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Ge J, Xie S, Duan J, Tian B, Ren P, Hu E, Huang Q, Mao H, Zou Y, Chen Q, Wang W. Imbalance between hippocampal projection cell and parvalbumin interneuron architecture increases epileptic susceptibility in mouse model of methyl CpG binding protein 2 duplication syndrome. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 38819633 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) duplication syndrome is a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, which is usually manifested as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comorbidity. The transgenic line MeCP2Tg1 was used for mimicking MECP2 duplication syndrome and showed autism-epilepsy co-occurrence. Previous works suggested that the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance is a potential common mechanism for both epilepsy and ASD. The projection neurons and parvalbumin (PV) interneurons account for the majority of E/I balance in the hippocampus. Therefore, we explored how structural changes of projection and PV+ neurons occur in the hippocampus of MeCP2Tg1 mice and whether these morphological changes contribute to epilepsy susceptibility. METHODS We used the interneuron Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs mouse model to inhibit inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus to verify the epilepsy susceptibility of MeCP2Tg1 (FVB, an inbred strain named as sensitivity to Friend leukemia virus) mice. Electroencephalograms were recorded for the definition of seizure. We performed retro-orbital injection of virus in MeCP2Tg1 (FVB):CaMKIIα-Cre (C57BL/6) mice or MeCP2Tg1:PV-Cre (C57BL/6) mice and their littermate controls to specifically label projection and PV+ neurons for structural analysis. RESULTS Epilepsy susceptibility was increased in MeCP2Tg1 mice. There was a reduced number of PV neurons and reduced dendritic complexity in the hippocampus of MeCP2Tg1 mice. The dendritic complexity in MeCP2Tg1 mice was increased compared to wild-type mice, and total dendritic spine density in dentate gyrus of MeCP2Tg1 mice was also increased. Total dendritic spine density was increased in CA1 of MeCP2Tg1 mice. SIGNIFICANCE Overexpression of MeCP2 may disrupt crucial signaling pathways, resulting in decreased dendritic complexity of PV interneurons and increased dendritic spine density of projection neurons. This reciprocal modulation of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal structures associated with MeCP2 implies its significance as a potential target in the development of epilepsy and offers a novel perspective on the co-occurrence of autism and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junye Ge
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shengjun Xie
- Jingzhou Hospital affiliated with Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jiamei Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biqing Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengfei Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Erling Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiyi Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuxin Zou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Suter B, Pehlivan D, Ak M, Harris HK, Lyons-Warren AM. Sensory experiences questionnaire unravels differences in sensory profiles between MECP2-related disorders. Autism Res 2024; 17:775-784. [PMID: 38433353 PMCID: PMC11127745 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The methyl CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene is located on the Xq28 region. Loss of function mutations or increased copies of MECP2 result in Rett syndrome (RTT) and MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), respectively. Individuals with both disorders exhibit overlapping autism symptoms, yet few studies have dissected the differences between these gene dosage sensitive disorders. Further, research examining sensory processing patterns in persons with RTT and MDS is largely absent. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyze and compare sensory processing patterns in persons with RTT and MDS. Towards this goal, caregivers of 50 female individuals with RTT and 122 male individuals with MDS, between 1 and 46 years of age, completed a standardized measure of sensory processing, the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire. Patterns detected in both disorders were compared against each other and against normative values. We found sensory processing abnormalities for both hyper- and hypo-sensitivity in both groups. Interestingly, abnormalities in MDS were more pronounced compared with in RTT, particularly with items concerning hypersensitivity and sensory seeking, but not hyposensitivity. Individuals with MDS also exhibited greater sensory symptoms compared with RTT in the areas of tactile and vestibular sensory processing and for both social and nonsocial stimuli. This study provides a first description of sensory symptoms in individuals with RTT and individuals with MDS. Similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders, a variety of sensory processing abnormalities was found. These findings reveal a first insight into sensory processing abnormalities caused by a dosage sensitive gene and may ultimately help guide therapeutic approaches for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Suter
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Muharrem Ak
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Holly K Harris
- Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ariel M Lyons-Warren
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Fenton TA, Haouchine OY, Hallam EL, Smith EM, Jackson KC, Rahbarian D, Canales C, Adhikari A, Nord AS, Ben-Shalom R, Silverman JL. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical mouse model of SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4067746. [PMID: 38562838 PMCID: PMC10984035 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4067746/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability (SRID). Without functional SynGAP1 protein, individuals are developmentally delayed and have prominent features of intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous discoveries indicting the critical role of Syngap1. Several rodent models with a loss of Syngap1 have been engineered identifying precise roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical pathways key for synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1/Syngap1 is lethal. Heterozygous mutations of Syngap1 result in a broad range of behavioral phenotypes. Our in vivo functional data, using the original mouse model from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated behaviors including robust hyperactivity and deficits in learning and memory in young adults. Furthermore, we described impairments in the domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data collected with wireless, telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). Syngap1+/- mice exhibited elevated spiking events and spike trains, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power frequency. For the first time, we illustrated primary neurons from Syngap1+/- mice displayed increased network firing activity, greater bursts, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks by employing high density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA). Our work bridges in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro that can be utilized for the development and efficacy assessment of targeted treatments for SRID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Fenton
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Olivia Y Haouchine
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Elizabeth L Hallam
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Emily M Smith
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Kiya C. Jackson
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Darlene Rahbarian
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Cesar Canales
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Alexander S. Nord
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Roy Ben-Shalom
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
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Li Y, Zhang S, Tang C, Yang B, Atrooz F, Ren Z, Mohan C, Salim S, Wu T. Autoimmune and neuropsychiatric phenotypes in a Mecp2 transgenic mouse model on C57BL/6 background. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1370254. [PMID: 38524134 PMCID: PMC10960363 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1370254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) impacts the central nervous system (CNS), leading to severe neurological and psychiatric manifestations known as neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE). The complexity and heterogeneity of clinical presentations of NPSLE impede direct investigation of disease etiology in patients. The limitations of existing mouse models developed for NPSLE obstruct a comprehensive understanding of this disease. Hence, the identification of a robust mouse model of NPSLE is desirable. Methods C57BL/6 mice transgenic for human MeCP2 (B6.Mecp2Tg1) were phenotyped, including autoantibody profiling through antigen array, analysis of cellularity and activation of splenic immune cells through flow cytometry, and measurement of proteinuria. Behavioral tests were conducted to explore their neuropsychiatric functions. Immunofluorescence analyses were used to reveal altered neurogenesis and brain inflammation. Various signaling molecules implicated in lupus pathogenesis were examined using western blotting. Results B6.Mecp2Tg1 exhibits elevated proteinuria and an overall increase in autoantibodies, particularly in female B6.Mecp2Tg1 mice. An increase in CD3+CD4+ T cells in the transgenic mice was observed, along with activated germinal center cells and activated CD11b+F4/80+ macrophages. Moreover, the transgenic mice displayed reduced locomotor activity, heightened anxiety and depression, and impaired short-term memory. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed IgG deposition and immune cell infiltration in the kidneys and brains of transgenic mice, as well as altered neurogenesis, activated microglia, and compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB). Additionally, protein levels of various key signaling molecules were found to be differentially modulated upon MeCP2 overexpression, including GFAP, BDNF, Albumin, NCoR1, mTOR, and NLRP3. Discussion Collectively, this work demonstrates that B6.Mecp2Tg1 mice exhibit lupus-like phenotypes as well as robust CNS dysfunctions, suggesting its utility as a new animal model for NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chenling Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bowen Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Fatin Atrooz
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhifeng Ren
- Department of Physics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chandra Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samina Salim
