1
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Arezoumand KS, Roberts CT, Rastegar M. Metformin Induces MeCP2 in the Hippocampus of Male Mice with Sex-Specific and Brain-Region-Dependent Molecular Impact. Biomolecules 2024; 14:505. [PMID: 38672521 PMCID: PMC11048179 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040505] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a progressive X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with no cure. RTT patients show disease-associated symptoms within 18 months of age that include developmental regression, progressive loss of useful hand movements, and breathing difficulties, along with neurological impairments, seizures, tremor, and mental disability. Rett Syndrome is also associated with metabolic abnormalities, and the anti-diabetic drug metformin is suggested to be a potential drug of choice with low or no side-effects. Previously, we showed that in vitro exposure of metformin in a human brain cell line induces MECP2E1 transcripts, the dominant isoform of the MECP2 gene in the brain, mutations in which causes RTT. Here, we report the molecular impact of metformin in mice. Protein analysis of specific brain regions in the male and female mice by immunoblotting indicated that metformin induces MeCP2 in the hippocampus, in a sex-dependent manner. Additional experiments confirm that the regulatory role of metformin on the MeCP2 target "BDNF" is brain region-dependent and sex-specific. Measurement of the ribosomal protein S6 (in both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms) confirms the sex-dependent role of metformin in the liver. Our results can help foster a better understanding of the molecular impact of metformin in different brain regions of male and female adult mice, while providing some insight towards its potential in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Rett Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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2
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Crawford BI, Talley MJ, Russman J, Riddle J, Torres S, Williams T, Longworth MS. Condensin-mediated restriction of retrotransposable elements facilitates brain development in Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2716. [PMID: 38548759 PMCID: PMC10978865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) maintenance is essential for ensuring that organisms are born with proper brain volumes and head sizes. Microcephaly is a disorder in which babies are born with significantly smaller head sizes and cortical volumes. Mutations in subunits of the DNA organizing complex condensin have been identified in microcephaly patients. However, the molecular mechanisms by which condensin insufficiency causes microcephaly remain elusive. We previously identified conserved roles for condensins in repression of retrotransposable elements (RTEs). Here, we show that condensin subunit knockdown in NSPCs of the Drosophila larval central brain increases RTE expression and mobility which causes cell death, and significantly decreases adult head sizes and brain volumes. These findings suggest that unrestricted RTE expression and activity may lead to improper brain development in condensin insufficient organisms, and lay the foundation for future exploration of causative roles for RTEs in other microcephaly models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert I Crawford
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Mary Jo Talley
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Joshua Russman
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - James Riddle
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Sabrina Torres
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Troy Williams
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Michelle S Longworth
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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3
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Gomathi M, Dhivya V, Padmavathi V, Pradeepkumar M, Robert Wilson S, Kumar NS, Balachandar V. Genetic Instability and Disease Progression of Indian Rett Syndrome Patients. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03882-y. [PMID: 38147229 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is the rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene with a prevalence of 1:10,000 worldwide. The hallmark clinical features of RTT are developmental delay, microcephaly, repetitive behaviours, gait abnormalities, respiratory abnormalities and seizures. Still, the understanding on the diagnosis of RTT among clinicians are less. The aim of our work was to study various clinical manifestations and a spectrum of MECP2 genetic heterogeneity in RTT patients from South Indian population. We screened 208 autistic patients and diagnosed 20 RTT patients, who were further divided into classical RTT (group I; N = 11) and variant RTT (group II; N = 9). The clinical severity of RTT was measured using RSSS, RSBQ, SSI, SSS and RTT gross motor scale. The biochemical analysis showed that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), plasma dopamine and cholesterol levels were higher in group I when compared to group II, whereas the level of blood pressure, calcium, ferritin and high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly decreased in both RTT groups, when compared to the control group. The genetic mutational spectrum of MECP2 mutations were found in 12/20 of RTT patients, which revealed the occurrence of 60% pathogenic mutation and 20% unknown mutation and it was correlated with the clinical finding of respiratory dysfunction, scoliosis and sleeping problems. The significant results of this study provided clinical and genetic aspects of RTT diagnosis and proposed the clinicians to screen abnormal cholesterol, calcium and TSH levels tailed with MECP2 gene mutations for early prognosis of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Gomathi
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641021, India.
