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Cortes DE, Escudero M, Korgan AC, Mitra A, Edwards A, Aydin SC, Munger SC, Charland K, Zhang ZW, O'Connell KMS, Reinholdt LG, Pera MF. An in vitro neurogenetics platform for precision disease modeling in the mouse. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj9305. [PMID: 38569042 PMCID: PMC10990289 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj9305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The power and scope of disease modeling can be markedly enhanced through the incorporation of broad genetic diversity. The introduction of pathogenic mutations into a single inbred mouse strain sometimes fails to mimic human disease. We describe a cross-species precision disease modeling platform that exploits mouse genetic diversity to bridge cell-based modeling with whole organism analysis. We developed a universal protocol that permitted robust and reproducible neural differentiation of genetically diverse human and mouse pluripotent stem cell lines and then carried out a proof-of-concept study of the neurodevelopmental gene DYRK1A. Results in vitro reliably predicted the effects of genetic background on Dyrk1a loss-of-function phenotypes in vivo. Transcriptomic comparison of responsive and unresponsive strains identified molecular pathways conferring sensitivity or resilience to Dyrk1a1A loss and highlighted differential messenger RNA isoform usage as an important determinant of response. This cross-species strategy provides a powerful tool in the functional analysis of candidate disease variants identified through human genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arojit Mitra
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04660, USA
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2
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Gazzellone A, Sangiorgi E. From Churchill to Elephants: The Role of Protective Genes against Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:118. [PMID: 38255007 PMCID: PMC10815068 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010118] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Richard Peto's paradox, first described in 1975 from an epidemiological perspective, established an inverse correlation between the probability of developing cancer in multicellular organisms and the number of cells. Larger animals exhibit fewer tumors compared to smaller ones, though exceptions exist. Mice are more susceptible to cancer than humans, while elephants and whales demonstrate significantly lower cancer prevalence rates than humans. How nature and evolution have addressed the issue of cancer in the animal kingdom remains largely unexplored. In the field of medicine, much attention has been devoted to cancer-predisposing genes, as they offer avenues for intervention, including blocking, downregulating, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment. Predisposing genes also tend to manifest clinically earlier and more aggressively, making them easier to identify. However, despite significant strides in modern medicine, the role of protective genes lags behind. Identifying genes with a mild predisposing effect poses a significant challenge. Consequently, comprehending the protective function conferred by genes becomes even more elusive, and their very existence is subject to questioning. While the role of variable expressivity and penetrance defects of the same variant in a family is well-documented for many hereditary cancer syndromes, attempts to delineate the function of protective/modifier alleles have been restricted to a few instances. In this review, we endeavor to elucidate the role of protective genes observed in the animal kingdom, within certain genetic syndromes that appear to act as cancer-resistant/repressor alleles. Additionally, we explore the role of protective alleles in conditions predisposing to cancer. The ultimate goal is to discern why individuals, like Winston Churchill, managed to live up to 91 years of age, despite engaging in minimal physical activity, consuming large quantities of alcohol daily, and not abstaining from smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugenio Sangiorgi
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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3
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Manubens-Gil L, Pons-Espinal M, Gener T, Ballesteros-Yañez I, de Lagrán MM, Dierssen M. Deficits in neuronal architecture but not over-inhibition are main determinants of reduced neuronal network activity in a mouse model of overexpression of Dyrk1A. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad431. [PMID: 37997361 PMCID: PMC10793573 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad431] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the impact of Dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) overexpression, a gene associated with Down syndrome, on hippocampal neuronal deficits in mice. Our findings revealed that mice overexpressing Dyrk1A (TgDyrk1A; TG) exhibited impaired hippocampal recognition memory, disrupted excitation-inhibition balance, and deficits in long-term potentiation (LTP). Specifically, we observed layer-specific deficits in dendritic arborization of TG CA1 pyramidal neurons in the stratum radiatum. Through computational modeling, we determined that these alterations resulted in reduced storage capacity and compromised integration of inputs, with decreased high γ oscillations. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, our model suggests that deficits in neuronal architecture, rather than over-inhibition, primarily contribute to the reduced network. We explored the potential of environmental enrichment (EE) as a therapeutic intervention and found that it normalized the excitation-inhibition balance, restored LTP, and improved short-term recognition memory. Interestingly, we observed transient significant dendritic remodeling, leading to recovered high γ. However, these effects were not sustained after EE discontinuation. Based on our findings, we conclude that Dyrk1A overexpression-induced layer-specific neuromorphological disturbances impair the encoding of place and temporal context. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Dyrk1A-related hippocampal deficits and highlight the challenges associated with long-term therapeutic interventions for cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Manubens-Gil
- Institute for Brain Science and Intelligent Technology, Southeast University (SEU), Biomedical engineering, Sipailou street No. 2, Xuanwu district, 210096, Nanjing, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University (SEU), Sipailou street No. 2, Xuanwu district, 210096, Nanjing, China
| | - Meritxell Pons-Espinal
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Avinguda de la Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) of the University of Barcelona (UB), Avda. Diagonal, 643 Edifici Prevosti, planta -108028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Gener
- Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group (AEMD), Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, UAB Campus, Bellaterra Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yañez
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla- La Mancha, Camino de Moledores, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - María Martínez de Lagrán
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology, Systems and Synthetic Biology Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology, Systems and Synthetic Biology Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), v. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Abukhaled Y, Hatab K, Awadhalla M, Hamdan H. Understanding the genetic mechanisms and cognitive impairments in Down syndrome: towards a holistic approach. J Neurol 2024; 271:87-104. [PMID: 37561187 PMCID: PMC10769995 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The most common genetic cause of intellectual disability is Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21. It commonly results from three copies of human chromosome 21 (HC21). There are no mutations or deletions involved in DS. Instead, the phenotype is caused by altered transcription of the genes on HC21. These transcriptional variations are responsible for a myriad of symptoms affecting every organ system. A very debilitating aspect of DS is intellectual disability (ID). Although tremendous advances have been made to try and understand the underlying mechanisms of ID, there is a lack of a unified, holistic view to defining the cause and managing the cognitive impairments. In this literature review, we discuss the mechanisms of neuronal over-inhibition, abnormal morphology, and other genetic factors in contributing to the development of ID in DS patients and to gain a holistic understanding of ID in DS patients. We also highlight potential therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life of DS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Abukhaled
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kenana Hatab
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Awadhalla
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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5
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Manubens-Gil L, Pons-Espinal M, Gener T, Ballesteros-Yañez I, de Lagrán MM, Dierssen M. Deficits in neuronal architecture but not over-inhibition are main determinants of reduced neuronal network activity in a mouse model of overexpression of Dyrk1A. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.09.531874. [PMID: 36945607 PMCID: PMC10028951 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.09.531874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal dendritic arbors, dendritic spine "dysgenesis" and excitation inhibition imbalance are main traits assumed to underlie impaired cognition and behavioral adaptation in intellectual disability. However, how these modifications actually contribute to functional properties of neuronal networks, such as signal integration or storage capacity is unknown. Here, we used a mouse model overexpressing Dyrk1A (Dual-specificity tyrosine [Y]-regulated kinase), one of the most relevant Down syndrome (DS) candidate genes, to gather quantitative data regarding hippocampal neuronal deficits produced by the overexpression of Dyrk1A in mice (TgDyrk1A; TG). TG mice showed impaired hippocampal recognition memory, altered excitation-inhibition balance and deficits in hippocampal CA1 LTP. We also detected for the first time that deficits in dendritic arborization in TG CA1 pyramidal neurons are layer-specific, with a reduction in the width of the stratum radiatum, the postsynaptic target site of CA3 excitatory neurons, but not in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare, which receives temporo-ammonic projections. To interrogate about the functional impact of layer-specific TG dendritic deficits we developed tailored computational multicompartmental models. Computational modelling revealed that neuronal microarchitecture alterations in TG mice lead to deficits in storage capacity, altered the integration of inputs from entorhinal cortex and hippocampal CA3 region onto CA1 pyramidal cells, important for coding place and temporal context and on connectivity and activity dynamics, with impaired the ability to reach high γ oscillations. Contrary to what is assumed in the field, the reduced network activity in TG is mainly contributed by the deficits in neuronal architecture and to a lesser extent by over-inhibition. Finally, given that therapies aimed at improving cognition have also been tested for their capability to recover dendritic spine deficits and excitation-inhibition imbalance, we also tested the short- and long-term changes produced by exposure to environmental enrichment (EE). Exposure to EE normalized the excitation inhibition imbalance and LTP, and had beneficial effects on short-term recognition memory. Importantly, it produced massive but transient dendritic remodeling of hippocampal CA1, that led to recovery of high γ oscillations, the main readout of synchronization of CA1 neurons, in our simulations. However, those effects where not stable and were lost after EE discontinuation. We conclude that layer-specific neuromorphological disturbances produced by Dyrk1A overexpression impair coding place and temporal context. Our results also suggest that treatments targeting structural plasticity, such as EE, even though hold promise towards improved treatment of intellectual disabilities, only produce temporary recovery, due to transient dendritic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Manubens-Gil