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tianfu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Allison K, Maletic-Savatic M, Pehlivan D. MECP2-related disorders while gene-based therapies are on the horizon. Front Genet 2024; 15:1332469. [PMID: 38410154 PMCID: PMC10895005 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1332469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new genetic tools has led to the discovery of the genetic bases of many intellectual and developmental disabilities. This creates exciting opportunities for research and treatment development, and a few genetic disorders (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy) have recently been treated with gene-based therapies. MECP2 is found on the X chromosome and regulates the transcription of thousands of genes. Loss of MECP2 gene product leads to Rett Syndrome, a disease found primarily in females, and is characterized by developmental regression, motor dysfunction, midline hand stereotypies, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, epilepsy, scoliosis, and autistic-like behavior. Duplication of MECP2 causes MECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS). MDS is found mostly in males and presents with developmental delay, hypotonia, autistic features, refractory epilepsy, and recurrent respiratory infections. While these two disorders share several characteristics, their differences (e.g., affected sex, age of onset, genotype/phenotype correlations) are important to distinguish in the light of gene-based therapy because they require opposite solutions. This review explores the clinical features of both disorders and highlights these important clinical differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Allison
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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Pehlivan D, Aras S, Glaze DG, Ak M, Suter B, Motil KJ. Development and validation of parent-reported gastrointestinal health scale in MECP2 duplication syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:52. [PMID: 38331915 PMCID: PMC10854118 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We aimed to develop a validated patient-reported Gastrointestinal Health Scale (GHS) specific to MECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS) to be used in clinical trials. METHODS MDS parents completed a Gastrointestinal Health Questionnaire (GHQ) to investigate the most relevant and important items associated with gastrointestinal problems in MECP2-related disorders. Item reduction was executed according to EORTC guidelines. We performed reliability and validity studies for the finalized scale. RESULTS A total of 106 surveys were eligible for item reduction and validation processes. The initial 55 items were reduced to 38 items based on parent responses, expert opinion, and initial confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The final MDS-specific GHS included 38 items and 7 factors that underwent further reliability and validity assessments. The power of the study was at least 0.982. The Cronbach's alphas of the instruments were General Health: 0.799, Eating-Chewing-Swallowing: 0.809, Reflux: 0.794, Motility: 0.762, Mood: 0.906, Medication: 0.595, Parenting: 0.942 and all items together: 0.928. The correlation coefficient between total and individual item scores ranged from 0.215 to 0.730. Because of the ordinal nature of the variables, the diagonal weighted least squares estimation (DWLS) method was used to execute the CFA and Structural Equation Modeling. The GHS had excellent model fit with the acceptable range of fit indices values. CONCLUSIONS We developed a parent-reported, reliable, and valid MDS-specific GHS. This scale can be utilized in clinical settings or as an outcome measure in translational and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davut Pehlivan
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Sukru Aras
- Department of Genetics, Section of Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19146, USA
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Muharrem Ak
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kathleen J Motil
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Xiao X, Li M, Ye Z, He X, Wei J, Zha Y. FUS gene mutation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a new case report and systematic review. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:1-15. [PMID: 37926865 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2272170] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with upper and lower motor neuron degeneration and necrosis, characterized by progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. The FUS mutation-associated ALS has been classified as ALS6. We reported a case of ALS6 with de novo mutation and investigated retrospectively the characteristics of cases with FUS mutation. METHODS We reported a male patient with a new heterozygous variant of the FUS gene and comprehensively reviewed 173 ALS cases with FUS mutation. The literature was reviewed from the PubMed MEDLINE electronic database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) using "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fus mutation" or "Fus mutation" as key words from 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2022. RESULTS We report a case of ALS6 with a new mutation point (c.1225-1227delGGA) and comprehensively review 173 ALS cases with FUS mutation. Though ALS6 is all with FUS mutation, it is still a highly heterogenous subtype. The average onset age of ALS6 is 35.2 ± 1.3 years, which is much lower than the average onset age of ALS (60 years old). Juvenile FUS mutations have an aggressive progression of disease, with an average time from onset to death or tracheostomy of 18.2 ± 0.5 months. FUS gene has the characteristics of early onset, faster progress, and shorter survival, especially in deletion mutation p.G504Wfs *12 and missense mutation of p.P525L. CONCLUSIONS ALS6 is a highly heterogenous subtype. Our study could allow clinicians to better understand the non-ALS typical symptoms, phenotypes, and pathophysiology of ALS6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Zhi Ye
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Yunhong Zha
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
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Pramanik S, Bala A, Pradhan A. Zebrafish in understanding molecular pathophysiology, disease modeling, and developing effective treatments for Rett syndrome. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3677. [PMID: 38380785 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare but dreadful X-linked genetic disease that mainly affects young girls. It is a neurological disease that affects nerve cell development and function, resulting in severe motor and intellectual disabilities. To date, no cure is available for treating this disease. In 90% of the cases, RTT is caused by a mutation in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcription factor involved in the repression and activation of transcription. MECP2 is known to regulate several target genes and is involved in different physiological functions. Mouse models exhibit a broad range of phenotypes in recapitulating human RTT symptoms; however, understanding the disease mechanisms remains incomplete, and many potential RTT treatments developed in mouse models have not shown translational effectiveness in human trials. Recent data hint that the zebrafish model emulates similar disrupted neurological functions following mutation of the mecp2 gene. This suggests that zebrafish can be used to understand the onset and progression of RTT pathophysiology and develop a possible cure. In this review, we elaborate on the molecular basis of RTT pathophysiology in humans and model organisms, including rodents and zebrafish, focusing on the zebrafish model to understand the molecular pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategies for RTT. Finally, we propose a rational treatment strategy, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA technology and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Asis Bala
- Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Division of Life Sciences; Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), An Autonomous Institute Under - Department of Science & Technology (Govt. of India) Vigyan Path, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Hansen SN, Holm A, Kauppinen S, Klitgaard H. RNA therapeutics for epilepsy: An emerging modality for drug discovery. Epilepsia 2023; 64:3113-3129. [PMID: 37703096 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery in epilepsy began with the finding of potassium bromide by Sir Charles Locock in 1857. The following century witnessed the introduction of phenotypic screening tests for discovering antiseizure medications (ASMs). Despite the high success rate of developing ASMs, they have so far failed in eliminating drug resistance and in delivering disease-modifying treatments. This emphasizes the need for new drug discovery strategies in epilepsy. RNA-based drugs have recently shown promise as a new modality with the potential of providing disease modification and counteracting drug resistance in epilepsy. RNA therapeutics can be directed either toward noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and circular RNAs, or toward messenger RNAs. The former show promise in sporadic, nongenetic epilepsies, as interference with ncRNAs allows for modulation of entire disease pathways, whereas the latter seem more promising in monogenic childhood epilepsies. Here, we describe therapeutic strategies for modulating disease-associated RNA molecules and highlight the potential of RNA therapeutics for the treatment of different patient populations such as sporadic, drug-resistant epilepsy, and childhood monogenic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Holm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Okoh J, Mays J, Bacq A, Oses-Prieto JA, Tyanova S, Chen CJ, Imanbeyev K, Doladilhe M, Zhou H, Jafar-Nejad P, Burlingame A, Noebels J, Baulac S, Costa-Mattioli M. Targeted suppression of mTORC2 reduces seizures across models of epilepsy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7364. [PMID: 37963879 PMCID: PMC10645975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42922-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that poses a major threat to public health. Hyperactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is believed to lead to abnormal network rhythmicity associated with epilepsy, and its inhibition is proposed to provide some therapeutic benefit. However, mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) is also activated in the epileptic brain, and little is known about its role in seizures. Here we discover that genetic deletion of mTORC2 from forebrain neurons is protective against kainic acid-induced behavioral and EEG seizures. Furthermore, inhibition of mTORC2 with a specific antisense oligonucleotide robustly suppresses seizures in several pharmacological and genetic mouse models of epilepsy. Finally, we identify a target of mTORC2, Nav1.2, which has been implicated in epilepsy and neuronal excitability. Our findings, which are generalizable to several models of human seizures, raise the possibility that inhibition of mTORC2 may serve as a broader therapeutic strategy against epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Okoh
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jacqunae Mays
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandre Bacq
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Chien-Ju Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Novartis Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khalel Imanbeyev
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marion Doladilhe
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Hongyi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Alma Burlingame
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Baulac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA.
