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Jana A, Nath A, Sen P, Kundu S, Alghamdi BS, Abujamel TS, Saboor M, Woon-Khiong C, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Alam MZ, Ashraf GM. Unraveling the Endocannabinoid System: Exploring Its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38744725 PMCID: PMC11093854 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08781-6] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass persistent difficulties in social communication, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive facets of behavior, hobbies, or pursuits, which are often accompanied with cognitive limitations. Over the past few decades, a sizable number of studies have been conducted to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD. Preclinical rat models have proven to be extremely valuable in simulating and analyzing the roles of a wide range of established environmental and genetic factors. Recent research has also demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including ASD. In fact, the ECS has the potential to regulate a multitude of metabolic and cellular pathways associated with autism, including the immune system. Moreover, the ECS has emerged as a promising target for intervention with high predictive validity. Particularly noteworthy are resent preclinical studies in rodents, which describe the onset of ASD-like symptoms after various genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the ECS, providing encouraging evidence for further exploration in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Arnab Nath
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Palash Sen
- School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Swikriti Kundu
- Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Bolpur, West Bengal, 731235, India
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki S Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Saboor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chan Woon-Khiong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Mohammad Zubair Alam
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Jiang J, Wilkinson B, Flores I, Hartel N, Mihaylov SR, Clementel VA, Flynn HR, Alkuraya FS, Ultanir S, Graham NA, Coba MP. Mutations in the postsynaptic density signaling hub TNIK disrupt PSD signaling in human models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1359154. [PMID: 38638602 PMCID: PMC11024424 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1359154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
A large number of synaptic proteins have been recurrently associated with complex brain disorders. One of these proteins, the Traf and Nck interacting kinase (TNIK), is a postsynaptic density (PSD) signaling hub, with many variants reported in neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) and psychiatric disease. While rodent models of TNIK dysfunction have abnormal spontaneous synaptic activity and cognitive impairment, the role of mutations found in patients with TNIK protein deficiency and TNIK protein kinase activity during early stages of neuronal and synapse development has not been characterized. Here, using hiPSC-derived excitatory neurons, we show that TNIK mutations dysregulate neuronal activity in human immature synapses. Moreover, the lack of TNIK protein kinase activity impairs MAPK signaling and protein phosphorylation in structural components of the PSD. We show that the TNIK interactome is enriched in NDD risk factors and TNIK lack of function disrupts signaling networks and protein interactors associated with NDD that only partially overlap to mature mouse synapses, suggesting a differential role of TNIK in immature synapsis in NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhi Jiang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brent Wilkinson
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ilse Flores
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas Hartel
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Simeon R. Mihaylov
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica A. Clementel
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Helen R. Flynn
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fowsan S. Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sila Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas A. Graham
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marcelo P. Coba
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Sweat SC, Cheetham CEJ. Deficits in olfactory system neurogenesis in neurodevelopmental disorders. Genesis 2024; 62:e23590. [PMID: 38490949 PMCID: PMC10990073 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The role of neurogenesis in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) merits much attention. The complex process by which stem cells produce daughter cells that in turn differentiate into neurons, migrate various distances, and form synaptic connections that are then refined by neuronal activity or experience is integral to the development of the nervous system. Given the continued postnatal neurogenesis that occurs in the mammalian olfactory system, it provides an ideal model for understanding how disruptions in distinct stages of neurogenesis contribute to the pathophysiology of various NDDs. This review summarizes and discusses what is currently known about the disruption of neurogenesis within the olfactory system as it pertains to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome. Studies included in this review used either human subjects, mouse models, or Drosophila models, and lay a compelling foundation for continued investigation of NDDs by utilizing the olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Sweat
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claire E J Cheetham
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Li LY, Imai A, Izumi H, Inoue R, Koshidaka Y, Takao K, Mori H, Yoshida T. Differential contribution of canonical and noncanonical NLGN3 pathways to early social development and memory performance. Mol Brain 2024; 17:16. [PMID: 38475840 PMCID: PMC10935922 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroligin (NLGN) 3 is a postsynaptic cell adhesion protein organizing synapse formation through two different types of transsynaptic interactions, canonical interaction with neurexins (NRXNs) and a recently identified noncanonical interaction with protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) δ. Although, NLGN3 gene is known as a risk gene for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), the pathogenic contribution of the canonical NLGN3-NRXN and noncanonical NLGN3-PTPδ pathways to these disorders remains elusive. In this study, we utilized Nlgn3 mutant mice selectively lacking the interaction with either NRXNs or PTPδ and investigated their social and memory performance. Neither Nlgn3 mutants showed any social cognitive deficiency in the social novelty recognition test. However, the Nlgn3 mutant mice lacking the PTPδ pathway exhibited significant decline in the social conditioned place preference (sCPP) at the juvenile stage, suggesting the involvement of the NLGN3-PTPδ pathway in the regulation of social motivation and reward. In terms of learning and memory, disrupting the canonical NRXN pathway attenuated contextual fear conditioning while disrupting the noncanonical NLGN3-PTPδ pathway enhanced it. Furthermore, disruption of the NLGN3-PTPδ pathway negatively affected the remote spatial reference memory in the Barnes maze test. These findings highlight the differential contributions of the canonical NLGN3-NRXN and noncanonical NLGN3-PTPδ synaptogenic pathways to the regulation of higher order brain functions associated with ASD and ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yu Li
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ayako Imai
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hironori Izumi
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ran Inoue
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yumie Koshidaka
- Division of Experimental Animal Resource and Development, Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Division of Experimental Animal Resource and Development, Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
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Severino L, Kim J, Nam MH, McHugh TJ. From synapses to circuits: What mouse models have taught us about how autism spectrum disorder impacts hippocampal function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105559. [PMID: 38246230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a variety of cognitive and behavioral domains. While a genetic component of ASD has been well-established, none of the numerous syndromic genes identified in humans accounts for more than 1% of the clinical patients. Due to this large number of target genes, numerous mouse models of the disorder have been generated. However, the focus on distinct brain circuits, behavioral phenotypes and diverse experimental approaches has made it difficult to synthesize the overwhelming number of model animal studies into concrete throughlines that connect the data across levels of investigation. Here we chose to focus on one circuit, the hippocampus, and one hypothesis, a shift in excitatory/inhibitory balance, to examine, from the level of the tripartite synapse up to the level of in vivo circuit activity, the key commonalities across disparate models that can illustrate a path towards a better mechanistic understanding of ASD's impact on hippocampal circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Severino
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi Saitama, Japan.
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Goikolea-Vives A, Fernandes C, Thomas MSC, Thornton C, Stolp HB. Sex-specific behavioural deficits in adulthood following acute activation of the GABAA receptor in the neonatal mouse. Dev Neurosci 2024:000536641. [PMID: 38325353 DOI: 10.1159/000536641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sex differences exist in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Part of the aetiology of NDDs has been proposed to be alterations in the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, leading to the question of whether males and females respond differently to altered neurotransmitter balance. We investigated whether pharmacological alteration of GABAA signalling in early development results in sex-dependent changes in adult behaviours associated with NDDs. METHODS Male and female C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injections of 0.5mg/kg muscimol or saline on postnatal days (P) 3-5 and were subjected to behavioural testing, specifically open field, light dark box, marble burying, sucralose preference, social interaction and olfactory habituation/dishabituation tests between P60-90. RESULTS Early postnatal administration of muscimol resulted in reduced anxiety in the light dark box test in both male and female adult mice. Muscimol reduced sucralose preference in males, but not females, whereas female mice showed reduced social behaviours. Regional alterations in cortical thickness were observed in the weeks following GABAA receptor activation, pointing to an evolving structural difference in the brain underlying adult behaviour. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that activation of the GABAA receptor in the first week of life resulted in long-lasting changes in a range of behaviours in adulthood following altered neurodevelopment. Sex of the individual affected the nature and severity of these abnormalities, explaining part of the varied pathophysiology and neurodevelopmental diagnosis that derive from excitatory/inhibitory imbalance.