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 046, India.
| | - Venkatesan Dhivya
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641021, India
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 046, India
| | - Vijayakumar Padmavathi
- Department of Microbiology, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, 635601, India
| | - Murugasamy Pradeepkumar
- Department of Medical Genetics, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Civil Aerodrome Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641014, India
| | - S Robert Wilson
- SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kancheepuram District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Nachimuthu Senthil Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Vellingiri Balachandar
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 046, India
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
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4
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Oluigbo DC. Rett Syndrome: A Tale of Altered Genetics, Synaptic Plasticity, and Neurodevelopmental Dynamics. Cureus 2023; 15:e41555. [PMID: 37554594 PMCID: PMC10405636 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is a leading cause of severe cognitive and physical impairment. RTT typically occurs in females, although rare cases of males with the disease exist. Its genetic cause, symptoms, and clinical progression timeline have also become well-documented since its initial discovery. However, a relatively late diagnosis and lack of an available cure signify that our understanding of the disease is incomplete. Innovative research methods and tools are thereby helping to fill gaps in our knowledge of RTT. Specifically, mouse models of RTT, video analysis, and retrospective parental analysis are well-established tools that provide valuable insights into RTT. Moreover, current and anticipated treatment options are improving the quality of life of the RTT patient population. Collectively, these developments are creating optimistic future perspectives for RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Oluigbo
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
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5
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Rahn RM, Yen A, Chen S, Gaines SH, Bice AR, Brier LM, Swift RG, Lee L, Maloney SE, Culver JP, Dougherty JD. Mecp2 deletion results in profound alterations of developmental and adult functional connectivity. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:7436-7453. [PMID: 36897048 PMCID: PMC10267622 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad050] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As a regressive neurodevelopmental disorder with a well-established genetic cause, Rett syndrome and its Mecp2 loss-of-function mouse model provide an excellent opportunity to define potentially translatable functional signatures of disease progression, as well as offer insight into the role of Mecp2 in functional circuit development. Thus, we applied widefield optical fluorescence imaging to assess mesoscale calcium functional connectivity (FC) in the Mecp2 cortex both at postnatal day (P)35 in development and during the disease-related decline. We found that FC between numerous cortical regions was disrupted in Mecp2 mutant males both in juvenile development and early adulthood. Female Mecp2 mice displayed an increase in homotopic contralateral FC in the motor cortex at P35 but not in adulthood, where instead more posterior parietal regions were implicated. An increase in the amplitude of connection strength, both with more positive correlations and more negative anticorrelations, was observed across the male cortex in numerous functional regions. Widespread rescue of MeCP2 protein in GABAergic neurons rescued none of these functional deficits, nor, surprisingly, the expected male lifespan. Altogether, the female results identify early signs of disease progression, while the results in males indicate MeCP2 protein is required for typical FC in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Rahn
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Allen Yen
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Seana H Gaines
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Annie R Bice
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Lindsey M Brier
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Raylynn G Swift
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - LeiLani Lee
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Joseph P Culver
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Physics, Washington University School of Arts and Sciences, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Engineering, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
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6
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Modeling RTT Syndrome by iPSC-Derived Neurons from Male and Female Patients with Heterogeneously Severe Hot-Spot MECP2 Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214491. [PMID: 36430969 PMCID: PMC9697612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214491] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome caused by MECP2 variants is characterized by a heterogenous clinical spectrum accounted for in 60% of cases by hot-spot variants. Focusing on the most frequent variants, we generated in vitro iPSC-neurons from the blood of RTT girls with p.Arg133Cys and p.Arg255*, associated to mild and severe phenotype, respectively, and of an RTT male harboring the close to p.Arg255*, p.Gly252Argfs*7 variant. Truncated MeCP2 proteins were revealed by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. We compared the mutant versus control neurons at 42 days for morphological parameters and at 120 days for electrophysiology recordings, including girls' isogenic clones. A precocious reduced morphological complexity was evident in neurons with truncating variants, while in p.Arg133Cys neurons any significant differences were observed in comparison with the isogenic wild-type clones. Reduced nuclear size and branch number show up as the most robust biomarkers. Patch clamp recordings on mature neurons allowed the assessment of cell biophysical properties, V-gated currents, and spiking pattern in the mutant and control cells. Immature spiking, altered cell capacitance, and membrane resistance of RTT neurons, were particularly pronounced in the Arg255* and Gly252Argfs*7 mutants. The overall results indicate that the specific markers of in vitro cellular phenotype mirror the clinical severity and may be amenable to drug testing for translational purposes.