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11
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Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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12
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Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) gene that is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, autistic features, speech deficits, and sleep and breathing abnormalities. Neurologically, patients with all three disorders display microcephaly, aberrant dendritic morphology, reduced spine density, and an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and FOXG1 genes also cause similar behavioral and neurobiological defects and were referred to as congenital or variant Rett syndrome. The relatively recent realization that CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), FOXG1 syndrome, and Rett syndrome are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders with some distinctive features have resulted in separate focus being placed on each disorder with the assumption that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie their pathogenesis. However, given that many of the core symptoms and neurological features are shared, it is likely that the disorders share some critical molecular underpinnings. This review discusses the possibility that deregulation of common molecules in neurons and astrocytes plays a central role in key behavioral and neurological abnormalities in all three disorders. These include KCC2, a chloride transporter, vGlut1, a vesicular glutamate transporter, GluD1, an orphan-glutamate receptor subunit, and PSD-95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein. We propose that reduced expression or activity of KCC2, vGlut1, PSD-95, and AKT, along with increased expression of GluD1, is involved in the excitatory/inhibitory that represents a key aspect in all three disorders. In addition, astrocyte-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and inflammatory cytokines likely affect the expression and functioning of these molecules resulting in disease-associated abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh R D’Mello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
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13
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Shih YT, Alipio JB, Sahay A. An inhibitory circuit-based enhancer of DYRK1A function reverses Dyrk1a-associated impairment in social recognition. Neuron 2023; 111:3084-3101.e5. [PMID: 37797581 PMCID: PMC10575685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Heterozygous mutations in the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1a (Dyrk1a) gene define a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder. The synaptic and circuit mechanisms mediating DYRK1A functions in social cognition are unclear. Here, we identify a social experience-sensitive mechanism in hippocampal mossy fiber-parvalbumin interneuron (PV IN) synapses by which DYRK1A recruits feedforward inhibition of CA3 and CA2 to promote social recognition. We employ genetic epistasis logic to identify a cytoskeletal protein, ABLIM3, as a synaptic substrate of DYRK1A. We demonstrate that Ablim3 downregulation in dentate granule cells of adult heterozygous Dyrk1a mice is sufficient to restore PV IN-mediated inhibition of CA3 and CA2 and social recognition. Acute chemogenetic activation of PV INs in CA3/CA2 of adult heterozygous Dyrk1a mice also rescued social recognition. Together, these findings illustrate how targeting DYRK1A synaptic and circuit substrates as "enhancers of DYRK1A function" harbors the potential to reverse Dyrk1a haploinsufficiency-associated circuit and cognition impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Tzu Shih
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; BROAD Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Bondoc Alipio
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; BROAD Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amar Sahay
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; BROAD Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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14
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Xing XH, Takam R, Bao XY, Ba-alwi NA, Ji H. Methyl-CpG-Binding protein 2 duplication syndrome in a Chinese patient: A case report and review of the literature. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:6505-6514. [PMID: 37900250 PMCID: PMC10600989 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i27.6505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal Xq28 region duplication encompassing methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) results in an identifiable phenotype and global developmental delay known as MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS). This syndrome has a wide range of clinical manifestations, including abnormalities in appearance, neurodevelopment, and gastrointestinal motility; recurrent infections; and spasticity. Here, we report a case of confirmed MDS at our institution. CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old Chinese boy presented with intellectual disability (poor intellectual [reasoning, judgment, abstract thinking, and learning] and adaptive [lack of communication and absent social skills, apraxia, and ataxia] functioning) and dysmorphism. He had no history of recurrent infections, seizures, or bowel dysfunction, which is different from that in reported cases. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization confirmed MECP2 duplication in the patient and his mother who is a carrier. The duplication size was the same in the patient and his mother. No prophylactic antibiotic or anti-seizure therapy was offered to the patient or his mother before or after the consultation. CONCLUSION MDS is rare and has various clinical presentations. Clinical suspicion is critical in patients presenting with developmental delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Hang Xing
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Part of The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Russel Takam
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Part of The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiu-Ying Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Part of The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Nour Abdallah Ba-alwi
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Part of The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Part of The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
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15
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Silverman JL, Fenton T, Haouchine O, Hallam E, Smith E, Jackson K, Rahbarian D, Canales C, Adhikari A, Nord A, Ben-Shalom R. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical model of SYNGAP1 mutations. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3246655. [PMID: 37790402 PMCID: PMC10543290 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3246655/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
SYNGAP1 is a critical gene for neuronal development, synaptic structure, and function. Although rare, the disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1 -related intellectual disability. Without functional SynGAP1 protein, patients present with intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Previous work using mouse models with a variety of germline and conditional mutations has helped delineate SynGAP1's critical roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical signaling pathways essential to synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1 is embryonically lethal. Heterozygous mutations of SynGAP1 result in a broad range of phenotypes including increased locomotor activity, impaired working spatial memory, impaired cued fear memory, and increased stereotypic behavior. Our in vivo functional data, using the original germline mutation mouse line from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated robust hyperactivity and learning and memory deficits. Here, we describe impairments in the translational biomarker domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data collected with wireless telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). We discovered Syngap1+/- mice exhibited elevated spike trains in both number and duration, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power band. Primary neurons from Syngap1+/- mice displayed increased network firing activity, greater spikes per burst, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks using high density micro-electrode arrays (HD-MEA). This work is translational, innovative, and highly significant as it outlines functional impairments in Syngap1 mutant mice. Simultaneously, the work utilized untethered, wireless neurophysiology that can discover potential biomarkers of Syngap1 RI-D, for clinical trials, as it has done with other NDDs. Our work is substantial forward progress toward translational work for SynGAP1R-ID as it bridges in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate multiple quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro for the development of treatments for SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine
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16
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Ehrenreich H, Gassmann M, Poustka L, Burtscher M, Hammermann P, Sirén AL, Nave KA, Miskowiak K. Exploiting moderate hypoxia to benefit patients with brain disease: Molecular mechanisms and translational research in progress. NEUROPROTECTION 2023; 1:9-19. [PMID: 37671067 PMCID: PMC7615021 DOI: 10.1002/nep3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is increasingly recognized as an important physiological driving force. A specific transcriptional program, induced by a decrease in oxygen (O2) availability, for example, inspiratory hypoxia at high altitude, allows cells to adapt to lower O2 and limited energy metabolism. This transcriptional program is partly controlled by and partly independent of hypoxia-inducible factors. Remarkably, this same transcriptional program is stimulated in the brain by extensive motor-cognitive exercise, leading to a relative decrease in O2 supply, compared to the acutely augmented O2 requirement. We have coined the term "functional hypoxia" for this important demand-responsive, relative reduction in O2 availability. Functional hypoxia seems to be critical for enduring adaptation to higher physiological challenge that includes substantial "brain hardware upgrade," underlying advanced performance. Hypoxia-induced erythropoietin expression in the brain likely plays a decisive role in these processes, which can be imitated by recombinant human erythropoietin treatment. This article review presents hints of how inspiratory O2 manipulations can potentially contribute to enhanced brain function. It thereby provides the ground for exploiting moderate inspiratory plus functional hypoxia to treat individuals with brain disease. Finally, it sketches a planned multistep pilot study in healthy volunteers and first patients, about to start, aiming at improved performance upon motor-cognitive training under inspiratory hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Max Gassmann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Zürich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Faculty of Sports Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Anna-Leena Sirén
- Departments of Neurophysiology and Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kamilla Miskowiak
- Psychiatric Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Fenton TA, Haouchine OY, Hallam EL, Smith EM, Jackson KC, Rahbarian D, Canales C, Adhikari A, Nord AS, Ben-Shalom R, Silverman JL. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical model of SYNGAP1 mutations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550093. [PMID: 37546838 PMCID: PMC10402099 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
SYNGAP1 is a critical gene for neuronal development, synaptic structure, and function. Although rare, the disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability. Without functional SynGAP1 protein, patients present with intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Previous work using mouse models with a variety of germline and conditional mutations has helped delineate SynGAP1's critical roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical signaling pathways essential to synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1 is embryonically lethal. Heterozygous mutations of SynGAP1 result in a broad range of phenotypes including increased locomotor activity, impaired working spatial memory, impaired cued fear memory, and increased stereotypic behavior. Our in vivo functional data, using the original germline mutation mouse line from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated robust hyperactivity and learning and memory deficits. Here, we describe impairments in the translational biomarker domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data collected with wireless telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). We discovered Syngap1 +/- mice exhibited elevated spike trains in both number and duration, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power band. Primary neurons from Syngap1 +/- mice displayed increased network firing activity, greater spikes per burst, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks using high density micro-electrode arrays (HD-MEA). This work is translational, innovative, and highly significant as it outlines functional impairments in Syngap1 mutant mice. Simultaneously, the work utilized untethered, wireless neurophysiology that can discover potential biomarkers of Syngap1R-ID, for clinical trials, as it has done with other NDDs. Our work is substantial forward progress toward translational work for SynGAP1R-ID as it bridges in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate multiple quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro for the development of treatments for SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability.