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Reis SL, Monteiro P. From synaptic dysfunction to atypical emotional processing in autism. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:269-282. [PMID: 38233224 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14801] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition mainly characterized by social impairments and repetitive behaviors. Among these core symptoms, a notable aspect of ASD is the presence of emotional complexities, including high rates of anxiety disorders. The inherent heterogeneity of ASD poses a unique challenge in understanding its etiological origins, yet the utilization of diverse animal models replicating ASD traits has enabled researchers to dissect the intricate relationship between autism and atypical emotional processing. In this review, we delve into the general findings about the neural circuits underpinning one of the most extensively researched and evolutionarily conserved emotional states: fear and anxiety. Additionally, we explore how distinct ASD animal models exhibit various anxiety phenotypes, making them a crucial tool for dissecting ASD's multifaceted nature. Overall, to a proper display of fear response, it is crucial to properly process and integrate sensorial and visceral cues to the fear-induced stimuli. ASD individuals exhibit altered sensory processing, possibly contributing to the emergence of atypical phobias, a prevailing anxiety disorder manifested in this population. Moreover, these individuals display distinctive alterations in a pivotal fear and anxiety processing hub, the amygdala. By examining the neurobiological mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety regulation, we can gain insights into the factors contributing to the distinctive emotional profile observed in individuals with ASD. Such insights hold the potential to pave the way for more targeted interventions and therapies that address the emotional challenges faced by individuals within the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Reis
- Department of Biomedicine - Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine - Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal
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Jones Severino Vasconcelos QD, Silva Frederico MJ, Sousa Alves RD, Jesus Pinheiro Gomes Bandeira TD, Amaral de Moraes ME, Aragão GF. Effects of whey protein supplementation on gut microbiota of Wistar rats with valproic acid-induced autism symptoms. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:213-226. [PMID: 37934065 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0051] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation (1.24 mg/g, 24 days) in rats with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by valproic acid (400 mg/kg, single dose). Materials & methods: Wistar rats (14 days old) were divided into four groups: control, ASD, ASD plus WP and WP. Results: WP increased bacterial diversity and the number of colonies. Bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were predominantly found in the supplemented groups (p < 0.05). WP also improved the animals' memory in the Y-maze test and decreased the time that male animals spent in the 'solitary chamber' (p < 0.05). Conclusion: WP supplementation positively influenced gut microbiota, along with memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata de Sousa Alves
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceara, 60430-160, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gislei Frota Aragão
- Health Science Center, State University of Ceara, 60430-275, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Pizzarelli R, Pimpinella D, Jacobs C, Tartacca A, Kullolli U, Monyer H, Alberini CM, Griguoli M. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) rescues social deficits in NLG3 -/y mouse model of ASDs. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1332179. [PMID: 38298376 PMCID: PMC10827848 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1332179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise developmental disabilities characterized by impairments of social interaction and repetitive behavior, often associated with cognitive deficits. There is no current treatment that can ameliorate most of the ASDs symptomatology; thus, identifying novel therapies is urgently needed. Here, we used the Neuroligin 3 knockout mouse (NLG3-/y), a model that recapitulates the social deficits reported in ASDs patients, to test the effects of systemic administration of IGF-2, a polypeptide that crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a cognitive enhancer. We show that systemic IGF-2 treatment reverses the typical defects in social interaction and social novelty discrimination reflective of ASDs-like phenotypes. This effect was not accompanied by any change in spontaneous glutamatergic synaptic transmission in CA2 hippocampal region, a mechanism found to be crucial for social novelty discrimination. However, in both NLG3+/y and NLG3-/y mice IGF-2 increased cell excitability. Although further investigation is needed to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning IGF-2 effect on social behavior, our findings highlight IGF-2 as a potential pharmacological tool for the treatment of social dysfunctions associated with ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hannah Monyer
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Marilena Griguoli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology of the National Council of Research (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
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Altas B, Tuffy LP, Patrizi A, Dimova K, Soykan T, Brandenburg C, Romanowski AJ, Whitten JR, Robertson CD, Khim SN, Crutcher GW, Ambrozkiewicz MC, Yagensky O, Krueger-Burg D, Hammer M, Hsiao HH, Laskowski PR, Dyck L, Puche AC, Sassoè-Pognetto M, Chua JJE, Urlaub H, Jahn O, Brose N, Poulopoulos A. Region-Specific Phosphorylation Determines Neuroligin-3 Localization to Excitatory Versus Inhibitory Synapses. Biol Psychiatry 2023:S0006-3223(23)01799-7. [PMID: 38154503 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroligin-3 is a postsynaptic adhesion molecule involved in synapse development and function. It is implicated in rare, monogenic forms of autism, and its shedding is critical to the tumor microenvironment of gliomas. While other members of the neuroligin family exhibit synapse-type specificity in localization and function through distinct interactions with postsynaptic scaffold proteins, the specificity of neuroligin-3 synaptic localization remains largely unknown. METHODS We investigated the synaptic localization of neuroligin-3 across regions in mouse and human brain samples after validating antibody specificity in knockout animals. We raised a phospho-specific neuroligin antibody and used phosphoproteomics, cell-based assays, and in utero CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9) knockout and gene replacement to identify mechanisms that regulate neuroligin-3 localization to distinct synapse types. RESULTS Neuroligin-3 exhibits region-dependent synapse specificity, largely localizing to excitatory synapses in cortical regions and inhibitory synapses in subcortical regions of the brain in both mice and humans. We identified specific phosphorylation of cortical neuroligin-3 at a key binding site for recruitment to inhibitory synapses, while subcortical neuroligin-3 remained unphosphorylated. In vitro, phosphomimetic mutation of that site disrupted neuroligin-3 association with the inhibitory postsynaptic scaffolding protein gephyrin. In vivo, phosphomimetic mutants of neuroligin-3 localized to excitatory postsynapses, while phospho-null mutants localized to inhibitory postsynapses. CONCLUSIONS These data reveal an unexpected region-specific pattern of neuroligin-3 synapse specificity, as well as a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism that regulates its recruitment to either excitatory or inhibitory synapses. These findings add to our understanding of how neuroligin-3 is involved in conditions that may affect the balance of excitation and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekir Altas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Liam P Tuffy
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annarita Patrizi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kalina Dimova
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Neuroproteomics Group, Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tolga Soykan
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cheryl Brandenburg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea J Romanowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Julia R Whitten
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Colin D Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Saovleak N Khim
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Garrett W Crutcher
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mateusz C Ambrozkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Yagensky
- Research Group Protein Trafficking in Synaptic Development and Function, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthieu Hammer
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - He-Hsuan Hsiao
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pawel R Laskowski
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lydia Dyck
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Adam C Puche
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - John J E Chua
- Research Group Protein Trafficking in Synaptic Development and Function, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Bioanalytics Group, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Jahn
- Neuroproteomics Group, Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Translational Neuroproteomics Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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Bueno D, Narayan Dey P, Schacht T, Wolf C, Wüllner V, Morpurgo E, Rojas-Charry L, Sessinghaus L, Leukel P, Sommer C, Radyushkin K, Florin L, Baumgart J, Stamm P, Daiber A, Horta G, Nardi L, Vasic V, Schmeisser MJ, Hellwig A, Oskamp A, Bauer A, Anand R, Reichert AS, Ritz S, Nocera G, Jacob C, Peper J, Silies M, Frauenknecht KBM, Schäfer MKE, Methner A. NECAB2 is an endosomal protein important for striatal function. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:643-656. [PMID: 37722569 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic signaling depends on ATP generated by mitochondria. Dysfunctional mitochondria shift the redox balance towards a more oxidative environment. Due to extensive connectivity, the striatum is especially vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that neuronal calcium-binding protein 2 (NECAB2) plays a role in striatal function and mitochondrial homeostasis. NECAB2 is a predominantly endosomal striatal protein which partially colocalizes with mitochondria. This colocalization is enhanced by mild oxidative stress. Global knockout of Necab2 in the mouse results in increased superoxide levels, increased DNA oxidation and reduced levels of the antioxidant glutathione which correlates with an altered mitochondrial shape and function. Striatal mitochondria from Necab2 knockout mice are more abundant and smaller and characterized by a reduced spare capacity suggestive of intrinsic uncoupling respectively mitochondrial dysfunction. In line with this, we also found an altered stress-induced interaction of endosomes with mitochondria in Necab2 knockout striatal cultures. The predominance of dysfunctional mitochondria and the pro-oxidative redox milieu correlates with a loss of striatal synapses and behavioral changes characteristic of striatal dysfunction like reduced motivation and altered sensory gating. Together this suggests an involvement of NECAB2 in an endosomal pathway of mitochondrial stress response important for striatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diones Bueno
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
| | - Partha Narayan Dey
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
| | - Teresa Schacht
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
| | - Christina Wolf
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
| | - Verena Wüllner
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
| | - Elena Morpurgo
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
| | - Liliana Rojas-Charry
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Anatomy, Germany.
| | - Lena Sessinghaus
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute of Neuropathology, Germany.
| | - Petra Leukel
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute of Neuropathology, Germany.
| | - Clemens Sommer
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute of Neuropathology, Germany.
| | - Konstantin Radyushkin
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mouse Behavior Unit, Germany.
| | - Luise Florin
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Virology, Germany.
| | - Jan Baumgart
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Translational Animal Research Center (TARC), Germany.
| | - Paul Stamm
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Center for Cardiology, Germany.
| | - Andreas Daiber
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Center for Cardiology, Germany.
| | - Guilherme Horta
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Anatomy, Germany.
| | - Leonardo Nardi
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Anatomy, Germany.
| | - Verica Vasic
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Anatomy, Germany.
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Anatomy, Germany.
| | - Andrea Hellwig
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
| | - Angela Oskamp
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany.
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany.
| | - Ruchika Anand
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Andreas S Reichert
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Sandra Ritz
- Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB), Mainz, Germany.
| | - Gianluigi Nocera
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
| | - Claire Jacob
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
| | - Jonas Peper
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
| | - Marion Silies
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
| | - Katrin B M Frauenknecht
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute of Neuropathology, Germany; Institute of Neuropathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michael K E Schäfer
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.
| | - Axel Methner
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Germany.
