1
|
Cardeña-Núñez S, Callejas-Marín A, Villa-Carballar S, Rodríguez-Gallardo L, Sánchez-Guardado LÓ, Hidalgo-Sánchez M. CRABP-I Expression Patterns in the Developing Chick Inner Ear. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12010104. [PMID: 36671796 PMCID: PMC9855850 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate inner ear is a complex three-dimensional sensorial structure with auditory and vestibular functions, regarded as an excellent system for analyzing events that occur during development, such as patterning, morphogenesis, and cell specification. Retinoic acid (RA) is involved in all these development processes. Cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABPs) bind RA with high affinity, buffering cellular free RA concentrations and consequently regulating the activation of precise specification programs mediated by particular regulatory genes. In the otic vesicle, strong CRABP-I expression was detected in the otic wall's dorsomedial aspect, where the endolymphatic apparatus develops, whereas this expression was lower in the ventrolateral aspect, where part of the auditory system forms. Thus, CRABP-I proteins may play a role in the specification of the dorsal-to-ventral and lateral-to-medial axe of the otic anlagen. Regarding the developing sensory patches, a process partly involving the subdivision of a ventromedial pro-sensory domain, the CRABP-I gene displayed different levels of expression in the presumptive territory of each sensory patch, which was maintained throughout development. CRABP-I was also relevant in the acoustic-vestibular ganglion and in the periotic mesenchyme. Therefore, CRABP-I could protect RA-sensitive cells in accordance with its dissimilar concentration in specific areas of the developing chick inner ear.
Collapse
|
2
|
Saito M, Subbanna S, Zhang X, Canals-Baker S, Smiley JF, Wilson DA, Das BC. Effects of retinoic acid receptor α modulators on developmental ethanol-induced neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1170259. [PMID: 37205047 PMCID: PMC10187544 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1170259] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol exposure in neonatal mice induces acute neurodegeneration followed by long-lasting glial activation and GABAergic cell deficits along with behavioral abnormalities, providing a third trimester model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Retinoic acid (RA), the active form of vitamin A, regulates transcription of RA-responsive genes and plays essential roles in the development of embryos and their CNS. Ethanol has been shown to disturb RA metabolism and signaling in the developing brain, which may be a cause of ethanol toxicity leading to FASD. Using an agonist and an antagonist specific to RA receptor α (RARα), we studied how RA/RARα signaling affects acute and long-lasting neurodegeneration and activation of phagocytic cells and astrocytes caused by ethanol administered to neonatal mice. We found that an RARα antagonist (BT382) administered 30 min before ethanol injection into postnatal day 7 (P7) mice partially blocked acute neurodegeneration as well as elevation of CD68-positive phagocytic cells in the same brain area. While an RARα agonist (BT75) did not affect acute neurodegeneration, BT75 given either before or after ethanol administration ameliorated long-lasting astrocyte activation and GABAergic cell deficits in certain brain regions. Our studies using Nkx2.1-Cre;Ai9 mice, in which major GABAergic neurons and their progenitors in the cortex and the hippocampus are labeled with constitutively expressed tdTomato fluorescent protein, indicate that the long-lasting GABAergic cell deficits are mainly caused by P7 ethanol-induced initial neurodegeneration. However, the partial reduction of prolonged GABAergic cell deficits and glial activation by post-ethanol BT75 treatment suggests that, in addition to the initial cell death, there may be delayed cell death or disturbed development of GABAergic cells, which is partially rescued by BT75. Since RARα agonists including BT75 have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, BT75 may rescue GABAergic cell deficits by reducing glial activation/neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Saito
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Mariko Saito,
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Stefanie Canals-Baker
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - John F. Smiley
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Donald A. Wilson
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bhaskar C. Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Bhaskar C. Das,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fritzsch B, Martin PR. Vision and retina evolution: how to develop a retina. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 12:240-248. [PMID: 35449767 PMCID: PMC9018162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vertebrate evolution, a single homeobox (Hox) cluster in basal chordates was quadrupled to generate the Hox gene clusters present in extant vertebrates. Here we ask how this expanded gene pool may have influenced the evolution of the visual system. We suggest that a single neurosensory cell type split into ciliated sensory cells (photoreceptors, which transduce light) and retinal ganglion cells (RGC, which project to the brain). In vertebrates, development of photoreceptors is regulated by the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Neurod1 whereas RGC development depends on Atoh7 and related bHLH genes. Lancelet (a basal chordate) does not express Neurod or Atoh7 and possesses a few neurosensory cells with cilia that reach out of the opening of the neural tube. Sea-squirts (Ascidians) do not express Neurod and express a different bHLH gene, Atoh8, that is likely expressed in the anterior vesicle. Recent data indicate the neurosensory cells in lancelets may correspond to three distinct eye fields in ascidians, which in turn may be the basis of the vertebrate retina, pineal and parapineal. In this review we contrast the genetic control of visual structure development in these chordates with that of basal vertebrates such as lampreys and hagfish, and jawed vertebrates. We propose an evolutionary sequence linking whole-genome duplications, initially to a split between photoreceptor and projection neurons (RGC) and subsequently between pineal and lateral eye structures.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gur M, Bendelac-Kapon L, Shabtai Y, Pillemer G, Fainsod A. Reduced Retinoic Acid Signaling During Gastrulation Induces Developmental Microcephaly. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:844619. [PMID: 35372345 PMCID: PMC8967241 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.844619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is a central signaling molecule regulating multiple developmental decisions during embryogenesis. Excess RA induces head malformations, primarily by expansion of posterior brain structures at the expense of anterior head regions, i.e., hindbrain expansion. Despite this extensively studied RA teratogenic effect, a number of syndromes exhibiting microcephaly, such as DiGeorge, Vitamin A Deficiency, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and others, have been attributed to reduced RA signaling. This causative link suggests a requirement for RA signaling during normal head development in all these syndromes. To characterize this novel RA function, we studied the involvement of RA in the early events leading to head formation in Xenopus embryos. This effect was mapped to the earliest RA biosynthesis in the embryo within the gastrula Spemann-Mangold organizer. Head malformations were observed when reduced RA signaling was induced in the endogenous Spemann-Mangold organizer and in the ectopic organizer of twinned embryos. Two embryonic retinaldehyde dehydrogenases, ALDH1A2 (RALDH2) and ALDH1A3 (RALDH3) are initially expressed in the organizer and subsequently mark the trunk and the migrating leading edge mesendoderm, respectively. Gene-specific knockdowns and CRISPR/Cas9 targeting show that RALDH3 is a key enzyme involved in RA production required for head formation. These observations indicate that in addition to the teratogenic effect of excess RA on head development, RA signaling also has a positive and required regulatory role in the early formation of the head during gastrula stages. These results identify a novel RA activity that concurs with its proposed reduction in syndromes exhibiting microcephaly.
Collapse
|
5
|
Research Progress in Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:5417497. [PMID: 34917197 PMCID: PMC8670912 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5417497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past few decades, many studies have investigated the effects of VA supplementation in ASD patients and the relationship between vitamin A (VA) levels and ASD. VA is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in various systems and biological processes in the form of retinoic acid (RA). Recent studies have shown that serum VA concentration is negatively correlated with the severity of ASD. The lack of VA during pregnancy or early fetal development can affect brain development and lead to long-term or even permanent impairment in the learning process, memory formation, and cognitive function. In addition, VA deficiency has been reported to have a major impact on the gastrointestinal function of children with ASD, while VA supplementation has been shown to improve the symptoms of ASD to a certain extent. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between VA and ASD.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pokhilko A, Handel AE, Curion F, Volpato V, Whiteley ES, Bøstrand S, Newey SE, Akerman CJ, Webber C, Clark MB, Bowden R, Cader MZ. Targeted single-cell RNA sequencing of transcription factors enhances the identification of cell types and trajectories. Genome Res 2021; 31:1069-1081. [PMID: 34011578 PMCID: PMC8168586 DOI: 10.1101/gr.273961.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a widely used method for identifying cell types and trajectories in biologically heterogeneous samples, but it is limited in its detection and quantification of lowly expressed genes. This results in missing important biological signals, such as the expression of key transcription factors (TFs) driving cellular differentiation. We show that targeted sequencing of ∼1000 TFs (scCapture-seq) in iPSC-derived neuronal cultures greatly improves the biological information garnered from scRNA-seq. Increased TF resolution enhanced cell type identification, developmental trajectories, and gene regulatory networks. This allowed us to resolve differences among neuronal populations, which were generated in two different laboratories using the same differentiation protocol. ScCapture-seq improved TF-gene regulatory network inference and thus identified divergent patterns of neurogenesis into either excitatory cortical neurons or inhibitory interneurons. Furthermore, scCapture-seq revealed a role for of retinoic acid signaling in the developmental divergence between these different neuronal populations. Our results show that TF targeting improves the characterization of human cellular models and allows identification of the essential differences between cellular populations, which would otherwise be missed in traditional scRNA-seq. scCapture-seq TF targeting represents a cost-effective enhancement of scRNA-seq, which could be broadly applied to improve scRNA-seq resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pokhilko
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Adam E Handel
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiola Curion
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Viola Volpato
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S Whiteley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Sunniva Bøstrand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Newey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Colin J Akerman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Caleb Webber
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael B Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom.,Centre for Stem Cell Systems, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rory Bowden
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, United Kingdom.,The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - M Zameel Cader
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Cabal-Herrera AM, Punatar RH, Clark CJ, Romney CA, Hagerman RJ. Overlapping Molecular Pathways Leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, and Targeted Treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:265-283. [PMID: 33215285 PMCID: PMC8116395 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are subdivided into idiopathic (unknown) etiology and secondary, based on known etiology. There are hundreds of causes of ASD and most of them are genetic in origin or related to the interplay of genetic etiology and environmental toxicology. Approximately 30 to 50% of the etiologies can be identified when using a combination of available genetic testing. Many of these gene mutations are either core components of the Wnt signaling pathway or their modulators. The full mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of monogenic origin of ASD, accounting for ~ 2% of the cases. There is an overlap of molecular mechanisms in those with idiopathic ASD and those with FXS, an interaction between various signaling pathways is suggested during the development of the autistic brain. This review summarizes the cross talk between neurobiological pathways found in ASD and FXS. These signaling pathways are currently under evaluation to target specific treatments in search of the reversal of the molecular abnormalities found in both idiopathic ASD and FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 00000, Colombia