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18
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Singh J, Goodman-Vincent E, Santosh P. Evidence Synthesis of Gene Therapy and Gene Editing from Different Disorders-Implications for Individuals with Rett Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109023. [PMID: 37240368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and thematic analysis critically evaluated gene therapy trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, haemoglobinopathies, immunodeficiencies, leukodystrophies, lysosomal storage disorders and retinal dystrophies and extrapolated the key clinical findings to individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). The PRISMA guidelines were used to search six databases during the last decade, followed by a thematic analysis to identify the emerging themes. Thematic analysis across the different disorders revealed four themes: (I) Therapeutic time window of gene therapy; (II) Administration and dosing strategies for gene therapy; (III) Methods of gene therapeutics and (IV) Future areas of clinical interest. Our synthesis of information has further enriched the current clinical evidence base and can assist in optimising gene therapy and gene editing studies in individuals with RTT, but it would also benefit when applied to other disorders. The findings suggest that gene therapies have better outcomes when the brain is not the primary target. Across different disorders, early intervention appears to be more critical, and targeting the pre-symptomatic stage might prevent symptom pathology. Intervention at later stages of disease progression may benefit by helping to clinically stabilise patients and preventing disease-related symptoms from worsening. If gene therapy or editing has the desired outcome, older patients would need concerted rehabilitation efforts to reverse their impairments. The timing of intervention and the administration route would be critical parameters for successful outcomes of gene therapy/editing trials in individuals with RTT. Current approaches also need to overcome the challenges of MeCP2 dosing, genotoxicity, transduction efficiencies and biodistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Ella Goodman-Vincent
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
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19
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Alexander-Howden B, Zhang L, van der Sloot AM, Tollis S, St-Cyr DJ, Sicheri F, Bird AP, Tyers M, Lyst MJ. A screen for MeCP2-TBL1 interaction inhibitors using a luminescence-based assay. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3868. [PMID: 36890145 PMCID: PMC9995496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders should aid the development of therapies for these conditions. In MeCP2 duplication syndrome (MDS)-a severe autism spectrum disorder-neuronal dysfunction is caused by increased levels of MeCP2. MeCP2 is a nuclear protein that binds to methylated DNA and recruits the nuclear co-repressor (NCoR) complex to chromatin via an interaction with the WD repeat-containing proteins TBL1 and TBLR1. The peptide motif in MeCP2 that binds to TBL1/TBLR1 is essential for the toxicity of excess MeCP2 in animal models of MDS, suggesting that small molecules capable of disrupting this interaction might be useful therapeutically. To facilitate the search for such compounds, we devised a simple and scalable NanoLuc luciferase complementation assay for measuring the interaction of MeCP2 with TBL1/TBLR1. The assay allowed excellent separation between positive and negative controls, and had low signal variance (Z-factor = 0.85). We interrogated compound libraries using this assay in combination with a counter-screen based on luciferase complementation by the two subunits of protein kinase A (PKA). Using this dual screening approach, we identified candidate inhibitors of the interaction between MeCP2 and TBL1/TBLR1. This work demonstrates the feasibility of future screens of large compound collections, which we anticipate will enable the development of small molecule therapeutics to ameliorate MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Alexander-Howden
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Almer M van der Sloot
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
- Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, 6666 Rue Saint-Urbain, Montréal, QC, H2S 3H1, Canada
| | - Sylvain Tollis
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Daniel J St-Cyr
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
- X-Chem Inc, 7171 Frederick-Banting, Montréal, QC, H4S 1Z9, Canada
| | - Frank Sicheri
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Adrian P Bird
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Mike Tyers
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Matthew J Lyst
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
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20
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Bajikar SS, Anderson AG, Zhou J, Durham MA, Trostle AJ, Wan YW, Liu Z, Zoghbi HY. MeCP2 regulates Gdf11, a dosage-sensitive gene critical for neurological function. eLife 2023; 12:e83806. [PMID: 36848184 PMCID: PMC9977283 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss- and gain-of-function of MeCP2 causes Rett syndrome (RTT) and MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), respectively. MeCP2 binds methyl-cytosines to finely tune gene expression in the brain, but identifying genes robustly regulated by MeCP2 has been difficult. By integrating multiple transcriptomics datasets, we revealed that MeCP2 finely regulates growth differentiation factor 11 (Gdf11). Gdf11 is down-regulated in RTT mouse models and, conversely, up-regulated in MDS mouse models. Strikingly, genetically normalizing Gdf11 dosage levels improved several behavioral deficits in a mouse model of MDS. Next, we discovered that losing one copy of Gdf11 alone was sufficient to cause multiple neurobehavioral deficits in mice, most notably hyperactivity and decreased learning and memory. This decrease in learning and memory was not due to changes in proliferation or numbers of progenitor cells in the hippocampus. Lastly, loss of one copy of Gdf11 decreased survival in mice, corroborating its putative role in aging. Our data demonstrate that Gdf11 dosage is important for brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer S Bajikar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Mark A Durham
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Alexander J Trostle
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Ying-Wooi Wan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
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21
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Therapeutic strategies for autism: targeting three levels of the central dogma of molecular biology. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:58. [PMID: 36792602 PMCID: PMC9931756 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has yielded much success in the identification of risk genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with many studies implicating loss-of-function (LoF) mutations within these genes. Despite this, no significant clinical advances have been made so far in the development of therapeutics for ASD. Given the role of LoF mutations in ASD etiology, many of the therapeutics in development are designed to rescue the haploinsufficient effect of genes at the transcriptional, translational, and protein levels. This review will discuss the various therapeutic techniques being developed from each level of the central dogma with examples including: CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and gene replacement at the DNA level, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) at the mRNA level, and small-molecule drugs at the protein level, followed by a review of current delivery methods for these therapeutics. Since central nervous system (CNS) penetrance is of utmost importance for ASD therapeutics, it is especially necessary to evaluate delivery methods that have higher efficiency in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
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22
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Shahcheraghi SH, Ayatollahi J, Lotfi M, Aljabali AAA, Al-Zoubi MS, Panda PK, Mishra V, Satija S, Charbe NB, Serrano-Aroca Á, Bahar B, Takayama K, Goyal R, Bhatia A, Almutary AG, Alnuqaydan AM, Mishra Y, Negi P, Courtney A, McCarron PA, Bakshi HA, Tambuwala MM. Gene Therapy for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Potential Targets and Tools. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2023; 22:51-65. [PMID: 35249508 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220304153719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders that affect the central nervous system cause considerable pressures on the health care system and have a substantial economic burden on modern societies. The present treatments based on available drugs are mostly ineffective and often costly. The molecular process of neuropsychiatric disorders is closely connected to modifying the genetic structures inherited or caused by damage, toxic chemicals, and some current diseases. Gene therapy is presently an experimental concept for neurological disorders. Clinical applications endeavor to alleviate the symptoms, reduce disease progression, and repair defective genes. Implementing gene therapy in inherited and acquired neurological illnesses entails the integration of several scientific disciplines, including virology, neurology, neurosurgery, molecular genetics, and immunology. Genetic manipulation has the power to minimize or cure illness by inducing genetic alterations at endogenous loci. Gene therapy that involves treating the disease by deleting, silencing, or editing defective genes and delivering genetic material to produce therapeutic molecules has excellent potential as a novel approach for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. With the recent advances in gene selection and vector design quality in targeted treatments, gene therapy could be an effective approach. This review article will investigate and report the newest and the most critical molecules and factors in neuropsychiatric disorder gene therapy. Different genome editing techniques available will be evaluated, and the review will highlight preclinical research of genome editing for neuropsychiatric disorders while also evaluating current limitations and potential strategies to overcome genome editing advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed H Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jamshid Ayatollahi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Abortion Research Center, Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mazhar S Al-Zoubi
- Yarmouk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Pritam K Panda
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Satija
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Nitin B Charbe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Translational Research Centre San Alberto Magno, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, C/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Bojlul Bahar
- Nutrition Sciences and Applied Food Safety Studies, Research Centre for Global Development, School of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for IPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8397, Japan
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box No. 9, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173212, India
| | - Amit Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Punjab 151001, India
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alnuqaydan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Shri Shakti Degree College, Sankhahari, Ghatampur 209206, India
| | - Poonam Negi
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173 212, India
| | - Aaron Courtney
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A McCarron
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Hamid A Bakshi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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23
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Megagiannis P, Suresh R, Rouleau GA, Zhou Y. Reversibility and therapeutic development for neurodevelopmental disorders, insights from genetic animal models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114562. [PMID: 36183904 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) encompass a broad spectrum of conditions resulting from atypical brain development. Over the past decades, we have had the fortune to witness enormous progress in diagnosis, etiology discovery, modeling, and mechanistic understanding of NDDs from both fundamental and clinical research. Here, we review recent neurobiological advances from experimental models of NDDs. We introduce several examples and highlight breakthroughs in reversal studies of phenotypes using genetically engineered models of NDDs. The in-depth understanding of brain pathophysiology underlying NDDs and evaluations of reversibility in animal models paves the foundation for discovering novel treatment options. We discuss how the expanding property of cutting-edge technologies, such as gene editing and AAV-mediated gene delivery, are leveraged in animal models for the therapeutic development of NDDs. We envision opportunities and challenges toward faithful modeling and fruitful clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Platon Megagiannis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Suresh
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
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24
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Mittal S, Tang I, Gleeson JG. Evaluating human mutation databases for “treatability” using patient-customized therapy. MED 2022; 3:740-759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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25
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Erickson KR, Farmer R, Merritt JK, Miletic Lanaghan Z, Does MD, Ramadass K, Landman BA, Cutting LE, Neul JL. Behavioral and brain anatomical analysis of Foxg1 heterozygous mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266861. [PMID: 36223387 PMCID: PMC9555627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXG1 Syndrome (FS) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by a heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutation of the FOXG1 gene, which encodes a transcriptional regulator important for telencephalic brain development. People with FS have marked developmental delays, impaired ambulation, movement disorders, seizures, and behavior abnormalities including autistic features. Current therapeutic approaches are entirely symptomatic, however the ability to rescue phenotypes in mouse models of other genetic neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Phelan-McDermid syndrome by postnatal expression of gene products has led to hope that similar approaches could help modify the disease course in other neurodevelopmental disorders such as FS. While FoxG1 protein function plays a critical role in embryonic brain development, the ongoing adult expression of FoxG1 and behavioral phenotypes that present when FoxG1 function is removed postnatally provides support for opportunity for improvement with postnatal treatment. Here we generated a new mouse allele of Foxg1 that disrupts protein expression and characterized the behavioral and structural brain phenotypes in heterozygous mutant animals. These mutant animals display changes in locomotor behavior, gait, anxiety, social interaction, aggression, and learning and memory compared to littermate controls. Additionally, they have structural brain abnormalities reminiscent of people with FS. This information provides a framework for future studies to evaluate the potential for post-natal expression of FoxG1 to modify the disease course in this severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R. Erickson