- SEU-Allen Joint Center, Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University (SEU), China
| | - Meritxell Pons-Espinal
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) of the University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Gener
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yañez
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain (UCLM), CRIB, Spain
| | - María Martínez de Lagrán
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), BIST, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), BIST, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Spain
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6
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Lorenzon N, Musoles-Lleó J, Turrisi F, Gomis-González M, De La Torre R, Dierssen M. State-of-the-art therapy for Down syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36692980 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, an important effort was made in the field of Down syndrome to find new interventions that improve cognition. These therapies have added to the traditional symptomatic treatments and to the drugs for treating Alzheimer disease in the general population repurposed for Down syndrome. Defining next-generation therapeutics will involve biomarker-based therapeutic decision-making, and preventive and multimodal interventions. However, translation of specific findings into effective therapeutic strategies has been disappointingly slow and has failed in many cases at the clinical level, leading to reduced credibility of mouse studies. This is aggravated by a tendency to favour large-magnitude effects and highly significant findings, leading to high expectations but also to a biased view of the complex pathophysiology of Down syndrome. Here, we review some of the most recent and promising strategies for ameliorating the cognitive state of individuals with Down syndrome. We studied the landscape of preclinical and clinical studies and conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles published between June 2012 and August 2022 on therapies for ameliorating cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome. We critically assess current therapeutic approaches, why therapies fail in clinical trials in Down syndrome, and what could be the path forward. We discuss some intrinsic difficulties for translational research, and the need for a framework that improves the detection of drug efficacy to avoid discarding compounds too early from the companies' pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lorenzon
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juanluis Musoles-Lleó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federica Turrisi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Gomis-González
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael De La Torre
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Seol S, Kwon J, Kang HJ. Cell type characterization of spatiotemporal gene co-expression modules in Down syndrome brain. iScience 2022; 26:105884. [PMID: 36647384 PMCID: PMC9840153 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105884] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and increases the risk of other brain-related dysfunctions, like seizures, early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and autism. To reveal the molecular profiles of DS-associated brain phenotypes, we performed a meta-data analysis of the developmental DS brain transcriptome at cell type and co-expression module levels. In the DS brain, astrocyte-, microglia-, and endothelial cell-associated genes show upregulated patterns, whereas neuron- and oligodendrocyte-associated genes show downregulated patterns. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified cell type-enriched co-expressed gene modules. We present eight representative cell-type modules for neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. We classified the neuron modules into glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons and associated them with detailed subtypes. Cell type modules were interpreted by analyzing spatiotemporal expression patterns, functional annotations, and co-expression networks of the modules. This study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying brain abnormalities in DS and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihwan Seol
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonhong Kwon
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kang
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author
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8
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Ortega M, De Toma I, Fernández-Blanco Á, Calderón A, Barahona L, Trullàs R, Sabidó E, Dierssen M. Proteomic profiling reveals mitochondrial dysfunction in the cerebellum of transgenic mice overexpressing DYRK1A, a Down syndrome candidate gene. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1015220. [PMID: 36590914 PMCID: PMC9800213 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1015220] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction DYRK1A is a dual-specificity kinase that is overexpressed in Down syndrome (DS) and plays a key role in neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation and function, cognitive phenotypes, and aging. Dyrk1A has also been implicated in cerebellar abnormalities observed in association with DS, and normalization of Dyrk1A dosage rescues granular and Purkinje cell densities in a trisomic DS mouse model. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing these processes are unknown. Methods To shed light on the effects of Dyrk1A overexpression in the cerebellum, here we investigated the cerebellar proteome in transgenic Dyrk1A overexpressing mice in basal conditions and after treatment with green tea extract containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a DYRK1A inhibitor. Results and Discussion Our results showed that Dyrk1A overexpression alters oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function in the cerebellum of transgenic mice. These alterations are significantly rescued upon EGCG-containing green tea extract treatment, suggesting that its effects in DS could depend in part on targeting mitochondria, as shown by the partially restoration by the treatment of the increased mtDNA copy number in TG non-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Ortega
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ilario De Toma
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Calderón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, IIBB/CSIC y Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Barahona
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, IIBB/CSIC y Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Trullàs
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, IIBB/CSIC y Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Experimental Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Experimental Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain,*Correspondence: Mara Dierssen,
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Vidaurre-Gallart I, Fernaud-Espinosa I, Cosmin-Toader N, Talavera-Martínez L, Martin-Abadal M, Benavides-Piccione R, Gonzalez-Cid Y, Pastor L, DeFelipe J, García-Lorenzo M. A Deep Learning-Based Workflow for Dendritic Spine Segmentation. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:817903. [PMID: 35370569 PMCID: PMC8967951 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.817903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological analysis of dendritic spines is an important challenge for the neuroscientific community. Most state-of-the-art techniques rely on user-supervised algorithms to segment the spine surface, especially those designed for light microscopy images. Therefore, processing large dendritic branches is costly and time-consuming. Although deep learning (DL) models have become one of the most commonly used tools in image segmentation, they have not yet been successfully applied to this problem. In this article, we study the feasibility of using DL models to automatize spine segmentation from confocal microscopy images. Supervised learning is the most frequently used method for training DL models. This approach requires large data sets of high-quality segmented images (ground truth). As mentioned above, the segmentation of microscopy images is time-consuming and, therefore, in most cases, neuroanatomists only reconstruct relevant branches of the stack. Additionally, some parts of the dendritic shaft and spines are not segmented due to dyeing problems. In the context of this research, we tested the most successful architectures in the DL biomedical segmentation field. To build the ground truth, we used a large and high-quality data set, according to standards in the field. Nevertheless, this data set is not sufficient to train convolutional neural networks for accurate reconstructions. Therefore, we implemented an automatic preprocessing step and several training strategies to deal with the problems mentioned above. As shown by our results, our system produces a high-quality segmentation in most cases. Finally, we integrated several postprocessing user-supervised algorithms in a graphical user interface application to correct any possible artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Fernaud-Espinosa
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Martin-Abadal
- Departament de Matemàtiques i Informàtica, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Ruth Benavides-Piccione
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ruth Benavides-Piccione
| | - Yolanda Gonzalez-Cid
- Departament de Matemàtiques i Informàtica, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
- E-Health and Multidisciplinary Telemedicine Through Cyber-Physical Intelligent Systems, IdISBa, Palma, Spain
| | - Luis Pastor
- VG-LAB, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Spain
- Research Center for Computational Simulation (CCS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos García-Lorenzo
- VG-LAB, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Spain
- Research Center for Computational Simulation (CCS), Madrid, Spain
- Marcos García-Lorenzo
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Atas-Ozcan H, Brault V, Duchon A, Herault Y. Dyrk1a from Gene Function in Development and Physiology to Dosage Correction across Life Span in Down Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1833. [PMID: 34828439 PMCID: PMC8624927 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is the main cause of intellectual disabilities with a large set of comorbidities from developmental origins but also that appeared across life span. Investigation of the genetic overdosage found in Down syndrome, due to the trisomy of human chromosome 21, has pointed to one main driver gene, the Dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1a). Dyrk1a is a murine homolog of the drosophila minibrain gene. It has been found to be involved in many biological processes during development and in adulthood. Further analysis showed its haploinsufficiency in mental retardation disease 7 and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease. DYRK1A plays a role in major developmental steps of brain development, controlling the proliferation of neural progenitors, the migration of neurons, their dendritogenesis and the function of the synapse. Several strategies targeting the overdosage of DYRK1A in DS with specific kinase inhibitors have showed promising evidence that DS cognitive conditions can be alleviated. Nevertheless, providing conditions for proper temporal treatment and to tackle the neurodevelopmental and the neurodegenerative aspects of DS across life span is still an open question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helin Atas-Ozcan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (H.A.-O.); (V.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Véronique Brault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (H.A.-O.); (V.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Arnaud Duchon
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (H.A.-O.); (V.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (H.A.-O.); (V.B.); (A.D.)
