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Minhan Ka
- Research Center for Substance Abuse Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of
Korea
| | | | - Byeong Tak Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Gijs W. E. Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Woo-Yang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schmitt LM, Shaffer RC, Hessl D, Erickson C. Executive Function in Fragile X Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9010015. [PMID: 30654486 PMCID: PMC6356760 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive function (EF) supports goal-directed behavior and includes key aspects such as working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, attention, processing speed, and planning. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited monogenic cause of intellectual disability and is phenotypically characterized by EF deficits beyond what is expected given general cognitive impairments. Yet, a systematic review of behavioral studies using performance-based measures is needed to provide a summary of EF deficits across domains in males and females with FXS, discuss clinical and biological correlates of these EF deficits, identify critical limitations in available research, and offer suggestions for future studies in this area. Ultimately, this review aims to advance our understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to EF in FXS and to inform the development of outcome measures of EF and identification of new treatment targets in FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Schmitt
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Rebecca C Shaffer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Craig Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pinar C, Yau SY, Sharp Z, Shamei A, Fontaine CJ, Meconi AL, Lottenberg CP, Christie BR. Effects of Voluntary Exercise on Cell Proliferation and Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus of Adult FMR1 Knockout Mice. Brain Plast 2018; 4:185-195. [PMID: 30598869 PMCID: PMC6311353 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-170052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability that can be traced to a single gene mutation. This disorder is caused by the hypermethylation of the Fmr1 gene, which impairs translation of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). In Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, the loss of FMRP has been shown to negatively impact adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and to contribute to learning, memory, and emotional deficits. Conversely, physical exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive performance, emotional state, and increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In the current experiments, we used two different voluntary running paradigms to examine how exercise impacts adult neurogenesis in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of Fmr1 KO mice. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that short-term (7 day) voluntary running enhanced cell proliferation in both wild-type (WT) and Fmr1 KO mice. In contrast, long-term (28 day) running only enhanced cell proliferation in the whole DG of WT mice, but not in Fmr1 KO mice. Interestingly, cell survival was enhanced in both WT and Fmr1 KO mice following exercise. Interestingly we found that running promoted cell proliferation and survival in the ventral DG of WTs, but promoted cell survival in the dorsal DG of Fmr1 KOs. Our data indicate that long-term exercise has differential effects on adult neurogenesis in ventral and dorsal hippocampi in Fmr1 KO mice. These results suggest that physical training can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in the absence of FMRP, may be a potential intervention to enhance learning and memory and emotional regulation in FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pinar
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Zoe Sharp
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Arian Shamei
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Christine J Fontaine
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Alicia L Meconi
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Carina P Lottenberg
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Toth M. The other side of the coin: Hypersociability. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 18:e12512. [PMID: 30101538 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Affiliative social motivation and behavior, that is, sociability that includes attachment, prosocial behavior (sharing, caring and helping) and empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of others), has high variability in the human population, with a portion of people outside of the normal range. While psychiatric disorders and autism spectrum disorders are typically associated with a deficit in social behavior, the opposite trait of hypersociability and indiscriminate friendliness are exhibited by individual with specific neurodevelopmental disorders and following early adverse care. Here we discuss both genetic and environmental factors that cause or increase the risk for developing pathological hypersociability from human to rodent models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miklos Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Melancia F, Trezza V. Modelling fragile X syndrome in the laboratory setting: A behavioral perspective. Behav Brain Res 2018; 350:149-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
28
|
Treating a novel plasticity defect rescues episodic memory in Fragile X model mice. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1798-1806. [PMID: 29133950 PMCID: PMC5951717 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Episodic memory, a fundamental component of human cognition, is significantly impaired in autism. We believe we report the first evidence for this problem in the Fmr1-knockout (KO) mouse model of Fragile X syndrome and describe potentially treatable underlying causes. The hippocampus is critical for the formation and use of episodes, with semantic (cue identity) information relayed to the structure via the lateral perforant path (LPP). The unusual form of synaptic plasticity expressed by the LPP (lppLTP) was profoundly impaired in Fmr1-KOs relative to wild-type mice. Two factors contributed to this defect: (i) reduced GluN1 subunit levels in synaptic NMDA receptors and related currents, and (ii) impaired retrograde synaptic signaling by the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Studies using a novel serial cue paradigm showed that episodic encoding is dependent on both the LPP and the endocannabinoid receptor CB1, and is strikingly impaired in Fmr1-KOs. Enhancing 2-AG signaling rescued both lppLTP and learning in the mutants. Thus, two consequences of the Fragile-X mutation converge on plasticity at one site in hippocampus to prevent encoding of a basic element of cognitive memory. Collectively, the results suggest a clinically plausible approach to treatment.