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rebekah Farmer
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jonathan K. Merritt
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Zeljka Miletic Lanaghan
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Mark D. Does
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Karthik Ramadass
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bennett A. Landman
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Laurie E. Cutting
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Special Education, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Special Education, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Qi C, Luo LD, Feng I, Ma S. Molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:939793. [PMID: 36176941 PMCID: PMC9513053 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.939793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the basic units for information processing and storage in the nervous system. It is only when the synaptic connection is established, that it becomes meaningful to discuss the structure and function of a circuit. In humans, our unparalleled cognitive abilities are correlated with an increase in the number of synapses. Additionally, genes involved in synaptogenesis are also frequently associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders, suggesting a relationship between synaptogenesis and brain physiology and pathology. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis is the key to the mystery of circuit assembly and neural computation. Furthermore, it would provide therapeutic insights for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Multiple molecular events must be precisely coordinated to generate a synapse. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis, we need to know the molecular components of synapses, how these molecular components are held together, and how the molecular networks are refined in response to neural activity to generate new synapses. Thanks to the intensive investigations in this field, our understanding of the process of synaptogenesis has progressed significantly. Here, we will review the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis by going over the studies on the identification of molecular components in synapses and their functions in synaptogenesis, how cell adhesion molecules connect these synaptic molecules together, and how neural activity mobilizes these molecules to generate new synapses. Finally, we will summarize the human-specific regulatory mechanisms in synaptogenesis and results from human genetics studies on synaptogenesis and brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Qi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Cai Qi,
| | - Li-Da Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Irena Feng
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaojie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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27
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Zhao Z, Zeng F, Wang H, Wu R, Chen L, Wu Y, Li S, Shao J, Wang Y, Wu J, Feng Z, Gao W, Hu Y, Wang A, Cheng H, Zhang J, Chen L, Wu H. Encoding of social novelty by sparse GABAergic neural ensembles in the prelimbic cortex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo4884. [PMID: 36044579 PMCID: PMC9432833 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo4884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the prelimbic (PrL) area is associated with social behaviors, the neural ensembles that regulate social preference toward novelty or familiarity remain unknown. Using miniature two-photon microscopy (mTPM) to visualize social behavior-associated neuronal activity within the PrL in freely behaving mice, we found that the Ca2+ transients of GABAergic neurons were more highly correlated with social behaviors than those of glutamatergic neurons. Chemogenetic suppression of social behavior-activated GABAergic neurons in the PrL disrupts social novelty behaviors. Restoring the MeCP2 level in PrL GABAergic neurons in MECP2 transgenic (MECP2-TG) mice rescues the social novelty deficits. Moreover, we identified and characterized sparsely distributed NewPNs and OldPNs of GABAergic interneurons in the PrL preferentially responsible for new and old mouse exploration, respectively. Together, we propose that social novelty information may be encoded by the responses of NewPNs and OldPNs in the PrL area, possibly via synergistic actions on both sides of the seesaw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | | | - Hanbin Wang
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Runlong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Shao
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Wu
- College of Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiheng Feng
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Weizheng Gao
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Beijing Transcend Vivoscope Biotech Co. Ltd., 100094 Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Optical Communication System and Networks, School of Electronics, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Heping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- College of Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Liangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Coinnovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, 102206 Beijing, China
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28
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Grimm NB, Lee JT. Selective Xi reactivation and alternative methods to restore MECP2 function in Rett syndrome. Trends Genet 2022; 38:920-943. [PMID: 35248405 PMCID: PMC9915138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The human X-chromosome harbors only 4% of our genome but carries over 20% of genes associated with intellectual disability. Given that they inherit only one X-chromosome, males are more frequently affected by X-linked neurodevelopmental genetic disorders than females. However, despite inheriting two X-chromosomes, females can also be affected because X-chromosome inactivation enables only one of two X-chromosomes to be expressed per cell. For Rett syndrome and similar X-linked disorders affecting females, disease-specific treatments have remained elusive. However, a cure may be found within their own cells because every sick cell carries a healthy copy of the affected gene on the inactive X (Xi). Therefore, selective Xi reactivation may be a viable approach that would address the root cause of various X-linked disorders. Here, we discuss Rett syndrome and compare current approaches in the pharmaceutical pipeline to restore MECP2 function. We then focus on Xi reactivation and review available methods, lessons learned, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas-Benedikt Grimm
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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29
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Ash RT, Palagina G, Fernandez-Leon JA, Park J, Seilheimer R, Lee S, Sabharwal J, Reyes F, Wang J, Lu D, Sarfraz M, Froudarakis E, Tolias AS, Wu SM, Smirnakis SM. Increased Reliability of Visually-Evoked Activity in Area V1 of the MECP2-Duplication Mouse Model of Autism. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6469-6482. [PMID: 35831173 PMCID: PMC9398540 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0654-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is now thought to be a core feature of the autism spectrum. Influential theories have proposed that both increased and decreased neural response reliability within sensory systems could underlie altered sensory processing in autism. Here, we report evidence for abnormally increased reliability of visual-evoked responses in layer 2/3 neurons of adult male and female primary visual cortex in the MECP2-duplication syndrome animal model of autism. Increased response reliability was due in part to decreased response amplitude, decreased fluctuations in endogenous activity, and an abnormal decoupling of visual-evoked activity from endogenous activity. Similar to what was observed neuronally, the optokinetic reflex occurred more reliably at low contrasts in mutant mice compared with controls. Retinal responses did not explain our observations. These data suggest that the circuit mechanisms for combining sensory-evoked and endogenous signal and noise processes may be altered in this form of syndromic autism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Atypical sensory processing is now thought to be a core feature of the autism spectrum. Influential theories have proposed that both increased and decreased neural response reliability within sensory systems could underlie altered sensory processing in autism. Here, we report evidence for abnormally increased reliability of visual-evoked responses in primary visual cortex of the animal model for MECP2-duplication syndrome, a high-penetrance single-gene cause of autism. Visual-evoked activity was abnormally decoupled from endogenous activity in mutant mice, suggesting in line with the influential "hypo-priors" theory of autism that sensory priors embedded in endogenous activity may have less influence on perception in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Ash
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ganna Palagina
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jose A Fernandez-Leon
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Investigación en Tecnología Informática Avanzada, Exact Sciences Faculty-Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Jiyoung Park
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Rob Seilheimer
- Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Sangkyun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jasdeep Sabharwal
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Fredy Reyes
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Dylan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Muhammad Sarfraz
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Emmanouil Froudarakis
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece 70013
| | - Andreas S Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Samuel M Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Stelios M Smirnakis
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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30
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Dougnon G, Matsui H. Modelling Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using Mice and Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147550. [PMID: 35886894 PMCID: PMC9319972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.
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31
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Ak M, Suter B, Akturk Z, Harris H, Bowyer K, Mignon L, Pasupuleti S, Glaze DG, Pehlivan D. Exploring the characteristics and most bothersome symptoms in MECP2 duplication syndrome to pave the path toward developing parent-oriented outcome measures. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1989. [PMID: 35702943 PMCID: PMC9356562 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1989] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS), resulting from the duplication of Xq28 region, including MECP2, is a rare disorder with a nascent understanding in clinical features and severity. Studies using antisense oligonucleotides revealed a broad phenotypic rescue in transgenic mice. With human clinical trials on the horizon, there is a need to develop clinical outcome measures for MDS. METHODS We surveyed caregivers of MDS individuals to explore the frequency and severity of MDS clinical features, and identify the most meaningful symptoms/domains that need to be included in the outcome measure scales. RESULTS A total of 101 responses were eligible for the survey. The top six most meaningful symptoms to caregivers in descending order included epilepsy, gross motor, fine motor, communication, infection, and constipation problems. Epilepsy was present in 58.4% of the subjects and 75% were drug-resistant, Furthermore, ~12% required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Infections were present in 55% of the subjects, and one-fourth of them required ICU admission. Constipation was present in ~85% of the subjects and one-third required enemas/suppositories. CONCLUSION Our study is one of the largest cohorts conducted on MDS individuals characterizing the frequency and severity of MDS symptoms. Additionally, these study results will contribute to establishing a foundation to develop parent-reported outcomes in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muharrem Ak
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zekeriya Akturk
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Holly Harris
- The Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Sasidhar Pasupuleti
- Bioinformatics Core, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Chung C, Shin W, Kim E. Early and Late Corrections in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:934-944. [PMID: 34556257 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and repetitive symptoms. A key feature of ASD is early-life manifestations of symptoms, indicative of early pathophysiological mechanisms. In mouse models of ASD, increasing evidence indicates that there are early pathophysiological mechanisms that can be corrected early to prevent phenotypic defects in adults, overcoming the disadvantage of the short-lasting effects that characterize adult-initiated treatments. In addition, the results from gene restorations indicate that ASD-related phenotypes can be rescued in some cases even after the brain has fully matured. These results suggest that we need to consider both temporal and mechanistic aspects in studies of ASD models and carefully compare genetic and nongenetic corrections. Here, we summarize the early and late corrections in mouse models of ASD by genetic and pharmacological interventions and discuss how to better integrate these results to ensure efficient and long-lasting corrections for eventual clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changuk Chung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Wangyong Shin
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.