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Celphedia, Phenomin-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
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11
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Nourbakhsh K, Yadav S. Kinase Signaling in Dendritic Development and Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:624648. [PMID: 33642997 PMCID: PMC7902504 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.624648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrites undergo extensive growth and remodeling during their lifetime. Specification of neurites into dendrites is followed by their arborization, maturation, and functional integration into synaptic networks. Each of these distinct developmental processes is spatially and temporally controlled in an exquisite fashion. Protein kinases through their highly specific substrate phosphorylation regulate dendritic growth and plasticity. Perturbation of kinase function results in aberrant dendritic growth and synaptic function. Not surprisingly, kinase dysfunction is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Herein, we review, (a) key kinase pathways that regulate dendrite structure, function and plasticity, (b) how aberrant kinase signaling contributes to dendritic dysfunction in neurological disorders and (c) emergent technologies that can be applied to dissect the role of protein kinases in dendritic structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Smita Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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12
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Ernst J, Alabek ML, Eldib A, Madan-Khetarpal S, Sebastian J, Bhatia A, Liasis A, Nischal KK. Ocular findings of albinism in DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:650-655. [PMID: 32838606 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1814349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic variants in DYRK1A are associated with DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome (DIDS). Common features of this diagnosis include microcephaly, intellectual disability, speech impairment, and distinct facial features. Reported ocular features include deep-set eyes, myopia, and strabismus. We present a case of DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome with ocular findings of albinism and explore the possible pathogenesis of this previously unreported manifestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a single, retrospective case report of a child with DIDS who underwent an ophthalmic exam including detailed visual electrophysiology. Results: A 21-month-old female with microcephaly, failure to thrive, language delay, cleft palate, and cardiac defects had an ophthalmic exam showing myopia, strabismus, a hypopigmented fundus and crossed asymmetry on visual evoked potential (VEP), consistent with ocular findings of albinism. Whole exome sequencing identified a pathogenic DYRK1A variant; no albinism gene variants were reported. Her constellation of features is consistent with a diagnosis of DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome; however, ocular features of albinism have not previously been reported in this condition. CONCLUSIONS This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ocular findings of albinism in a case of DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome. We propose that ocular albinism is a novel ocular phenotype of DYRK1A-related disease. Ophthalmic exams in patients with this diagnosis should include thorough evaluation for ocular albinism, including VEPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ernst
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michelle L Alabek
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amgad Eldib
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Suneeta Madan-Khetarpal
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Sebastian
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aashim Bhatia
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Radiology Department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alkiviades Liasis
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ken K Nischal
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Fernández-Blanco Á, Dierssen M. Rethinking Intellectual Disability from Neuro- to Astro-Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9039. [PMID: 33261169 PMCID: PMC7730506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from genetic and/or from environmental factors and are characterized by different degrees of intellectual disability. The mechanisms that govern important processes sustaining learning and memory, which are severely affected in intellectual disability, have classically been thought to be exclusively under neuronal control. However, this vision has recently evolved into a more integrative conception in which astroglia, rather than just acting as metabolic supply and structural anchoring for neurons, interact at distinct levels modulating neuronal communication and possibly also cognitive processes. Recently, genetic tools have made it possible to specifically manipulate astrocyte activity unraveling novel functions that involve astrocytes in memory function in the healthy brain. However, astrocyte manipulation has also underscored potential mechanisms by which dysfunctional astrocytes could contribute to memory deficits in several neurodevelopmental disorders revealing new pathogenic mechanisms in intellectual disability. Here, we review the current knowledge about astrocyte dysfunction that might contribute to learning and memory impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with special focus on Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Fernández-Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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14
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Martínez-Cué C, Rueda N. Signalling Pathways Implicated in Alzheimer's Disease Neurodegeneration in Individuals with and without Down Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6906. [PMID: 32962300 PMCID: PMC7555886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most common cause of intellectual disability of genetic origin, is characterized by alterations in central nervous system morphology and function that appear from early prenatal stages. However, by the fourth decade of life, all individuals with DS develop neuropathology identical to that found in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), including the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles due to hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, loss of neurons and synapses, reduced neurogenesis, enhanced oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. It has been proposed that DS could be a useful model for studying the etiopathology of AD and to search for therapeutic targets. There is increasing evidence that the neuropathological events associated with AD are interrelated and that many of them not only are implicated in the onset of this pathology but are also a consequence of other alterations. Thus, a feedback mechanism exists between them. In this review, we summarize the signalling pathways implicated in each of the main neuropathological aspects of AD in individuals with and without DS as well as the interrelation of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Martínez-Cué
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain;
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15
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Fructuoso M, Gu YC, Kassis N, de Lagran MM, Dierssen M, Janel N. Ethanol-Induced Changes in Brain of Transgenic Mice Overexpressing DYRK1A. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:3195-3205. [PMID: 32504418 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disorder defined by loss of control over excessive consumption of ethanol despite damaging effects on the liver and brain. We previously showed that the overexpression in mice of Dyrk1A (TgDyrk1A, for dual-specificity tyrosine (Y) phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A) reduces the severity of alcohol mediated liver injury. Ethanol consumption has also been associated with increased brain glutamate concentration that led to therapies targeting glutamatergic receptors and normalization of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Interestingly, mice overexpressing Dyrk1A (TgDyrk1A mice) present a reduction of glutamatergic brain transmission, which we propose could be protective against alcohol intake. To answer this question, we investigated the ethanol preference in TgDyrk1A mice using a two-bottle choice paradigm. TgDyrk1A mice showed a non-significant decrease of voluntary ethanol intake and ethanol preference compared with wild-type mice. At the peripheral level, mice overexpressing Dyrk1A show lower ethanol plasma levels, indicating a faster ethanol metabolism. At the end of the protocol, lasting 21 days, brains were extracted for protein analysis. Ethanol reduced levels of the synaptic protein PSD-95 and increased the glutamate decarboxylase GAD65, specifically in the cortex of TgDyrk1A mice. Our results suggest that overexpression of DYRK1A may cause different ethanol-induced changes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fructuoso
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Pompeu Fabra University (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle épinière, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Yu Chen Gu
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Nadim Kassis
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Maria Martinez de Lagran
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Pompeu Fabra University (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Pompeu Fabra University (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France.
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16
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Classen J, Saarloos I, Meijer M, Sullivan PF, Verhage M. A Munc18-1 mutant mimicking phosphorylation by Down Syndrome-related kinase Dyrk1a supports normal synaptic transmission and promotes recovery after intense activity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3181. [PMID: 32081899 PMCID: PMC7035266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation of Munc18-1 (Stxbp1), a presynaptic organizer of synaptic vesicle fusion, is a powerful mechanism to regulate synaptic strength. Munc18-1 is a proposed substrate for the Down Syndrome-related kinase dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulate kinase 1a (Dyrk1a) and mutations in both genes cause intellectual disability. However, the functional consequences of Dyrk1a-dependent phosphorylation of Munc18-1 for synapse function are unknown. Here, we show that the proposed Munc18-1 phosphorylation site, T479, is among the highly constrained phosphorylation sites in the coding regions of the gene and is also located within a larger constrained coding region. We confirm that Dyrk1a phosphorylates Munc18-1 at T479. Patch-clamp physiology in conditional null mutant hippocampal neurons expressing Cre and either wildtype, or mutants mimicking or preventing phosphorylation, revealed that synaptic transmission is similar among the three groups: frequency/amplitude of mEPSCs, evoked EPSCs, paired pulse plasticity, rundown kinetics upon intense activity and the readily releasable pool. However, synapses expressing the phosphomimic mutant responded to intense activity with more pronounced facilitation. These data indicate that Dyrk1a-dependent Munc18-1 phosphorylation has a minor impact on synaptic transmission, only after intense activity, and that the role of genetic variation in both genes in intellectual disability may be through different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Classen
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Saarloos
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Meijer
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick F Sullivan
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, PO Box 281, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Departments of Genetics and Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthijs Verhage
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Martínez Cué C, Dierssen M. Plasticity as a therapeutic target for improving cognition and behavior in Down syndrome. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 251:269-302. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Li W, Pozzo-Miller L. Dysfunction of the corticostriatal pathway in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:2130-2147. [PMID: 31758607 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The corticostriatal pathway that carries sensory, motor, and limbic information to the striatum plays a critical role in motor control, action selection, and reward. Dysfunction of this pathway is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Corticostriatal synapses have unique features in their cortical origins and striatal targets. In this review, we first describe axonal growth and synaptogenesis in the corticostriatal pathway during development, and then summarize the current understanding of the molecular bases of synaptic transmission and plasticity at mature corticostriatal synapses. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been implicated in axonal growth abnormalities, imbalance of the synaptic excitation/inhibition ratio, and altered long-term synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway. Here, we review a number of ASD-associated high-confidence genes, including FMR1, KMT2A, GRIN2B, SCN2A, NLGN1, NLGN3, MET, CNTNAP2, FOXP2, TSHZ3, SHANK3, PTEN, CHD8, MECP2, DYRK1A, RELN, FOXP1, SYNGAP1, and NRXN, and discuss their relevance to proper corticostriatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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19
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Qiao F, Shao B, Wang C, Wang Y, Zhou R, Liu G, Meng L, Hu P, Xu Z. A De Novo Mutation in DYRK1A Causes Syndromic Intellectual Disability: A Chinese Case Report. Front Genet 2019; 10:1194. [PMID: 31803247 PMCID: PMC6877748 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant mental retardation-7 (MRD7) is a rare anomaly, characterized by severe intellectual disability, feeding difficulties, behavior abnormalities, and distinctive facial features, including microcephaly, deep-set eyes, large simple ears, and a pointed or bulbous nasal tip. Some studies show that the disorder has a close correlation with variants in DYRK1A. Herein we described a Chinese girl presenting typical clinical features diagnosed at 4 years old. Whole-exome sequencing of the familial genomic DNA identified a novel mutation c.930C > A (p.Tyr310*) in exon 7 of DYRK1A in the proband. The nonsense mutation was predicted to render the truncation of the protein. Our results suggested that the de novo heterozygous mutation in DYRK1A was responsible for the MRD7 in this Chinese family, which both extended the knowledge of mutation spectrum in MRD7 patients and highlighted the clinical application of exome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchang Qiao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Binbin Shao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lulu Meng
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengfeng Xu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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20
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De Toma I, Ortega M, Aloy P, Sabidó E, Dierssen M. DYRK1A Overexpression Alters Cognition and Neural-Related Proteomic Pathways in the Hippocampus That Are Rescued by Green Tea Extract and/or Environmental Enrichment. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:272. [PMID: 31803016 PMCID: PMC6873902 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. We recently discovered that green tea extracts containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) improve cognition in mice transgenic for Dyrk1a (TgDyrk1A) and in a trisomic DS mouse model (Ts65Dn). Interestingly, paired with cognitive stimulation, green tea has beneficial pro-cognitive effects in DS individuals. Dual Specificity Tyrosine-Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a major candidate to explain the cognitive phenotypes of DS, and inhibiting its activity is a promising pro-cognitive therapy. DYRK1A kinase activity can be normalized in the hippocampus of transgenic DYRK1A mice administering green tea extracts, but also submitting the animals to environmental enrichment (EE). However, many other mechanisms could also explain the pro-cognitive effects of green tea extracts and EE. To underpin the overall alterations arising upon DYRK1A overexpression and the molecular processes underneath the pro-cognitive effects, we used quantitative proteomics. We investigated the hippocampal (phospho)proteome in basal conditions and after treatment with a green tea extract containing EGCG and/or EE in TgDyrk1A and control mice. We found that Dyrk1A overexpression alters protein and phosphoprotein levels of key postsynaptic and plasticity-related pathways and that these alterations were rescued upon the cognitive enhancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilario De Toma
- Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Ortega
- Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Proteomic Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
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21
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Muñiz Moreno MDM, Brault V, Birling MC, Pavlovic G, Herault Y. Modeling Down syndrome in animals from the early stage to the 4.0 models and next. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 251:91-143. [PMID: 32057313 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The genotype-phenotype relationship and the physiopathology of Down Syndrome (DS) have been explored in the last 20 years with more and more relevant mouse models. From the early age of transgenesis to the new CRISPR/CAS9-derived chromosomal engineering and the transchromosomic technologies, mouse models have been key to identify homologous genes or entire regions homologous to the human chromosome 21 that are necessary or sufficient to induce DS features, to investigate the complexity of the genetic interactions that are involved in DS and to explore therapeutic strategies. In this review we report the new developments made, how genomic data and new genetic tools have deeply changed our way of making models, extended our panel of animal models, and increased our understanding of the neurobiology of the disease. But even if we have made an incredible progress which promises to make DS a curable condition, we are facing new research challenges to nurture our knowledge of DS pathophysiology as a neurodevelopmental disorder with many comorbidities during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Mar Muñiz Moreno
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Véronique Brault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Marie-Christine Birling
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch, France
| | - Guillaume Pavlovic
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch, France.