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7
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Li D, Mei L, Li H, Hu C, Zhou B, Zhang K, Qiao Z, Xu X, Xu Q. Brain structural alterations in young girls with Rett syndrome: A voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics study. Front Neuroinform 2022; 16:962197. [PMID: 36156984 PMCID: PMC9493495 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2022.962197] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function variants in the MECP2 gene, currently with no cure. Neuroimaging is an important tool for obtaining non-invasive structural and functional information about the in vivo brain. Multiple approaches to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have been utilized effectively in RTT patients to understand the possible pathological basis. This study combined developmental evaluations with clinical severity, T1-weighted imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging, aiming to explore the structural alterations in cohorts of young girls with RTT, idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or typical development. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to determine the voxel-wised volumetric characteristics of gray matter, while tract-based spatial statistics (SPSS) was used to obtain voxel-wised properties of white matter. Finally, a correlation analysis between the brain structural alterations and the clinical evaluations was performed. In the RTT group, VBM revealed decreased gray matter volume in the insula, frontal cortex, calcarine, and limbic/paralimbic regions; TBSS demonstrated decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD) mainly in the corpus callosum and other projection and association fibers such as superior longitudinal fasciculus and corona radiata. The social impairment quotient and clinical severity were associated with these morphometric alterations. This monogenic study with an early stage of RTT may provide some valuable guidance for understanding the disease pathogenesis. At the same time, the pediatric-adjusted analytic pipelines for VBM and TBSS were introduced for significant improvement over classical approaches for MRI scans in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyun Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianni Mei
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunchun Hu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingrui Zhou
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaifeng Zhang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwei Qiao
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhongwei Qiao
| | - Xiu Xu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Xiu Xu
| | - Qiong Xu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Qiong Xu
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8
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Takeguchi R, Kuroda M, Tanaka R, Suzuki N, Akaba Y, Tsujimura K, Itoh M, Takahashi S. Structural and functional changes in the brains of patients with Rett syndrome: A multimodal MRI study. J Neurol Sci 2022; 441:120381. [PMID: 36027642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the relationship between structural and functional changes in the brains of patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Nine subjects with typical RTT (RTTs) and an equal number of healthy controls (HCs) underwent structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). The measurements obtained from each modality were statistically compared between RTTs and HCs and examined for their correlation with the clinical severity of RTTs. RESULTS Structural MRI imaging revealed volume reductions in most cortical and subcortical regions of the brain. Remarkable volume reductions were observed in the frontal and parietal lobes, cerebellum, and subcortical regions including the putamen, hippocampus, and corpus callosum. DTI analysis revealed decreased white matter integrity in broad regions of the brain. Fractional anisotropy values were greatly decreased in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, corpus callosum, and middle cerebellar peduncle. Rs-fMRI analysis showed decreased functional connectivity in the interhemispheric dorsal attention network, and between the visual and cerebellar networks. The clinical severity of RTTs correlated with the volume reduction of the frontal lobe and cerebellum, and with changes in DTI indices in the fronto-occipital fasciculus, corpus callosum, and cerebellar peduncles. CONCLUSION Regional volume and white matter integrity of RTT brains were reduced in broad areas, while most functional connections remained intact. Notably, two functional connectivities, between cerebral hemispheres and between the cerebrum and cerebellum, were decreased in RTT brains, which may reflect the structural changes in these brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Takeguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan.
| | - Mami Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Akaba
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan; Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Masayuki Itoh
- Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
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9
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Yildirim M, Delepine C, Feldman D, Pham VA, Chou S, Ip J, Nott A, Tsai LH, Ming GL, So PTC, Sur M. Label-free three-photon imaging of intact human cerebral organoids for tracking early events in brain development and deficits in Rett syndrome. eLife 2022; 11:78079. [PMID: 35904330 PMCID: PMC9337854 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids are unique in their development of progenitor-rich zones akin to ventricular zones from which neuronal progenitors differentiate and migrate radially. Analyses of cerebral organoids thus far have been performed in sectioned tissue or in superficial layers due to their high scattering properties. Here, we demonstrate label-free three-photon imaging of whole, uncleared intact organoids (~2 mm depth) to assess early events of early human brain development. Optimizing a custom-made three-photon microscope to image intact cerebral organoids generated from Rett Syndrome patients, we show defects in the ventricular zone volumetric structure of mutant organoids compared to isogenic control organoids. Long-term imaging live organoids reveals that shorter migration distances and slower migration speeds of mutant radially migrating neurons are associated with more tortuous trajectories. Our label-free imaging system constitutes a particularly useful platform for tracking normal and abnormal development in individual organoids, as well as for screening therapeutic molecules via intact organoid imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Yildirim
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Chloe Delepine
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Danielle Feldman
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Vincent A Pham
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Stephanie Chou
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jacque Ip
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexi Nott
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Peter T C So
- Deparment of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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10