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Regulation of BDNF transcription by Nrf2 and MeCP2 ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:267. [PMID: 35595779 PMCID: PMC9122988 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests the key role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the dopaminergic neurotoxicity of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Activation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and inhibition of methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) can regulate BDNF upregulation. However, the regulation of BDNF by Nrf2 and MeCP2 in the PD pathogenesis has not been reported. Here, we revealed that Nrf2/MeCP2 coordinately regulated BDNF transcription, reversing the decreased levels of BDNF expression in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-treated SH-SY5Y cells and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice. Repeated administration of sulforaphane (SFN, an Nrf2 activator) attenuated dopaminergic neurotoxicity in MPTP-treated mice through activation of BDNF and suppression of MeCP2 expression. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of MeCP2-HDO, a DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) silencing MeCP2 expression, ameliorated dopaminergic neurotoxicity in MPTP-treated mice via activation of Nrf2 and BDNF expression. Moreover, we found decreased levels of Nrf2 and BDNF, and increased levels of MeCP2 protein expression in the striatum of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Interesting, there were correlations between BDNF and Nrf2 (or MeCP2) expression in the striatum from DLB patients. Therefore, it is likely that the activation of BDNF transcription by activation of Nrf2 and/or suppression of MeCP2 could be a new therapeutic approach for PD.
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Exploration of group II metabotropic glutamate receptor modulation in mouse models of Rett syndrome and MECP2 Duplication syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2022; 209:109022. [PMID: 35248529 PMCID: PMC8973998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and MECP2 Duplication syndrome (MDS) have opposing molecular origins in relation to expression and function of the transcriptional regulator Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Several clinical and preclinical phenotypes, however, are shared between these disorders. Modulation of MeCP2 levels has recently emerged as a potential treatment option for both of these diseases. However, toxicity concerns remain with these approaches. Here, we focus on pharmacologically modulating the group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu), mGlu2 and mGlu3, which are two downstream targets of MeCP2 that are bidirectionally affected in expression in RTT patients and mice (Mecp2Null/+) versus an MDS mouse model (MECP2Tg1/o). Mecp2Null/+ and MECP2Tg1/o animals also exhibit contrasting phenotypes in trace fear acquisition, a form of temporal associative learning and memory, with trace fear deficiency observed in Mecp2Null/+ mice and abnormally enhanced trace fear acquisition in MECP2Tg1/o animals. In Mecp2Null/+ mice, treatment with the mGlu2/3 agonist LY379268 reverses the deficit in trace fear acquisition, and mGlu2/3 antagonism with LY341495 normalizes the abnormal trace fear learning and memory phenotype in MECP2Tg1/o mice. Altogether, these data highlight the role of group II mGlu receptors in RTT and MDS and demonstrate that both mGlu2 and mGlu3 may be potential therapeutic targets for these disorders.
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35
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Loss of neurodevelopmental-associated miR-592 impairs neurogenesis and causes social interaction deficits. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:292. [PMID: 35365601 PMCID: PMC8976077 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
microRNA-592 (miR-592) has been linked to neurogenesis, but the influence of miR-592 knockout in vivo remains unknown. Here, we report that miR-592 knockout represses IPC-to-mature neuron transition, impairs motor coordination and reduces social interaction. Combining the RNA-seq and tandem mass tagging-based quantitative proteomics analysis (TMT protein quantification) and luciferase reporter assays, we identified MeCP2 as the direct targetgene of miR-592 in the mouse cortex. In Tg(MECP2) mice, lipofection of miR-592 efficiently reduced MECP2 expression in the brains of Tg(MECP2) mice at E14.5. Furthermore, treatment with miR-592 partially ameliorated the autism-like phenotypes observed in adult Tg(MECP2) mice. The findings demonstrate that miR-592 might play a novel role in treating the neurodevelopmental-associated disorder. ![]()
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36
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Disruption of MeCP2-TCF20 complex underlies distinct neurodevelopmental disorders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2119078119. [PMID: 35074918 PMCID: PMC8794850 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119078119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 is associated with Rett syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication syndrome, and a number of conditions with isolated features of these diseases, including autism, intellectual disability, and motor dysfunction. MeCP2 is known to broadly bind methylated DNA, but the precise molecular mechanism driving disease pathogenesis remains to be determined. Using proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID), we identified a transcription factor 20 (TCF20) complex that interacts with MeCP2 at the chromatin interface. Importantly, RTT-causing mutations in MECP2 disrupt this interaction. TCF20 and MeCP2 are highly coexpressed in neurons and coregulate the expression of key neuronal genes. Reducing Tcf20 partially rescued the behavioral deficits caused by MECP2 overexpression, demonstrating a functional relationship between MeCP2 and TCF20 in MECP2 duplication syndrome pathogenesis. We identified a patient exhibiting RTT-like neurological features with a missense mutation in the PHF14 subunit of the TCF20 complex that abolishes the MeCP2-PHF14-TCF20 interaction. Our data demonstrate the critical role of the MeCP2-TCF20 complex for brain function.
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Collins BE, Neul JL. Rett Syndrome and MECP2 Duplication Syndrome: Disorders of MeCP2 Dosage. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2813-2835. [PMID: 36471747 PMCID: PMC9719276 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s371483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused predominantly by loss-of-function mutations in the gene Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), which encodes the MeCP2 protein. RTT is a MECP2-related disorder, along with MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), caused by gain-of-function duplications of MECP2. Nearly two decades of research have advanced our knowledge of MeCP2 function in health and disease. The following review will discuss MeCP2 protein function and its dysregulation in the MECP2-related disorders RTT and MDS. This will include a discussion of the genetic underpinnings of these disorders, specifically how sporadic X-chromosome mutations arise and manifest in specific populations. We will then review current diagnostic guidelines and clinical manifestations of RTT and MDS. Next, we will delve into MeCP2 biology, describing the dual landscapes of methylated DNA and its reader MeCP2 across the neuronal genome as well as the function of MeCP2 as a transcriptional modulator. Following this, we will outline common MECP2 mutations and genotype-phenotype correlations in both diseases, with particular focus on mutations associated with relatively mild disease in RTT. We will also summarize decades of disease modeling and resulting molecular, synaptic, and behavioral phenotypes associated with RTT and MDS. Finally, we list several therapeutics in the development pipeline for RTT and MDS and available evidence of their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget E Collins
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Special Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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38
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Suppression of mutant C9orf72 expression by a potent mixed backbone antisense oligonucleotide. Nat Med 2021; 28:117-124. [PMID: 34949835 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Expansions of a G4C2 repeat in the C9ORF72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two devastating adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Using C9-ALS/FTD patient-derived cells and C9ORF72 BAC transgenic mice, we generated and optimized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that selectively blunt expression of G4C2 repeat-containing transcripts and effectively suppress tissue levels of poly(GP) dipeptides. ASOs with reduced phosphorothioate content showed improved tolerability without sacrificing efficacy. In a single patient harboring mutant C9ORF72 with the G4C2 repeat expansion, repeated dosing by intrathecal delivery of the optimal ASO was well tolerated, leading to significant reductions in levels of cerebrospinal fluid poly(GP). This report provides insight into the effect of nucleic acid chemistry on toxicity and, to our knowledge, for the first time demonstrates the feasibility of clinical suppression of the C9ORF72 gene. Additional clinical trials will be required to demonstrate safety and efficacy of this therapy in patients with C9ORF72 gene mutations.
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HDAC inhibitor ameliorates behavioral deficits in Mecp2 308/y mouse model of Rett syndrome. Brain Res 2021; 1772:147670. [PMID: 34582789 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder. More than 95% of classic RETT syndrome cases result from pathogenic variants in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Nevertheless, it has been established that a spectrum of neuropsychiatric phenotypes is associated with MECP2 variants in both females and males. We previously reported that microtubule growth velocity and vesicle transport directionality are altered in Mecp2-deficient astrocytes from newborn Mecp2-deficient mice compared to that of their wild-type littermates suggesting deficit in microtubule dynamics. In this study, we report that administration of tubastatin A, a selective HDAC6 inhibitor, restored microtubule dynamics in Mecp2-deficient astrocytes. We furthermore report that daily doses of tubastatin A reversed early impaired exploratory behavior in male Mecp2308/y mice. These findings are a first step toward the validation of a novel treatment for RTT.
