Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to cognitive and motor impairment in FOXP1 syndrome

Mechanisms Underlying Memory Impairment Induced by Fructose

Fructose consumption has increased over the years, especially in adolescents living in urban areas. Growing evidence indicates that daily fructose consumption leads to some pathological conditions, including memory impairment. This review summarizes relevant data describing cognitive deficits after fructose intake and analyzes the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Preclinical experiments show sex-related deficits in spatial memory; that is, while males exhibit significant imbalances in spatial processing, females seem unaffected by dietary supplementation with fructose. Recognition memory has also been evaluated; however, only female rodents show a significant decline in the novel object recognition test performance. According to mechanistic evidence, fructose intake induces neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in the short term. Subsequently, these mechanisms can trigger other long-term effects, such as inhibition of neurogenesis, downregulation of trophic factors and receptors, weakening of synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation decay. Integrating all these neurobiological mechanisms will help us understand the cellular and molecular processes that trigger the memory impairment induced by fructose.

Serum levels of neurotensin, pannexin-1, and sestrin-2 and the correlations with sleep quality or/and cognitive function in the patients with chronic insomnia disorder

Objectives

To examine serum concentrations of neurotensin, pannexin-1 and sestrin-2, and their correlations with subjective and objective sleep quality and cognitive function in the patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID).

Methods

Sixty-five CID patients were enrolled continuously and fifty-six good sleepers in the same period were served as healthy controls (HCs). Serum levels of neurotensin, pannexin-1 and sestrin-2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and polysomnography, and mood was evaluated by 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. General cognitive function was assessed with the Chinese-Beijing Version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and spatial memory was evaluated by Blue Velvet Arena Test (BVAT).

Results

Relative to the HCs, the CID sufferers had higher levels of neurotensin (t=5.210, p<0.001) and pannexin-1 (Z=-4.169, p<0.001), and lower level of sestrin-2 (Z=-2.438, p=0.015). In terms of objective sleep measures, pannexin-1 was positively associated with total sleep time (r=0.562, p=0.002) and sleep efficiency (r=0.588, p=0.001), and negatively with wake time after sleep onset (r=-0.590, p=0.001) and wake time (r=-0.590, p=0.001); sestrin-2 was positively associated with percentage of rapid eye movement sleep (r=0.442, p=0.016) and negatively with non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 2 in the percentage (r=-0.394, p=0.034). Adjusted for sex, age and HAMD, pannexin-1 was still associated with the above objective sleep measures, but sestrin-2 was only negatively with wake time (r=-0.446, p=0.022). However, these biomarkers showed no significant correlations with subjective sleep quality (PSQI score). Serum concentrations of neurotensin and pannexin-1 were positively associated with the mean erroneous distance in the BVAT. Adjusted for sex, age and depression, neurotensin was negatively associated with MoCA score (r=-0.257, p=0.044), pannexin-1 was positively associated with the mean erroneous distance in the BVAT (r=0.270, p=0.033).

Conclusions

The CID patients had increased neurotensin and pannexin-1 and decreased sestrin-2 in the serum levels, indicating neuron dysfunction, which could be related to poor sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction measured objectively.

FOXP1 regulates the development of excitatory synaptic inputs onto striatal neurons and induces phenotypic reversal with reinstatement

Long-range glutamatergic inputs originating from the cortex and thalamus are indispensable for striatal development, providing the foundation for motor and cognitive functions. Despite their significance, transcriptional regulation governing these inputs remains largely unknown. We investigated the role of a transcription factor encoded by a high-risk autism-associated gene, FOXP1, in sculpting glutamatergic inputs onto spiny projection neurons (SPNs) within the striatum. We find a neuron subtype-specific role of FOXP1 in strengthening and maturing glutamatergic inputs onto dopamine receptor 2-expressing SPNs (D2 SPNs). We also find that FOXP1 promotes synaptically driven excitability in these neurons. Using single-nuclei RNA sequencing, we identify candidate genes that mediate these cell-autonomous processes through postnatal FOXP1 function at the post-synapse. Last, we demonstrate that postnatal FOXP1 reinstatement rescues electrophysiological deficits, cell type-specific gene expression changes, and behavioral phenotypes. Together, this study enhances our understanding of striatal circuit development and provides proof of concept for a therapeutic approach for FOXP1 syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Human Nasal Inferior Turbinate-Derived Neural Stem Cells Improve the Niche of Substantia Nigra Par Compacta in a Parkinson's Disease Model by Modulating Hippo Signaling

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, following Alzheimer's disease. The onset of PD is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Stem cell therapy has great potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and human nasal turbinate-derived stem cells (hNTSCs) have been found to share some characteristics with mesenchymal stem cells. Although the Hippo signaling pathway was originally thought to regulate cell size in organs, recent studies have shown that it can also control inflammation in neural cells.