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22
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Chiotto AMA, Migliorero M, Pallavicini G, Bianchi FT, Gai M, Di Cunto F, Berto GE. Neuronal Cell-Intrinsic Defects in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1081. [PMID: 31649502 PMCID: PMC6795679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID). Excitatory neurons of DS patients and mouse models show decreased size of dendritic field and reduction of spine density. Whether these defects are caused by cell autonomous alterations or by abnormal multicellular circuitry is still unknown. In this work, we explored this issue by culturing cortical neurons obtained from two mouse models of DS: the widely used Ts65Dn and the less characterized Ts2Cje. We observed that, in the in vitro conditions, axon specification and elongation, as well as dendritogenesis, take place without evident abnormalities, indicating that the initial phases of neuronal differentiation do not suffer from the presence of an imbalanced genetic dosage. Conversely, our analysis highlighted differences between trisomic and euploid neurons in terms of reduction of spine density, in accordance with in vivo data obtained by other groups, proposing the presence of a cell-intrinsic malfunction. This work suggests that the characteristic morphological defects of DS neurons are likely to be caused by the possible combination of cell-intrinsic defects together with cell-extrinsic cues. Additionally, our data support the possibility of using the more sustainable line Ts2Cje as a standard model for the study of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Maria Adelaide Chiotto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Migliorero
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gaia Elena Berto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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23
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Arranz J, Balducci E, Arató K, Sánchez-Elexpuru G, Najas S, Parras A, Rebollo E, Pijuan I, Erb I, Verde G, Sahun I, Barallobre MJ, Lucas JJ, Sánchez MP, de la Luna S, Arbonés ML. Impaired development of neocortical circuits contributes to the neurological alterations in DYRK1A haploinsufficiency syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:210-222. [PMID: 30831192 PMCID: PMC6753933 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are early onset neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted repetitive behaviors, yet they are quite heterogeneous in terms of their genetic basis and phenotypic manifestations. Recently, de novo pathogenic mutations in DYRK1A, a chromosome 21 gene associated to neuropathological traits of Down syndrome, have been identified in patients presenting a recognizable syndrome included in the autism spectrum. These mutations produce DYRK1A kinases with partial or complete absence of the catalytic domain, or they represent missense mutations located within this domain. Here, we undertook an extensive biochemical characterization of the DYRK1A missense mutations reported to date and show that most of them, but not all, result in enzymatically dead DYRK1A proteins. We also show that haploinsufficient Dyrk1a+/- mutant mice mirror the neurological traits associated with the human pathology, such as defective social interactions, stereotypic behaviors and epileptic activity. These mutant mice present altered proportions of excitatory and inhibitory neocortical neurons and synapses. Moreover, we provide evidence that alterations in the production of cortical excitatory neurons are contributing to these defects. Indeed, by the end of the neurogenic period, the expression of developmental regulated genes involved in neuron differentiation and/or activity is altered. Therefore, our data indicate that altered neocortical neurogenesis could critically affect the formation of cortical circuits, thereby contributing to the neuropathological changes in DYRK1A haploinsufficiency syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Arranz
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Balducci
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Krisztina Arató
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gentzane Sánchez-Elexpuru
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurology, IIS-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sònia Najas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Parras
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Rebollo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Pijuan
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ionas Erb
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gaetano Verde
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Sahun
- PCB-PRBB Animal Facility Alliance, 08020 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J Barallobre
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José J Lucas
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina P Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurology, IIS-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana de la Luna
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria L Arbonés
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain.
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Neuronal overexpression of Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome associated DYRK1A/minibrain gene alters motor decline, neurodegeneration and synaptic plasticity in Drosophila. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 125:107-114. [PMID: 30703437 PMCID: PMC6419573 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterised by abnormal cognitive and motor development, and later in life by progressive Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like dementia, neuropathology, declining motor function and shorter life expectancy. It is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21 (Hsa21), but how individual Hsa21 genes contribute to various aspects of the disorder is incompletely understood. Previous work has demonstrated a role for triplication of the Hsa21 gene DYRK1A in cognitive and motor deficits, as well as in altered neurogenesis and neurofibrillary degeneration in the DS brain, but its contribution to other DS phenotypes is unclear. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of minibrain (mnb), the Drosophila ortholog of DYRK1A, in the Drosophila nervous system accelerated age-dependent decline in motor performance and shortened lifespan. Overexpression of mnb in the eye was neurotoxic and overexpression in ellipsoid body neurons in the brain caused age-dependent neurodegeneration. At the larval neuromuscular junction, an established model for mammalian central glutamatergic synapses, neuronal mnb overexpression enhanced spontaneous vesicular transmitter release. It also slowed recovery from short-term depression of evoked transmitter release induced by high-frequency nerve stimulation and increased the number of boutons in one of the two glutamatergic motor neurons innervating the muscle. These results provide further insight into the roles of DYRK1A triplication in abnormal aging and synaptic dysfunction in DS. Overexpression of minibrain (DYRK1A) causes Down's relevant phenotypes including: Age-dependent degeneration of brain neurons Accelerated age-dependent decline in motor performance and shorted lifespan Modified presynaptic structure and enhanced spontaneous transmitter release Slowed recovery from short-term depression of synaptic transmission
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25
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Arbones ML, Thomazeau A, Nakano-Kobayashi A, Hagiwara M, Delabar JM. DYRK1A and cognition: A lifelong relationship. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 194:199-221. [PMID: 30268771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The dosage of the serine threonine kinase DYRK1A is critical in the central nervous system (CNS) during development and aging. This review analyzes the functions of this kinase by considering its interacting partners and pathways. The role of DYRK1A in controlling the differentiation of prenatal newly formed neurons is presented separately from its role at the pre- and post-synaptic levels in the adult CNS; its effects on synaptic plasticity are also discussed. Because this kinase is positioned at the crossroads of many important processes, genetic dosage errors in this protein produce devastating effects arising from DYRK1A deficiency, such as in MRD7, an autism spectrum disorder, or from DYRK1A excess, such as in Down syndrome. Effects of these errors have been shown in various animal models including Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Dysregulation of DYRK1A levels also occurs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Finally, this review describes inhibitors that have been assessed in vivo. Accurate targeting of DYRK1A levels in the brain, with either inhibitors or activators, is a future research challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Arbones
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Aurore Thomazeau
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Akiko Nakano-Kobayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Jean M Delabar
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
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26
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Dowjat K, Adayev T, Wojda U, Brzozowska K, Barczak A, Gabryelewicz T, Hwang YW. Abnormalities of DYRK1A-Cytoskeleton Complexes in the Blood Cells as Potential Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 72:1059-1075. [PMID: 31683476 PMCID: PMC6971831 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DYRK1A is implicated in mental retardation and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia of Down syndrome (DS) individuals. The protein is associated with cytoskeleton and altered expression has been shown to impair the cytoskeletal network via dosage effect. OBJECTIVE Our original observations of marked reduction of cytoskeletal proteins associated with DYRK1A in brains and lymphoblastoid cell lines from DS and AD prompted an investigation whether cytoskeleton abnormalities could potentially be used as biomarkers of AD. METHODS Our assay relied on quantification of co-immunoprecipitated cytoskeletal proteins with DYRK1A (co-IP assay) and analysis of the profile of G- and F-actin fractions obtained by high-speed centrifugations (spin-down assay). RESULTS In co-IP assay, both DS and AD samples displayed reduced abundance of associated cytoskeletal proteins. In spin-down assay, G-actin fractions of controls displayed two closely spaced bands of actin in SDS-PAGE; while in AD and DS, only the upper band of the doublet was present. In both assays, alterations of actin cytoskeleton were present in DS, sporadic and familial AD cases, and in asymptomatic persons who later progressed to confirmed AD, but not in non-AD donors. In blind testing involving six AD and six controls, the above tests positively identified ten cases. Analysis of blood samples revealed the diversity of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cases regarding the presence of the AD biomarker allowing distinction between likely prodromal AD and non-AD MCI cases. CONCLUSIONS Both brain tissue and lymphocytes from DS and AD displayed similar semi-quantitative and qualitative alterations of actin cytoskeleton. Their specificity for AD-type dementia and the presence before clinical onset of the disease make them suitable biomarker candidates for early and definite diagnosis of AD. The presence of alterations in peripheral tissue points to systemic underlying mechanisms and suggests that early dysfunction of cytoskeleton may be a predisposing factor in the development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Dowjat