Collapse
|
29
|
Martin HGS, Lassalle O, Manzoni OJ. Differential Adulthood Onset mGlu5 Signaling Saves Prefrontal Function in the Fragile X Mouse. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:5592-5602. [PMID: 27797833 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The final maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) continues into early adulthood and is delayed compared with other forebrain structures. However, how these late onset changes in the PFC relate to neurodevelopment disorders is poorly understood. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a prevalent neurogenetic disorder linked to deficits in PFC function. mGlu5 is an important molecular hub in the etiology of FXS. Thus we have examined changes in mGlu5 function in the PFC in a mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 knockout) during early adulthood and subsequent maturity. An unusual endophenotype was identified; during early adulthood (2-month-old) Fmr1 knockout mice show a severe deficit in mGlu5 dependent eCB synaptic plasticity; however, in 1-year-old this deficit self rectifies. This adulthood onset correction in mGlu5 function is linked to an engagement of TRPV1 receptors in 1-year-old mice. In 2-month-old Fmr1 knockout mice, mGlu5 mediated synaptic plasticity could be recovered with eCB system targeted drugs, but also by direct enhancement of mGlu5 function with a positive allosteric modulator. These results point to further refinements to the role of mGlu5 in FXS. Furthermore our findings suggest when studying neurodevelopmental disorders with a significant PFC phenotype consideration of late onset changes may be important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry G S Martin
- INSERM U901, Marseille 13009, France.,INMED, Marseille 13009, France.,Université de Aix-Marseille, UMR S901, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- INSERM U901, Marseille 13009, France.,INMED, Marseille 13009, France.,Université de Aix-Marseille, UMR S901, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- INSERM U901, Marseille 13009, France.,INMED, Marseille 13009, France.,Université de Aix-Marseille, UMR S901, Marseille 13009, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Saxena K, Webster J, Hallas-Potts A, Mackenzie R, Spooner PA, Thomson D, Kind P, Chattarji S, Morris RGM. Experiential contributions to social dominance in a rat model of fragile-X syndrome. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20180294. [PMID: 29899064 PMCID: PMC6015851 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social withdrawal is one phenotypic feature of the monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder fragile-X. Using a 'knockout' rat model of fragile-X, we examined whether deletion of the Fmr1 gene that causes this condition would affect the ability to form and express a social hierarchy as measured in a tube test. Male fragile-X 'knockout' rats living together could successfully form a social dominance hierarchy, but were significantly subordinate to wild-type animals in mixed group cages. Over 10 days of repeated testing, the fragile-X mutant rats gradually showed greater variance and instability of rank during their tube-test encounters. This affected the outcome of future encounters with stranger animals from other cages, with the initial phenotype of wild-type dominance lost to a more complex picture that reflected, regardless of genotype, the prior experience of winning or losing. Our findings offer a novel insight into the complex dynamics of social interactions between laboratory living groups of fragile-X and wild-type rats. Even though this is a monogenic condition, experience has an impact upon future interactions with other animals. Gene/environment interactions should therefore be considered in the development of therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Saxena
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- The Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - J Webster
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - A Hallas-Potts
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - R Mackenzie
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - P A Spooner
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - D Thomson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - P Kind
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- The Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - S Chattarji
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- The Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, 560065, India
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - R G M Morris
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- The Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, Edinburgh Neuroscience, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, 560065, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Synaptic dysfunction in amygdala in intellectual disorder models. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:392-397. [PMID: 28774568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala is a part of the limbic circuit that has been extensively studied in terms of synaptic connectivity, plasticity and cellular organization since decades (Ehrlich et al., 2009; Ledoux, 2000; Maren, 2001). Amygdala sub-nuclei, including lateral, basolateral and central amygdala appear now as "hubs" providing in parallel and in series neuronal processing enabling the animal to elicit freezing or escaping behavior in response to external threats. In rodents, these behaviors are easily observed and quantified following associative fear conditioning. Thus, studies on amygdala circuit in association with threat/fear behavior became very popular in laboratories and are often used among other behavioral tests to evaluate learning abilities of mouse models for various neuropsychiatric conditions including genetically encoded intellectual disabilities (ID). Yet, more than 100 human X-linked genes - and several hundreds of autosomal genes - have been associated with ID in humans. These mutations introduced in mice can generate social deficits, anxiety dysregulations and fear learning impairments (McNaughton et al., 2008; Houbaert et al., 2013; Jayachandran et al., 2014; Zhang et al., 2015). Noteworthy, a significant proportion of the coded ID gene products are synaptic proteins. It is postulated that the loss of function of these proteins could destabilize neuronal circuits by global changes of the balance between inhibitory and excitatory drives onto neurons. However, whereas amygdala related behavioral deficits are commonly observed in ID models, the role of most of these ID-genes in synaptic function and plasticity in the amygdala are only sparsely studied. We will here discuss some of the concepts that emerged from amygdala-targeted studies examining the role of syndromic and non-syndromic ID genes in fear-related behaviors and/or synaptic function. Along describing these cases, we will discuss how synaptic deficits observed in amygdala circuits could impact memory formation and expression of conditioned fear.