METHODS

Dopaminergic neuron-like cells were differentiated from SH-SY5Y cells (DA-Like cells) and treated with 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide to stimulate Reactive oxidative species (ROS) production. A transwell assay was conducted to validate the effect of hNTSCs on the Hippo pathway. We generated an MPTP-induced PD mouse model and transplanted hNTSCs into the substantia nigra of PD mice via stereotaxic surgery. After five weeks of behavioral testing, the brain samples were validated by immunoblotting and immunostaining to confirm the niche control of hNTSCs.

RESULTS

In-vitro experiments showed that hNTSCs significantly increased cell survival and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by controlling ROS-mediated ER stress and hippocampal signaling pathway factors. Similarly, the in-vivo experiments demonstrated an increase in anti-inflammatory effects and cell survival rate. After transplantation of hNTSCs, the PD mouse model showed improved mobility and relief from PD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

hNTSCs improved the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons by manipulating the hippocampal pathway through Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) by reducing inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we found that controlling the niche of hNTSCs had a therapeutic effect on PD lesions.

Advances in sarcopenia: mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and intervention strategies

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial condition characterized by loss of muscle mass. It poses significant health risks in older adults worldwide. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are reported to address this disease. Certain dietary patterns, such as adequate energy intake and essential amino acids, have shown positive outcomes in preserving muscle function. Various medications, including myostatin inhibitors, growth hormones, and activin type II receptor inhibitors, have been evaluated for their effectiveness in managing sarcopenia. However, it is important to consider the variable efficacy and potential side effects associated with these treatments. There are currently no drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sarcopenia. The ongoing research aims to develop more effective strategies in the future. Our review of research on disease mechanisms and drug development will be a valuable contribution to future research endeavors.

The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism

Microglia, as one of the main types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. The normal number and function of microglia are very important for maintaining homeostasis in the CNS. In recent years, scientists have paid widespread attention to the role of microglia in the CNS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, and patients with ASD have severe deficits in behavior, social skills, and communication. Most previous studies on ASD have focused on neuronal pathological changes, such as increased cell proliferation, accelerated neuronal differentiation, impaired synaptic development, and reduced neuronal spontaneous and synchronous activity. Currently, more and more research has found that microglia, as immune cells, can promote neurogenesis and synaptic pruning to maintain CNS homeostasis. They can usually reduce unnecessary synaptic connections early in life. Some researchers have proposed that many pathological phenotypes of ASD may be caused by microglial abnormalities. Based on this, we summarize recent research on microglia in ASD, focusing on the function of microglia and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aim to clarify the essential factors influenced by microglia in ASD and explore the possibility of microglia-related pathways as potential research targets for ASD.

Rutaecarpine Mitigates Cognitive Impairment by Balancing Mitochondrial Function Through Activation of the AMPK/PGC1α Pathway

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficit. Rutaecarpine (Rut) is a natural alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study explored whether Rut treatment could enhance cognitive function by improving mitochondrial function and examined the potential mechanisms underlying this ameliorative effect. We used the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests to evaluate the behavioral effects of Rut in a mouse model of cognitive impairment induced by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (D-gal). Furthermore, we assessed the effects of Rut on mitochondrial function using cell viability assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, biochemical analysis, and immunochemical techniques in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated Rut treatment attenuated cognitive deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction in the mouse model. Similarly, it maintained the balance of mitochondrial dynamics in neurocytes and reduced oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis in the HT22 cell model. Moreover, we found that these protective effects were dependent on the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase/proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (AMPK/PGC1α) signaling pathway. Our data indicate that Rut treatment are sensitive to reversal cognitive deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by D-gal; this suggests that Rut is a promising mitochondria-targeted therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment.