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12
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Modi B, Guardamagna M, Stella F, Griguoli M, Cherubini E, Battaglia FP. State-dependent coupling of hippocampal oscillations. eLife 2023; 12:e80263. [PMID: 37462671 PMCID: PMC10411970 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Oscillations occurring simultaneously in a given area represent a physiological unit of brain states. They allow for temporal segmentation of spikes and support distinct behaviors. To establish how multiple oscillatory components co-vary simultaneously and influence neuronal firing during sleep and wakefulness in mice, we describe a multivariate analytical framework for constructing the state space of hippocampal oscillations. Examining the co-occurrence patterns of oscillations on the state space, across species, uncovered the presence of network constraints and distinct set of cross-frequency interactions during wakefulness compared to sleep. We demonstrated how the state space can be used as a canvas to map the neural firing and found that distinct neurons during navigation were tuned to different sets of simultaneously occurring oscillations during sleep. This multivariate analytical framework provides a window to move beyond classical bivariate pipelines for investigating oscillations and neuronal firing, thereby allowing to factor-in the complexity of oscillation-population interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Guardamagna
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud UniversityNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Federico Stella
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud UniversityNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Marilena Griguoli
- European Brain Research InstituteRomeItaly
- CNR, Institute of Molecular Biology and PathologyRomeItaly
| | | | - Francesco P Battaglia
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud UniversityNijmegenNetherlands
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13
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de Castro Vieira Carneiro CL, Chaves EMC, Neves KRT, Braga MDM, Assreuy AMS, de Moraes MEA, Aragão GF. Behavioral and neuroinflammatory changes caused by glyphosate: Base herbicide in mice offspring. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:488-497. [PMID: 36529538 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glyphosate is a pesticide considered of low toxicity, but scientific evidences show it can be harmful to health. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity in mice offspring exposed to glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) during the intrauterine period. METHODS Female matrices received glyphosate 0.3 mg/kg daily per oral throughout the gestational period, which was variable between 18 and 22 days. From the 25th until the 28th days post-birth, mice offspring were subjected to behavioral tests, and the prefrontal cortex was processed for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS Two significant behavioral changes were observed: anxiety in the GLIF0.3 group, increase in the behavior burying marbles in the marble-burying test and hyperactivity, expressed by the significant increase of the crossing number in the open field test. The increased microglia, TNF-alpha, and astrocyte expression were also observed in the prefrontal cortex of offspring treated with GLIF0.3. CONCLUSION Exposure to GBH during mice intrauterine development induces hyperactive and anxious behavior, evidencing neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kelly Rose Tavares Neves
- Núcleo de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Medicamentos (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Gislei Frota Aragão
- Instituto Superior de Ciências Biomédicas (ISCB), State University of Ceará, Ceará, Brazil.,Núcleo de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Medicamentos (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Ceará, Brazil
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14
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Jeon YS, Jeong D, Kweon H, Kim JH, Kim CY, Oh Y, Lee YH, Kim CH, Kim SG, Jeong JW, Kim E, Lee SH. Adolescent Parvalbumin Expression in the Left Orbitofrontal Cortex Shapes Sociability in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1555-1571. [PMID: 36717231 PMCID: PMC10008055 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0918-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The adolescent social experience is essential for the maturation of the prefrontal cortex in mammalian species. However, it still needs to be determined which cortical circuits mature with such experience and how it shapes adult social behaviors in a sex-specific manner. Here, we examined social-approaching behaviors in male and female mice after postweaning social isolation (PWSI), which deprives social experience during adolescence. We found that the PWSI, particularly isolation during late adolescence, caused an abnormal increase in social approaches (hypersociability) only in female mice. We further found that the PWSI female mice showed reduced parvalbumin (PV) expression in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFCL). When we measured neural activity in the female OFCL, a substantial number of neurons showed higher activity when mice sniffed other mice (social sniffing) than when they sniffed an object (object sniffing). Interestingly, the PWSI significantly reduced both the number of activated neurons and the activity level during social sniffing in female mice. Similarly, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown of PV in the OFCL during late adolescence enhanced sociability and reduced the social sniffing-induced activity in adult female mice via decreased excitability of PV+ neurons and reduced synaptic inhibition in the OFCL Moreover, optogenetic activation of excitatory neurons or optogenetic inhibition of PV+ neurons in the OFCL enhanced sociability in female mice. Our data demonstrate that the adolescent social experience is critical for the maturation of PV+ inhibitory circuits in the OFCL; this maturation shapes female social behavior via enhancing social representation in the OFCL SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Adolescent social isolation often changes adult social behaviors in mammals. Yet, we do not fully understand the sex-specific effects of social isolation and the brain areas and circuits that mediate such changes. Here, we found that adolescent social isolation causes three abnormal phenotypes in female but not male mice: hypersociability, decreased PV+ neurons in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFCL), and decreased socially evoked activity in the OFCL Moreover, parvalbumin (PV) deletion in the OFCL in vivo caused the same phenotypes in female mice by increasing excitation compared with inhibition within the OFCL Our data suggest that adolescent social experience is required for PV maturation in the OFCL, which is critical for evoking OFCL activity that shapes social behaviors in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Seon Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Daun Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hanseul Kweon
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Choong Yeon Kim
- School of Electrical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Youngbin Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Chan Hyuk Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Sang-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jae-Woong Jeong
- School of Electrical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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15
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Lin J, de Rezende VL, de Aguiar da Costa M, de Oliveira J, Gonçalves CL. Cholesterol metabolism pathway in autism spectrum disorder: From animal models to clinical observations. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 223:173522. [PMID: 36717034 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent impairment of social skills, including aspects of perception, interpretation, and response, combined with restricted and repetitive behavior. ASD is a complex and multifactorial condition, and its etiology could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Despite numerous clinical and experimental studies, no etiological factor, biomarker, and specific model of transmission have been consistently associated with ASD. However, an imbalance in cholesterol levels has been observed in many patients, more specifically, a condition of hypocholesterolemia, which seems to be shared between ASD and ASD-related genetic syndromes such as fragile X syndrome (FXS), Rett syndrome (RS), and Smith- Lemli-Opitz (SLO). Furthermore, it is known that alterations in cholesterol levels lead to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, impaired myelination and synaptogenesis. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the cholesterol metabolic pathways in the ASD context, as well as in genetic syndromes related to ASD, through clinical observations and animal models. In fact, SLO, FXS, and RS patients display early behavioral markers of ASD followed by cholesterol disturbances. Several studies have demonstrated the role of cholesterol in psychiatric conditions and how its levels modulate brain neurodevelopment. This review suggests an important relationship between ASD pathology and cholesterol metabolism impairment; thus, some strategies could be raised - at clinical and pre-clinical levels - to explore whether cholesterol metabolism disturbance has a generally adverse effect in exacerbating the symptoms of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Lin
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Victória Linden de Rezende
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maiara de Aguiar da Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jade de Oliveira
- Laboratory for Research in Metabolic Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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16
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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17
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Piskorowski RA, Chevaleyre V. Hippocampal area CA2: interneuron disfunction during pathological states. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1181032. [PMID: 37180763 PMCID: PMC10174260 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1181032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal area CA2 plays a critical role in social recognition memory and has unique cellular and molecular properties that distinguish it from areas CA1 and CA3. In addition to having a particularly high density of interneurons, the inhibitory transmission in this region displays two distinct forms of long-term synaptic plasticity. Early studies on human hippocampal tissue have reported unique alteration in area CA2 with several pathologies and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we present recent studies revealing changes in inhibitory transmission and plasticity of area CA2 in mouse models of multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and propose how these changes could underly deficits in social cognition observed during these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Piskorowski
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Paris, France
- Institute of Biology Paris Seine, Neuroscience Paris Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Rebecca A. Piskorowski,
| | - Vivien Chevaleyre
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Paris, France
- Institute of Biology Paris Seine, Neuroscience Paris Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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18
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital Neurological Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010441. [PMID: 36612763 PMCID: PMC9819725 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Of the many congenital anomalies (CAs) recently linked with community cannabis exposure, arguably the most concerning are neurological CAs (NCAs). We therefore conducted a detailed study of this in fourteen European nations. Methods. Congenital anomaly data were from Eurocat. Drug exposure data were from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank. Results. The Netherlands, Spain, France and Bulgaria reported increasing rates of many NCAs. The NCA rate (NCAR) was higher in nations with increasing daily cannabis use when compared to those without (p = 0.0204, minimum E-value (mEV) = 1.35). At bivariate analysis, the mEVs of the following NCAs were significantly cannabis related: severe microcephaly 2.14 × 1013, craniosynostosis 5.27 × 1011, nervous system 4.87 × 1011, eye 2.73 × 107, microphthalmos 4.07 × 106, anencephalus 710.37, hydrocephalus 245.64, spina bifida 14.86 and neural tube defects 13.15. At inverse probability, weighted panel regression terms including cannabis were significantly related to the following series of anomalies: nervous system, anencephalus, severe microcephalus, microphthalmos, neural tube defect and spina bifida from p = 5.09 × 10−8, <2.2 × 10−16, <2.2 × 10−16, 4.84 × 10−11, <2.2 × 10−16 and 9.69 × 10−7. At geospatial regression, this same series of anomalies had terms including cannabis significant from p = 0.0027, 1.53 × 10−7, 3.65 × 10−6, 2.13 × 10−8, 0.0002 and 9.76 × 10−12. 88.0% of 50 E-value estimates and 72.0% of mEVs > 9. This analysis therefore demonstrates both close association of cannabis exposure with multiple NCAs across space-time and also fulfills the quantitative criteria of causal inferential analysis. Conclusions. Nine NCARs on bivariate and six NCARs on multivariable regression were cannabis related and fulfilled quantitative epidemiological criteria for causality and are consistent with other series. Particular concerns relate to exponential dose−response effects demonstrated in the laboratory and epidemiological studies. Great caution with community cannabinoid penetration is warranted. Data indicate that cannabis is a significant environmental teratogen and thus imply that cannabinoids should be regulated similarly to the manner in which all other important genotoxins are carefully controlled by communities for their self-sustaining longevity and the protection of generations yet to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3844-4000; Fax: +61-7-3844-4015
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Impaired synaptic plasticity in an animal model of autism exhibiting early hippocampal GABAergic-BDNF/TrkB signaling alterations. iScience 2022; 26:105728. [PMID: 36582822 PMCID: PMC9793278 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In Neurodevelopmental Disorders, alterations of synaptic plasticity may trigger structural changes in neuronal circuits involved in cognitive functions. This hypothesis was tested in mice carrying the human R451C mutation of Nlgn3 gene (NLG3R451C KI), found in some families with autistic children. To this aim, the spike time dependent plasticity (STDP) protocol was applied to immature GABAergic Mossy Fibers (MF)-CA3 connections in hippocampal slices from NLG3R451C KI mice. These animals failed to exhibit STD-LTP, an effect that persisted in adulthood when these synapses became glutamatergic. Similar results were obtained in mice lacking the Nlgn3 gene (NLG3 KO mice), suggesting a loss of function. The loss of STD-LTP was associated with a premature shift of GABA from the depolarizing to the hyperpolarizing direction, a reduced BDNF availability and TrkB phosphorylation at potentiated synapses. These effects may constitute a general mechanism underlying cognitive deficits in those forms of Autism caused by synaptic dysfunctions.