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Zhao F, Zhang H, Wang P, Cui W, Xu K, Chen D, Hu M, Li Z, Geng X, Wei S. Oxytocin and serotonin in the modulation of neural function: Neurobiological underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:919890. [PMID: 35937893 PMCID: PMC9354980 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.919890] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of generalized neurodevelopmental disorders. Its main clinical features are social communication disorder and repetitive stereotyped behavioral interest. The abnormal structure and function of brain network is the basis of social dysfunction and stereotyped performance in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The number of patients diagnosed with ASD has increased year by year, but there is a lack of effective intervention and treatment. Oxytocin has been revealed to effectively improve social cognitive function and significantly improve the social information processing ability, empathy ability and social communication ability of ASD patients. The change of serotonin level also been reported affecting the development of brain and causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, such as anxiety, depression like behavior, stereotyped behavior. Present review will focus on the research progress of serotonin and oxytocin in the pathogenesis, brain circuit changes and treatment of autism. Revealing the regulatory effect and neural mechanism of serotonin and oxytocin on patients with ASD is not only conducive to a deeper comprehension of the pathogenesis of ASD, but also has vital clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Zifa Li,
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiwen Geng,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
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11
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Akaba Y, Shiohama T, Komaki Y, Seki F, Ortug A, Sawada D, Uchida W, Kamagata K, Shimoji K, Aoki S, Takahashi S, Suzuki T, Natsume J, Takahashi E, Tsujimura K. Comprehensive Volumetric Analysis of Mecp2-Null Mouse Model for Rett Syndrome by T2-Weighted 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:885335. [PMID: 35620663 PMCID: PMC9127869 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.885335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe progressive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by various neurological symptoms. Almost all RTT cases are caused by mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, and several mouse models have been established to understand the disease. However, the neuroanatomical abnormalities in each brain region of RTT mouse models have not been fully understood. Here, we investigated the global and local neuroanatomy of the Mecp2 gene-deleted RTT model (Mecp2-KO) mouse brain using T2-weighted 3D magnetic resonance imaging with different morphometry to clarify the brain structural abnormalities that are involved in the pathophysiology of RTT. We found a significant reduction in global and almost all local volumes in the brain of Mecp2-KO mice. In addition, a detailed comparative analysis identified specific volume reductions in several brain regions in the Mecp2-deficient brain. Our analysis also revealed that the Mecp2-deficient brain shows changes in hemispheric asymmetry in several brain regions. These findings suggest that MeCP2 affects not only the whole-brain volume but also the region-specific brain structure. Our study provides a framework for neuroanatomical studies of a mouse model of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Akaba
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya, Japan
- Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Tadashi Shiohama
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuji Komaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Seki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alpen Ortug
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daisuke Sawada
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wataru Uchida
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Kamagata
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keigo Shimoji
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jun Natsume
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Developmental Disability Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya, Japan
- Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Keita Tsujimura,
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12
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Shiohama T, Tsujimura K. Quantitative Structural Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analyses: Methodological Overview and Application to Rett Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:835964. [PMID: 35450016 PMCID: PMC9016334 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.835964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital genetic disorders often present with neurological manifestations such as neurodevelopmental disorders, motor developmental retardation, epilepsy, and involuntary movement. Through qualitative morphometric evaluation of neuroimaging studies, remarkable structural abnormalities, such as lissencephaly, polymicrogyria, white matter lesions, and cortical tubers, have been identified in these disorders, while no structural abnormalities were identified in clinical settings in a large population. Recent advances in data analysis programs have led to significant progress in the quantitative analysis of anatomical structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI tractography, and these approaches have been used to investigate psychological and congenital genetic disorders. Evaluation of morphometric brain characteristics may contribute to the identification of neuroimaging biomarkers for early diagnosis and response evaluation in patients with congenital genetic diseases. This mini-review focuses on the methodologies and attempts employed to study Rett syndrome using quantitative structural brain MRI analyses, including voxel- and surface-based morphometry and diffusion-weighted MRI tractography. The mini-review aims to deepen our understanding of how neuroimaging studies are used to examine congenital genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Shiohama
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tadashi Shiohama,
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya, Japan
- Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
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13
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Kong Y, Li QB, Yuan ZH, Jiang XF, Zhang GQ, Cheng N, Dang N. Multimodal Neuroimaging in Rett Syndrome With MECP2 Mutation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:838206. [PMID: 35280272 PMCID: PMC8904872 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.838206] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe cognitive, social, and physical impairments resulting from de novo mutations in the X-chromosomal methyl-CpG binding protein gene 2 (MECP2). While there is still no cure for RTT, exploring up-to date neurofunctional diagnostic markers, discovering new potential therapeutic targets, and searching for novel drug efficacy evaluation indicators are fundamental. Multiple neuroimaging studies on brain structure and function have been carried out in RTT-linked gene mutation carriers to unravel disease-specific imaging features and explore genotype-phenotype associations. Here, we reviewed the neuroimaging literature on this disorder. MRI morphologic studies have shown global atrophy of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) and regional variations in brain maturation. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have demonstrated reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in left peripheral WM areas, left major WM tracts, and cingulum bilaterally, and WM microstructural/network topology changes have been further found to be correlated with behavioral abnormalities in RTT. Cerebral blood perfusion imaging studies using single-photon emission CT (SPECT) or PET have evidenced a decreased global cerebral blood flow (CBF), particularly in prefrontal and temporoparietal areas, while magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and PET studies have contributed to unraveling metabolic alterations in patients with RTT. The results obtained from the available reports confirm that multimodal neuroimaging can provide new insights into a complex interplay between genes, neurotransmitter pathway abnormalities, disease-related behaviors, and clinical severity. However, common limitations related to the available studies include small sample sizes and hypothesis-based and region-specific approaches. We, therefore, conclude that this field is still in its early development phase and that multimodal/multisequence studies with improved post-processing technologies as well as combined PET–MRI approaches are urgently needed to further explore RTT brain alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Kong