FOXP1 regulates the development of excitatory synaptic inputs onto striatal neurons and induces phenotypic reversal with reinstatement

Long-range glutamatergic inputs from the cortex and thalamus are critical for motor and cognitive processing in the striatum. Transcription factors that orchestrate the development of these inputs are largely unknown. We investigated the role of a transcription factor and high-risk autism-associated gene, FOXP1, in the development of glutamatergic inputs onto spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the striatum. We find that FOXP1 robustly drives the strengthening and maturation of glutamatergic input onto dopamine receptor 2-expressing SPNs (D2 SPNs) but has a comparatively milder effect on D1 SPNs. This process is cell-autonomous and is likely mediated through postnatal FOXP1 function at the postsynapse. We identified postsynaptic FOXP1-regulated transcripts as potential candidates for mediating these effects. Postnatal reinstatement of FOXP1 rescues electrophysiological deficits, reverses gene expression alterations resulting from embryonic deletion, and mitigates behavioral phenotypes. These results provide support for a possible therapeutic approach for individuals with FOXP1 syndrome.

Single-cell brain organoid screening identifies developmental defects in autism

The development of the human brain involves unique processes (not observed in many other species) that can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders1-4. Cerebral organoids enable the study of neurodevelopmental disorders in a human context. We have developed the CRISPR-human organoids-single-cell RNA sequencing (CHOOSE) system, which uses verified pairs of guide RNAs, inducible CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic disruption and single-cell transcriptomics for pooled loss-of-function screening in mosaic organoids. Here we show that perturbation of 36 high-risk autism spectrum disorder genes related to transcriptional regulation uncovers their effects on cell fate determination. We find that dorsal intermediate progenitors, ventral progenitors and upper-layer excitatory neurons are among the most vulnerable cell types. We construct a developmental gene regulatory network of cerebral organoids from single-cell transcriptomes and chromatin modalities and identify autism spectrum disorder-associated and perturbation-enriched regulatory modules. Perturbing members of the BRG1/BRM-associated factor (BAF) chromatin remodelling complex leads to enrichment of ventral telencephalon progenitors. Specifically, mutating the BAF subunit ARID1B affects the fate transition of progenitors to oligodendrocyte and interneuron precursor cells, a phenotype that we confirmed in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids. Our study paves the way for high-throughput phenotypic characterization of disease susceptibility genes in organoid models with cell state, molecular pathway and gene regulatory network readouts.

Mitochondrial dynamics-related genes DRP1 and OPA1 contributes to early diagnosis of cognitive impairment in diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

DRP1 and OPA1 play important roles in mitochondrial fusion and fission. However, the role of DRP1 and OPA1 amplification in mitochondrial cognitive impairment has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DRP1 and OPA1 and the risk of cognitive impairment.

METHODS

In this study, 45 elderly patients with diabetes admitted to the Lianyungang Second People's Hospital from September 2020 to January 2021 were included. The patients were divided into normal group, mild cognitive impairment group and dementia group by using MMSE score, and the clinical characteristics of the three groups were compared. The amplification multiples of the two genes' DNA were calculated by ΔΔCT and defined as 2- K. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the DNA amplification multiples of patients' DRP1 and OPA1 and AD8 and MoCA scores. The sensitivity and specificity of DNA amplification multiples of DRP1 and OPA1 to predict clinical outcomes of diabetic cognitive impairment were evaluated using Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between DNA amplification factor of DRP1 and OPA1 and cognitive function.

RESULTS

DRP1(2- K) and OPA1(2- K) significantly increased and decreased in dementia and MCI groups compared with the normal group (P ≤ 0.001). The DNA amplification factor of DRP1 was positively correlated with AD8 score and negatively correlated with MoCA score (P < 0.001). The DNA amplification factor of OPA1 was positively correlated with the MoCA score (P = 0.0002). Analysis of ROCs showed that the DNA amplification factor of OPA1 had a higher predictive value for dementia (P < 0.0001), and that it had a higher predictive value when used in combination with DRP1. Multiple logistic regression results showed that increased DNA amplification in DRP1 was associated with increased risk of dementia (OR 1.149;95%CI,1.035-1.275), and increased DNA amplification in OPA1 was associated with decreased risk of MCI (OR 0.004;95%CI,0.000-0.251) and dementia (OR 0.000;95%CI,0.000-0.134).

CONCLUSION

DNA amplification multiples of DRP1 and OPA1 are associated with the risk of dementia in elderly patients and may serve as potential biomarkers.

Case report: Expanding the phenotype of FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome and hyperkinetic movement disorder in differential diagnosis with epileptic seizures

Objective

We aimed to report on previously unappreciated clinical features associated with FOXP1-related intellectual disability (ID) syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and language delay, with or without autistic features.