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20
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Yang D, Zhao Y, Nie B, An L, Wan X, Wang Y, Wang W, Cai G, Wu S. Progress in magnetic resonance imaging of autism model mice brain. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2022; 13:e1616. [PMID: 35930672 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by social disorder and stereotypical behaviors with an increasing incidence. ASD patients are suffering from varying degrees of mental retardation and language development abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology to detect brain structural and functional dysfunction in vivo, playing an important role in the early diagnosisbasic research of ASD. High-field, small-animal MRI in basic research of autism model mice has provided a new approach to research the pathogenesis, characteristics, and intervention efficacy in autism. This article reviews MRI studies of mouse models of autism over the past 20 years. Reduced gray matter, abnormal connections of brain networks, and abnormal development of white matter fibers have been demonstrated in these studies, which are present in different proportions in the various mouse models. This provides a more macroscopic view for subsequent research on autism model mice. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Genes and Environment Neuroscience > Computation Neuroscience > Genes, Molecules, and Cells Neuroscience > Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingding Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Binbin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Leiting An
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiangdong Wan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guohong Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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21
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Michetti C, Falace A, Benfenati F, Fassio A. Synaptic genes and neurodevelopmental disorders: From molecular mechanisms to developmental strategies of behavioral testing. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105856. [PMID: 36070836 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptopathies are a class of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by modification in genes coding for synaptic proteins. These proteins oversee the process of neurotransmission, mainly controlling the fusion and recycling of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminal, the expression and localization of receptors at the postsynapse and the coupling between the pre- and the postsynaptic compartments. Murine models, with homozygous or heterozygous deletion for several synaptic genes or knock-in for specific pathogenic mutations, have been developed. They have proved to be extremely informative for understanding synaptic physiology, as well as for clarifying the patho-mechanisms leading to developmental delay, epilepsy and motor, cognitive and social impairments that are the most common clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the onset of these disorders emerges during infancy and adolescence while the behavioral phenotyping is often conducted in adult mice, missing important information about the impact of synaptic development and maturation on the manifestation of the behavioral phenotype. Here, we review the main achievements obtained by behavioral testing in murine models of synaptopathies and propose a battery of behavioral tests to improve classification, diagnosis and efficacy of potential therapeutic treatments. Our aim is to underlie the importance of studying behavioral development and better focusing on disease onset and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Falace
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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22
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Liu X, Hua F, Yang D, Lin Y, Zhang L, Ying J, Sheng H, Wang X. Roles of neuroligins in central nervous system development: focus on glial neuroligins and neuron neuroligins. Lab Invest 2022; 20:418. [PMID: 36088343 PMCID: PMC9463862 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that are relevant to many neurodevelopmental disorders. They are differentially enriched at the postsynapse and interact with their presynaptic ligands, neurexins, whose differential binding to neuroligins has been shown to regulate synaptogenesis, transmission, and other synaptic properties. The proper functioning of functional networks in the brain depends on the proper connection between neuronal synapses. Impaired synaptogenesis or synaptic transmission results in synaptic dysfunction, and these synaptic pathologies are the basis for many neurodevelopmental disorders. Deletions or mutations in the neuroligins genes have been found in patients with both autism and schizophrenia. It is because of the important role of neuroligins in synaptic connectivity and synaptic dysfunction that studies on neuroligins in the past have mainly focused on their expression in neurons. As studies on the expression of genes specific to various cells of the central nervous system deepened, neuroligins were found to be expressed in non-neuronal cells as well. In the central nervous system, glial cells are the most representative non-neuronal cells, which can also express neuroligins in large amounts, especially astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and they are involved in the regulation of synaptic function, as are neuronal neuroligins. This review examines the mechanisms of neuron neuroligins and non-neuronal neuroligins in the central nervous system and also discusses the important role of neuroligins in the development of the central nervous system and neurodevelopmental disorders from the perspective of neuronal neuroligins and glial neuroligins.
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23
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Liu G, Yu Q, Tan B, Ke X, Zhang C, Li H, Zhang T, Lu Y. Gut dysbiosis impairs hippocampal plasticity and behaviors by remodeling serum metabolome. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2104089. [PMID: 35876011 PMCID: PMC9327780 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2104089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota as a critical mediator of gut-brain axis plays an important role in human health. Altered gut microbial profiles have been implicated in increasing the vulnerability of psychiatric disorders, such as autism, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the association remain unknown. Here, we modified the gut microbiome with antibiotics in newborn mice, and found that gut microbial alteration induced behavioral impairment by decreasing adult neurogenesis and long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission, and altering the gene expression profile in hippocampus. Reconstitution with normal gut flora produced therapeutic effects against both adult neurogenesis and behavioral deficits in the dysbiosis mice. Furthermore, our results show that circulating metabolites changes mediate the effect of gut dysbiosis on hippocampal plasticity and behavior outcomes. Elevating the serum 4-methylphenol, a small aromatic metabolite produced by gut bacteria, was found to induce autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behavior impairment and hippocampal dysfunction. Together our finding demonstrates that early-life gut dysbiosis and its correlated metabolites change contribute to hippocampal dysfunction and behavior impairment, hence highlight the potential microbiome-mediated therapies for treating psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Quntao Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Bo Tan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Xiao Ke
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Tongmei Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China
| | - Youming Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, province, China,CONTACT Youming Lu Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan4030030, China
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24
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Anstey NJ, Kapgal V, Tiwari S, Watson TC, Toft AKH, Dando OR, Inkpen FH, Baxter PS, Kozić Z, Jackson AD, He X, Nawaz MS, Kayenaat A, Bhattacharya A, Wyllie DJA, Chattarji S, Wood ER, Hardt O, Kind PC. Imbalance of flight-freeze responses and their cellular correlates in the Nlgn3 -/y rat model of autism. Mol Autism 2022; 13:34. [PMID: 35850732 PMCID: PMC9290228 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00511-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the postsynaptic transmembrane protein neuroligin-3 are highly correlative with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs). Fear learning is well studied in models of these disorders, however differences in fear response behaviours are often overlooked. We aim to examine fear behaviour and its cellular underpinnings in a rat model of ASD/ID lacking Nlgn3. METHODS This study uses a range of behavioural tests to understand differences in fear response behaviour in Nlgn3-/y rats. Following this, we examined the physiological underpinnings of this in neurons of the periaqueductal grey (PAG), a midbrain area involved in flight-or-freeze responses. We used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from ex vivo PAG slices, in addition to in vivo local-field potential recordings and electrical stimulation of the PAG in wildtype and Nlgn3-/y rats. We analysed behavioural data with two- and three-way ANOVAS and electrophysiological data with generalised linear mixed modelling (GLMM). RESULTS We observed that, unlike the wildtype, Nlgn3-/y rats are more likely to response with flight rather than freezing in threatening situations. Electrophysiological findings were in agreement with these behavioural outcomes. We found in ex vivo slices from Nlgn3-/y rats that neurons in dorsal PAG (dPAG) showed intrinsic hyperexcitability compared to wildtype. Similarly, stimulating dPAG in vivo revealed that lower magnitudes sufficed to evoke flight behaviour in Nlgn3-/y than wildtype rats, indicating the functional impact of the increased cellular excitability. LIMITATIONS Our findings do not examine what specific cell type in the PAG is likely responsible for these phenotypes. Furthermore, we have focussed on phenotypes in young adult animals, whilst the human condition associated with NLGN3 mutations appears during the first few years of life. CONCLUSIONS We describe altered fear responses in Nlgn3-/y rats and provide evidence that this is the result of a circuit bias that predisposes flight over freeze responses. Additionally, we demonstrate the first link between PAG dysfunction and ASD/ID. This study provides new insight into potential pathophysiologies leading to anxiety disorders and changes to fear responses in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha J Anstey
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Vijayakumar Kapgal
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India.,The University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Shashank Tiwari
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Thomas C Watson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Anna K H Toft
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Owen R Dando
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India.,Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Felicity H Inkpen
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Paul S Baxter
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Zrinko Kozić
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Adam D Jackson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Xin He
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Mohammad Sarfaraz Nawaz
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Aiman Kayenaat
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India.,The University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Aditi Bhattacharya
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - David J A Wyllie
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India.,Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Emma R Wood
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India
| | - Oliver Hardt
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Peter C Kind
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 5 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK. .,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560065, India.