Collapse
|
32
|
Zeidler S, Pop AS, Jaafar IA, de Boer H, Buijsen RAM, de Esch CEF, Nieuwenhuizen‐Bakker I, Hukema RK, Willemsen R. Paradoxical effect of baclofen on social behavior in the fragile X syndrome mouse model. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00991. [PMID: 29785777 PMCID: PMC5991574 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common monogenetic cause of intellectual disability, autism spectrum features, and a broad range of other psychiatric and medical problems. FXS is caused by the lack of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a translational regulator of specific mRNAs at the postsynaptic compartment. The absence of FMRP leads to aberrant synaptic plasticity, which is believed to be caused by an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory network functioning of the synapse. Evidence from studies in mice demonstrates that GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and its receptors, is involved in the pathogenesis of FXS. Moreover, several FXS phenotypes, including social behavior deficits, could be corrected in Fmr1 KO mice after acute treatment with GABAB agonists. METHODS As FXS would probably require a lifelong treatment, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with the GABAB agonist baclofen on social behavior in Fmr1 KO mice on two behavioral paradigms for social behavior: the automated tube test and the three-chamber sociability test. RESULTS Unexpectedly, chronic baclofen treatment resulted in worsening of the FXS phenotypes in these behavior tests. Strikingly, baclofen treatment also affected wild-type animals in both behavioral tests, inducing a phenotype similar to that of untreated Fmr1 KO mice. CONCLUSION Altogether, the disappointing results of recent clinical trials with the R-baclofen enantiomer arbaclofen and our current results indicate that baclofen should be reconsidered and further evaluated before its application in targeted treatment for FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimriet Zeidler
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Andreea S. Pop
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Israa A. Jaafar
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Helen de Boer
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ronald A. M. Buijsen
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Celine E. F. de Esch
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Renate K. Hukema
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Perche O, Felgerolle C, Ardourel M, Bazinet A, Pâris A, Rossignol R, Meyer-Dilhet G, Mausset-Bonnefont AL, Hébert B, Laurenceau D, Montécot-Dubourg C, Menuet A, Bizot JC, Pichon J, Ranchon-Cole I, Briault S. Early Retinal Defects in Fmr1-/y Mice: Toward a Critical Role of Visual Dys-Sensitivity in the Fragile X Syndrome Phenotype? Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:96. [PMID: 29681800 PMCID: PMC5897671 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is caused by a deficiency in Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) leading to global sensorial abnormalities, among which visual defects represent a critical part. These visual defects are associated with cerebral neuron immaturity especially in the primary visual cortex. However, we recently demonstrated that retinas of adult Fmr1−/y mice, the FXS murine model, present molecular, cellular and functional alterations. However, no data are currently available on the evolution pattern of such defects. As retinal stimulation through Eye Opening (EO) is a crucial signal for the cerebral visual system maturation, we questioned the precocity of molecular and functional retinal phenotype. To answer this question, we studied the retinal molecular phenotype of Fmr1−/y mice before EO until adult age and the consequences of the retinal loss of Fmrp on retinal function in young and adult mice. We showed that retinal molecular defects are present before EO and remain stable at adult age, leading to electrophysiological impairments without any underlying structural changes. We underlined that loss of Fmrp leads to a wide range of defects in the retina, settled even before EO. Our work demonstrates a critical role of the sensorial dysfunction in the Fmr1−/y mice overall phenotype, and provides evidence that altered peripheral perception is a component of the sensory processing defect in FXS conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Perche
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France.,UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Chloé Felgerolle
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Maryvonne Ardourel
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Audrey Bazinet
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Pâris
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Rafaëlle Rossignol
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Géraldine Meyer-Dilhet
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Betty Hébert
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - David Laurenceau
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Céline Montécot-Dubourg
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Menuet
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Jacques Pichon
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Isabelle Ranchon-Cole
- Laboratory of Sensorial Biophysical, INSERM UMR1107 Equipe Biophysique Neurosensorielle, University of Clermont 1, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France.,UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Carreno-Munoz MI, Martins F, Medrano MC, Aloisi E, Pietropaolo S, Dechaud C, Subashi E, Bony G, Ginger M, Moujahid A, Frick A, Leinekugel X. Potential Involvement of Impaired BK Ca Channel Function in Sensory Defensiveness and Some Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Unfamiliar Environment in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:492-502. [PMID: 28722023 PMCID: PMC5770751 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In fragile X syndrome (FXS), sensory hypersensitivity and impaired habituation is thought to result in attention overload and various behavioral abnormalities in reaction to the excessive and remanent salience of environment features that would normally be ignored. This phenomenon, termed sensory defensiveness, has been proposed as the potential cause of hyperactivity, hyperarousal, and negative reactions to changes in routine that are often