1
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Lingwood C. Is cholesterol both the lock and key to abnormal transmembrane signals in Autism Spectrum Disorder? Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:114. [PMID: 38643132 PMCID: PMC11032007 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02075-3] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in cholesterol homeostasis have been associated with ASD. Lipid rafts are central in many transmembrane signaling pathways (including mTOR) and changes in raft cholesterol content affect their order function. Cholesterol levels are controlled by several mechanisms, including endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) of the rate limiting HMGCoA reductase. A new approach to increase cholesterol via temporary ERAD blockade using a benign bacterial toxin-derived competitor for the ERAD translocon is suggested.A new lock and key model for cholesterol/lipid raft dependent signaling is proposed in which the rafts provide both the afferent and efferent 'tumblers' across the membrane to allow 'lock and key' receptor transmembrane signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Lingwood
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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2
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Sun X, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Peng M, Wei X, Xie Y, Wen C, Liu J, Ye M. Biomolecular Condensates Decipher Molecular Codes of Cell Fate: From Biophysical Fundamentals to Therapeutic Practices. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4127. [PMID: 38612940 PMCID: PMC11012904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074127] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fate is precisely modulated by complex but well-tuned molecular signaling networks, whose spatial and temporal dysregulation commonly leads to hazardous diseases. Biomolecular condensates (BCs), as a newly emerging type of biophysical assemblies, decipher the molecular codes bridging molecular behaviors, signaling axes, and clinical prognosis. Particularly, physical traits of BCs play an important role; however, a panoramic view from this perspective toward clinical practices remains lacking. In this review, we describe the most typical five physical traits of BCs, and comprehensively summarize their roles in molecular signaling axes and corresponding major determinants. Moreover, establishing the recent observed contribution of condensate physics on clinical therapeutics, we illustrate next-generation medical strategies by targeting condensate physics. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for future medical development along with the rapid scientific and technological advances are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Sun
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.P.); (X.W.)
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Yangyang Zhou
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.P.); (X.W.)
| | - Zhiyan Wang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.P.); (X.W.)
| | - Menglan Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.P.); (X.W.)
| | - Xianhua Wei
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.P.); (X.W.)
| | - Yifang Xie
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Chengcai Wen
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Mao Ye
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.P.); (X.W.)
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3
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Wainberg M, Forde NJ, Mansour S, Kerrebijn I, Medland SE, Hawco C, Tripathy SJ. Genetic architecture of the structural connectome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1962. [PMID: 38438384 PMCID: PMC10912129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46023-2] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelinated axons form long-range connections that enable rapid communication between distant brain regions, but how genetics governs the strength and organization of these connections remains unclear. We perform genome-wide association studies of 206 structural connectivity measures derived from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging tractography of 26,333 UK Biobank participants, each representing the density of myelinated connections within or between a pair of cortical networks, subcortical structures or cortical hemispheres. We identify 30 independent genome-wide significant variants after Bonferroni correction for the number of measures studied (126 variants at nominal genome-wide significance) implicating genes involved in myelination (SEMA3A), neurite elongation and guidance (NUAK1, STRN, DPYSL2, EPHA3, SEMA3A, HGF, SHTN1), neural cell proliferation and differentiation (GMNC, CELF4, HGF), neuronal migration (CCDC88C), cytoskeletal organization (CTTNBP2, MAPT, DAAM1, MYO16, PLEC), and brain metal transport (SLC39A8). These variants have four broad patterns of spatial association with structural connectivity: some have disproportionately strong associations with corticothalamic connectivity, interhemispheric connectivity, or both, while others are more spatially diffuse. Structural connectivity measures are highly polygenic, with a median of 9.1 percent of common variants estimated to have non-zero effects on each measure, and exhibited signatures of negative selection. Structural connectivity measures have significant genetic correlations with a variety of neuropsychiatric and cognitive traits, indicating that connectivity-altering variants tend to influence brain health and cognitive function. Heritability is enriched in regions with increased chromatin accessibility in adult oligodendrocytes (as well as microglia, inhibitory neurons and astrocytes) and multiple fetal cell types, suggesting that genetic control of structural connectivity is partially mediated by effects on myelination and early brain development. Our results indicate pervasive, pleiotropic, and spatially structured genetic control of white-matter structural connectivity via diverse neurodevelopmental pathways, and support the relevance of this genetic control to healthy brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wainberg
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Natalie J Forde