| | - Ruchi Harendra Punatar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Courtney Jessica Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher Allen Romney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kukreja S, Udaykumar N, Yogesh B, Sen J. Retinoic acid signaling regulates proliferation and lamina formation in the developing chick optic tectum. Dev Biol 2020; 467:95-107. [PMID: 32919944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The retinotectal system has been extensively studied for investigating the mechanism(s) for topographic map formation. The optic tectum, which is composed of multiple laminae, is the major retino recipient structure in the developing avian brain. Laminar development of the tectum results from cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, coordinated in strict temporal and spatial patterns. However, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate these complex developmental events, have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we have identified the presence of differential retinoic acid (RA) signaling along the rostro-caudal and dorsoventral axis of the tectum. We show for the first time that loss of RA signaling in the anterior optic tectum, leads to an increase in cell proliferation and gross changes in the morphology manifested as defects in lamination. Detailed analysis points to delayed migration of cells as the plausible cause for the defects in lamina formation. Thus, we conclude that in the optic tectum, RA signaling is involved in maintaining cell proliferation and in regulating the formation of the tectal laminae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Kukreja
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India; Present address: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Niveda Udaykumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Baba Yogesh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India; Present address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonaki Sen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fainsod A, Bendelac-Kapon L, Shabtai Y. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Embryogenesis Under Reduced Retinoic Acid Signaling Conditions. Subcell Biochem 2020; 95:197-225. [PMID: 32297301 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-42282-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a complex set of developmental malformations, neurobehavioral anomalies and mental disabilities induced by exposing human embryos to alcohol during fetal development. Several experimental models and a series of developmental and biochemical approaches have established a strong link between FASD and reduced retinoic acid (RA) signaling. RA signaling is involved in the regulation of numerous developmental decisions from patterning of the anterior-posterior axis, starting at gastrulation, to the differentiation of specific cell types within developing organs, to adult tissue homeostasis. Being such an important regulatory signal during embryonic development, mutations or environmental perturbations that affect the level, timing or location of the RA signal can induce multiple and severe developmental malformations. The evidence connecting human syndromes to reduced RA signaling is presented here and the resulting phenotypes are compared to FASD. Available data suggest that competition between ethanol clearance and RA biosynthesis is a major etiological component in FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Fainsod
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, POB 12271, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Liat Bendelac-Kapon
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, POB 12271, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shabtai
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, POB 12271, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Accogli A, Addour-Boudrahem N, Srour M. Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 173:25-42. [PMID: 32958178 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Development of the central nervous system (CNS) is a complex, dynamic process that involves a precisely orchestrated sequence of genetic, environmental, biochemical, and physical factors from early embryonic stages to postnatal life. Duringthe past decade, great strides have been made to unravel mechanisms underlying human CNS development through the employment of modern genetic techniques and experimental approaches. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge regarding the main developmental processes and signaling mechanisms of (i) neurogenesis, (ii) neuronal migration, and (iii) axon guidance. We discuss mechanisms related to neural stem cells proliferation, migration, terminal translocation of neuronal progenitors, and axon guidance and pathfinding. For each section, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying regulatory processes, including transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic factors, and a myriad of signaling pathways that are pivotal to determine the fate of neuronal progenitors and newly formed migrating neurons. We further highlight how impairment of this complex regulating system, such as mutations in its core components, may cause cortical malformation, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism in humans. A thorough understanding of normal human CNS development is thus crucial to decipher mechanisms responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders and in turn guide the development of effective and targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Accogli
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital, Genova, Italy; Departments of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Science, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Myriam Srour
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Thalamus Regulates Retinoic Acid Signaling and Development of Parvalbumin Interneurons in Postnatal Mouse Prefrontal Cortex. eNeuro 2019; 6:eN-NWR-0018-19. [PMID: 30868103 PMCID: PMC6385081 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0018-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic inhibitory neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) play crucial roles in higher cognitive functions. Despite the link between aberrant development of PFC interneurons and a number of psychiatric disorders, mechanisms underlying the development of these neurons are poorly understood. Here we show that the retinoic acid (RA)-degrading enzyme CYP26B1 (cytochrome P450 family 26, subfamily B, member 1) is transiently expressed in the mouse frontal cortex during postnatal development, and that medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)-derived interneurons, particularly in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons, are the main cell type that has active RA signaling during this period. We found that frontal cortex-specific Cyp26b1 knock-out mice had an increased density of PV-expressing, but not somatostatin-expressing, interneurons in medial PFC, indicating a novel role of RA signaling in controlling PV neuron development. The initiation of Cyp26b1 expression in neonatal PFC coincides with the establishment of connections between the thalamus and the PFC. We found that these connections are required for the postnatal expression of Cyp26b1 in medial PFC. In addition to this region-specific role in postnatal PFC that regulates RA signaling and PV neuron development, the thalamocortical connectivity had an earlier role in controlling radial dispersion of MGE-derived interneurons throughout embryonic neocortex. In summary, our results suggest that the thalamus plays multiple, temporally separate roles in interneuron development in the PFC.