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatyana Adayev
- Department of Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, NY, USA
| | - Urszula Wojda
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Brzozowska
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Barczak
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Gabryelewicz
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yu-Wen Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Raveau M, Shimohata A, Amano K, Miyamoto H, Yamakawa K. DYRK1A-haploinsufficiency in mice causes autistic-like features and febrile seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 110:180-191. [PMID: 29223763 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations and copy number variants affecting DYRK1A gene encoding the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A are among the most frequent genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with microcephaly, febrile seizures and severe speech acquisition delay. Here we developed a mouse model harboring a frame-shift mutation in Dyrk1a resulting in a protein truncation and elimination of its kinase activity site. Dyrk1a+/- mice showed significant impairments in cognition and cognitive flexibility, communicative ultrasonic vocalizations, and social contacts. Susceptibility to hyperthermia-induced seizures was also significantly increased in these mice. The truncation leading to haploinsufficiency of DYRK1A in mice thus recapitulates the syndromic phenotypes observed in human patients and constitutes a useful model for further investigations of the mechanisms leading to ASD, speech delay and febrile seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Raveau
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shimohata
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kenji Amano
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Miyamoto
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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28
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Singh R, Lauth M. Emerging Roles of DYRK Kinases in Embryogenesis and Hedgehog Pathway Control. J Dev Biol 2017; 5:E13. [PMID: 29615569 PMCID: PMC5831797 DOI: 10.3390/jdb5040013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh)/GLI signaling is an important instructive cue in various processes during embryonic development, such as tissue patterning, stem cell maintenance, and cell differentiation. It also plays crucial roles in the development of many pediatric and adult malignancies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathway regulation is therefore of high interest. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) comprise a group of protein kinases which are emerging modulators of signal transduction, cell proliferation, survival, and cell differentiation. Work from the last years has identified a close regulatory connection between DYRKs and the Hh signaling system. In this manuscript, we outline the mechanistic influence of DYRK kinases on Hh signaling with a focus on the mammalian situation. We furthermore aim to bring together what is known about the functional consequences of a DYRK-Hh cross-talk and how this might affect cellular processes in development, physiology, and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Singh
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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29
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Potential Role of Microtubule Stabilizing Agents in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081627. [PMID: 28933765 PMCID: PMC5578018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterized by neuroanatomical abnormalities indicative of corticogenesis disturbances. At the basis of NDDs cortical abnormalities, the principal developmental processes involved are cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation. NDDs are also considered “synaptic disorders” since accumulating evidence suggests that NDDs are developmental brain misconnection syndromes characterized by altered connectivity in local circuits and between brain regions. Microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins play a fundamental role in the regulation of basic neurodevelopmental processes, such as neuronal polarization and migration, neuronal branching and synaptogenesis. Here, the role of microtubule dynamics will be elucidated in regulating several neurodevelopmental steps. Furthermore, the correlation between abnormalities in microtubule dynamics and some NDDs will be described. Finally, we will discuss the potential use of microtubule stabilizing agents as a new pharmacological intervention for NDDs treatment.
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30
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Dakic V, Maciel RDM, Drummond H, Nascimento JM, Trindade P, Rehen SK. Harmine stimulates proliferation of human neural progenitors. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2727. [PMID: 27957390 PMCID: PMC5144684 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmine is the β-carboline alkaloid with the highest concentration in the psychotropic plant decoction Ayahuasca. In rodents, classical antidepressants reverse the symptoms of depression by stimulating neuronal proliferation. It has been shown that Ayahuasca presents antidepressant effects in patients with depressive disorder. In the present study, we investigated the effects of harmine in cell cultures containing human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs, 97% nestin-positive) derived from pluripotent stem cells. After 4 days of treatment, the pool of proliferating hNPCs increased by 71.5%. Harmine has been reported as a potent inhibitor of the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase (DYRK1A), which regulates cell proliferation and brain development. We tested the effect of analogs of harmine, an inhibitor of DYRK1A (INDY), and an irreversible selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) but not DYRK1A (pargyline). INDY but not pargyline induced proliferation of hNPCs similarly to harmine, suggesting that inhibition of DYRK1A is a possible mechanism to explain harmine effects upon the proliferation of hNPCs. Our findings show that harmine enhances proliferation of hNPCs and suggest that inhibition of DYRK1A may explain its effects upon proliferation in vitro and antidepressant effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Dakic
- IDOR, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Hannah Drummond
- IDOR, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Nascimento
- IDOR, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology/Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Pablo Trindade
- IDOR, D'Or Institute for Research and Education , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil
| | - Stevens K Rehen
- IDOR, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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31
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Combined Treatment With Environmental Enrichment and (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Ameliorates Learning Deficits and Hippocampal Alterations in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0103-16. [PMID: 27844057 PMCID: PMC5099603 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0103-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability in Down syndrome (DS) is accompanied by altered neuro-architecture, deficient synaptic plasticity, and excitation-inhibition imbalance in critical brain regions for learning and memory. Recently, we have demonstrated beneficial effects of a combined treatment with green tea extract containing (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and cognitive stimulation in young adult DS individuals. Although we could reproduce the cognitive-enhancing effects in mouse models, the underlying mechanisms of these beneficial effects are unknown. Here, we explored the effects of a combined therapy with environmental enrichment (EE) and EGCG in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS at young age. Our results show that combined EE-EGCG treatment improved corticohippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by a rescue of cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) dendritic spine density and a normalization of the proportion of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic markers in CA1 and dentate gyrus.
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32
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Where Environment Meets Cognition: A Focus on Two Developmental Intellectual Disability Disorders. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:4235898. [PMID: 27547454 PMCID: PMC4980517 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4235898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most challenging questions in neuroscience is to dissect how learning and memory, the foundational pillars of cognition, are grounded in stable, yet plastic, gene expression states. All known epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, and noncoding RNAs regulate brain gene expression, both during neurodevelopment and in the adult brain in processes related to cognition. On the other hand, alterations in the various components of the epigenetic machinery have been linked to well-known causes of intellectual disability disorders (IDDs). Two examples are Down Syndrome (DS) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), where global and local epigenetic alterations lead to impairments in synaptic plasticity, memory, and learning. Since epigenetic modifications are reversible, it is theoretically possible to use epigenetic drugs as cognitive enhancers for the treatment of IDDs. Epigenetic treatments act in a context specific manner, targeting different regions based on cell and state specific chromatin accessibility, facilitating the establishment of the lost balance. Here, we discuss epigenetic studies of IDDs, focusing on DS and FXS, and the use of epidrugs in combinatorial therapies for IDDs.