| | - Qiu-bo Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhao-hong Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiu-fang Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Gu-qing Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Gu-qing Zhang
| | - Nan Cheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Na Dang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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14
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Singh J, Lanzarini E, Nardocci N, Santosh P. Movement disorders in patients with Rett syndrome: A systematic review of evidence and associated clinical considerations. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 75:369-393. [PMID: 34472659 PMCID: PMC9298304 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM This systematic review identified and thematically appraised clinical evidence of movement disorders in patients with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHOD Using PRISMA criteria, six electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2021. A thematic analysis was then undertaken on the extracted data to identify potential themes. RESULTS Following the thematic analysis, six themes emerged: (i) clinical features of abnormal movement behaviors; (ii) mutational profile and its impact on movement disorders; (iii) symptoms and stressors that impact on movement disorders; (iv) possible underlying neurobiological mechanisms; (v) quality of life and movement disorders; and (vi) treatment of movement disorders. Current guidelines for managing movement disorders in general were then reviewed to provide possible treatment recommendations for RTT. CONCLUSION Our study offers an enriched data set for clinical investigations and treatment of fine and gross motor issues in RTT. A detailed understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships of movement disorders allows for more robust genetic counseling for families but can also assist healthcare professionals in terms of monitoring disease progression in RTT. The synthesis also showed that environmental enrichment would be beneficial for improving some aspects of movement disorders. The cerebellum, basal ganglia, alongside dysregulation of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop, are likely anatomical targets. A review of treatments for movement disorders also helped to provide recommendations for treating and managing movement disorders in patients with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Evamaria Lanzarini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Nardo Nardocci
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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15
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WGCNA Identifies Translational and Proteasome-Ubiquitin Dysfunction in Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189954. [PMID: 34576118 PMCID: PMC8465861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is an X linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, resulting in severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Despite an apparent normal prenatal and postnatal development period, symptoms usually present around 6 to 18 months of age. Little is known about the consequences of MeCP2 deficiency at a molecular and cellular level before the onset of symptoms in neural cells, and subtle changes at this highly sensitive developmental stage may begin earlier than symptomatic manifestation. Recent transcriptomic studies of patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-differentiated neurons and brain organoids harbouring pathogenic mutations in MECP2, have unravelled new insights into the cellular and molecular changes caused by these mutations. Here we interrogated transcriptomic modifications in RTT patients using publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets of patient iPSCs harbouring pathogenic mutations and healthy control iPSCs by Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA). Preservation analysis identified core gene pathways involved in translation, ribosomal function, and ubiquitination perturbed in some MECP2 mutant iPSC lines. Furthermore, differential gene expression of the parental fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons revealed alterations in genes in the ubiquitination pathway and neurotransmission in fibroblasts and differentiated neurons respectively. These findings might suggest that global translational dysregulation and proteasome ubiquitin function in Rett syndrome begins in progenitor cells prior to lineage commitment and differentiation into neural cells.
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16
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Haase FD, Coorey B, Riley L, Cantrill LC, Tam PPL, Gold WA. Pre-clinical Investigation of Rett Syndrome Using Human Stem Cell-Based Disease Models. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:698812. [PMID: 34512241 PMCID: PMC8423999 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.698812] [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: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder, mostly caused by mutations in MECP2. The disorder mainly affects girls and it is associated with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Modeling RTT in neural and glial cell cultures and brain organoids derived from patient- or mutation-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of RTT, such as disease-causing mechanisms, disease progression, and cellular and molecular pathology enabling the identification of actionable therapeutic targets. Brain organoid models that recapitulate much of the tissue architecture and the complexity of cell types in the developing brain, offer further unprecedented opportunity for elucidating human neural development, without resorting to conventional animal models and the limited resource of human neural tissues. This review focuses on the new knowledge of RTT that has been gleaned from the iPSC-based models as well as limitations of the models and strategies to refine organoid technology in the quest for clinically relevant disease models for RTT and the broader spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia D. Haase
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronte Coorey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Riley
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurence C. Cantrill
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick P. L. Tam
- Embryology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy A. Gold
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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17