Collapse
|
12
|
Petrelli B, Bendelac L, Hicks GG, Fainsod A. Insights into retinoic acid deficiency and the induction of craniofacial malformations and microcephaly in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Genesis 2019; 57:e23278. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Berardino Petrelli
- Regenerative Medicine Program and the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Liat Bendelac
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaFaculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem Israel
| | - Geoffrey G. Hicks
- Regenerative Medicine Program and the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Abraham Fainsod
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaFaculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem Israel
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Neurobehavioral and oxidative stress alterations following methylmercury and retinyl palmitate co-administration in pregnant and lactating rats and their offspring. Neurotoxicology 2018; 69:164-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
14
|
Decreased levels of serum retinoic acid in chinese children with autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:469-473. [PMID: 30195740 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies framed a possible link of retinoic acid (RA) regulation in brain to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) etiology. The aim of this study was to measure serum levels of RA in relation to the degree of the severity of autism. Serum RA levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) colorimetric detection Kit in 81 children with autism and 81 age-sex matched typical development children. The severity of autistic symptomatology was measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score using the Chinese version. The serum levels of RA in the children with ASD (1.68 ± 0.52 ng/ml) were significantly lower than those of control subjects (2.13 ± 0.71 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). At admission, 57 children (70.4%) had a severe autism. In those children, the mean serum RA levels were lower than in those children with mild to moderate autism (1.57 ± 0.47 ng/ml VS. 1.95 ± 0.55 ng/ml; P = 0.003). Furthermore, in multivariate model, low RA level was associated with having/the presence of ASD (adjusted odd ratio[OR] 0.516; P = 0.003) and severe ASD (OR 0.415; P = 0.015) after adjusted for confounding factors. The data suggested that serum RA levels were reduced in the group with ASD, and the levels negative correlated significantly with the severity of autism.
Collapse
|
15
|
Massimino L, Flores-Garcia L, Di Stefano B, Colasante G, Icoresi-Mazzeo C, Zaghi M, Hamilton BA, Sessa A. TBR2 antagonizes retinoic acid dependent neuronal differentiation by repressing Zfp423 during corticogenesis. Dev Biol 2018; 434:231-248. [PMID: 29305158 PMCID: PMC7032051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During cerebral cortex development, neural progenitors are required to elaborate a variety of cell differentiation signals to which they are continuously exposed. RA acid is a potent inducer of neuronal differentiation as it was found to influence cortical development. We report herein that TBR2, a transcription factor specific to Intermediate (Basal) Neural Progenitors (INPs), represses activation of the RA responsive element and expression of RA target genes in cell lines. This repressive action on RA signaling was functionally confirmed by the decrease of RA-mediated neuronal differentiation in neural stem cells stably overexpressing TBR2. In vivo mapping of RA activity in the developing cortex indicated that RA activity is detected in radial glial cells and subsequently downregulated in INPs, revealing a fine cell-type specific regulation of its signaling. Thus, TBR2 might be a molecular player in opposing RA signaling in INPs. Interestingly, this negative regulation is achieved at least in part by directly repressing the critical nuclear RA co-factor ZFP423. Indeed, we found ZFP423 to be expressed in the developing cortex and promote RA-dependent neuronal differentiation. These data indicate that TBR2 contributes to suppressing RA signaling in INPs, thereby enabling them to re-enter the cell cycle and delay neuronal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lisbeth Flores-Garcia
- Departments of Cellular&Molecular Medicine and Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0644, USA
| | - Bruno Di Stefano
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Icoresi-Mazzeo
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Zaghi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bruce A Hamilton
- Departments of Cellular&Molecular Medicine and Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0644, USA
| | - Alessandro Sessa
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Azzarelli R, Oleari R, Lettieri A, Andre' V, Cariboni A. In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Techniques to Study Neuronal Migration in the Developing Cerebral Cortex. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7050048. [PMID: 28448448 PMCID: PMC5447930 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7050048] [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: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal migration is a fundamental biological process that underlies proper brain development and neuronal circuit formation. In the developing cerebral cortex, distinct neuronal populations, producing excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitters, are generated in different germinative areas and migrate along various routes to reach their final positions within the cortex. Different technical approaches and experimental models have been adopted to study the mechanisms regulating neuronal migration in the cortex. In this review, we will discuss the most common in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo techniques to visualize and study cortical neuronal migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Azzarelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK.