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Salim Mansour
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabel Kerrebijn
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E Medland
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Colin Hawco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Shreejoy J Tripathy
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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4
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Chuang CN, Liu HC, Woo TT, Chao JL, Chen CY, Hu HT, Hsueh YP, Wang TF. Noncanonical usage of stop codons in ciliates expands proteins with structurally flexible Q-rich motifs. eLife 2024; 12:RP91405. [PMID: 38393970 PMCID: PMC10942620 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91405] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine(S)/threonine(T)-glutamine(Q) cluster domains (SCDs), polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts and polyglutamine/asparagine (polyQ/N) tracts are Q-rich motifs found in many proteins. SCDs often are intrinsically disordered regions that mediate protein phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions. PolyQ and polyQ/N tracts are structurally flexible sequences that trigger protein aggregation. We report that due to their high percentages of STQ or STQN amino acid content, four SCDs and three prion-causing Q/N-rich motifs of yeast proteins possess autonomous protein expression-enhancing activities. Since these Q-rich motifs can endow proteins with structural and functional plasticity, we suggest that they represent useful toolkits for evolutionary novelty. Comparative Gene Ontology (GO) analyses of the near-complete proteomes of 26 representative model eukaryotes reveal that Q-rich motifs prevail in proteins involved in specialized biological processes, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA-mediated transposition and pseudohyphal growth, Candida albicans filamentous growth, ciliate peptidyl-glutamic acid modification and microtubule-based movement, Tetrahymena thermophila xylan catabolism and meiosis, Dictyostelium discoideum development and sexual cycles, Plasmodium falciparum infection, and the nervous systems of Drosophila melanogaster, Mus musculus and Homo sapiens. We also show that Q-rich-motif proteins are expanded massively in 10 ciliates with reassigned TAAQ and TAGQ codons. Notably, the usage frequency of CAGQ is much lower in ciliates with reassigned TAAQ and TAGQ codons than in organisms with expanded and unstable Q runs (e.g. D. melanogaster and H. sapiens), indicating that the use of noncanonical stop codons in ciliates may have coevolved with codon usage biases to avoid triplet repeat disorders mediated by CAG/GTC replication slippage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hou-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tai-Ting Woo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ju-Lan Chao
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chiung-Ya Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hisao-Tang Hu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi UniversityChiayiTaiwan
| | - Ting-Fang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi UniversityChiayiTaiwan
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5
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Chao YW, Lee YL, Tseng CS, Wang LUH, Hsia KC, Chen H, Fustin JM, Azeem S, Chang TT, Chen CY, Kung FC, Hsueh YP, Huang YS, Chao HW. Improved CaP Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid and Protein Delivery to Neural Primary Cultures and Stem Cells. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4822-4839. [PMID: 38285698 PMCID: PMC10867895 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Efficiently delivering exogenous materials into primary neurons and neural stem cells (NSCs) has long been a challenge in neurobiology. Existing methods have struggled with complex protocols, unreliable reproducibility, high immunogenicity, and cytotoxicity, causing a huge conundrum and hindering in-depth analyses. Here, we establish a cutting-edge method for transfecting primary neurons and NSCs, named teleofection, by a two-step process to enhance the formation of biocompatible calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles. Teleofection enables both nucleic acid and protein transfection into primary neurons and NSCs, eliminating the need for specialized skills and equipment. It can easily fine-tune transfection efficiency by adjusting the incubation time and nanoparticle quantity, catering to various experimental requirements. Teleofection's versatility allows for the delivery of different cargos into the same cell culture, whether simultaneously or sequentially. This flexibility proves invaluable for long-term studies, enabling the monitoring of neural development and synapse plasticity. Moreover, teleofection ensures the consistent and robust expression of delivered genes, facilitating molecular and biochemical investigations. Teleofection represents a significant advancement in neurobiology, which has promise to transcend the limitations of current gene delivery methods. It offers a user-friendly, cost-effective, and reproducible approach for researchers, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of brain function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Chao
- Department
of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lurk Lee
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Ching-San Tseng
- Department
of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical
University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Lily Ueh-Hsi Wang
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chiang Hsia
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Huatao Chen
- Department
of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key
Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jean-Michel Fustin
- The
University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Sayma Azeem
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Taiwan
International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University and Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Tung Chang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Ya Chen