deleterious for FXS patients. However, the lack of tools for manipulating sensory hypersensitivity has not allowed the experimental testing required to evaluate the relevance of this hypothesis. Recent work has shown that BMS-204352, a BKCa channel agonist, was efficient to reverse cortical hyperexcitability and related sensory hypersensitivity in the Fmr1-KO mouse model of FXS. In the present study, we report that exposing Fmr1-KO mice to novel or unfamiliar environments resulted in multiple behavioral perturbations, such as hyperactivity, impaired nest building and excessive grooming of the back. Reversing sensory hypersensitivity with the BKCa channel agonist BMS-204352 prevented these behavioral abnormalities in Fmr1-KO mice. These results are in support of the sensory defensiveness hypothesis, and confirm BKCa as a potentially relevant molecular target for the development of drug medication against FXS/ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Carreno-Munoz
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia, Spain
| | - Fabienne Martins
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Carmen Medrano
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elisabetta Aloisi
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanna Pietropaolo
- University of Bordeaux, INCIA, Pessac, France,CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Corentin Dechaud
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Enejda Subashi
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Bony
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Melanie Ginger
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Andreas Frick
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Xavier Leinekugel
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33077 Bordeaux, France, Tel: +33 6 09 55 53 39, Fax: +33 5 57 57 36 69, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Golden CE, Buxbaum JD, De Rubeis S. Disrupted circuits in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 48:106-112. [PMID: 29222989 PMCID: PMC5825272 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are caused by a wide range of genetic mutations, a significant fraction of which reside in genes important for synaptic function. Studies have found that sensory, prefrontal, hippocampal, cerebellar, and striatal regions, as well as the circuits that connect them, are perturbed in mouse models of ASD and ID. Dissecting the disruptions in morphology and activity in these neural circuits might help us to understand the shared risk between the two disorders as well as their clinical heterogeneity. Treatments that target the balance between excitation and inhibition in these regions are able to reverse pathological phenotypes, elucidating this deficit as a commonality across models and opening new avenues for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Em Golden
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, 10029 NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Martinez LA, Tejada-Simon MV. Pharmacological Rescue of Hippocampal Fear Learning Deficits in Fragile X Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5951-5961. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
37
|
Nolan SO, Reynolds CD, Smith GD, Holley AJ, Escobar B, Chandler MA, Volquardsen M, Jefferson T, Pandian A, Smith T, Huebschman J, Lugo JN. Deletion of Fmr1 results in sex-specific changes in behavior. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00800. [PMID: 29075560 PMCID: PMC5651384 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we used a systemic Fmr1 knockout in order to investigate both genotype- and sex-specific differences across multiple measures of sociability, repetitive behaviors, activity levels, anxiety, and fear-related learning and memory. BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome is the most common monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism. Few studies to date have examined sex differences in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome, though clinical data support the idea of differences in both overall prevalence and phenotype between the sexes. METHODS Using wild-type and systemic homozygous Fmr1 knockout mice, we assessed a variety of behavioral paradigms in adult animals, including the open field test, elevated plus maze, nose-poke assay, accelerating rotarod, social partition task, three-chambered social task, and two different fear conditioning paradigms. Tests were ordered such that the most invasive tests were performed last in the sequence, and testing paradigms for similar behaviors were performed in separate cohorts to minimize testing effects. RESULTS Our results indicate several sex-specific changes in Fmr1 knockout mice, including male-specific increases in activity levels, and female-specific increases in repetitive behaviors on both the nose-poke assay and motor coordination on the accelerating rotarod task. The results also indicated that Fmr1 deletion results in deficits in fear learning and memory across both sexes, and no changes in social behavior across two tasks. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of including female subjects in preclinical studies, as simply studying the impact of genetic mutations in males does not yield a complete picture of the phenotype. Further research should explore these marked phenotypic differences among the sexes. Moreover, given that treatment strategies are typically equivalent between the sexes, the results highlight a potential need for sex-specific therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | - Conner D Reynolds
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA.,Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth TX USA
| | - Gregory D Smith
- Institute for Biomedical Studies Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | - Andrew J Holley
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | - Brianna Escobar
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | | | - Megan Volquardsen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | | | - Ashvini Pandian
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | - Tileena Smith