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Valentina Andre'
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Carucci N, Cacci E, Nisi PS, Licursi V, Paul YL, Biagioni S, Negri R, Rugg-Gunn PJ, Lupo G. Transcriptional response of Hoxb genes to retinoid signalling is regionally restricted along the neural tube rostrocaudal axis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160913. [PMID: 28484611 PMCID: PMC5414248 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
During vertebrate neural development, positional information is largely specified by extracellular morphogens. Their distribution, however, is very dynamic due to the multiple roles played by the same signals in the developing and adult neural tissue. This suggests that neural progenitors are able to modify their competence to respond to morphogen signalling and autonomously maintain positional identities after their initial specification. In this work, we take advantage of in vitro culture systems of mouse neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) to show that NSPCs isolated from rostral or caudal regions of the mouse neural tube are differentially responsive to retinoic acid (RA), a pivotal morphogen for the specification of posterior neural fates. Hoxb genes are among the best known RA direct targets in the neural tissue, yet we found that RA could promote their transcription only in caudal but not in rostral NSPCs. Correlating with these effects, key RA-responsive regulatory regions in the Hoxb cluster displayed opposite enrichment of activating or repressing histone marks in rostral and caudal NSPCs. Finally, RA was able to strengthen Hoxb chromatin activation in caudal NSPCs, but was ineffective on the repressed Hoxb chromatin of rostral NSPCs. These results suggest that the response of NSPCs to morphogen signalling across the rostrocaudal axis of the neural tube may be gated by the epigenetic configuration of target patterning genes, allowing long-term maintenance of intrinsic positional values in spite of continuously changing extrinsic signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Carucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola S. Nisi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Yu-Lee Paul
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur— Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Istituto Pasteur— Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Negwer M, Schubert D. Talking Convergence: Growing Evidence Links FOXP2 and Retinoic Acid in Shaping Speech-Related Motor Circuitry. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:19. [PMID: 28179876 PMCID: PMC5263127 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Negwer
- Max Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and BehaviourNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and BehaviourNijmegen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Dirk Schubert
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Niculae AŞ, Pavăl D. From molecules to behavior: An integrative theory of autism spectrum disorder. Med Hypotheses 2016; 97:74-84. [PMID: 27876135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders for which various theories have been proposed. Each theory brings valuable insights and has experimental evidence backing it, yet none provides an overarching explanation for each of the pathological aspects involved in ASD. Here we present an integrative theory of ASD, centered on a sequence of events spanning from the molecular to the behavioral level. We propose that an abnormality in the interplay between retinoic acid and sex hormones predisposes an individual to specific molecular malfunctions. In turn, this molecular syndrome generates an altered brain connectivity between the cerebellum, the midbrain dopaminergic areas, and the prefrontal cortex. Lastly, this disconnection would generate specific behavioral traits traditionally involved in ASD. Therefore, this paper represents a step forward in unifying different levels of pathological features into novel integrated testable hypotheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru-Ştefan Niculae
- The Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Denis Pavăl
- The Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The choroid plexus in health and in disease: dialogues into and out of the brain. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 107:32-40. [PMID: 27546055 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This article brings the choroid plexus into the context of health and disease. It is remarkable that the choroid plexus, composed by a monolayer of epithelial cells that lie in a highly vascularized stroma, floating within the brain ventricles, gets so little attention in major physiology and medicine text books and in the scientific literature in general. Consider that it is responsible for producing most of the about 150mL of cerebrospinal fluid that fills the brain ventricles and the subarachnoid space and surrounds the spinal cord in the adult human central nervous system, which is renewed approximately 2-3 times daily. As such, its activity influences brain metabolism and function, which will be addressed. Reflect that it contains an impressive number of receptors and transporters, both in the apical and basolateral sides of the epithelial cells, and as such is a key structure for the communication between the brain and the periphery. This will be highlighted in the context of neonatal jaundice, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Realize that the capillaries that irrigate the choroid plexus stroma do not possess tight junctions and that the blood flow to the choroid plexus is five times higher than that in the brain parenchyma, allowing for a rapid sensing system and delivery of molecules such as nutrients and metals as will be revised. Recognize that certain drugs reach the brain parenchyma solely through the choroid plexus epithelia, which has potential to be manipulated in diseases such as neonatal jaundice and Alzheimer's disease as will be discussed. Without further notice, it must be now clear that understanding the choroid plexus is necessary for comprehending the brain and how the brain is modulated and modulates all other systems, in health and in disease. This review article intends to address current knowledge on the choroid plexus, and to motivate the scientific community to consider it when studying normal brain physiology and diseases of the central nervous system. It will guide the reader through several aspects of the choroid plexus in normal physiology, in diseases characteristic of various periods of life (newborns-kernicterus, young adults-multiple sclerosis and the elder-Alzheimer's disease), and how sex-differences may relate to disease susceptibility.