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40
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Goldberg EM. All our knowledge begins with the antisenses. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e155233. [PMID: 34850739 PMCID: PMC8631590 DOI: 10.1172/jci155233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the neurological disorder defined by spontaneous recurrent seizures, which are abnormal patterns of electrical discharge in the brain. A major advance in neurology over the last 20 years is the identification of genetic variation as an important cause of epilepsy, and in particular as a cause of the epileptic encephalopathies, defined by childhood-onset, treatment-resistant epilepsy accompanied by developmental delay leading to intellectual disability. Unfortunately, this progress in genetic diagnosis has yet to translate to effective precision or targeted therapeutics. However, in this issue of the JCI, Li and Jancovski et al. use antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) to treat or prevent epilepsy and epilepsy-associated cognitive and behavioral comorbidities in a mouse model of SCN2A encephalopathy, paralogous to the recurrent human variant SCN2A c.5645G>A (p.R1882Q) associated with epileptic encephalopathy. These findings may inform the development of targeted or personalized therapies for what is currently an incurable and largely untreatable disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M. Goldberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and
- Department of Neurology, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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41
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Yang K, Shi Y, Du X, Wang J, Zhang Y, Shan S, Yuan Y, Wang R, Zhou C, Liu Y, Cai Z, Wang Y, Fan L, Xu H, Yu J, Cheng J, Li F, Qiu Z. SENP1 in the retrosplenial agranular cortex regulates core autistic-like symptoms in mice. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109939. [PMID: 34731627 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, causing defects of social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Here, we identify a de novo heterozygous gene-truncating mutation of the Sentrin-specific peptidase1 (SENP1) gene in people with ASD without neurodevelopmental delay. We find that Senp1+/- mice exhibit core autistic-like symptoms such as social deficits and repetitive behaviors but normal learning and memory ability. Moreover, we find that inhibitory and excitatory synaptic functions are severely affected in the retrosplenial agranular (RSA) cortex of Senp1+/- mice. Lack of Senp1 leads to increased SUMOylation and degradation of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), also implicated in syndromic ASD. Importantly, re-introducing SENP1 or FMRP specifically in RSA fully rescues the defects of synaptic function and autistic-like symptoms of Senp1+/- mice. Together, these results demonstrate that disruption of the SENP1-FMRP regulatory axis in the RSA causes autistic symptoms, providing a candidate region for ASD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Yang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yuhan Shi
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiujuan Du
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200049, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuefang Zhang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shifang Shan
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yiting Yuan
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ruoqing Wang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Zhiyuan College, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chenhuan Zhou
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Zhiyuan College, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zilin Cai
- Zhiyuan College, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yanzhi Wang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liu Fan
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Huatai Xu
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Juehua Yu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200049, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Jinke Cheng
- Department of Molecular Cellular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200049, China.
| | - Zilong Qiu
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China; National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Abdala BB, Gonçalves AP, Dos Santos JM, Boy R, de Carvalho CMB, Grochowski CM, Krepischi ACV, Rosenberg C, Gusmão L, Pehlivan D, Pimentel MMG, Santos-Rebouças CB. Molecular and clinical insights into complex genomic rearrangements related to MECP2 duplication syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104367. [PMID: 34678473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is caused by copy number variation (CNV) spanning the MECP2 gene at Xq28 and is a major cause of intellectual disability (ID) in males. Herein, we describe two unrelated males harboring non-recurrent complex Xq28 rearrangements associated with MDS. Copy number gains were initially detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and further delineated by high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization, familial segregation, expression analysis and X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) evaluation in a carrier mother. SNVs within the rearrangements and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to assess the parental origin of the rearrangements. Patient 1 exhibited an intrachromosomal rearrangement, whose structure is consistent with a triplicated segment presumably embedded in an inverted orientation between two duplicated sequences (DUP-TRP/INV-DUP). The rearrangement was inherited from the carrier mother, who exhibits extreme XCI skewing and subtle psychiatric symptoms. Patient 2 presented a de novo (X;Y) unbalanced translocation resulting in duplication of Xq28 and deletion of Yp, originated in the paternal gametogenesis. Neurodevelopmental trajectory and non-neurological symptoms were consistent with previous reports, with the exception of cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in patient 2. Although both patients share the core MDS phenotype, patient 1 showed MECP2 transcript levels in blood similar to controls. Understanding the molecular mechanisms related to MDS is essential for designing targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Barbosa Abdala
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andressa Pereira Gonçalves
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jussara Mendonça Dos Santos
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel Boy
- Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carla Rosenberg
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonor Gusmão
- DNA Diagnostic Laboratory (LDD), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA; Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA
| | - Márcia Mattos Gonçalves Pimentel
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Barros Santos-Rebouças
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Buist M, Fuss D, Rastegar M. Transcriptional Regulation of MECP2E1-E2 Isoforms and BDNF by Metformin and Simvastatin through Analyzing Nascent RNA Synthesis in a Human Brain Cell Line. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081253. [PMID: 34439919 PMCID: PMC8391797 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is the main DNA methyl-binding protein in the brain that binds to 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine. MECP2 gene mutations are the main origin of Rett Syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder in young females. The disease has no existing cure, however, metabolic drugs such as metformin and statins have recently emerged as potential therapeutic candidates. In addition, induced MECP2-BDNF homeostasis regulation has been suggested as a therapy avenue. Here, we analyzed nascent RNA synthesis versus steady state total cellular RNA to study the transcriptional effects of metformin (an anti-diabetic drug) on MECP2 isoforms (E1 and E2) and BNDF in a human brain cell line. Additionally, we investigated the impact of simvastatin (a cholesterol lowering drug) on transcriptional regulation of MECP2E1/E2-BDNF. Metformin was capable of post-transcriptionally inducing BDNF and/or MECP2E1, while transcriptionally inhibiting MECP2E2. In contrast simvastatin significantly inhibited BDNF transcription without significantly impacting MECP2E2 transcripts. Further analysis of ribosomal RNA transcripts confirmed that the drug neither individually nor in combination affected these fundamentally important transcripts. Experimental analysis was completed in conditions of the presence or absence of serum starvation that showed minimal impact for serum deprival, although significant inhibition of steady state MECP2E1 by simvastatin was only detected in non-serum starved cells. Taken together, our results suggest that metformin controls MECP2E1/E2-BDNF transcriptionally and/or post-transcriptionally, and that simvastatin is a potent transcriptional inhibitor of BDNF. The transcriptional effect of these drugs on MECP2E1/E2-BDNF were not additive under these tested conditions, however, either drug may have potential application for related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(204)-272-3108; Fax: +1-(204)-789-3900
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Ash RT, Buffington SA, Park J, Suter B, Costa-Mattioli M, Zoghbi HY, Smirnakis SM. Inhibition of Elevated Ras-MAPK Signaling Normalizes Enhanced Motor Learning and Excessive Clustered Dendritic Spine Stabilization in the MECP2-Duplication Syndrome Mouse Model of Autism. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0056-21.2021. [PMID: 34021030 PMCID: PMC8260274 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0056-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflexible repetitive behaviors and "insistence on sameness" seen in autism imply a defect in neural processes controlling the balance between stability and plasticity of synaptic connections in the brain. It has been proposed that abnormalities in the Ras-ERK/MAPK pathway, a key plasticity-related cell signaling pathway known to drive consolidation of clustered synaptic connections, underlie altered learning phenotypes in autism. However, a link between altered Ras-ERK signaling and clustered dendritic spine plasticity has yet to be explored in an autism animal model in vivo The formation and stabilization of dendritic spine clusters is abnormally increased in the MECP2-duplication syndrome mouse model of syndromic autism, suggesting that ERK signaling may be increased. Here, we show that the Ras-ERK pathway is indeed hyperactive following motor training in MECP2-duplication mouse motor cortex. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK signaling normalizes the excessive clustered spine stabilization and enhanced motor learning behavior in MECP2-duplication mice. We conclude that hyperactive ERK signaling may contribute to abnormal clustered dendritic spine consolidation and motor learning in this model of syndromic autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Thomas Ash
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA 94305
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Jamaica Plain Veterans Administration Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Shelly Alexandra Buffington
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Jiyoung Park
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Jamaica Plain Veterans Administration Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Jamaica Plain Veterans Administration Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Huda Yaya Zoghbi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Stelios Manolis Smirnakis
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Jamaica Plain Veterans Administration Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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45
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A white paper on a neurodevelopmental framework for drug discovery in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 48:49-88. [PMID: 33781629 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade there has been a revolution in terms of genetic findings in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with many discoveries critical for understanding their aetiology and pathophysiology. Clinical trials in single-gene disorders such as fragile X syndrome highlight the challenges of investigating new drug targets in NDDs. Incorporating a developmental perspective into the process of drug development for NDDs could help to overcome some of the current difficulties in identifying and testing new treatments. This paper provides a summary of the proceedings of the 'New Frontiers Meeting' on neurodevelopmental disorders organised by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology in conjunction with the Innovative Medicines Initiative-sponsored AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium. It brought together experts in developmental genetics, autism, NDDs, and clinical trials from academia and industry, regulators, patient and family associations, and other stakeholders. The meeting sought to provide a platform for focused communication on scientific insights, challenges, and methodologies that might be applicable to the development of CNS treatments from a neurodevelopmental perspective. Multidisciplinary translational consortia to develop basic and clinical research in parallel could be pivotal to advance knowledge in the field. Although implementation of clinical trials for NDDs in paediatric populations is widely acknowledged as essential, safety concerns should guide each aspect of their design. Industry and academia should join forces to improve knowledge of the biology of brain development, identify the optimal timing of interventions, and translate these findings into new drugs, allowing for the needs of users and families, with support from regulatory agencies.