Methods

We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to molecularly characterize an individual presenting with ID, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral problems, and facial dysmorphisms as major features.

Results

WES allowed us to identify a previously unreported de novo splice site variant, c.1429-1G>T (NM_032682.6), in the FOXP1 gene (OMIM^*605515) as the causative event underlying the phenotype. Clinical reassessment of the patient and revision of the literature allowed us to refine the phenotype associated with FOXP1 haploinsufficiency, including hyperkinetic movement disorder and flat angiomas as associated features. Interestingly, the patient also has an asymmetric face and choanal atresia and a novel de novo variant of the CHD7 gene.

Conclusion

We suggest that FOXP1-related ID syndrome may also predispose to the development of hyperkinetic movement disorders and flat angiomas. These features could therefore require specific management of this condition.

Microglia and astrocytes underlie neuroinflammation and synaptic susceptibility in autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in childhood. The mechanisms underlying ASD are unclear. In recent years, the role of microglia and astrocytes in ASD has received increasing attention. Microglia prune the synapses or respond to injury by sequestrating the injury site and expressing inflammatory cytokines. Astrocytes maintain homeostasis in the brain microenvironment through the uptake of ions and neurotransmitters. However, the molecular link between ASD and microglia and, or astrocytes remains unknown. Previous research has shown the significant role of microglia and astrocytes in ASD, with reports of increased numbers of reactive microglia and astrocytes in postmortem tissues and animal models of ASD. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of the roles of microglia and astrocytes in ASD is essential for developing effective therapies. This review aimed to summarize the functions of microglia and astrocytes and their contributions to ASD.

A Patient with Corticobasal Syndrome and Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia (CBS-PNFA), with Variants in ATP7B, SETX, SORL1, and FOXP1 Genes

Our aim was to analyze the phenotypic-genetic correlations in a patient diagnosed with early onset corticobasal syndrome with progressive non-fluent aphasia (CBS-PNFA), characterized by predominant apraxia of speech, accompanied by prominent right-sided upper-limb limb-kinetic apraxia, alien limb phenomenon, synkinesis, myoclonus, mild cortical sensory loss, and right-sided hemispatial neglect. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified rare single heterozygous variants in ATP7B (c.3207C>A), SORL1 (c.352G>A), SETX (c.2385_2387delAAA), and FOXP1 (c.1762G>A) genes. The functional analysis revealed that the deletion in the SETX gene changed the splicing pattern, which was accompanied by lower SETX mRNA levels in the patient's fibroblasts, suggesting loss-of-function as the underlying mechanism. In addition, the patient's fibroblasts demonstrated altered mitochondrial architecture with decreased connectivity, compared to the control individuals. This is the first association of the CBS-PNFA phenotype with the most common ATP7B pathogenic variant p.H1069Q, previously linked to Wilson's disease, and early onset Parkinson's disease. This study expands the complex clinical spectrum related to variants in well-known disease genes, such as ATP7B, SORL1, SETX, and FOXP1, corroborating the hypothesis of oligogenic inheritance. To date, the FOXP1 gene has been linked exclusively to neurodevelopmental speech disorders, while our study highlights its possible relevance for adult-onset progressive apraxia of speech, which guarantees further study.

Characterization of Affective Behaviors and Motor Functions in Mice With a Striatal-Specific Deletion of Bmal1 and Per2

The expression of circadian clock genes, either centrally or in the periphery, has been shown to play an integral role in the control of behavior. Brain region-specific downregulation of clock genes revealed behavioral phenotypes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disease. The specific function of the clock genes as well as the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the observed phenotypes, however, are not yet fully understood. We assessed anxiety- and depressive-like behavior and motor functions in male and female mice with a conditional ablation of Bmal1 or Per2 from medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum as well as mice lacking one copy of Gpr88. Whereas the conditional knockout of Bmal1 and Per2 had mild effects on affective behaviors, a pronounced effect on motor functions was found in Bmal1 knockout mice. Subsequent investigation revealed an attenuated response of Bmal1 knockout mice to dopamine receptor type 1 agonist treatment, independently of the expression of targets of the dopamine signaling pathway or mitochondrial respiration in MSNs. The study thus suggests a potential interaction of Bmal1 within the direct dopamine signaling pathway, which may provide the link to a shared, MSN-dependent mechanism regulating affective behavior and motor function in mice.