Collapse
|
21
|
Kumar A, Singh HN, Pareek V, Raza K, Dantham S, Kumar P, Mochan S, Faiq MA. A Possible Mechanism of Zika Virus Associated Microcephaly: Imperative Role of Retinoic Acid Response Element (RARE) Consensus Sequence Repeats in the Viral Genome. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:403. [PMID: 27555815 PMCID: PMC4977292 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the reports of microcephaly as a consistent outcome in the fetuses of pregnant women infected with ZIKV in Brazil, Zika virus (ZIKV)-microcephaly etiomechanistic relationship has recently been implicated. Researchers, however, are still struggling to establish an embryological basis for this interesting causal handcuff. The present study reveals robust evidence in favor of a plausible ZIKV-microcephaly cause-effect liaison. The rationale is based on: (1) sequence homology between ZIKV genome and the response element of an early neural tube developmental marker "retinoic acid" in human DNA and (2) comprehensive similarities between the details of brain defects in ZIKV-microcephaly and retinoic acid embryopathy. Retinoic acid is considered as the earliest factor for regulating anteroposterior axis of neural tube and positioning of structures in developing brain through retinoic acid response elements (RARE) consensus sequence (5'-AGGTCA-3') in promoter regions of retinoic acid-dependent genes. We screened genomic sequences of already reported virulent ZIKV strains (including those linked to microcephaly) and other viruses available in National Institute of Health genetic sequence database (GenBank) for the RARE consensus repeats and obtained results strongly bolstering our hypothesis that ZIKV strains associated with microcephaly may act through precipitation of dysregulation in retinoic acid-dependent genes by introducing extra stretches of RARE consensus sequence repeats in the genome of developing brain cells. Additional support to our hypothesis comes from our findings that screening of other viruses for RARE consensus sequence repeats is positive only for those known to display neurotropism and cause fetal brain defects (for which maternal-fetal transmission during developing stage may be required). The numbers of RARE sequence repeats appeared to match with the virulence of screened positive viruses. Although, bioinformatic evidence and embryological features are in favor of our hypothesis, additional studies including animal models are warranted to validate our proposition. Such studies are likely to unfold ZIKV-microcephaly association and may help in devising methods to combat it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Himanshu N Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Pareek
- Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Division, National Brain Research Centre Manesar, India
| | - Khursheed Raza
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Subrahamanyam Dantham
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Pavan Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Sankat Mochan
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Muneeb A Faiq
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India; Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of medical SciencesNew Delhi, India; Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lerner V, McCaffery PJA, Ritsner MS. Targeting Retinoid Receptors to Treat Schizophrenia: Rationale and Progress to Date. CNS Drugs 2016; 30:269-80. [PMID: 26968404 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-016-0316-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review provides the rationale and reports on the progress to date regarding the targeting of retinoid receptors for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and the role of retinoic acid in functions of the normal brain, and in psychotic states. After a brief introduction, we describe the normal function of retinoic acid in the brain. We then examine the evidence regarding retinoid dysregulation in schizophrenia. Finally, findings from two add-on clinical trials with a retinoid (bexarotene) are discussed. The authors of this review suggest that targeting retinoid receptors may be a novel approach to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Further studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lerner
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Be'er Sheva Mental Health Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Peter J A McCaffery
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Michael S Ritsner
- Department of Psychiatry, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel. .,Sha'ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Mobile Post Hefer, 37806, Hadera, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Demeestere D, Libert C, Vandenbroucke RE. Therapeutic implications of the choroid plexus-cerebrospinal fluid interface in neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 50:1-13. [PMID: 26116435 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) comprises an epithelial monolayer that forms an important physical, enzymatic and immunologic barrier, called the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). It is a highly vascularized organ located in the brain ventricles that is key in maintaining brain homeostasis as it produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and has other important secretory functions. Furthermore, the CP-CSF interface plays a putative role in neurogenesis and has been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases such as the neurodevelopmental disorders schizophrenia and autism. A role for this CNS border was also implicated in sleep disturbances and chronic and/or severe stress, which are risk factors for the development of neuropsychiatric conditions. Understanding the mechanisms by which disturbance of the homeostasis at the CP-CSF interface is involved in these different chronic low-grade inflammatory diseases can give new insights into therapeutic strategies. Hence, this review discusses the different roles that have been suggested so far for the CP in these neuropsychiatric disorders, with special attention to potential therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Demeestere
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yao T, Lu R, Li Y, Peng Y, Ding M, Xie X, Lin Z. ALDH1 might influence the metastatic capability of HeLa cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:7045-51. [PMID: 25864109 PMCID: PMC4644206 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data suggest that tumor persistence and recurrence could be caused by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis and used as a CSC marker. We previously reported that cervical carcinoma contains a small subpopulation of cells expressing ALDH1 [1]. In this study, we used small interfering RNA to suppress ALDH1 expression and introduced an ALDH1 reporting vector into HeLa cells followed by various in vitro assays. We showed that knockdown of ALDH1 expression reduced the cell migration ability of HeLa cells, whereas augmented expression of ALDH1 increased cell migration. However, there was no difference in the cellular proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and invasion. These results indicate that ALDH1 is directly involved in HeLa migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rongbiao Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongpai Peng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Ding