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Che Kung
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shuian Huang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Taiwan
International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University and Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Wen Chao
- Department
of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department
of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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6
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Luo S, Zhao K, Gao C, Mei D, Duan Y, Hu S. Restoration of nNOS Expression Rescues Autistic-Like Phenotypes Through Normalization of AMPA Receptor-Mediated Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03997-w. [PMID: 38329681 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03997-w] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a range of abnormalities characterized by deficits in socialization, communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. We have recently shown that neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression was decreased in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of mice after postnatal valproic acid exposure. Neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin (Narp) could contribute to the regulation of the GluA4 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) subunits which are predominantly expressed in interneurons. However, the specific role of nNOS re-expression on excitatory neurotransmitter with relevance to ASD core symptoms in VPA-treated animals remains to be elucidated. Herein, nNOS overexpression using a lentiviral vector and L-arginine-activating PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling can restore nNOS expression in the BLA induced by VPA. Restoration of nNOS expression in these mice was sufficient to reduce the severity of ASD-like behavioral patterns such that animals exhibited decreases in abnormal social interactions and communication, stereotyped/repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-like traits. Most strikingly, re-expression of nNOS upregulated surface expression of Narp and GluA4 in nNOS-positive interneuron as shown by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that restoration of nNOS had a significant enhancing effect on AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory glutamatergic synaptic neurotransmission, which was inhibited by disturbing the interaction between Narp and GluA4 in acutely dissociated BLA slices. Overall, these data offer a scientific basis for the additional study of nNOS re-expression as a promising therapeutic target by correcting AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic function in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Daoqi Mei
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongtao Duan
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shunan Hu
- Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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7
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Rosa E Silva I, Smetana JHC, de Oliveira JF. A comprehensive review on DDX3X liquid phase condensation in health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129330. [PMID: 38218270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129330] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
DEAD-box helicases are global regulators of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process that assembles membraneless organelles inside cells. An outstanding member of the DEAD-box family is DDX3X, a multi-functional protein that plays critical roles in RNA metabolism, including RNA transcription, splicing, nucleocytoplasmic export, and translation. The diverse functions of DDX3X result from its ability to bind and remodel RNA in an ATP-dependent manner. This capacity enables the protein to act as an RNA chaperone and an RNA helicase, regulating ribonucleoprotein complex assembly. DDX3X and its orthologs from mouse, yeast (Ded1), and C. elegans (LAF-1) can undergo LLPS, driving the formation of neuronal granules, stress granules, processing bodies or P-granules. DDX3X has been related to several human conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Although the research into the pathogenesis of aberrant biomolecular condensation in neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly, the role of LLPS in neurodevelopmental disorders is underexplored. This review summarizes current findings relevant for DDX3X phase separation in neurodevelopment and examines how disturbances in the LLPS process can be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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8
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Figiel M, Górka AK, Górecki A. Zinc Ions Modulate YY1 Activity: Relevance in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4338. [PMID: 37686614 PMCID: PMC10487186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174338] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
YY1 is widely recognized as an intrinsically disordered transcription factor that plays a role in development of many cancers. In most cases, its overexpression is correlated with tumor progression and unfavorable patient outcomes. Our latest research focusing on the role of zinc ions in modulating YY1's interaction with DNA demonstrated that zinc enhances the protein's multimeric state and affinity to its operator. In light of these findings, changes in protein concentration appear to be just one element relevant to modulating YY1-dependent processes. Thus, alterations in zinc ion concentration can directly and specifically impact the regulation of gene expression by YY1, in line with reports indicating a correlation between zinc ion levels and advancement of certain tumors. This review concentrates on other potential consequences of YY1 interaction with zinc ions that may act by altering charge distribution, conformational state distribution, or oligomerization to influence its interactions with molecular partners that can disrupt gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrzej Górecki
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (M.F.); (A.K.G.)