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Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), often due to trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). In addition, virtually all individuals with DS develop the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the age of 40 years and almost 60 % will manifest symptoms of AD dementia by the age of 65 years. Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments available for ID in individuals with DS and only limited symptomatic treatments for AD dementia. Advances in our understanding in both the molecular basis of ID and the pathogenesis of AD have created opportunities to study potential therapeutic targets. Recent studies in animal models of DS continue to provide a rational basis for translating specific compounds into human clinical trials. However, target and compound selection are only initial steps in the drug development pathway. Other necessary considerations include appropriate study designs to assess efficacy in the DS population, as well as operational aspects specifically tailored to assess cognition in this population. We discuss recent progress in the development of compounds for both ID and AD in individuals with DS, as well as concepts for the design and conduct of clinical trials with such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Rafii
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0949, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0949, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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34
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Duchon A, Herault Y. DYRK1A, a Dosage-Sensitive Gene Involved in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Is a Target for Drug Development in Down Syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:104. [PMID: 27375444 PMCID: PMC4891327 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the leading causes of intellectual disability, and patients with DS face various health issues, including learning and memory deficits, congenital heart disease, Alzheimer's disease (AD), leukemia, and cancer, leading to huge medical and social costs. Remarkable advances on DS research have been made in improving cognitive function in mouse models for future therapeutic approaches in patients. Among the different approaches, DYRK1A inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutics to reduce DS cognitive deficits. DYRK1A is a dual-specificity kinase that is overexpressed in DS and plays a key role in neurogenesis, outgrowth of axons and dendrites, neuronal trafficking and aging. Its pivotal role in the DS phenotype makes it a prime target for the development of therapeutics. Recently, disruption of DYRK1A has been found in Autosomal Dominant Mental Retardation 7 (MRD7), resulting in severe mental deficiency. Recent advances in the development of kinase inhibitors are expected, in the near future, to remove DS from the list of incurable diseases, providing certain conditions such as drug dosage and correct timing for the optimum long-term treatment. In addition the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms that are targeted by the inhibition of DYRK1A are still to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Duchon
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirch, France; UMR7104, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueIllkirch, France; U964, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche MédicaleIllkirch, France; Université de StrasbourgIllkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirch, France; UMR7104, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueIllkirch, France; U964, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche MédicaleIllkirch, France; Université de StrasbourgIllkirch, France; PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Groupement d'Intérêt Économique-Centre Européen de Recherche en Biologie et en Médecine, CNRS, INSERMIllkirch-Graffenstaden, France
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35
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Ruiz-Mejias M, Martinez de Lagran M, Mattia M, Castano-Prat P, Perez-Mendez L, Ciria-Suarez L, Gener T, Sancristobal B, García-Ojalvo J, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM, Sanchez-Vives MV, Dierssen M. Overexpression of Dyrk1A, a Down Syndrome Candidate, Decreases Excitability and Impairs Gamma Oscillations in the Prefrontal Cortex. J Neurosci 2016; 36:3648-59. [PMID: 27030752 PMCID: PMC6601739 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2517-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase DYRK1A is a serine/threonine kinase involved in neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity and a major candidate of Down syndrome brain alterations and cognitive deficits. DYRK1A is strongly expressed in the cerebral cortex, and its overexpression leads to defective cortical pyramidal cell morphology, synaptic plasticity deficits, and altered excitation/inhibition balance. These previous observations, however, do not allow predicting how the behavior of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) network and the resulting properties of its emergent activity are affected. Here, we integrate functional, anatomical, and computational data describing the prefrontal network alterations in transgenic mice overexpressingDyrk1A(TgDyrk1A). Usingin vivoextracellular recordings, we show decreased firing rate and gamma frequency power in the prefrontal network of anesthetized and awakeTgDyrk1Amice. Immunohistochemical analysis identified a selective reduction of vesicular GABA transporter punctae on parvalbumin positive neurons, without changes in the number of cortical GABAergic neurons in the PFC ofTgDyrk1Amice, which suggests that selective disinhibition of parvalbumin interneurons would result in an overinhibited functional network. Using a conductance-based computational model, we quantitatively demonstrate that this alteration could explain the observed functional deficits including decreased gamma power and firing rate. Our results suggest that dysfunction of cortical fast-spiking interneurons might be central to the pathophysiology of Down syndrome. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT DYRK1Ais a major candidate gene in Down syndrome. Its overexpression results into altered cognitive abilities, explained by defective cortical microarchitecture and excitation/inhibition imbalance. An open question is how these deficits impact the functionality of the prefrontal cortex network. Combining functional, anatomical, and computational approaches, we identified decreased neuronal firing rate and deficits in gamma frequency in the prefrontal cortices of transgenic mice overexpressingDyrk1A We also identified a reduction of vesicular GABA transporter punctae specifically on parvalbumin positive interneurons. Using a conductance-based computational model, we demonstrate that this decreased inhibition on interneurons recapitulates the observed functional deficits, including decreased gamma power and firing rate. Our results suggest that dysfunction of cortical fast-spiking interneurons might be central to the pathophysiology of Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Ruiz-Mejias
- Systems Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Martinez de Lagran
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Castano-Prat
- Systems Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Perez-Mendez
- Systems Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ciria-Suarez
- Systems Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Gener
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belen Sancristobal
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Agnès Gruart
- Neuroscience Department, Pablo de Olavide University 41013 Seville, Spain, and
| | | | - Maria V Sanchez-Vives
- Systems Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) 08003 Barcelona, Spain,
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Luco SM, Pohl D, Sell E, Wagner JD, Dyment DA, Daoud H. Case report of novel DYRK1A mutations in 2 individuals with syndromic intellectual disability and a review of the literature. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2016; 17:15. [PMID: 26922654 PMCID: PMC4769499 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-016-0276-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal deletions encompassing DYRK1A have been associated with intellectual disability for several years. More recently, point mutations in DYRK1A have been shown to be responsible for a recognizable syndrome characterized by microcephaly, developmental delay and intellectual disability (ID) as well as characteristic facial features. Here we present 2 individuals with novel mutations in DYRK1A, and a review of the cases reported to date. CASE PRESENTATION Both individuals presented with the well-known characteristic features, as well as rarer anomalies seen in a minority of patients. Patient 1 presented shortly after birth with an enlarged cisterna magna, distal contractures, and distinctive facies that included bitemporal narrowing and deep set eyes. A de novo splice site mutation in DYRK1A [c.951 + 4_951 + 7delAGTA; p.Val222Aspfs*22] was identified by next generation sequencing. Patient 2 presented at 7 months of age with microcephaly and dysmorphic features. She went several years without a diagnosis until a de novo DYRK1A nonsense mutation [c.787C>T; p.(Arg263*)] was identified at age 12. These individuals, and the 52 cases reviewed from the literature, show the characteristic features of the DYRK1A-related syndrome including global developmental delay, ID, microcephaly, feeding difficulties, and the facial gestalt. Other common findings include seizures, vision defects, brain abnormalities and skeletal abnormalities of the hands and feet. Less common features include optic nerve defects, contractures, ataxia, and cardiac anomalies. CONCLUSION DYRK1A testing should be considered in individuals with the facial features, intellectual disability and post-natal microcephaly. Once diagnosed with DYRK1A-related intellectual disability, a cardiac and ophthalmologic assessment would be recommended as would routine surveillance by a pediatrician for psychomotor development, growth, and feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Luco
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
| | - Daniela Pohl
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, K1H 8L1, ON, Canada.
| | - Erick Sell
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, K1H 8L1, ON, Canada.
| | - Justin D Wagner
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, K1H 8L1, ON, Canada.
| | - David A Dyment
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, K1H 8L1, ON, Canada.
| | - Hussein Daoud
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Hippocampal Dendritic Spines Are Segregated Depending on Their Actin Polymerization. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2819107. [PMID: 26881098 PMCID: PMC4736993 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2819107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are mushroom-shaped protrusions of the postsynaptic membrane. Spines receive the majority of glutamatergic synaptic inputs. Their morphology, dynamics, and density have been related to synaptic plasticity and learning. The main determinant of spine shape is filamentous actin. Using FRAP, we have reexamined the actin dynamics of individual spines from pyramidal hippocampal neurons, both in cultures and in hippocampal organotypic slices. Our results indicate that, in cultures, the actin mobile fraction is independently regulated at the individual spine level, and mobile fraction values do not correlate with either age or distance from the soma. The most significant factor regulating actin mobile fraction was the presence of astrocytes in the culture substrate. Spines from neurons growing in the virtual absence of astrocytes have a more stable actin cytoskeleton, while spines from neurons growing in close contact with astrocytes show a more dynamic cytoskeleton. According to their recovery time, spines were distributed into two populations with slower and faster recovery times, while spines from slice cultures were grouped into one population. Finally, employing fast lineal acquisition protocols, we confirmed the existence of loci with high polymerization rates within the spine.
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Booiman T, Loukachov VV, van Dort KA, van ’t Wout AB, Kootstra NA. DYRK1A Controls HIV-1 Replication at a Transcriptional Level in an NFAT Dependent Manner. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144229. [PMID: 26641855 PMCID: PMC4979971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription of the HIV-1 provirus is regulated by both viral and host proteins and is very important in the context of viral latency. In latently infected cells, viral gene expression is inhibited as a result of the sequestration of host transcription factors and epigenetic modifications. RESULTS In our present study we analyzed the effect of host factor dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) on HIV-1 replication. We show that DYRK1A controls HIV-1 replication by regulating provirus transcription. Downregulation or inhibition of DYRK1A increased LTR-driven transcription and viral replication in cell lines and primary PBMC. Furthermore, inhibition of DYRK1A resulted in reactivation of latent HIV-1 provirus to a similar extent as two commonly used broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitors. We observed that DYRK1A regulates HIV-1 transcription via the Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT) by promoting its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Therefore, inhibition of DYRK1A results in increased nuclear levels of NFAT and increased NFAT binding to the viral LTR and thus increasing viral transcription. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that host factor DYRK1A plays a role in the regulation of viral transcription and latency. Therefore, DYRK1A might be an attractive candidate for therapeutic strategies targeting the viral reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Booiman
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory and Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA) at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vladimir V. Loukachov
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory and Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA) at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karel A. van Dort
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory and Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA) at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angélique B. van ’t Wout