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Xie
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Lin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ransom J, Morgan PJ, McCaffery PJ, Stoney PN. The rhythm of retinoids in the brain. J Neurochem 2014; 129:366-76. [PMID: 24266881 PMCID: PMC4283048 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The retinoids are a family of compounds that in nature are derived from vitamin A or pro-vitamin A carotenoids. An essential part of the diet for mammals, vitamin A has long been known to be essential for many organ systems in the adult. More recently, however, they have been shown to be necessary for function of the brain and new discoveries point to a central role in processes ranging from neuroplasticity to neurogenesis. Acting in several regions of the central nervous system including the eye, hippocampus and hypothalamus, one common factor in its action is control of biological rhythms. This review summarizes the role of vitamin A in the brain; its action through the metabolite retinoic acid via specific nuclear receptors, and the regulation of its concentration through controlled synthesis and catabolism. The action of retinoic acid to regulate several rhythms in the brain and body, from circadian to seasonal, is then discussed to finish with the importance of retinoic acid in the regular pattern of sleep. We review the role of vitamin A and retinoic acid (RA) as mediators of rhythm in the brain. In the suprachiasmatic nucleus and hippocampus they control expression of circadian clock genes while in the cortex retinoic acid is required for delta oscillations of sleep. Retinoic acid is also central to a second rhythm that keeps pace with the seasons, regulating function in the hypothalamus and pineal gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Ransom
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - Peter J Morgan
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - Peter J McCaffery
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - Patrick N Stoney
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Thyroid hormone regulation of gene expression in primary cerebrocortical cells: role of thyroid hormone receptor subtypes and interactions with retinoic acid and glucocorticoids. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91692. [PMID: 24618783 PMCID: PMC3950245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of thyroid hormone on brain development and function are largely mediated by the binding of 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) to its nuclear receptors (TR) to regulate positively or negatively gene expression. We have analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction the effect of T3 on primary cultured cells from the embryonic mouse cerebral cortex, on the expression of Hr, Klf9, Shh, Dio3, Aldh1a1, and Aldh1a3. In particular we focused on T3 receptor specificity, and on the crosstalk between T3, retinoic acid and dexamethasone. To check for receptor subtype specificity we used cerebrocortical cells derived from wild type mice and from mice deficient in thyroid hormone receptor subtypes. Receptor subtype specificity was found for Dio3 and Aldh1a1, which were induced by T3 only in cells expressing the T3 receptor alpha 1 subtype. Interactions of T3 with retinoic acid signaling through the control of retinoic acid metabolism are likely to be important during development. T3 had opposing influences on retinoic acid synthesizing enzymes, increasing the expression of Aldh1a1, and decreasing Aldh1a3, while increasing the retinoic acid degrading enzyme Cyp26b1. Dexamethasone increased Klf9 and Aldh1a1 expression. The effects of T3 and dexamethasone on Aldh1a1 were highly synergistic, with mRNA increments of up to 20 fold. The results provide new data on thyroid hormone regulation of gene expression and underscore the importance of thyroid hormone interactions with retinoic acid and glucocorticoids during neural development.
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang Y, Chen J, Du C, Li C, Huang C, Dong Q. Characterization of retinoic acid-induced neurobehavioral effects in developing zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:431-437. [PMID: 24395056 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic signaling plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Disruption of retinoic signaling via excessive or deficient retinoic acid can cause teratogenic effects on developing embryos. Similar to retinoic acid, many xenobiotic environmental pollutants have been found to disrupt retinoic signaling through binding and eliciting agonistic activity on retinoic acid receptors. Currently, studies of retinoic acid or retinoic acid-like compounds in aquatic organisms have mainly focused on teratogenicity and few studies have explored their neurobehavioral toxicity. In the present study, the authors used retinoic acid as an example to explore the neurobehavioral toxicity associated with developmental exposure of retinoic acid-like compounds in zebrafish. The findings confirmed retinoic acid's teratogenic effects such as bent spine, malformed tail, and pericardial edema in developing zebrafish with a median effective concentration of 2.47 nM. Retinoic acid-induced cell apoptosis at 24 h postfertilization was consistently found in the eye and tail regions of embryos. Spontaneous movement as characterized by tail bend frequency was significantly increased in zebrafish embryos following exposure to 2 nM and 8 nM retinoic acid. Relatively low-dose retinoic acid exposure of 2 nM led to fast locomotion behavior in the dark period and hyperactivity during light-dark photoperiod stimulation. The 2-nM retinoic acid exposure also led to alterations of neurobehavior- and optic nerve-related genes, with the transforming growth factor-β signal transduction inhibitor noggin (nog) and the spinal cord marker homeobox c3a (hox) being underexpressed and the retinal G protein-coupled receptor a (rgr), the photoreceptor cell marker rhodopsin (rho), and the short wave-sensitive cone pigment opsin 1 (opn1sw1) being overexpressed. Increased expression of opn1sw1 and rho was confirmed by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Whether the misexpression of these genes leads to the neurobehavioral changes merits further study. The findings demonstrated that low-dose retinoic acid exposure perturbed the visual system and optic nerve development and caused hyperactivity in developing zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiang Wang