- Institute for Biomedical Studies Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | | | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA.,Institute for Biomedical Studies Baylor University Waco TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tian Y, Yang C, Shang S, Cai Y, Deng X, Zhang J, Shao F, Zhu D, Liu Y, Chen G, Liang J, Sun Q, Qiu Z, Zhang C. Loss of FMRP Impaired Hippocampal Long-Term Plasticity and Spatial Learning in Rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:269. [PMID: 28894415 PMCID: PMC5581399 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene that inactivate expression of the gene product, the fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP). In this study, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology to generate Fmr1 knockout (KO) rats by disruption of the fourth exon of the Fmr1 gene. Western blotting analysis confirmed that the FMRP was absent from the brains of the Fmr1 KO rats (Fmr1exon4-KO ). Electrophysiological analysis revealed that the theta-burst stimulation (TBS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) and the low-frequency stimulus (LFS)-induced long-term depression (LTD) were decreased in the hippocampal Schaffer collateral pathway of the Fmr1exon4-KO rats. Short-term plasticity, measured as the paired-pulse ratio, remained normal in the KO rats. The synaptic strength mediated by the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) was also impaired. Consistent with previous reports, the Fmr1exon4-KO rats demonstrated an enhanced 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-induced LTD in the present study, and this enhancement is insensitive to protein translation. In addition, the Fmr1exon4-KO rats showed deficits in the probe trial in the Morris water maze test. These results demonstrate that deletion of the Fmr1 gene in rats specifically impairs long-term synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent learning in a manner resembling the key symptoms of FXS. Furthermore, the Fmr1exon4-KO rats displayed impaired social interaction and macroorchidism, the results consistent with those observed in patients with FXS. Thus, Fmr1exon4-KO rats constitute a novel rat model of FXS that complements existing mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Chaojuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Shujiang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yijun Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Feng Shao
- Department of Psychology, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Desheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yunbo Liu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College/Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Guiquan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wu YJ, Hsu MT, Ng MC, Amstislavskaya TG, Tikhonova MA, Yang YL, Lu KT. Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 Knockout Zebrafish Shows Precocious Development in Social Behavior. Zebrafish 2017; 14:438-443. [PMID: 28829283 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a generally hereditary form of human mental retardation that is caused by triplet repeat expansion (CGG) mutation in fragile X mental retardation 1 (fmr1) gene promoter and that results in the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. The common symptoms of FXS patients include learning disabilities, anxiety, autistic behaviors, as well as other behavioral abnormalities. Our previous results demonstrated the behavioral abnormalities in fmr1 knockout (KO) zebrafish such as fear memory impairment and autism-like behavior. Here, we studied the functional role of fmr1 gene on the development of social behavior by behavioral experiments, including shoaling behavior, shoaling preference, light/dark test, and novel tank task. Our results demonstrated that precocious development of shoaling behavior is found in fmr1 KO zebrafish without affecting the shoaling preference on conspecific zebrafish. The shoaling behavior appeared after 14 days postfertilization (dpf), and the level of shoaling elevated in fmr1 KO zebrafish. Furthermore, the fmr1 KO zebrafish at 28 dpf expressed higher anxiety level in novel tank task. These results suggest that the change of shoaling behavior in fmr1 KO zebrafish may result from hyperactivity and an increase of anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Ju Wu
- 1 Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Ting Hsu
- 1 Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chong Ng
- 2 Center for General Education, National Quemoy University , Quemoy, Taiwan
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- 3 Laboratory of Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" (SRIPhBM) , Novosibirsk, Russia .,4 Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maria A Tikhonova
- 3 Laboratory of Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" (SRIPhBM) , Novosibirsk, Russia .,4 Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yi-Ling Yang
- 5 Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chia-Yi University , Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Kwok-Tung Lu
- 1 Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University , Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Subramanian K, Brandenburg C, Orsati F, Soghomonian JJ, Hussman JP, Blatt GJ. Basal ganglia and autism - a translational perspective. Autism Res 2017; 10:1751-1775. [PMID: 28730641 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The basal ganglia are a collection of nuclei below the cortical surface that are involved in both motor and non-motor functions, including higher order cognition, social interactions, speech, and repetitive behaviors. Motor development milestones that are delayed in autism such as gross motor, fine motor and walking can aid in early diagnosis of autism. Neuropathology and neuroimaging findings in autism cases revealed volumetric changes and altered cell density in select basal ganglia nuclei. Interestingly, in autism, both the basal ganglia and the cerebellum are impacted both in their motor and non-motor domains and recently, found to be connected via the pons through a short disynaptic pathway. In typically developing individuals, the basal ganglia plays an important role in: eye movement, movement coordination, sensory modulation and processing, eye-hand coordination, action chaining, and inhibition control. Genetic models have proved to be useful toward understanding cellular and molecular changes at the synaptic level in the basal ganglia that may in part contribute to these autism-related behaviors. In autism, basal ganglia functions in motor skill acquisition and development are altered, thus disrupting the normal flow of feedback to the cortex. Taken together, there is an abundance of emerging evidence that the basal ganglia likely plays critical roles in maintaining an inhibitory balance between cortical and subcortical structures, critical for normal motor actions and cognitive functions. In autism, this inhibitory balance is disturbed thus impacting key pathways that affect normal cortical network activity. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1751-1775. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Habit learning, action selection and performance are modulated by the basal ganglia, a collection of groups of neurons located below the cerebral cortex in the brain. In autism, there is emerging evidence that parts of the basal ganglia are structurally and functionally altered disrupting normal information flow. The basal ganglia through its interconnected circuits with the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum can potentially impact various motor and cognitive functions in the autism brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheryl Brandenburg
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, 21201
| | - Fernanda Orsati
- Program on Supports, Hussman Institute for Autism, Catonsville, MD, 21228
| | | | - John P Hussman
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, 21201.,Program on Supports, Hussman Institute for Autism, Catonsville, MD, 21228
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, 21201
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rogers TD, Anacker AMJ, Kerr TM, Forsberg CG, Wang J, Zhang B, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Effects of a social stimulus on gene expression in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Mol Autism 2017. [PMID: 28649315 PMCID: PMC5481916 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with fragile X syndrome (FXS) often have deficits in social behavior, and a substantial portion meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Though the genetic cause of FXS is known to be due to the silencing of FMR1, and the Fmr1 null mouse model representing this lesion has been extensively studied, the contributions of this gene and its protein product, FMRP, to social behavior are not well understood. METHODS Fmr1 null mice and wildtype littermates were exposed to a social or non-social stimulus. In one experiment, subjects were assessed for expression of the inducible transcription factor c-Fos in response to the stimulus, to detect brain regions with social-specific activity. In a separate experiment, tissue was taken from those brain regions showing differential activity, and RNA sequencing was performed. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed a significantly greater number of c-Fos-positive cells in the lateral amygdala and medial amygdala in the brains of mice exposed to a social stimulus, compared to a non-social stimulus. In the prelimbic cortex, there was no significant effect of social stimulus; although the number of c-Fos-positive cells was lower in the social condition compared to the non-social condition, and negatively correlated with c-Fos in the amygdala. RNA sequencing revealed differentially expressed genes enriched for molecules known to interact with FMRP and also for autism-related genes identified in the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative gene database. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis detected enrichment of differentially expressed genes in networks and pathways related to neuronal development, intracellular signaling, and inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS Using the Fmr1 null mouse model of fragile X syndrome, we have identified brain regions, gene networks, and molecular pathways responsive to a social stimulus. These findings, and future experiments following up on the role of specific gene networks, may shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying dysregulated social behaviors in fragile X syndrome and more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany D Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, 7158 MRBIII, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232 USA.,Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, 355 Jones Hall, 624 Old Main Circle, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 USA
| | - Allison M J Anacker
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr, Unit 78, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Travis M Kerr
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, 910 Madison Ave, Suite 1002, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - C Gunnar Forsberg
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425 USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr, Unit 78, New York, NY 10032 USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rao NR, Abad C, Perez IC, Srivastava AK, Young JI, Walz K. Rai1 Haploinsufficiency Is Associated with Social Abnormalities in Mice. BIOLOGY 2017; 6:biology6020025. [PMID: 28448442 PMCID: PMC5485472 DOI: 10.3390/biology6020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Autism is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors; with different degrees of severity in each of the core areas. Haploinsufficiency and point mutations of RAI1 are associated with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS), a genetic condition that scores within the autism spectrum range for social responsiveness and communication, and is characterized by neurobehavioral abnormalities, intellectual disability, developmental delay, sleep disturbance, and self-injurious behaviors. Methods: To investigate the relationship between Rai1 and social impairment, we evaluated the Rai1+/− mice with a battery of tests to address social behavior in mice. Results: We found that the mutant mice showed diminished interest in social odors, abnormal submissive tendencies, and increased repetitive behaviors when compared to wild type littermates. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Rai1 contributes to social behavior in mice, and prompt it as a candidate gene for the social behaviors observed in Smith-Magenis Syndrome patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalini R Rao
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Clemer Abad
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Irene C Perez
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Anand K Srivastava
- J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA.