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory and Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA) at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neeltje A. Kootstra
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory and Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA) at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Bronicki LM, Redin C, Drunat S, Piton A, Lyons M, Passemard S, Baumann C, Faivre L, Thevenon J, Rivière JB, Isidor B, Gan G, Francannet C, Willems M, Gunel M, Jones JR, Gleeson JG, Mandel JL, Stevenson RE, Friez MJ, Aylsworth AS. Ten new cases further delineate the syndromic intellectual disability phenotype caused by mutations in DYRK1A. Eur J Hum Genet 2015; 23:1482-7. [PMID: 25920557 PMCID: PMC4613470 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2015.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) gene, located on chromosome 21q22.13 within the Down syndrome critical region, has been implicated in syndromic intellectual disability associated with Down syndrome and autism. DYRK1A has a critical role in brain growth and development primarily by regulating cell proliferation, neurogenesis, neuronal plasticity and survival. Several patients have been reported with chromosome 21 aberrations such as partial monosomy, involving multiple genes including DYRK1A. In addition, seven other individuals have been described with chromosomal rearrangements, intragenic deletions or truncating mutations that disrupt specifically DYRK1A. Most of these patients have microcephaly and all have significant intellectual disability. In the present study, we report 10 unrelated individuals with DYRK1A-associated intellectual disability (ID) who display a recurrent pattern of clinical manifestations including primary or acquired microcephaly, ID ranging from mild to severe, speech delay or absence, seizures, autism, motor delay, deep-set eyes, poor feeding and poor weight gain. We identified unique truncating and non-synonymous mutations (three nonsense, four frameshift and two missense) in DYRK1A in nine patients and a large chromosomal deletion that encompassed DYRK1A in one patient. On the basis of increasing identification of mutations in DYRK1A, we suggest that this gene be considered potentially causative in patients presenting with ID, primary or acquired microcephaly, feeding problems and absent or delayed speech with or without seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Redin
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104, INSERM U964, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Severine Drunat
- Department of Genetics and INSERM U1141, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Amélie Piton
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104, INSERM U964, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Faculty of Medicine and CHU Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Sandrine Passemard
- Department of Genetics and INSERM U1141, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Laurence Faivre
- Fédération Hospitalo- Universitaire Médecine Translationnelle et Anomalies du Développement (TRANSLAD), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon, France
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs de l'Interrégion Est, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon, France
- Equipe d'Accueil 4271, Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Julien Thevenon
- Fédération Hospitalo- Universitaire Médecine Translationnelle et Anomalies du Développement (TRANSLAD), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon, France
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs de l'Interrégion Est, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon, France
- Equipe d'Accueil 4271, Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Rivière
- Fédération Hospitalo- Universitaire Médecine Translationnelle et Anomalies du Développement (TRANSLAD), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon, France
- Equipe d'Accueil 4271, Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Medical Genetics- Clinical Genetics Unit, CHU de Nantes, Nantes-Cedex, France
| | - Grace Gan
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104, INSERM U964, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Francannet
- Service de génétique médicale, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Department of Medical Genetics, Reference Center for Rare Diseases, Developmental Disorders and Multiple Congenital Anomalies, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Murat Gunel
- Department of Genetics and Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Joseph G Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Mandel
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104, INSERM U964, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Faculty of Medicine and CHU Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Arthur S Aylsworth
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Copf T. Importance of gene dosage in controlling dendritic arbor formation during development. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:2234-49. [PMID: 26108333 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper dendrite morphology is crucial for normal nervous system functioning. While a number of genes have been implicated in dendrite morphogenesis in both invertebrates and mammals, it remains unclear how developing dendrites respond to changes in gene dosage and what type of patterns their responses may follow. To understand this, I review here evidence from the recent literature, focusing on the genetic studies performed in the Drosophila larval dendritic arborization class IV neuron, an excellent cell type to understand dendrite morphogenesis. I summarize how class IV arbors change morphology in response to developmental fluctuations in the expression levels of 47 genes, studied by means of genetic manipulations such as loss-of-function and gain-of-function, and for which sufficient information is available. I find that arbors can respond to changing gene dosage in several distinct ways, each characterized by a singular dose-response curve. Interestingly, in 72% of cases arbors are sensitive, and thus adjust their morphology, in response to both decreases and increases in the expression of a given gene, indicating that dendrite morphogenesis is a process particularly sensitive to gene dosage. By summarizing the parallels between Drosophila and mammals, I show that many Drosophila dendrite morphogenesis genes have orthologs in mammals, and that some of these are associated with mammalian dendrite outgrowth and human neurodevelopmental disorders. One notable disease-related molecule is kinase Dyrk1A, thought to be a causative factor in Down syndrome. Both increases and decreases in Dyrk1A gene dosage lead to impaired dendrite morphogenesis, which may contribute to Down syndrome pathoetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Copf
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nikolaou Plastira 100, PO Box 1385, Heraklion, GR-70013, Crete, Greece
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41
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Casanova EL, Casanova MF. Genetics studies indicate that neural induction and early neuronal maturation are disturbed in autism. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:397. [PMID: 25477785 PMCID: PMC4237056 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Postmortem neuropathological studies of autism consistently reveal distinctive types of malformations, including cortical dysplasias, heterotopias, and various neuronomorphometric abnormalities. In keeping with these observations, we review here that 88% of high-risk genes for autism influence neural induction and early maturation of the neuroblast. In addition, 80% of these same genes influence later stages of differentiation, including neurite and synapse development, suggesting that these gene products exhibit long-lasting developmental effects on cell development as well as elements of redundancy in processes of neural proliferation, growth, and maturation. We also address the putative genetic overlap of autism with conditions like epilepsy and schizophrenia, with implications to shared and divergent etiologies. This review imports the necessity of a frameshift in our understanding of the neurodevelopmental basis of autism to include all stages of neuronal maturation, ranging from neural induction to synaptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
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42
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Corenthy L, Garcia M, Bayona S, Santuy A, Martin JS, Benavides-Piccione R, DeFelipe J, Pastor L. Haptically assisted connection procedure for the reconstruction of dendritic spines. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2014; 7:486-498. [PMID: 25203994 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2014.2354041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are thin protrusions that cover the dendritic surface of numerous neurons in the brain and whose function seems to play a key role in neural circuits. The correct segmentation of those structures is difficult due to their small size and the resulting spines can appear incomplete. This paper presents a four-step procedure for the complete reconstruction of dendritic spines. The haptically driven procedure is intended to work as an image processing stage before the automatic segmentation step giving the final representation of the dendritic spines. The procedure is designed to allow both the navigation and the volume image editing to be carried out using a haptic device. A use case employing our procedure together with a commercial software package for the segmentation stage is illustrated. Finally, the haptic editing is evaluated in two experiments; the first experiment concerns the benefits of the force feedback and the second checks the suitability of the use of a haptic device as input. In both cases, the results shows that the procedure improves the editing accuracy.
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Berto GE, Iobbi C, Camera P, Scarpa E, Iampietro C, Bianchi F, Gai M, Sgrò F, Cristofani F, Gärtner A, Dotti CG, Di Cunto F. The DCR protein TTC3 affects differentiation and Golgi compactness in neurons through specific actin-regulating pathways. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93721. [PMID: 24695496 PMCID: PMC3973554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In neuronal cells, actin remodeling plays a well known role in neurite extension but is also deeply involved in the organization of intracellular structures, such as the Golgi apparatus. However, it is still not very clear which mechanisms may regulate actin dynamics at the different sites. In this report we show that high levels of the TTC3 protein, encoded by one of the genes of the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DCR), prevent neurite extension and disrupt Golgi compactness in differentiating primary neurons. These effects largely depend on the capability of TTC3 to promote actin polymerization through signaling pathways involving RhoA, ROCK, CIT-N and PIIa. However, the functional relationships between these molecules differ significantly if considering the TTC3 activity on neurite extension or on Golgi organization. Finally, our results reveal an unexpected stage-dependent requirement for F-actin in Golgi organization at different stages of neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Elena Berto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- * E-mail: (GEB); (FDC)
| | - Cristina Iobbi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Camera
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Scarpa
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Corinne Iampietro
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Bianchi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Sgrò
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Flavio Cristofani
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Annette Gärtner
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease – VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carlos G. Dotti
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease – VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- * E-mail: (GEB); (FDC)
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44
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De la Torre R, De Sola S, Pons M, Duchon A, de Lagran MM, Farré M, Fitó M, Benejam B, Langohr K, Rodriguez J, Pujadas M, Bizot JC, Cuenca A, Janel N, Catuara S, Covas MI, Blehaut H, Herault Y, Delabar JM, Dierssen M. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a DYRK1A inhibitor, rescues cognitive deficits in Down syndrome mouse models and in humans. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:278-88. [PMID: 24039182 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Trisomy for human chromosome 21 results in Down syndrome (DS), which is among the most complex genetic perturbations leading to intellectual disability. Accumulating data suggest that overexpression of the dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), is a critical pathogenic mechanisms in the intellectual deficit. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we show that the green tea flavonol epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a DYRK1A inhibitor, rescues the cognitive deficits of both segmental trisomy 16 (Ts65Dn) and transgenic mice overexpressing Dyrk1A in a trisomic or disomic genetic background, respectively. It also significantly reverses cognitive deficits in a pilot study in DS individuals with effects on memory recognition, working memory and quality of life. We used the mouse models to ensure that EGCG was able to reduce DYRK1A kinase activity in the hippocampus and found that it also induced significant changes in plasma homocysteine levels, which were correlated with Dyrk1A expression levels. Thus, we could use plasma homocysteine levels as an efficacy biomarker in our human study. CONCLUSION We conclude that EGCG is a promising therapeutic tool for cognitive enhancement in DS, and its efficacy may depend of Dyrk1A inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael De la Torre
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group-Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Disorders Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, and CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, CEXS-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