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Suzuki R, Miyahara K, Murakami H, Doi T, Lane GJ, Mabuchi Y, Suzuki N, Yamataka A, Akazawa C. Abnormal neural crest innervation in Sox10-Venus mice with all-trans retinoic acid-induced anorectal malformations. Pediatr Surg Int 2014; 30:189-95. [PMID: 24352371 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-013-3452-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Despite technical advances in the surgical/medical care of anorectal malformation (ARM), persistent unsatisfactory postoperative bowel habit has been attributed to histopathologic abnormalities of the distal rectum/pouch (DRP) and hypoplasia of anal sphincter muscles (ASM). We used Sox10-Venus mice with ARM induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to investigate neural crest cell (NCC) innervation in the DRP and ASM. METHOD Pregnant Sox10-Venus mice were administered single doses of 50, 70, or 100 mg/kg of ATRA on embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) then sacrificed on either E16.5 or E19.5. Bowel specimens comprising the anorectum were examined using fluorescence microscopy without immunohistochemical staining (FMIS). Anti-PGP9.5 was used to delineate ganglion cells and anti-SMA for smooth muscles. RESULTS The appropriate dose of ATRA for inducing ARM was 50 mg/kg. Under FMIS, all ARM embryos (n = 5; all high type; 3 male:2 female) had less NCC innervation with thick Venus-positive nerve fibers in the DRP compared with normal embryos (n = 8); there was abnormal NCC innervation in the DRP and absent ASM in ARM mice. CONCLUSION We are the first to delineate abnormal enteric nervous system innervation in the DRP of ARM mice without using immunohistochemical staining techniques thus allowing specimens to be examined without any distortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8510, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chatzi C, Cunningham TJ, Duester G. Investigation of retinoic acid function during embryonic brain development using retinaldehyde-rescued Rdh10 knockout mice. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:1056-65. [PMID: 23765990 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoic acid (RA) signaling controls patterning and neuronal differentiation within the hindbrain, but forebrain RA function remains controversial. RA is produced from metabolism of retinol to retinaldehyde by retinol dehydrogenase (RDH), followed by metabolism of retinaldehyde to RA by retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH). Previous studies on Raldh2-/- and Raldh3-/- mice demonstrated an RA requirement for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and dopaminergic differentiation in forebrain basal ganglia, but no RA requirement was observed during early forebrain patterning or subsequent forebrain cortical expansion. However, other studies suggested that RA controls forebrain patterning, and analysis of ethylnitrosourea-induced Rdh10 mutants suggested that RA synthesized in the meninges stimulates forebrain cortical expansion. RESULTS We generated Rdh10-/- mouse embryos that lack RA activity early in the head and later in the meninges. We observed defects in hindbrain patterning and eye RA signaling, but early forebrain patterning was unaffected. Retinaldehyde treatment of Rdh10-/- embryos from E7-E9 rescues a cranial skeletal defect, resulting in E14.5 embryos lacking meningeal RA activity but maintaining normal forebrain shape and cortical expansion. CONCLUSIONS Rdh10-/- embryos demonstrate that RA controls hindbrain but not early forebrain patterning, while studies on retinaldehyde-rescued Rdh10-/- embryos show that meningeal RA synthesis is unnecessary to stimulate forebrain cortical expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chatzi
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shearer KD, Stoney PN, Morgan PJ, McCaffery PJ. A vitamin for the brain. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:733-41. [PMID: 22959670 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS) the function of retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A, is best understood from its action in guiding embryonic development; as development comes to completion, retinoic acid signaling declines. However, it is increasingly recognized that this signaling mechanism does not disappear in the adult brain but becomes more regionally focused and takes on new roles. These functions are often tied to processes of neural plasticity whether in the hippocampus, through homeostatic neural plasticity, the olfactory bulb or the hypothalamus. The role of retinoic acid in the control of plastic processes has led to suggestions of its involvement in neural disorders, both degenerative and psychiatric. This review presents a snapshot of developments in these areas over recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty D Shearer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Falcão AM, Marques F, Novais A, Sousa N, Palha JA, Sousa JC. The path from the choroid plexus to the subventricular zone: go with the flow! Front Cell Neurosci 2012; 6:34. [PMID: 22907990 PMCID: PMC3414909 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In adult mammals, under physiological conditions, neurogenesis, the process of generating new functional neurons from precursor cells, occurs mainly in two brain areas: the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and the subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the walls of the brain lateral ventricles. Taking into account the location of the SVZ and the cytoarchitecture of this periventricular neural progenitor cell niche, namely the fact that the slow dividing primary progenitor cells (type B cells) of the SVZ extend an apical primary cilium toward the brain ventricular space which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it becomes likely that the composition of the CSF can modulate both self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of SVZ neural stem cells. The major site of CSF synthesis is the choroid plexus (CP); quite surprisingly, however, it is still largely unknown the contribution of molecules specifically secreted by the adult CP as modulators of the SVZ adult neurogenesis. This is even more relevant in light of recent evidence showing the ability of the CP to adapt its transcriptome and secretome to various physiologic and pathologic stimuli. By giving particular emphasizes to growth factors and axonal guidance molecules we will illustrate how CP-born molecules might play an important role in the SVZ niche cell population dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mendanha Falcão
- School of Health Sciences, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho Braga, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|