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25
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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26
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Dougnon G, Matsui H. Modelling Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using Mice and Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147550. [PMID: 35886894 PMCID: PMC9319972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.
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27
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Impact of converging sociocultural and substance-related trends on US autism rates: combined geospatiotemporal and causal inferential analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:699-717. [PMID: 35779123 PMCID: PMC10085966 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Whilst cannabis is known to be toxic to brain development, it is unknown if it is driving rising US autism rates (ASMR). A longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted using national autism census data from the US Department of Education Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1991-2011 and nationally representative drug exposure (cigarettes, alcohol, analgesic, and cocaine abuse, and cannabis use monthly, daily, and in pregnancy) datasets from National Survey of Drug Use and Health and US Census (income and ethnicity) and CDC Wonder population and birth data. Analysis was conducted in R. 266,950 were autistic of a population of 40,119,464 8-year-olds in 1994-2011. At national level after adjustment, daily cannabis use was significantly related to ASMR (β estimate = 4.37 (95%C.I. 4.06, 4.68), P < 2.2 × 10-16) as was first pregnancy trimester cannabis exposure (β estimate = 0.12 (0.08, 0.16), P = 1.7 × 10-12). At state level following adjustment for cannabis, cannabigerol (from β estimate = - 13.77 (- 19.41, 8.13), P = 1.8 × 10-6) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (from β estimate = 1.96 (0.88-3.04), P = 4 × 10-4) were significant. Geospatial state-level modelling showed exponential relationship between ASMR and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol exposure. Exponential coefficients for the relationship between modelled ASMR and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol exposure were 7.053 (6.39-7.71) and 185.334 (167.88-202.79; both P < 2.0 × 10-7). E-values are an instrument related to the evidence for causality in observational studies. High E-values were noted. Dichotomized legal status was linked with elevated ASMR. Data show cannabis use is associated with ASMR, is powerful enough to affect overall trends, and persists after controlling for other major covariates. Cannabinoids are exponentially associated with ASMR. The cannabis-autism relationship satisfies criteria of causal inference.
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28
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Qiao H, Tian Y, Huo Y, Man HY. Role of the DUB enzyme USP7 in dendritic arborization, neuronal migration, and autistic-like behaviors in mice. iScience 2022; 25:104595. [PMID: 35800757 PMCID: PMC9253496 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Duplication and haploinsufficiency of the USP7 gene are implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the role for USP7 in neurodevelopment and contribution to ASD pathogenesis remain unknown. We find that in primary neurons, overexpression of USP7 increases dendritic branch number and total dendritic length, whereas knockdown leads to opposite alterations. Besides, USP7 deubiquitinates the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). The USP7-induced increase in XIAP suppresses caspase 3 activity, leading to a reduction in tubulin cleavage and suppression of dendritic pruning. When USP7 is introduced into the brains of prenatal mice via in utero electroporation (IUE), it results in abnormal migration of newborn neurons and increased dendritic arborization. Importantly, intraventricular brain injection of AAV-USP7 in P0 mice leads to autistic-like phenotypes including aberrant social interactions, repetitive behaviors, as well as changes in somatosensory sensitivity. These findings provide new insights in USP7-related neurobiological functions and its implication in ASD. Overexpression of USP7 increases dendritic arborization USP7 targets XIAP for deubiquitination and regulates XIAP proteostasis in neurons USP7 regulates dendritic remodeling via the XIAP-caspase 3-tubulin pathway Prenatal overexpression of USP7 in mice leads to autistic-like behaviors
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29
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Tsurugizawa T. Translational Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Autism Spectrum Disorder From the Mouse Model to Human. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:872036. [PMID: 35585926 PMCID: PMC9108701 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.872036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by behavioral features such as impaired social communication, repetitive behavior patterns, and a lack of interest in novel objects. A multimodal neuroimaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with ASD shows highly heterogeneous abnormalities in function and structure in the brain associated with specific behavioral features. To elucidate the mechanism of ASD, several ASD mouse models have been generated, by focusing on some of the ASD risk genes. A specific behavioral feature of an ASD mouse model is caused by an altered gene expression or a modification of a gene product. Using these mouse models, a high field preclinical MRI enables us to non-invasively investigate the neuronal mechanism of the altered brain function associated with the behavior and ASD risk genes. Thus, MRI is a promising translational approach to bridge the gap between mice and humans. This review presents the evidence for multimodal MRI, including functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and volumetric analysis, in ASD mouse models and in patients with ASD and discusses the future directions for the translational study of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Tsurugizawa
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tomokazu Tsurugizawa,
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30
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Nisar S, Bhat AA, Masoodi T, Hashem S, Akhtar S, Ali TA, Amjad S, Chawla S, Bagga P, Frenneaux MP, Reddy R, Fakhro K, Haris M. Genetics of glutamate and its receptors in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2380-2392. [PMID: 35296811 PMCID: PMC9135628 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01506-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment characterized by deficits in social interaction skills, impaired communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors that are thought to be due to altered neurotransmission processes. The amino acid glutamate is an essential excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain that regulates cognitive functions such as learning and memory, which are usually impaired in ASD. Over the last several years, increasing evidence from genetics, neuroimaging, protein expression, and animal model studies supporting the notion of altered glutamate metabolism has heightened the interest in evaluating glutamatergic dysfunction in ASD. Numerous pharmacological, behavioral, and imaging studies have demonstrated the imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, thus revealing the involvement of the glutamatergic system in ASD pathology. Here, we review the effects of genetic alterations on glutamate and its receptors in ASD and the role of non-invasive imaging modalities in detecting these changes. We also highlight the potential therapeutic targets associated with impaired glutamatergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tayyiba Akbar Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Amjad
- Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, 276001, India
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Michael P Frenneaux
- Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Laboratory of Animal Research, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Neuroligins in neurodevelopmental conditions: how mouse models of de novo mutations can help us link synaptic function to social behavior. Neuronal Signal 2022; 6:NS20210030. [PMID: 35601025 PMCID: PMC9093077 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210030] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental conditions (or neurodevelopmental disorders, NDDs) are highly heterogeneous with overlapping characteristics and shared genetic etiology. The large symptom variability and etiological heterogeneity have made it challenging to understand the biological mechanisms underpinning NDDs. To accommodate this individual variability, one approach is to move away from diagnostic criteria and focus on distinct dimensions with relevance to multiple NDDs. This domain approach is well suited to preclinical research, where genetically modified animal models can be used to link genetic variability to neurobiological mechanisms and behavioral traits. Genetic factors associated with NDDs can be grouped functionally into common biological pathways, with one prominent functional group being genes associated with the synapse. These include the neuroligins (Nlgns), a family of postsynaptic transmembrane proteins that are key modulators of synaptic function. Here, we review how research using Nlgn mouse models has provided insight into how synaptic proteins contribute to behavioral traits associated with NDDs. We focus on how mutations in different Nlgns affect social behaviors, as differences in social interaction and communication are a common feature of most NDDs. Importantly, mice carrying distinct mutations in Nlgns share some neurobiological and behavioral phenotypes with other synaptic gene mutations. Comparing the functional implications of mutations in multiple synaptic proteins is a first step towards identifying convergent neurobiological pathways in multiple brain regions and circuits.