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Hibaoui Y, Grad I, Letourneau A, Sailani MR, Dahoun S, Santoni FA, Gimelli S, Guipponi M, Pelte MF, Béna F, Antonarakis SE, Feki A. Modelling and rescuing neurodevelopmental defect of Down syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cells from monozygotic twins discordant for trisomy 21. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:259-77. [PMID: 24375627 PMCID: PMC3927959 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is the most common viable chromosomal disorder with intellectual impairment and several other developmental abnormalities. Here, we report the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from monozygotic twins discordant for trisomy 21 in order to eliminate the effects of the variability of genomic background. The alterations observed by genetic analysis at the iPSC level and at first approximation in early development illustrate the developmental disease transcriptional signature of Down syndrome. Moreover, we observed an abnormal neural differentiation of Down syndrome iPSCs in vivo when formed teratoma in NOD-SCID mice, and in vitro when differentiated into neuroprogenitors and neurons. These defects were associated with changes in the architecture and density of neurons, astroglial and oligodendroglial cells together with misexpression of genes involved in neurogenesis, lineage specification and differentiation. Furthermore, we provide novel evidence that dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) on chromosome 21 likely contributes to these defects. Importantly, we found that targeting DYRK1A pharmacologically or by shRNA results in a considerable correction of these defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Hibaoui
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Iwona Grad
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Audrey Letourneau
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - M Reza Sailani
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Dahoun
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Federico A Santoni
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Gimelli
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Michel Guipponi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Françoise Pelte
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of GenevaGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédérique Béna
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Stylianos E Antonarakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
- iGE3 Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of GenevaGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Anis Feki
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique, HFR Fribourg—Hôpital CantonalFribourg, Switzerland
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46
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Kaczmarski W, Barua M, Mazur-Kolecka B, Frackowiak J, Dowjat W, Mehta P, Bolton D, Hwang YW, Rabe A, Albertini G, Wegiel J. Intracellular distribution of differentially phosphorylated dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A). J Neurosci Res 2014; 92:162-73. [PMID: 24327345 PMCID: PMC3951420 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The gene encoding dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is located within the Down syndrome (DS) critical region of chromosome 21. DYRK1A interacts with a plethora of substrates in the cytosol, cytoskeleton, and nucleus. Its overexpression is a contributing factor to the developmental alterations and age-associated pathology observed in DS. We hypothesized that the intracellular distribution of DYRK1A and cell-compartment-specific functions are associated with DYRK1A posttranslational modifications. Fractionation showed that, in both human and mouse brain, almost 80% of DYRK1A was associated with the cytoskeleton, and the remaining DYRK1A was present in the cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that DYRK1A in the brain cytoskeleton fraction forms complexes with filamentous actin, neurofilaments, and tubulin. Two-dimensional gel analysis of the fractions revealed DYRK1A with distinct isoelectric points: 5.5-6.5 in the nucleus, 7.2-8.2 in the cytoskeleton, and 8.7 in the cytosol. Phosphate-affinity gel electrophoresis demonstrated several bands of DYRK1A with different mobility shifts for nuclear, cytoskeletal, and cytosolic DYRK1A, indicating modification by phosphorylation. Mass spectrometry analysis disclosed one phosphorylated site in the cytosolic DYRK1A and multiple phosphorylated residues in the cytoskeletal DYRK1A, including two not previously described. This study supports the hypothesis that intracellular distribution and compartment-specific functions of DYRK1A may depend on its phosphorylation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kaczmarski
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Madhabi Barua
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Bozena Mazur-Kolecka
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Janusz Frackowiak
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Wieslaw Dowjat
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Pankaj Mehta
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - David Bolton
- Department of Molecular Biology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in
Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Yu-Wen Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in
Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Ausma Rabe
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Giorgio Albertini
- Instituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Raffaele
Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Jerzy Wegiel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
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47
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Thomazeau A, Lassalle O, Iafrati J, Souchet B, Guedj F, Janel N, Chavis P, Delabar J, Manzoni OJ. Prefrontal deficits in a murine model overexpressing the down syndrome candidate gene dyrk1a. J Neurosci 2014; 34:1138-47. [PMID: 24453307 PMCID: PMC3953590 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2852-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene Dyrk1a is the mammalian ortholog of Drosophila minibrain. Dyrk1a localizes in the Down syndrome (DS) critical region of chromosome 21q22.2 and is a major candidate for the behavioral and neuronal abnormalities associated with DS. PFC malfunctions are a common denominator in several neuropsychiatric diseases, including DS, but the contribution of DYRK1A in PFC dysfunctions, in particular the synaptic basis for impairments of executive functions reported in DS patients, remains obscure. We quantified synaptic plasticity, biochemical synaptic markers, and dendritic morphology of deep layer pyramidal PFC neurons in adult mBACtgDyrk1a transgenic mice that overexpress Dyrk1a under the control of its own regulatory sequences. We found that overexpression of Dyrk1a largely increased the number of spines on oblique dendrites of pyramidal neurons, as evidenced by augmented spine density, higher PSD95 protein levels, and larger miniature EPSCs. The dendritic alterations were associated with anomalous NMDAR-mediated long-term potentiation and accompanied by a marked reduction in the pCaMKII/CaMKII ratio in mBACtgDyrk1a mice. Retrograde endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression (eCB-LTD) was ablated in mBACtgDyrk1a mice. Administration of green tea extracts containing epigallocatechin 3-gallate, a potent DYRK1A inhibitor, to adult mBACtgDyrk1a mice normalized long-term potentiation and spine anomalies but not eCB-LTD. However, inhibition of the eCB deactivating enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase normalized eCB-LTD in mBACtgDyrk1a mice. These data shed light on previously undisclosed participation of DYRK1A in adult PFC dendritic structures and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, they suggest its involvement in DS-related endophenotypes and identify new potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Thomazeau
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U901, Marseille, 13009, France, Université Aix-Marseille UMR S901, Marseille, 13009, France, INMED, Marseille, 13009, France, and Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, EAC Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 4413, Paris, 75205, France
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48
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Park J, Chung KC. New Perspectives of Dyrk1A Role in Neurogenesis and Neuropathologic Features of Down Syndrome. Exp Neurobiol 2013; 22:244-8. [PMID: 24465139 PMCID: PMC3897685 DOI: 10.5607/en.2013.22.4.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common genetic disorders accompanying with mental retardation, cognitive impairment, and deficits in learning and memory. The brains with DS also display many neuropathological features including alteration in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis and early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like symptoms. Triplication of all or a part of human chromosome 21, especially the 21q22.1~21q22.3 region called 'Down syndrome critical region (DSCR)', has been considered as the main cause of DS. One gene product of DSCR, dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A), has been highlighted as a key contributor to the neural consequences of DS. This minireview summarizes accumulating recent reports about Dyrk1A involvement in the neuritogenesis, synaptogenesis, and AD-like neurofibrillary tangle formation, which is mainly focusing on Dyrk1A-mediated regulation of cytoskeletal proteins, such as tubulin, actin, and microtubule-associated protein tau. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of these phenomena may provide us a rational for new preventive and therapeutic treatment of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joongkyu Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea. ; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair (CNNR), Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kwang Chul Chung
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
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49
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Pons-Espinal M, Martinez de Lagran M, Dierssen M. Environmental enrichment rescues DYRK1A activity and hippocampal adult neurogenesis in TgDyrk1A. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 60:18-31. [PMID: 23969234 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal adult neurogenesis disruptions have been suggested as one of the neuronal plasticity mechanisms underlying learning and memory impairment in Down syndrome (DS). However, it remains unknown whether specific candidate genes are implicated in these phenotypes in the multifactorial context of DS. Here we report that transgenic mice (TgDyrk1A) with overdosage of Dyrk1A, a DS candidate gene, show important alterations in adult neurogenesis including reduced cell proliferation rate, altered cell cycle progression and reduced cell cycle exit leading to premature migration, differentiation and reduced survival of newly born cells. In addition, less proportion of newborn hippocampal TgDyrk1A neurons are activated upon learning, suggesting reduced integration in learning circuits. Some of these alterations were DYRK1A kinase-dependent since we could rescue those using a DYRK1A inhibitor, epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Environmental enrichment also normalized DYRK1A kinase overdosage in the hippocampus, and rescued adult neurogenesis alterations in TgDyrk1A mice. We conclude that Dyrk1A is a good candidate to explain neuronal plasticity deficits in DS and that normalizing the excess of DYRK1A kinase activity either pharmacologically or using environmental stimulation can correct adult neurogenesis defects in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Pons-Espinal
- Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Dr. Aiguader 88, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Dr. Aiguader 88, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
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50
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Haas MA, Bell D, Slender A, Lana-Elola E, Watson-Scales S, Fisher EMC, Tybulewicz VLJ, Guillemot F. Alterations to dendritic spine morphology, but not dendrite patterning, of cortical projection neurons in Tc1 and Ts1Rhr mouse models of Down syndrome. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78561. [PMID: 24205261 PMCID: PMC3813676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is a highly prevalent developmental disorder, affecting 1/700 births. Intellectual disability, which affects learning and memory, is present in all cases and is reflected by below average IQ. We sought to determine whether defective morphology and connectivity in neurons of the cerebral cortex may underlie the cognitive deficits that have been described in two mouse models of DS, the Tc1 and Ts1Rhr mouse lines. We utilised in utero electroporation to label a cohort of future upper layer projection neurons in the cerebral cortex of developing mouse embryos with GFP, and then examined neuronal positioning and morphology in early adulthood, which revealed no alterations in cortical layer position or morphology in either Tc1 or Ts1Rhr mouse cortex. The number of dendrites, as well as dendrite length and branching was normal in both DS models, compared with wildtype controls. The sites of projection neuron synaptic inputs, dendritic spines, were analysed in Tc1 and Ts1Rhr cortex at three weeks and three months after birth, and significant changes in spine morphology were observed in both mouse lines. Ts1Rhr mice had significantly fewer thin spines at three weeks of age. At three months of age Tc1 mice had significantly fewer mushroom spines - the morphology associated with established synaptic inputs and learning and memory. The decrease in mushroom spines was accompanied by a significant increase in the number of stubby spines. This data suggests that dendritic spine abnormalities may be a more important contributor to cognitive deficits in DS models, rather than overall neuronal architecture defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda A. Haas
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Donald Bell
- Confocal Image Analysis Laboratory, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Slender
- Division of Immune Cell Biology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Lana-Elola
- Division of Immune Cell Biology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sheona Watson-Scales
- Division of Immune Cell Biology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Victor L. J. Tybulewicz
- Division of Immune Cell Biology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - François Guillemot
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
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