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46
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Brock DC, Demarest S, Benke TA. Clinical Trial Design for Disease-Modifying Therapies for Genetic Epilepsies. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1445-1457. [PMID: 34595733 PMCID: PMC8609073 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01123-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although trials with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) have not shown clear anti-epileptogenic or disease-modifying activity in humans to date, rapid advancements in genomic technology and emerging gene-mediated and gene replacement options offer hope for the successful development of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for genetic epilepsies. In fact, more than 26 potential DMTs are in various stages of preclinical and/or clinical development for genetic syndromes associated with epilepsy. The scope of disease-modification includes but is not limited to effects on the underlying pathophysiology, the condition's natural history, epilepsy severity, developmental achievement, function, behavior, sleep, and quality of life. While conventional regulatory clinical trials for epilepsy therapeutics have historically focused on seizure reduction, similarly designed trials may prove ill-equipped to identify these broader disease-modifying benefits. As we look forward to this pipeline of DMTs, focused consideration should be given to the challenges they pose to conventional clinical trial designs for epilepsy therapeutics. Just as DMTs promise to fundamentally alter how we approach the care of patients with genetic epilepsy syndromes, DMTs likewise challenge how we traditionally construct and measure the success of clinical trials. In the following, we briefly review the historical and preclinical frameworks for DMT development for genetic epilepsies and explore the many novel challenges posed for such trials, including the choice of suitable outcome measures, trial structure, timing and duration of treatment, feasible follow-up period, varying safety profile, and ethical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan C Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Scott Demarest
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tim A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CO, 80045, Aurora, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Yamada A, Hirasawa T, Nishimura K, Shimura C, Kogo N, Fukuda K, Kato M, Yokomori M, Hayashi T, Umeda M, Yoshimura M, Iwakura Y, Nikaido I, Itohara S, Shinkai Y. Derepression of inflammation-related genes link to microglia activation and neural maturation defect in a mouse model of Kleefstra syndrome. iScience 2021; 24:102741. [PMID: 34258564 PMCID: PMC8258976 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102741] [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: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of EHMT1, which encodes histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase G9a-like protein (GLP), causes Kleefstra syndrome (KS), a complex disorder of developmental delay and intellectual disability. Here, we examined whether postnatal supply of GLP can reverse the neurological phenotypes seen in Ehmt1Δ/+ mice as a KS model. Ubiquitous GLP supply from the juvenile stage ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in Ehmt1Δ/+ mice. Postnatal neuron-specific GLP supply was not sufficient for the improvement of abnormal behaviors but still reversed the reduction of H3K9me2 and spine number in Ehmt1Δ/+ mice. Interestingly, some inflammatory genes, including IL-1β (Il1b), were upregulated and activated microglial cells increased in the Ehmt1Δ/+ brain, and such phenotypes were also reversed by neuron-specific postnatal GLP supply. Il1b inactivation canceled the microglial and spine number phenotypes in the Ehmt1Δ/+ mice. Thus, H3K9me2 and some neurological phenotypes are reversible, but behavioral abnormalities are more difficult to improve depending on the timing of GLP supply. Activated microglias increase in a Ehmt1Δ/+ mouse model of Kleefstra syndrome Diminished H3K9me2 in Ehmt1Δ/+ mouse neurons is reversed by post-natal GLP supply GLP supply from the juvenile stage can improve abnormal behaviors of Ehmt1Δ/+ mice Il1b KO cancelles the microglial and spine number phenotypes in the Ehmt1Δ/+ mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Yamada
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takae Hirasawa
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kayako Nishimura
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Chikako Shimura
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naomi Kogo
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kei Fukuda
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Madoka Kato
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masaki Yokomori
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tetsutaro Hayashi
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mana Umeda
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mika Yoshimura
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Iwakura
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Itoshi Nikaido
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Functional Genome Informatics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Bioinformatics Course, Master's/Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation (T-LSI), School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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Collins BE, Merritt JK, Erickson KR, Neul JL. Safety and efficacy of genetic MECP2 supplementation in the R294X mouse model of Rett syndrome. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12739. [PMID: 33942492 PMCID: PMC8563491 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused predominantly by loss-of-function mutations in MECP2, encoding transcriptional modulator methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Although no disease-modifying therapies exist at this time, some proposed therapeutic strategies aim to supplement the mutant allele with a wild-type allele producing typical levels of functional MeCP2, such as gene therapy. Because MECP2 is a dosage-sensitive gene, with both loss and gain of function causing disease, these approaches must achieve a narrow therapeutic window to be both safe and effective. While MeCP2 supplementation rescues RTT-like phenotypes in mouse models, the tolerable threshold of MeCP2 is not clear, particularly for partial loss-of-function mutations. We assessed the safety of genetically supplementing full-length human MeCP2 in the context of the R294X allele, a common partial loss-of-function mutation retaining DNA-binding capacity. We assessed the potential for adverse effects from MeCP2 supplementation of a partial loss-of-function mutant and the potential for dominant negative interactions between mutant and full-length MeCP2. In male hemizygous R294X mice, MeCP2 supplementation rescued RTT-like behavioral phenotypes and did not elicit behavioral evidence of excess MeCP2. In female heterozygous R294X mice, RTT-specific phenotypes were similarly rescued. However, MeCP2 supplementation led to evidence of excess MeCP2 activity in a motor coordination assay, suggesting that the underlying motor circuitry is particularly sensitive to MeCP2 dosage in females. These results show that genetic supplementation of full-length MeCP2 is safe in males and largely so females. However, careful consideration of risk for adverse motor effects may be warranted for girls and women with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan K. Merritt
- Department of PediatricsVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Kirsty R. Erickson
- Department of PediatricsVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Special EducationVanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
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Reviewing Evidence for the Relationship of EEG Abnormalities and RTT Phenotype Paralleled by Insights from Animal Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105308. [PMID: 34069993 PMCID: PMC8157853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually caused by mutations of the MECP2 gene. Patients with RTT suffer from severe deficits in motor, perceptual and cognitive domains. Electroencephalogram (EEG) has provided useful information to clinicians and scientists, from the very first descriptions of RTT, and yet no reliable neurophysiological biomarkers related to the pathophysiology of the disorder or symptom severity have been identified to date. To identify consistently observed and potentially informative EEG characteristics of RTT pathophysiology, and ascertain areas most worthy of further systematic investigation, here we review the literature for EEG abnormalities reported in patients with RTT and in its disease models. While pointing to some promising potential EEG biomarkers of RTT, our review identify areas of need to realize the potential of EEG including (1) quantitative investigation of promising clinical-EEG observations in RTT, e.g., shift of mu rhythm frequency and EEG during sleep; (2) closer alignment of approaches between patients with RTT and its animal models to strengthen the translational significance of the work (e.g., EEG measurements and behavioral states); (3) establishment of large-scale consortium research, to provide adequate Ns to investigate age and genotype effects.
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50
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Wu SH, Li X, Qin DD, Zhang LH, Cheng TL, Chen ZF, Nie BB, Ren XF, Wu J, Wang WC, Hu YZ, Gu YL, Lv LB, Yin Y, Hu XT, Qiu ZL. Induction of core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in the brain of adolescent rhesus monkeys. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:937-946. [PMID: 36654241 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing is widely applied to mimic human disorders, whether acute manipulation of disease-causing genes in the brain leads to behavioral abnormalities in non-human primates remains to be determined. Here we induced genetic mutations in MECP2, a critical gene linked to Rett syndrome (RTT) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in the hippocampus (DG and CA1-4) of adolescent rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in vivo via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 with small guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting MECP2. In comparison to monkeys injected with AAV-SaCas9 alone (n = 4), numerous autistic-like behavioral abnormalities were identified in the AAV-SaCas9-sgMECP2-injected monkeys (n = 7), including social interaction deficits, abnormal sleep patterns, insensitivity to aversive stimuli, abnormal hand motions, and defective social reward behaviors. Furthermore, some aspects of ASD and RTT, such as stereotypic behaviors, did not appear in the MECP2 gene-edited monkeys, suggesting that different brain areas likely contribute to distinct ASD symptoms. This study showed that acute manipulation of disease-causing genes via in vivo gene editing directly led to behavioral changes in adolescent primates, paving the way for the rapid generation of genetically engineered non-human primate models for neurobiological studies and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Hao Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dong-Dong Qin
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lin-Heng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | - Tian-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Bin-Bin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Wen-Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Ying-Zhou Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yi-Lin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Long-Bao Lv
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
| | - Yong Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650021, China.
| | - Xin-Tian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China.
| | - Zi-Long Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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