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9
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Zhang S, Pei G, Li B, Li P, Lin Y. Abnormal phase separation of biomacromolecules in human diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1133-1152. [PMID: 37475546 PMCID: PMC10423695 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023139] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-less organelles (MLOs) formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are associated with numerous important biological functions, but the abnormal phase separation will also dysregulate the physiological processes. Emerging evidence points to the importance of LLPS in human health and diseases. Nevertheless, despite recent advancements, our knowledge of the molecular relationship between LLPS and diseases is frequently incomplete. In this review, we outline our current understanding about how aberrant LLPS affects developmental disorders, tandem repeat disorders, cancers and viral infection. We also examine disease mechanisms driven by aberrant condensates, and highlight potential treatment approaches. This study seeks to expand our understanding of LLPS by providing a valuable new paradigm for understanding phase separation and human disorders, as well as to further translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Gaofeng Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Boya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Pilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
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10
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Yen TL, Huang TN, Lin MH, Hsu TT, Lu MH, Shih PY, Ellegood J, Lerch J, Hsueh YP. Sex bias in social deficits, neural circuits and nutrient demand in Cttnbp2 autism models. Brain 2023; 146:2612-2626. [PMID: 36385662 PMCID: PMC10232293 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac429] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders caused by both genetic and environmental factors are strongly male-biased neuropsychiatric conditions. However, the mechanism underlying the sex bias of autism spectrum disorders remains elusive. Here, we use a mouse model in which the autism-linked gene Cttnbp2 is mutated to explore the potential mechanism underlying the autism sex bias. Autism-like features of Cttnbp2 mutant mice were assessed via behavioural assays. C-FOS staining identified sex-biased brain regions critical to social interaction, with their roles and connectivity then validated by chemogenetic manipulation. Proteomic and bioinformatic analyses established sex-biased molecular deficits at synapses, prompting our hypothesis that male-biased nutrient demand magnifies Cttnbp2 deficiency. Accordingly, intakes of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and zinc were experimentally altered to assess their effect on autism-like behaviours. Both deletion and autism-linked mutation of Cttnbp2 result in male-biased social deficits. Seven brain regions, including the infralimbic area of the medial prefrontal cortex (ILA), exhibit reduced neural activity in male mutant mice but not in females upon social stimulation. ILA activation by chemogenetic manipulation is sufficient to activate four of those brain regions susceptible to Cttnbp2 deficiency and consequently to ameliorate social deficits in male mice, implying an ILA-regulated neural circuit is critical to male-biased social deficits. Proteomics analysis reveals male-specific downregulated proteins (including SHANK2 and PSD-95, two synaptic zinc-binding proteins) and female-specific upregulated proteins (including RRAGC) linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, which are likely relevant to male-biased deficits and a female protective effect observed in Cttnbp2 mutant mice. Notably, RRAGC is an upstream regulator of mTOR that senses BCAA, suggesting that mTOR exerts a beneficial effect on females. Indeed, increased BCAA intake activates the mTOR pathway and rescues neuronal responses and social behaviours of male Cttnbp2 mutant mice. Moreover, mutant males exhibit greatly increased zinc demand to display normal social behaviours. Mice carrying an autism-linked Cttnbp2 mutation exhibit male-biased social deficits linked to specific brain regions, differential synaptic proteomes and higher demand for BCAA and zinc. We postulate that lower demand for zinc and BCAA are relevant to the female protective effect. Our study reveals a mechanism underlying sex-biased social defects and also suggests a potential therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Li Yen
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Hui Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsan-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Hsuan Lu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pu-Yun Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
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11
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Li K, Liang X, Xie X, Tian L, Yan J, Lin B, Liu H, Lai W, Liu X, Xi Z. Role of SHANK3 in concentrated ambient PM2. 5 exposure induced autism-like phenotype. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14328. [PMID: 36938421 PMCID: PMC10018567 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14328] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal air pollution plays an important role in the development of autism. However, research on the pathogenic mechanism remains limited. In this study, the model of systemic inhalation of concentrated approximately 8-fold the level (mean concentration was 224 μg/m3) reported in ambient outdoor air of PM2.5 (particulate matters that are 2.5 μm or less in diameter)in early-postnatal male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established. Through a series of autism-related behavioral tests, it was identified that young rats (postnatal day 1-day21, named PND1-PND21) exposed to PM2.5 exhibited typical autistic phenotypes, such as impaired language communication, abnormal repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and impaired social skills. Moreover, synaptic abnormalities have been found in the brain tissues of young rats exposed to PM2.5. In terms of the molecular mechanism, we found that the levels of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3) expression and key molecular proteins in the downstream signaling pathways were decreased in the brain tissues of the exposed rats. Finally, at the epigenetic level, SHANK3 methylation levels were increased in young rats exposed to PM2.5. In conclusion, the study revealed that PM2.5 exposure might induce the early postnatal autism through the SHANK3 signaling pathway by affecting the SHANK3 methylation levels and reducing the SHANK3 expression levels. The study could provide new ideas for autism etiology and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of autism in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xie
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Wenqin Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
- Corresponding author. Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1, Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, PR China.