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Wang J, Wang Z, Zhang H, Feng S, Lu Y, Wang S, Wang H, Sun YE, Chen Y. White Matter Structural and Network Topological Changes Underlying the Behavioral Phenotype of MECP2 Mutant Monkeys. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:5396-5410. [PMID: 34117744 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the brain structural basis underlying the behavioral abnormalities associated with Rett syndrome (RTT), we carried out detailed longitudinal noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging analyses of RTT monkey models created by gene-editing, from weaning, through adolescence, till sexual maturation. Here, we report abnormal developmental dynamics of brain white matter (WM) microstructures and network topological organizations via diffusion tensor imaging. Specifically, disrupted WM microstructural integrity was observed at 9 months, but recovered thereafter, whereas WM network topological properties showed persistent abnormal dynamics from 9 to 37 months. Changes in the WM microstructure and WM network topology were correlated well with RTT-associated behavioral abnormalities including sleep latency, environmental exploration, and conflict encounters. Deleterious and protracted early WM myelination process likely lead to abnormal synaptic pruning, resulting in poor functional segregations. Together, this study provides initial evidence for changes in WM microstructure and network topological organization, which may underlie the neuro-patho-etilogy of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojian Wang
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hongjiang Zhang
- Department of MRI, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Shufei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yi Lu
- The Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yi Eve Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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18
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Scaramuzza L, De Rocco G, Desiato G, Cobolli Gigli C, Chiacchiaretta M, Mirabella F, Pozzi D, De Simone M, Conforti P, Pagani M, Benfenati F, Cesca F, Bedogni F, Landsberger N. The enhancement of activity rescues the establishment of Mecp2 null neuronal phenotypes. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e12433. [PMID: 33665914 PMCID: PMC8033520 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MECP2 mutations cause Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe and progressive neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females. Although RTT patients exhibit delayed onset of symptoms, several evidences demonstrate that MeCP2 deficiency alters early development of the brain. Indeed, during early maturation, Mecp2 null cortical neurons display widespread transcriptional changes, reduced activity, and defective morphology. It has been proposed that during brain development these elements are linked in a feed-forward cycle where neuronal activity drives transcriptional and morphological changes that further increase network maturity. We hypothesized that the enhancement of neuronal activity during early maturation might prevent the onset of RTT-typical molecular and cellular phenotypes. Accordingly, we show that the enhancement of excitability, obtained by adding to neuronal cultures Ampakine CX546, rescues transcription of several genes, neuronal morphology, and responsiveness to stimuli. Greater effects are achieved in response to earlier treatments. In vivo, short and early administration of CX546 to Mecp2 null mice prolongs lifespan, delays the disease progression, and rescues motor abilities and spatial memory, thus confirming the value for RTT of an early restoration of neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Scaramuzza
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Present address:
Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”MilanItaly
| | - Giuseppina De Rocco
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Genni Desiato
- IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalMilanItaly
- CNR Institute of NeuroscienceMilanItaly
| | - Clementina Cobolli Gigli
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Present address:
Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Martina Chiacchiaretta
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
- Present address:
Department of NeuroscienceTufts University School of MedicineBostonMAUSA
| | - Filippo Mirabella
- IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalMilanItaly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Davide Pozzi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalMilanItaly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Marco De Simone
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”MilanItaly
- Present address:
Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos Angeles, CAUSA
| | - Paola Conforti
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”MilanItaly
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Massimiliano Pagani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”MilanItaly
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
- Present address:
Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
- Present address:
Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos Angeles, CAUSA
| | - Francesco Bedogni
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Present address:
Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI)Division of NeuroscienceSchool of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
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19
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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20
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Mohan G, Bharathi G, Vellingiri B. A Middle-aged Woman With Severe Scoliosis and Encephalopathy. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:251-252. [PMID: 33196788 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.4270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gomathi Mohan
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Geetha Bharathi
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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21
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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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22
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Singh J, Lanzarini E, Santosh P. Organic features of autonomic dysregulation in paediatric brain injury - Clinical and research implications for the management of patients with Rett syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:809-827. [PMID: 32861739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The understanding of this autonomic dysregulation remains incomplete and treatment recommendations are lacking. By searching literature regarding childhood brain injury, we wanted to see whether understanding autonomic dysregulation following childhood brain injury as a prototype can help us better understand the autonomic dysregulation in RTT. Thirty-one (31) articles were identified and following thematic analysis the three main themes that emerged were (A) Recognition of Autonomic Dysregulation, (B) Possible Mechanisms & Assessment of Autonomic Dysregulation and (C) Treatment of Autonomic Dysregulation. We conclude that in patients with RTT (I) anatomically, thalamic and hypothalamic function should be explored, (II) sensory issues and medication induced side effects that can worsen autonomic function should be considered, and (III) diaphoresis and dystonia ought to be better managed. Our synthesis of data from autonomic dysregulation in paediatric brain injury has led to increased knowledge and a better understanding of its underpinnings, leading to the development of application protocols in children with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Evamaria Lanzarini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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23