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Caruso A, Ricceri L, Caruso A, Nicoletti F, Gaetano A, Scaccianoce S. Postweaning social isolation and autism-like phenotype: a biochemical and behavioral comparative analysis. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113891. [PMID: 35421428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for brain development. In most mammalian species, disturbances experienced during adolescence constitute a risk factor for several neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we compared the biochemical and behavioral profile induced by postweaning social isolation (PWSI) in inbred C57BL/6N mice with that of BTBR mice, a rodent model of autism spectrum disorders. Male C57BL/6N mice were either housed in groups of four or isolated from weaning (postnatal day 21) for four weeks before experimental analyses. After weaning, male BTBR mice were housed four per cage and analyzed at 48 days of age. PWSI reduced hippocampal levels of type 2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors, and glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. A similar reduction was seen in group-housed BTBR mice. Plasma corticosterone levels in basal conditions were not influenced by PWSI, but were increased in BTBR mice. Social investigation (total and head sniffing) and the number of ultrasonic vocalizations were reduced in both PWSI mice and age-matched group-housed BTBR mice, indicating a lower social responsiveness in both groups of mice. These results suggest that absence of social stimuli during adolescence induces an endophenotype with social deficit features, which mimics the phenotype of a mouse model of autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Caruso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer" University Sapienza of Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer" University Sapienza of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gaetano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer" University Sapienza of Rome, Italy.
| | - Sergio Scaccianoce
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer" University Sapienza of Rome, Italy.
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Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
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Velloso FJ, Wadhwa A, Kumari E, Carcea I, Gunal O, Levison SW. Modestly increasing systemic interleukin-6 perinatally disturbs secondary germinal zone neurogenesis and gliogenesis and produces sociability deficits. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:23-36. [PMID: 34954074 PMCID: PMC8885860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that infections during pregnancy increase the risk of offspring developing Schizophrenia, Autism, Depression and Bipolar Disorder and have implicated interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a causal agent. However, other cytokines have been associated with the developmental origins of psychiatric disorders; therefore, it remains to be established whether elevating IL-6 is sufficient to alter the trajectory of neural development. Furthermore, most rodent studies have manipulated the maternal immune system at mid-gestation, which affects the stem cells and progenitors in both the primary and secondary germinal matrices. Therefore, a question that remains to be addressed is whether elevating IL-6 when the secondary germinal matrices are most active will affect brain development. Here, we have increased IL-6 from postnatal days 3-6 when the secondary germinal matrices are rapidly expanding. Using Nestin-CreERT2 fate mapping we show that this transient increase in IL-6 decreased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus, reduced astrogliogenesis in the amygdala and decreased oligodendrogenesis in the body and splenium of the corpus callosum all by ∼ 50%. Moreover, the IL-6 treatment elicited behavioral changes classically associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. As adults, IL-6 injected male mice lost social preference in the social approach test, spent ∼ 30% less time socially engaging with sexually receptive females and produced ∼ 50% fewer ultrasonic vocalizations during mating. They also engaged ∼ 50% more time in self-grooming behavior and had an increase in inhibitory avoidance. Altogether, these data provide new insights into the biological mechanisms linking perinatal immune activation to complex neurodevelopmental brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Janczur Velloso
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Anna Wadhwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA 07103
| | - Ekta Kumari
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA 07103
| | - Ioana Carcea
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Ozlem Gunal
- Department of Psychiatry, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Steven W. Levison
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA 07103,Correspondence should be addressed to: Steven W. Levison, PhD, Department Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, Phone: 973-972-5162;
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Geotemporospatial and causal inference epidemiological analysis of US survey and overview of cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity in relation to congenital anomalies 2001–2015. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:47. [PMID: 35042455 PMCID: PMC8767720 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02996-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cannabinoids including cannabidiol have recognized genotoxic activities but their significance has not been studied broadly epidemiologically across the teratological spectrum. We examined these issues including contextual space-time relationships and formal causal inferential analysis in USA.
Methods
State congenital anomaly (CA) rate (CAR) data was taken from the annual reports of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network 2001–2005 to 2011–2015. Substance abuse rates were from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health a nationally representative longitudinal survey of the non-institutionalized US population with 74.1% response rate. Drugs examined were cigarettes, monthly and binge alcohol, monthly cannabis and analgesic and cocaine abuse. Early termination of pregnancy for abortion (ETOPFA) rates were taken from the published literature. Cannabinoid concentrations were from Drug Enforcement Agency. Ethnicity and income data were from the US Census Bureau. Inverse probability weighted (IPW) regressions and geotemporospatial regressions conducted for selected CAs.
Results
Data on 18,328,529 births from an aggregated population of 2,377,483,589 for mid-year analyses 2005–2013 comprehending 12,611 CARs for 62 CAs was assembled and ETOPFA-corrected (ETOPFACAR) where appropriate. E-Values for ETOPFACARs by substance trends were elevated for THC (40 CAs), cannabis (35 CAs), tobacco (11 CAs), cannabidiol (8 CAs), monthly alcohol (5 CAs) and binge alcohol (2 CAs) with minimum E-Values descending from 16.55, 1.55x107, 555.10, 7.53x1019, 9.30 and 32.98. Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, chromosomal, limb reductions, urinary, face and body wall CAs particularly affected. Highest v. lowest substance use quintile CAR prevalence ratios 2.84 (95%C.I. 2.44, 3.31), 4.85 (4.08, 5.77) and 1.92 (1.63, 2.27) and attributable fraction in exposed 0.28 (0.27, 0.28), 0.57 (0.51, 0.62) and 0.47 (0.38, 0.55) for tobacco, cannabis and cannabidiol. Small intestinal stenosis or atresia and obstructive genitourinary defect were studied in detail in lagged IPW pseudo-randomized causal regressions and spatiotemporal models confirmed the causal role of cannabinoids. Spatiotemporal predictive modelling demonstrated strongly sigmoidal non-linear cannabidiol dose-response power-function relationships (P = 2.83x10−60 and 1.61x10−71 respectively).
Conclusions
Data implicate cannabinoids including cannabidiol in a diverse spectrum of heritable CAs. Sigmoidal non-linear dose-response relationships are of grave concern.
These transgenerational genotoxic, epigenotoxic, chromosomal-toxic putatively causal teratogenic effects strongly indicate tight restrictions on community cannabinoid penetration.
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Involvement of oxidative pathways and BDNF in the antidepressant effect of carvedilol in a depression model induced by chronic unpredictable stress. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:297-311. [PMID: 35022822 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Depression is a severe psychiatric disorder with oxidative imbalance and neurotrophic deficits as underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVES Based on the antioxidant effects of carvedilol (CARV), here, we aimed to evaluate CARV's effects against depression induced by the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model. METHODS Female Swiss mice were submitted to the CUS protocol for 21 days. Between days 15 and 22, the animals received CARV (5 or 10 mg/kg) or desvenlafaxine (DVS 10 mg/kg) orally. On the 22nd day, mice were subjected to behavioral tests to evaluate locomotion, depressive-like behavior (tail suspension test), motivation/self-care with the splash test (ST), social interaction, and working memory Y-maze test. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were dissected to evaluate alterations of oxidative and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS The CUS model reduced locomotion and increased grooming latency, while it reduced the number of groomings in the ST. Both doses of CARV and DVS reverted these alterations. In addition, DVS and CARV reversed CUS model-induced working memory and social interaction deficits. The CUS model decreased hippocampal reduced glutathione (GSH), while DVS and CARV increased GSH in the PFC (CARV5) and hippocampus (CARV5 and 10). The CUS model increased nitrite and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in both areas. All treatments reversed nitrite alterations, while CARV10 changed MDA levels in PFC and all treatments in the hippocampus. The CUS model reduced BDNF levels. CARV10 increased BDNF in the PFC, while both doses of CARV increased hippocampal levels of this neurotrophin. CONCLUSIONS CARV presents antidepressant-like effects comparable to those observed with DVS. In addition, it has an antioxidant effect and is capable of increasing BDNF brain concentrations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant effect of CARV.
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Vasconcelos GS, Dos Santos Júnior MA, Monte AS, da Silva FER, Lima CNDC, Moreira Lima Neto AB, Medeiros IDS, Teixeira AL, de Lucena DF, Vasconcelos SMM, Macedo DS. Low-dose candesartan prevents schizophrenia-like behavioral alterations in a neurodevelopmental two-hit model of schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110348. [PMID: 33984421 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with complex etiopathogenesis. Based on its neurodevelopmental features, an animal model induced by "two-hit" based on perinatal immune activation followed by peripubertal unpredictable stress was proposed. Sex influences the immune response, and concerning schizophrenia, it impacts the age of onset and symptoms severity. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the influence of sex in schizophrenia is poorly understood. Our study aimed to evaluate sex influence on proinflammatory and oxidant alterations in male and female mice exposed to the two-hit model of schizophrenia, and its prevention by candesartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker with neuroprotective properties. The two-hit model induced schizophrenia-like behavioral changes in animals of both sexes. Hippocampal microglial activation alongside the increased expression of NF-κB, and proinflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-1β and TNF-α, were observed in male animals. Conversely, females presented increased hippocampal and plasma levels of nitrite and plasma lipid peroxidation. Peripubertal administration of low-dose candesartan (0.3 mg/kg PO) prevented behavioral, hippocampal, and systemic changes in male and female mice. While these results indicate the influence of sex on inflammatory and oxidative changes induced by the two-hit model, candesartan was effective in both males and females. The present study advances the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex influence in schizophrenia and opens new avenues to prevent this devasting mental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Silva Vasconcelos
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Manuel Alves Dos Santos Júnior
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Aline Santos Monte
- University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (Unilab-CE), Brazil
| | - Francisco Eliclécio Rodrigues da Silva
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Camila Nayane de Carvalho Lima
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Ingridy da Silva Medeiros
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa BH, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth Houston, United States of America
| | - David Freitas de Lucena
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Silvânia Maria Mendes Vasconcelos
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Macedo
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Super-resolved 3D-STED microscopy identifies a layer-specific increase in excitatory synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region of Neuroligin-3 KO mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 582:144-149. [PMID: 34715405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The chemical synapse is one type of cell-adhesion system that transmits information from a neuron to another neuron in the complex neuronal network in the brain. Synaptic transmission is the rate-limiting step during the information processing in the neuronal network and its plasticity is involved in cognitive functions. Thus, morphological and electrophysiological analyses of synapses are of particular importance in neuroscience research. In the current study, we applied super-resolved three-dimensional stimulated emission depletion (3D-STED) microscopy for the morphological analyses of synapses. This approach allowed us to estimate the precise number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the mouse hippocampal tissue. We discovered a region-specific increase in excitatory synapses in a model mouse of autism spectrum disorder, Neuroligin-3 KO, with this method. This type of analysis will open a new field in developmental neuroscience in the future.