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12
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Pre-Molten, Wet, and Dry Molten Globules en Route to the Functional State of Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032424. [PMID: 36768742 PMCID: PMC9916686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Transitions between the unfolded and native states of the ordered globular proteins are accompanied by the accumulation of several intermediates, such as pre-molten globules, wet molten globules, and dry molten globules. Structurally equivalent conformations can serve as native functional states of intrinsically disordered proteins. This overview captures the characteristics and importance of these molten globules in both structured and intrinsically disordered proteins. It also discusses examples of engineered molten globules. The formation of these intermediates under conditions of macromolecular crowding and their interactions with nanomaterials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-813-494-5816
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13
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Atanasova E, Arévalo AP, Graf I, Zhang R, Bockmann J, Lutz AK, Boeckers TM. Immune activation during pregnancy exacerbates ASD-related alterations in Shank3-deficient mice. Mol Autism 2023; 14:1. [PMID: 36604742 PMCID: PMC9814193 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00532-3] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is mainly characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication and repetitive behaviors. Known causes of ASD are mutations of certain risk genes like the postsynaptic protein SHANK3 and environmental factors including prenatal infections. METHODS To analyze the gene-environment interplay in ASD, we combined the Shank3Δ11-/- ASD mouse model with maternal immune activation (MIA) via an intraperitoneal injection of polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) on gestational day 12.5. The offspring of the injected dams was further analyzed for autistic-like behaviors and comorbidities followed by biochemical experiments with a focus on synaptic analysis. RESULTS We show that the two-hit mice exhibit excessive grooming and deficits in social behavior more prominently than the Shank3Δ11-/- mice. Interestingly, these behavioral changes were accompanied by an unexpected upregulation of postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins at excitatory synapses in striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. LIMITATIONS We found several PSD proteins to be increased in the two-hit mice; however, we can only speculate about possible pathways behind the worsening of the autistic phenotype in those mice. CONCLUSIONS With this study, we demonstrate that there is an interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors defining the severity of ASD symptoms. Moreover, we show that a general misbalance of PSD proteins at excitatory synapses is linked to ASD symptoms, making this two-hit model a promising tool for the investigation of the complex pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Atanasova
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrea Pérez Arévalo
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ines Graf
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rong Zhang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Neuroscience Research Institute, Health Science Centre, Peking University, Peking, China
| | - Juergen Bockmann
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Lutz
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
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14
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Xie Y, Wang H, Hu B, Zhang X, Liu A, Cai C, Li S, Chen C, Wang Z, Yin Z, Wang M. Dendritic Spine in Autism Genetics: Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifying De Novo Variant of CTTNBP2 in a Quad Family Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010080. [PMID: 36670631 PMCID: PMC9856540 DOI: 10.3390/children10010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects around 1% of children with no effective blood test or cure. Recent studies have suggested that these are neurological disorders with a strong genetic basis and that they are associated with the abnormal formation of dendritic spines. Chromosome microarray (CMA) together with high-throughput sequencing technology has been used as a powerful tool to identify new candidate genes for ASD. In the present study, CMA was first used to scan for genome-wide copy number variants in a proband, and no clinically significant copy number variants were found. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used further for genetic testing of the whole quad family affected by ASD, including the proband, his non-autistic sister, and his parents. Sanger sequencing and MassARRAY-based validation were used to identify and confirm variants associated with ASD. WES yielded a 151-fold coverage depth for each sample. A total of 98.65% of the targeted whole-exome region was covered at >20-fold depth. A de novo variant in CTTNBP2, p.M115T, was identified. The CTTNBP2 gene belongs to a family of ankyrin repeat domain-containing proteins associated with dendritic spine formation. Although CTTNBP2 has been associated with ASD, limited studies have been developed to identify clinically relevant de novo mutations of CTTNBP2 in children with ASD; family-based WES successfully identified a clinically relevant mutation in the CTTNBP2 gene in a quad family affected by ASD. Considering the neuron-specific expression of CTTNBP2 and its role in dendritic spine formation, our results suggest a correlation between the CTTNBP2 mutation and ASD, providing genetic evidence for ASD spine pathology. Although the present study is currently insufficient to support the assertion that the de novo mutation M115T in CTTNBP2 directly causes the autism phenotype, our study provides support for the assertion that this mutation is a candidate clinically relevant variant in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Xie
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of Child Health Care, Xiamen Branch of Children’s Hospital of Fudan University (Xiamen Children’s Hospital), Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Division of Neonatology, Shenzhen Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Aiping Liu
- The Department of Laboratory, Baoan Public Health Service Center of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children’s Hospital (Children’s Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Shijun Li
- First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Zhangxing Wang
- Division of Neonatology, Shenzhen Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yin
- The People’s Hospital of Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Division of Pediatrics, Dehong Hospital of Kun-ming Medical University, Mangshi 678400, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (M.W.)