| | - Juan I Young
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Katherina Walz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gauducheau M, Lemaire-Mayo V, D'Amato FR, Oddi D, Crusio WE, Pietropaolo S. Age-specific autistic-like behaviors in heterozygous Fmr1-KO female mice. Autism Res 2017; 10:1067-1078. [PMID: 28301083 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a major developmental disorder and the most frequent monogenic cause of autism. Surprisingly, most existing studies on the Fmr1-KO mouse model for FXS have focused on males, although FX women, who are mostly heterozygous for the Fmr1 mutation, are known to exhibit several behavioral deficits, including autistic-like features. Furthermore, most animal research has been carried out on adults only; so that little is known about the age progression of the behavioral phenotype of Fmr1 mutants, which is a crucial issue to optimize the impact of therapeutic interventions. Here, we performed an extensive analysis of autistic-like social behaviors in heterozygous (HET) Fmr1-KO females and their WT littermates at different ages. No behavioral difference between HET and WT mice was observed at infancy, but some abnormalities in social interaction and communication were first detected at juvenile age. At adulthood some of these alterations disappeared, but avoidance of social novelty appeared, together with other FXS-relevant behavioral deficits, such as hyperactivity and reduced contextual fear response. Our data provide for the first time evidence for the presence of autistic-relevant behavioral abnormalities in Fmr1-HET female mice, demonstrating the utility of this mouse line to model autistic-like behaviors in both sexes. These results also highlight the importance of taking into account age differences when using the Fmr1-KO mouse model, suggesting that the early post-natal phases are the most promising target for preventive interventions and the adult age is the most appropriate to investigate the behavioral impact of potential therapies. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1067-1078. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Gauducheau
- Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, Pessac cedex, France.,CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Pessac cedex, France
| | - Valerie Lemaire-Mayo
- Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, Pessac cedex, France.,CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Pessac cedex, France
| | - Francesca R D'Amato
- CNR, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Oddi
- CNR, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Wim E Crusio
- Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, Pessac cedex, France.,CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Pessac cedex, France
| | - Susanna Pietropaolo
- Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, Pessac cedex, France.,CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Pessac cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yau SY, Chiu C, Vetrici M, Christie BR. Chronic minocycline treatment improves social recognition memory in adult male Fmr1 knockout mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 312:77-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
45
|
Abstract
Autism is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are not well understood. Cerebellar involvement has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders with increasing evidence from both clinical studies and animal models supporting an important role for cerebellar dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders. This article discusses the various cerebellar contributions to autism spectrum disorders. Both clinical and preclinical studies are discussed and future research directions highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Tsai
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wolff GH, Strausfeld NJ. Genealogical correspondence of a forebrain centre implies an executive brain in the protostome-deuterostome bilaterian ancestor. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150055. [PMID: 26598732 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Orthologous genes involved in the formation of proteins associated with memory acquisition are similarly expressed in forebrain centres that exhibit similar cognitive properties. These proteins include cAMP-dependent protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKA-Cα) and phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKII), both required for long-term memory formation which is enriched in rodent hippocampus and insect mushroom bodies, both implicated in allocentric memory and both possessing corresponding neuronal architectures. Antibodies against these proteins resolve forebrain centres, or their equivalents, having the same ground pattern of neuronal organization in species across five phyla. The ground pattern is defined by olfactory or chemosensory afferents supplying systems of parallel fibres of intrinsic neurons intersected by orthogonal domains of afferent and efferent arborizations with local interneurons providing feedback loops. The totality of shared characters implies a deep origin in the protostome-deuterostome bilaterian ancestor of elements of a learning and memory circuit. Proxies for such an ancestral taxon are simple extant bilaterians, particularly acoels that express PKA-Cα and pCaMKII in discrete anterior domains that can be properly referred to as brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella H Wolff
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Mind, Brain, and Behavior, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Nicholas J Strausfeld
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Mind, Brain, and Behavior, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Somatosensory map expansion and altered processing of tactile inputs in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:201-215. [PMID: 27616423 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common inherited form of intellectual disability caused by the absence or reduction of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) encoded by the FMR1 gene. In humans, one symptom of FXS is hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, including touch. We used a mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 KO) to study sensory processing of tactile information conveyed via the whisker system. In vivo electrophysiological recordings in somatosensory barrel cortex showed layer-specific broadening of the receptive fields at the level of layer 2/3 but not layer 4, in response to whisker stimulation. Furthermore, the encoding of tactile stimuli at different frequencies was severely affected in layer 2/3. The behavioral effect of this broadening of the receptive fields was tested in the gap-crossing task, a whisker-dependent behavioral paradigm. In this task the Fmr1 KO mice showed differences in the number of whisker contacts with platforms, decrease in the whisker sampling duration and reduction in the whisker touch-time while performing the task. We propose that the increased excitability in the somatosensory barrel cortex upon whisker stimulation may contribute to changes in the whisking strategy as well as to other observed behavioral phenotypes related to tactile processing in Fmr1 KO mice.