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de Araújo FYR, Chaves Filho AJM, Nunes AM, de Oliveira GV, Gomes PXL, Vasconcelos GS, Carletti J, de Moraes MO, de Moraes ME, Vasconcelos SMM, de Sousa FCF, de Lucena DF, Macedo DS. Involvement of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and BDNF up-regulating properties in the antipsychotic-like effect of the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet in mice: a comparative study with olanzapine. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:2283-2297. [PMID: 34491479 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00821-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The current drug therapy for schizophrenia effectively treats acute psychosis and its recurrence; however, this mental disorder's cognitive and negative symptoms are still poorly controlled. Antipsychotics present important side effects, such as weight gain and extrapyramidal effects. The essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAZ) leaves presents potential antipsychotic properties that need further preclinical investigation. Here, we determined EAOZ effects in preventing and reversing schizophrenia-like symptoms (positive, negative, and cognitive) induced by ketamine (KET) repeated administration in mice and putative neurobiological mechanisms related to this effect. We conducted the behavioral evaluations of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), social interaction, and working memory (Y-maze task), and verified antioxidant (GSH, nitrite levels), anti-inflammatory [interleukin (IL)-6], and neurotrophic [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] effects of this oil in hippocampal tissue. The atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (OLZ) was used as standard drug therapy. EOAZ, similarly to OLZ, prevented and reversed most KET-induced schizophrenia-like behavioral alterations, i.e., sensorimotor gating deficits and social impairment. EOAZ had a modest effect on the prevention of KET-associated working memory deficit. Compared to OLZ, EOAZ showed a more favorable side effects profile, inducing less cataleptic and weight gain changes. EOAZ efficiently protected the hippocampus against KET-induced oxidative imbalance, IL-6 increments, and BDNF impairment. In conclusion, our data add more mechanistic evidence for the anti-schizophrenia effects of EOAZ, based on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and BDNF up-regulating actions. The absence of significant side effects observed in current antipsychotic drug therapy seems to be an essential benefit of the oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Yvelize Ramos de Araújo
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Adriano José Maia Chaves Filho
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Adriana Mary Nunes
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Gersilene Valente de Oliveira
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Xavier Lima Gomes
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Germana Silva Vasconcelos
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carletti
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabete de Moraes
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Drug Research and Development Center, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Silvânia Maria Mendes Vasconcelos
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisca Cléa Florenço de Sousa
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - David Freitas de Lucena
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Macedo
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1000, 60431-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Neuroligin-3 Regulates Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and EPSP-Spike Coupling in the Dentate Gyrus In Vivo. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:1098-1111. [PMID: 34845591 PMCID: PMC8857112 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3), a neuronal adhesion protein implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is expressed at excitatory and inhibitory postsynapses and hence may regulate neuronal excitation/inhibition balance. To test this hypothesis, we recorded field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the dentate gyrus of Nlgn3 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice. Synaptic transmission evoked by perforant path stimulation was reduced in KO mice, but coupling of the fEPSP to the population spike was increased, suggesting a compensatory change in granule cell excitability. These findings closely resemble those in neuroligin-1 (Nlgn1) KO mice and could be partially explained by the reduction in Nlgn1 levels we observed in hippocampal synaptosomes from Nlgn3 KO mice. However, unlike Nlgn1, Nlgn3 is not necessary for long-term potentiation. We conclude that while Nlgn1 and Nlgn3 have distinct functions, both are required for intact synaptic transmission in the mouse dentate gyrus. Our results indicate that interactions between neuroligins may play an important role in regulating synaptic transmission and that ASD-related neuroligin mutations may also affect the synaptic availability of other neuroligins.
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The K63 deubiquitinase CYLD modulates autism-like behaviors and hippocampal plasticity by regulating autophagy and mTOR signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110755118. [PMID: 34782467 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110755118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nondegradative ubiquitin chains attached to specific targets via Lysine 63 (K63) residues have emerged to play a fundamental role in synaptic function. The K63-specific deubiquitinase CYLD has been widely studied in immune cells and lately also in neurons. To better understand if CYLD plays a role in brain and synapse homeostasis, we analyzed the behavioral profile of CYLD-deficient mice. We found that the loss of CYLD results in major autism-like phenotypes including impaired social communication, increased repetitive behavior, and cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, the absence of CYLD leads to a reduction in hippocampal network excitability, long-term potentiation, and pyramidal neuron spine numbers. By providing evidence that CYLD can modulate mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and autophagy at the synapse, we propose that synaptic K63-linked ubiquitination processes could be fundamental in understanding the pathomechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder.
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Pietropaolo S, Marsicano G. The role of the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorder: Lessons from behavioral studies on mouse models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:664-678. [PMID: 34813825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an impressive amount of research devoted to understanding the etiopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developing therapies for this syndrome. Because of the lack of biomarkers of ASD, this work has been largely based on the behavioral characterization of rodent models, based on a multitude of genetic and environmental manipulations. Here we highlight how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently emerged within this context of mouse behavioral studies as an etiopathological factor in ASD and a valid potential therapeutic target. We summarize the most recent results showing alterations of the ECS in rodent models of ASD, and demonstrating ASD-like behaviors in mice with altered ECS, induced either by genetic or pharmacological manipulations. We also give a critical overview of the most relevant advances in designing treatments and novel mouse models for ASD targeting the ECS, highlighting the relevance of thorough and innovative behavioral approaches to investigate the mechanisms acting underneath the complex features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33077, Bordeaux Cedex, France
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43
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Delling JP, Boeckers TM. Comparison of SHANK3 deficiency in animal models: phenotypes, treatment strategies, and translational implications. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:55. [PMID: 34784886 PMCID: PMC8594088 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, which is characterized by clinical heterogeneity and high heritability. Core symptoms of ASD include deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Many genes have been identified that are associated with an increased risk for ASD. Proteins encoded by these ASD risk genes are often involved in processes related to fetal brain development, chromatin modification and regulation of gene expression in general, as well as the structural and functional integrity of synapses. Genes of the SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) family encode crucial scaffolding proteins (SHANK1-3) of excitatory synapses and other macromolecular complexes. SHANK gene mutations are highly associated with ASD and more specifically the Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS), which is caused by heterozygous 22q13.3-deletion resulting in SHANK3-haploinsufficiency, or by SHANK3 missense variants. SHANK3 deficiency and potential treatment options have been extensively studied in animal models, especially in mice, but also in rats and non-human primates. However, few of the proposed therapeutic strategies have translated into clinical practice yet. MAIN TEXT This review summarizes the literature concerning SHANK3-deficient animal models. In particular, the structural, behavioral, and neurological abnormalities are described and compared, providing a broad and comprehensive overview. Additionally, the underlying pathophysiologies and possible treatments that have been investigated in these models are discussed and evaluated with respect to their effect on ASD- or PMDS-associated phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Animal models of SHANK3 deficiency generated by various genetic strategies, which determine the composition of the residual SHANK3-isoforms and affected cell types, show phenotypes resembling ASD and PMDS. The phenotypic heterogeneity across multiple models and studies resembles the variation of clinical severity in human ASD and PMDS patients. Multiple therapeutic strategies have been proposed and tested in animal models, which might lead to translational implications for human patients with ASD and/or PMDS. Future studies should explore the effects of new therapeutic approaches that target genetic haploinsufficiency, like CRISPR-mediated activation of promotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Delling
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany. .,Ulm Site, DZNE, Ulm, Germany.