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Sysoeva OV, Molholm S, Djukic A, Frey HP, Foxe JJ. Atypical processing of tones and phonemes in Rett Syndrome as biomarkers of disease progression. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:188. [PMID: 32522978 PMCID: PMC7287060 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00877-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to severe motor impairments and the lack of expressive language abilities seen in most patients with Rett Syndrome (RTT), it has proven extremely difficult to obtain accurate measures of auditory processing capabilities in this population. Here, we examined early auditory cortical processing of pure tones and more complex phonemes in females with Rett Syndrome (RTT), by recording high-density auditory evoked potentials (AEP), which allow for objective evaluation of the timing and severity of processing deficits along the auditory processing hierarchy. We compared AEPs of 12 females with RTT to those of 21 typically developing (TD) peers aged 4-21 years, interrogating the first four major components of the AEP (P1: 60-90 ms; N1: 100-130 ms; P2: 135-165 ms; and N2: 245-275 ms). Atypicalities were evident in RTT at the initial stage of processing. Whereas the P1 showed increased amplitude to phonemic inputs relative to tones in TD participants, this modulation by stimulus complexity was absent in RTT. Interestingly, the subsequent N1 did not differ between groups, whereas the following P2 was hugely diminished in RTT, regardless of stimulus complexity. The N2 was similarly smaller in RTT and did not differ as a function of stimulus type. The P2 effect was remarkably robust in differentiating between groups with near perfect separation between the two groups despite the wide age range of our samples. Given this robustness, along with the observation that P2 amplitude was significantly associated with RTT symptom severity, the P2 has the potential to serve as a monitoring, treatment response, or even surrogate endpoint biomarker. Compellingly, the reduction of P2 in patients with RTT mimics findings in animal models of RTT, providing a translational bridge between pre-clinical and human research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Sysoeva
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA ,grid.240283.f0000 0001 2152 0791The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA ,grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124The Laboratory of Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sophie Molholm
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA ,grid.240283.f0000 0001 2152 0791The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Aleksandra Djukic
- grid.240283.f0000 0001 2152 0791The Rett Syndrome Center, Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Hans-Peter Frey
- grid.240283.f0000 0001 2152 0791The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - John J. Foxe
- grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA ,grid.240283.f0000 0001 2152 0791The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
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24
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Smith ES, Smith DR, Eyring C, Braileanu M, Smith-Connor KS, Ei Tan Y, Fowler AY, Hoffman GE, Johnston MV, Kannan S, Blue ME. Altered trajectories of neurodevelopment and behavior in mouse models of Rett syndrome. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106962. [PMID: 30502397 PMCID: PMC8040058 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a genetic disorder that is caused by mutations in the x-linked gene coding for methyl-CpG-biding-protein 2 (MECP2) and that mainly affects females. Male and female transgenic mouse models of RTT have been studied extensively, and we have learned a great deal regarding RTT neuropathology and how MeCP2 deficiency may be influencing brain function and maturation. In this manuscript we review what is known concerning structural and coinciding functional and behavioral deficits in RTT and in mouse models of MeCP2 deficiency. We also introduce our own corroborating data regarding behavioral phenotype and morphological alterations in volume of the cortex and striatum and the density of neurons, aberrations in experience-dependent plasticity within the barrel cortex and the impact of MeCP2 loss on glial structure. We conclude that regional structural changes in genetic models of RTT show great similarity to the alterations in brain structure of patients with RTT. These region-specific modifications often coincide with phenotype onset and contribute to larger issues of circuit connectivity, progression, and severity. Although the alterations seen in mouse models of RTT appear to be primarily due to cell-autonomous effects, there are also non-cell autonomous mechanisms including those caused by MeCP2-deficient glia that negatively impact healthy neuronal function. Collectively, this body of work has provided a solid foundation on which to continue to build our understanding of the role of MeCP2 on neuronal and glial structure and function, its greater impact on neural development, and potential new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dani R Smith
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Charlotte Eyring
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria Braileanu
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Karen S Smith-Connor
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yew Ei Tan
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amanda Y Fowler
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Gloria E Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mary E Blue
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Kadam SD, Sullivan BJ, Goyal A, Blue ME, Smith-Hicks C. Rett Syndrome and CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder: From Bench to Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205098. [PMID: 31618813 PMCID: PMC6834180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) are two rare X-linked developmental brain disorders with overlapping but distinct phenotypic features. This review examines the impact of loss of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) on clinical phenotype, deficits in synaptic- and circuit-homeostatic mechanisms, seizures, and sleep. In particular, we compare the overlapping and contrasting features between RTT and CDD in clinic and in preclinical studies. Finally, we discuss lessons learned from recent clinical trials while reviewing the findings from pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa D Kadam
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Brennan J Sullivan
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Archita Goyal
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Mary E Blue
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Constance Smith-Hicks
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurological disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Almost two decades of research into RTT have greatly advanced our understanding of the function and regulation of the multifunctional protein MeCP2. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how loss of MeCP2 impacts different stages of brain development, discuss recent findings demonstrating the molecular role of MeCP2 as a transcriptional repressor, assess primary and secondary effects of MeCP2 loss and examine how loss of MeCP2 can result in an imbalance of neuronal excitation and inhibition at the circuit level along with dysregulation of activity-dependent mechanisms. These factors present challenges to the search for mechanism-based therapeutics for RTT and suggest specific approaches that may be more effective than others.