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Microbiome Therapy Center, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children’s Health, Shanghai 201102, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (M.W.)
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15
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DiRusso CJ, Dashtiahangar M, Gilmore TD. Scaffold proteins as dynamic integrators of biological processes. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102628. [PMID: 36273588 PMCID: PMC9672449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffold proteins act as molecular hubs for the docking of multiple proteins to organize efficient functional units for signaling cascades. Over 300 human proteins have been characterized as scaffolds, acting in a variety of signaling pathways. While the term scaffold implies a static, supportive platform, it is now clear that scaffolds are not simply inert docking stations but can undergo conformational changes that affect their dependent signaling pathways. In this review, we catalog scaffold proteins that have been shown to undergo actionable conformational changes, with a focus on the role that conformational change plays in the activity of the classic yeast scaffold STE5, as well as three human scaffold proteins (KSR, NEMO, SHANK3) that are integral to well-known signaling pathways (RAS, NF-κB, postsynaptic density). We also discuss scaffold protein conformational changes vis-à-vis liquid-liquid phase separation. Changes in scaffold structure have also been implicated in human disease, and we discuss how aberrant conformational changes may be involved in disease-related dysregulation of scaffold and signaling functions. Finally, we discuss how understanding these conformational dynamics will provide insight into the flexibility of signaling cascades and may enhance our ability to treat scaffold-associated diseases.
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16
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The schizophrenia-associated missense variant rs13107325 regulates dendritic spine density. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:361. [PMID: 36056013 PMCID: PMC9440106 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02137-z] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The missense variant rs13107325 (C/T, p.Ala391Thr) in SLC39A8 consistently showed robust association with schizophrenia in recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs), suggesting the potential pathogenicity of this non-synonymous risk variant. Nevertheless, how this missense variant confers schizophrenia risk remains unknown. Here we constructed a knock-in mouse model (by introducing a threonine at the 393th amino acid of mouse SLC39A8 (SLC39A8-p.393T), which corresponds to rs13107325 (p.Ala391Thr) of human SLC39A8) to explore the potential roles and biological effects of this missense variant in schizophrenia pathogenesis. We assessed multiple phenotypes and traits (associated with rs13107325) of the knock-in mice, including body and brain weight, concentrations of metal ions (including cadmium, zinc, manganese, and iron) transported by SLC39A8, blood lipids, proliferation and migration of neural stem cells (NSCs), cortical development, behaviors and cognition, transcriptome, dendritic spine density, and synaptic transmission. Many of the tested phenotypes did not show differences in SLC39A8-p.393T knock-in and wild-type mice. However, we found that zinc concentration in brain and blood of SLC39A8-p.393T knock-in mice was dysregulated compared with wild-types, validating the functionality of rs13107325. Further analysis indicated that cortical dendritic spine density of the SLC39A8-p.393T knock-in mice was significantly decreased compared with wild-types, indicating the important role of SLC39A8-p.393T in dendritic spine morphogenesis. These results indicated that SLC39A8-p.393T knock-in resulted in decreased dendritic spine density, thus mimicking the dendritic spine pathology observed in schizophrenia. Our study indicates that rs13107325 might confer schizophrenia risk by regulating zinc concentration and dendritic spine density, a featured characteristic that was frequently reported to be decreased in schizophrenia.
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