Collapse
|
48
|
Bostrom C, Yau SY, Majaess N, Vetrici M, Gil-Mohapel J, Christie BR. Hippocampal dysfunction and cognitive impairment in Fragile-X Syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:563-574. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
49
|
Zupan B, Sharma A, Frazier A, Klein S, Toth M. Programming social behavior by the maternal fragile X protein. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:578-87. [PMID: 27198123 PMCID: PMC9879598 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The developing fetus and neonate are highly sensitive to maternal environment. Besides the well-documented effects of maternal stress, nutrition and infections, maternal mutations, by altering the fetal, perinatal and/or early postnatal environment, can impact the behavior of genetically normal offspring. Mutation/premutation in the X-linked FMR1 (encoding the translational regulator FMRP) in females, although primarily responsible for causing fragile X syndrome (FXS) in their children, may also elicit such maternal effects. We showed that a deficit in maternal FMRP in mice results in hyperactivity in the genetically normal offspring. To test if maternal FMRP has a broader intergenerational effect, we measured social behavior, a core dimension of neurodevelopmental disorders, in offspring of FMRP-deficient dams. We found that male offspring of Fmr1(+/-) mothers, independent of their own Fmr1 genotype, exhibit increased approach and reduced avoidance toward conspecific strangers, reminiscent of 'indiscriminate friendliness' or the lack of stranger anxiety, diagnosed in neglected children and in patients with Asperger's and Williams syndrome. Furthermore, social interaction failed to activate mesolimbic/amygdala regions, encoding social aversion, in these mice, providing a neurobiological basis for the behavioral abnormality. This work identifies a novel role for FMRP that extends its function beyond the well-established genetic function into intergenerational non-genetic inheritance/programming of social behavior and the corresponding neuronal circuit. As FXS premutation and some psychiatric conditions that can be associated with reduced FMRP expression are more prevalent in mothers than full FMR1 mutation, our findings potentially broaden the significance of FMRP-dependent programming of social behavior beyond the FXS population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. Zupan
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA,Vassar College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, USA
| | - A. Sharma
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - A. Frazier
- Vassar College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, USA
| | - S. Klein
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - M. Toth
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kim KC, Gonzales EL, Lázaro MT, Choi CS, Bahn GH, Yoo HJ, Shin CY. Clinical and Neurobiological Relevance of Current Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2016; 24:207-43. [PMID: 27133257 PMCID: PMC4859786 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2016.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication impairments, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD has made it overwhelmingly difficult to determine the exact etiology and pathophysiology underlying the core symptoms, which are often accompanied by comorbidities such as hyperactivity, seizures, and sensorimotor abnormalities. To our benefit, the advent of animal models has allowed us to assess and test diverse risk factors of ASD, both genetic and environmental, and measure their contribution to the manifestation of autistic symptoms. At a broader scale, rodent models have helped consolidate molecular pathways and unify the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying each one of the various etiologies. This approach will potentially enable the stratification of ASD into clinical, molecular, and neurophenotypic subgroups, further proving their translational utility. It is henceforth paramount to establish a common ground of mechanistic theories from complementing results in preclinical research. In this review, we cluster the ASD animal models into lesion and genetic models and further classify them based on the corresponding environmental, epigenetic and genetic factors. Finally, we summarize the symptoms and neuropathological highlights for each model and make critical comparisons that elucidate their clinical and neurobiological relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki Chan Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - María T Lázaro
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chang Soon Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon Ho Bahn
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bungdang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|