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Uchigashima M, Cheung A, Futai K. Neuroligin-3: A Circuit-Specific Synapse Organizer That Shapes Normal Function and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Dysfunction. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:749164. [PMID: 34690695 PMCID: PMC8526735 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.749164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses provide a vital foundation for neuron-neuron communication and overall brain function. By tethering closely apposed molecular machinery for presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic signal transduction, circuit- and context- specific synaptic properties can drive neuronal computations for animal behavior. Trans-synaptic signaling via synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) serves as a promising mechanism to generate the molecular diversity of chemical synapses. Neuroligins (Nlgns) were discovered as postsynaptic CAMs that can bind to presynaptic CAMs like Neurexins (Nrxns) at the synaptic cleft. Among the four (Nlgn1-4) or five (Nlgn1-3, Nlgn4X, and Nlgn4Y) isoforms in rodents or humans, respectively, Nlgn3 has a heterogeneous expression and function at particular subsets of chemical synapses and strong association with non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several lines of evidence have suggested that the unique expression and function of Nlgn3 protein underlie circuit-specific dysfunction characteristic of non-syndromic ASD caused by the disruption of Nlgn3 gene. Furthermore, recent studies have uncovered the molecular mechanism underlying input cell-dependent expression of Nlgn3 protein at hippocampal inhibitory synapses, in which trans-synaptic signaling of specific alternatively spliced isoforms of Nlgn3 and Nrxn plays a critical role. In this review article, we overview the molecular, anatomical, and physiological knowledge about Nlgn3, focusing on the circuit-specific function of mammalian Nlgn3 and its underlying molecular mechanism. This will provide not only new insight into specific Nlgn3-mediated trans-synaptic interactions as molecular codes for synapse specification but also a better understanding of the pathophysiological basis for non-syndromic ASD associated with functional impairment in Nlgn3 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motokazu Uchigashima
- Department of Cellular Neuropathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Amy Cheung
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kensuke Futai
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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Kawamura A, Katayama Y, Nishiyama M, Shoji H, Tokuoka K, Ueta Y, Miyata M, Isa T, Miyakawa T, Hayashi-Takagi A, Nakayama KI. Oligodendrocyte dysfunction due to Chd8 mutation gives rise to behavioral deficits in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:1274-1291. [PMID: 32142125 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the chromatin remodeler CHD8 are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). CHD8 haploinsufficiency also results in autistic phenotypes in humans and mice. Although myelination defects have been observed in individuals with ASD, whether oligodendrocyte dysfunction is responsible for autistic phenotypes has remained unknown. Here we show that reduced expression of CHD8 in oligodendrocytes gives rise to abnormal behavioral phenotypes in mice. CHD8 was found to regulate the expression of many myelination-related genes and to be required for oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination. Ablation of Chd8 specifically in oligodendrocytes of mice impaired myelination, slowed action potential propagation and resulted in behavioral deficits including increased social interaction and anxiety-like behavior, with similar effects being apparent in Chd8 heterozygous mutant mice. Our results thus indicate that CHD8 is essential for myelination and that dysfunction of oligodendrocytes as a result of CHD8 haploinsufficiency gives rise to several neuropsychiatric phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Kawamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Katayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nishiyama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kota Tokuoka
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ueta
- Department of Physiology I (Neurophysiology), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Mariko Miyata
- Department of Physiology I (Neurophysiology), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Tadashi Isa
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akiko Hayashi-Takagi
- Laboratory of Medical Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8512, Japan.,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Feng S, Huang H, Wang N, Wei Y, Liu Y, Qin D. Sleep Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights From Animal Models, Especially Non-human Primate Model. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:673372. [PMID: 34093147 PMCID: PMC8173056 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.673372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with deficient social skills, communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of ASD has increased among children in recent years. Children with ASD experience more sleep problems, and sleep appears to be essential for the survival and integrity of most living organisms, especially for typical synaptic development and brain plasticity. Many methods have been used to assess sleep problems over past decades such as sleep diaries and parent-reported questionnaires, electroencephalography, actigraphy and videosomnography. A substantial number of rodent and non-human primate models of ASD have been generated. Many of these animal models exhibited sleep disorders at an early age. The aim of this review is to examine and discuss sleep disorders in children with ASD. Toward this aim, we evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, phenotypic analyses, and pathophysiological brain mechanisms of ASD. We highlight the current state of animal models for ASD and explore their implications and prospects for investigating sleep disorders associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufei Feng
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Na Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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Caioni G, Merola C, Perugini M, d’Angelo M, Cimini AM, Amorena M, Benedetti E. An Experimental Approach to Study the Effects of Realistic Environmental Mixture of Linuron and Propamocarb on Zebrafish Synaptogenesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094664. [PMID: 33925709 PMCID: PMC8124988 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The reasons behind the extensive use of pesticides include the need to destroy vector organisms and promote agricultural production in order to sustain population growth. Exposure to pesticides is principally occupational, even if their persistence in soil, surface water and food brings the risk closer to the general population, hence the demand for risk assessment, since these compounds exist not only as individual chemicals but also in form of mixtures. In light of this, zebrafish represents a suitable model for the evaluation of toxicological effects. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed for 96 h post fertilization (hpf) to sublethal concentrations (350 µg/L) of linuron and propamocarb, used separately and then combined in a single solution. We investigated the effects on morphological traits and the expression of genes known to be implicated in synaptogenesis (neurexin1a and neuroligin3b). We observed alterations in some phenotypic parameters, such as head width and interocular distance, that showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) for the mixture treatment. After individual exposure, the analysis of gene expression showed an imbalance at the synaptic level, which was partially recovered by the simultaneous administration of linuron and propamocarb. This preliminary study demonstrates that the combined substances were responsible for some unpredictable effects, diverging from the effect observed after single exposure. Thus, it is clear that risk assessment should be performed not only on single pesticides but also on their mixtures, the toxicological dynamics of which can be totally unpredictable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Caioni
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.C.); (M.d.); (A.M.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Carmine Merola
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Monia Perugini
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861-266988
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.C.); (M.d.); (A.M.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Anna Maria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.C.); (M.d.); (A.M.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Michele Amorena
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.C.); (M.d.); (A.M.C.); (E.B.)
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da Costa AEM, Gomes NS, Gadelha Filho CVJ, Linhares MGOES, da Costa RO, Chaves Filho AJM, Cordeiro RC, Vasconcelos GS, da Silva FER, Araujo TDS, Vasconcelos SMM, Lucena DF, Macêdo DS. Sex influences in the preventive effects of peripubertal supplementation with N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in mice exposed to the two-hit model of schizophrenia. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173949. [PMID: 33607108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder. The animal model based on perinatal immune activation, as first-hit, combined with peripubertal stress, as a second hit, has gained evidence in recent years. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) is being a promise for schizophrenia prevention. Nevertheless, the influence of sex in schizophrenia neurobiology and prevention has been neglected. Thus, the present study evaluates the preventive effects of n3-PUFAs in both sexes' mice submitted to the two-hit model and the participation of oxidative changes in this mechanism. The two-hit consisted of polyI:C administration from postnatal days (PNs) 5-7, and unpredictable stress from PNs35-43. n3-PUFAs were administered from PNs30-60. Prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), social interaction, and Y-maze tests were conducted between PNs70-72 to evaluate positive-, negative-, and cognitive-like schizophrenia symptoms. We assessed brain oxidative changes in brain areas and plasma. Both sexes' two-hit mice presented deficits in PPI, social interaction, and working memory that were prevented by n3-PUFAs. In two-hit females, n3-PUFAs prevented increments in nitrite levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, striatum, and plasma TBARS levels. In two-hit males, n3-PUFAs prevented the increase in TBARS in the PFC, hippocampus, and striatum. Notably, male mice that received only n3-PUFAs without hit exposure presented impairments in working memory and social interaction. These results add further preclinical evidence for n3-PUFAs as an accessible and effective alternative in preventing behavioral and oxidative changes related to schizophrenia but call attention to the need for precaution in this indication due to hit- and sex-sensitive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayane Edwiges Moura da Costa
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Nayana Soares Gomes
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Carlos Venício Jatai Gadelha Filho
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Roberta Oliveira da Costa
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Adriano José Maia Chaves Filho
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Carneiro Cordeiro
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Germana Silva Vasconcelos
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Eliclécio Rodrigues da Silva
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tatiane da Silva Araujo
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Silvânia Maria Mendes Vasconcelos
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - David Freitas Lucena
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Macêdo
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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49
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Hartig R, Wolf D, Schmeisser MJ, Kelsch W. Genetic influences of autism candidate genes on circuit wiring and olfactory decoding. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:581-595. [PMID: 33515293 PMCID: PMC7872953 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Olfaction supports a multitude of behaviors vital for social communication and interactions between conspecifics. Intact sensory processing is contingent upon proper circuit wiring. Disturbances in genetic factors controlling circuit assembly and synaptic wiring can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where impaired social interactions and communication are core symptoms. The variability in behavioral phenotype expression is also contingent upon the role environmental factors play in defining genetic expression. Considering the prevailing clinical diagnosis of ASD, research on therapeutic targets for autism is essential. Behavioral impairments may be identified along a range of increasingly complex social tasks. Hence, the assessment of social behavior and communication is progressing towards more ethologically relevant tasks. Garnering a more accurate understanding of social processing deficits in the sensory domain may greatly contribute to the development of therapeutic targets. With that framework, studies have found a viable link between social behaviors, circuit wiring, and altered neuronal coding related to the processing of salient social stimuli. Here, the relationship between social odor processing in rodents and humans is examined in the context of health and ASD, with special consideration for how genetic expression and neuronal connectivity may regulate behavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Hartig
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - David Wolf
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kelsch
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany. .,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131, Mainz, Germany. .,Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
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50
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Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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