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27
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Zhang B, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Zhang T, Ma Y, Niu Y, Ji W, Chen Y. Social-valence-related increased attention in rett syndrome cynomolgus monkeys: An eye-tracking study. Autism Res 2019; 12:1585-1597. [PMID: 31389199 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The cognitive phenotypes of Rett syndrome (RTT) remain unclarified compared with the well-defined genetic etiology. Recent clinical studies suggest the eye-tracking method as a promising avenue to quantify the visual phenotypes of the syndrome. The present study explored various aspects of visual attention of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene mutant RTT monkeys with the eye-tracking procedure. Comprehensive testing paradigms, including social valence comparison (SVC), visual paired comparison (VPC), and social recognition memory (SRM), were utilized to investigate their attentional features to social stimuli with differential valence, the novelty preferences, and short-term recognition memory, respectively. To explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the eye-tracking findings, we assessed changes of the brain subregion volumes and neurotransmitter concentrations. Compared with control monkeys, RTT monkeys demonstrated increased viewing on the more salient stare faces than profile faces in the SVC test, and increased viewing on the whole presented images composed of monkey faces in the VPC and SRM tests. Brain imaging revealed reduced bilateral occipital gyrus in RTT monkeys. The exploratory neurotransmitter analyses revealed no significant changes of various neurotransmitter concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of RTT monkeys. The eye-tracking results suggested social-valence-related increased attention in RTT monkeys, supplementing the cognitive phenotypes associated with the syndrome. Further investigations from broader perspectives are required to uncover the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Autism Res 2019, 00: 1-13. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Altered expressions of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are usually associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, Rett syndrome (RTT), and so forth. The present eye-tracking study found social-valence-related increased attention in our firstly established MECP2 mutant RTT monkeys. The novel findings supplement the cognitive phenotypes and potentially benefit the behavioral interventions of the RTT syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yin Zhou
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanye Ma
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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28
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Stallworth JL, Dy ME, Buchanan CB, Chen CF, Scott AE, Glaze DG, Lane JB, Lieberman DN, Oberman LM, Skinner SA, Tierney AE, Cutter GR, Percy AK, Neul JL, Kaufmann WE. Hand stereotypies: Lessons from the Rett Syndrome Natural History Study. Neurology 2019; 92:e2594-e2603. [PMID: 31053667 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize hand stereotypies (HS) in a large cohort of participants with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHODS Data from 1,123 girls and women enrolled in the RTT Natural History Study were gathered. Standard tests for continuous and categorical variables were used at baseline. For longitudinal data, we used repeated-measures linear and logistic regression models and nonparametric tests. RESULTS HS were reported in 922 participants with classic RTT (100%), 73 with atypical severe RTT (97.3%), 74 with atypical mild RTT (96.1%), and 17 females with MECP2 mutations without RTT (34.7%). Individuals with RTT who had classic presentation or severe MECP2 mutations had higher frequency and earlier onset of HS. Heterogeneity of HS types was confirmed, but variety decreased over time. At baseline, almost half of the participants with RTT had hand mouthing, which like clapping/tapping, decreased over time. These 2 HS types were more frequently reported than wringing/washing. Increased HS severity (prevalence and frequency) was associated with worsened measures of hand function. Number and type of HS were not related to hand function. Overall clinical severity was worse with decreased hand function but only weakly related to any HS characteristic. While hand function decreased over time, prevalence and frequency of HS remained relatively unchanged and high. CONCLUSIONS Nearly all individuals with RTT have severe and multiple types of HS, with mouthing and clapping/tapping decreasing over time. Interaction between HS frequency and hand function is complex. Understanding the natural history of HS in RTT could assist in clinical care and evaluation of new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Stallworth
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marisela E Dy
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Caroline B Buchanan
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Chin-Fu Chen
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alexandra E Scott
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jane B Lane
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - David N Lieberman
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Steven A Skinner
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Aubin E Tierney
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gary R Cutter
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alan K Percy
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
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Urgen BM, Topac Y, Ustun FS, Demirayak P, Oguz KK, Kansu T, Saygi S, Ozcelik T, Boyaci H, Doerschner K. Homozygous LAMC3 mutation links to structural and functional changes in visual attention networks. Neuroimage 2019; 190:242-253. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Shiohama T, Levman J, Takahashi E. Surface- and voxel-based brain morphologic study in Rett and Rett-like syndrome with MECP2 mutation. Int J Dev Neurosci 2019; 73:83-88. [PMID: 30690146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare congenital disorder which in most cases (95%) is caused by methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) mutations. RTT is characterized by regression in global development, epilepsy, autistic features, acquired microcephaly, habitual hand clapping, loss of purposeful hand skills, and autonomic dysfunctions. Although the literature has demonstrated decreased volumes of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and the caudate nucleus in RTT patients, surface-based brain morphology including cortical thickness and cortical gyrification analyses are lacking in RTT. We present quantitative surface- and voxel-based morphological measurements in young children with RTT and Rett-like syndrome (RTT-l) with MECP2 mutations. The 8 structural T1-weighted MR images were obtained from 7 female patients with MECP2 mutations (3 classic RTT, 2 variant RTT, and 2 RTT-l) (mean age 5.2 [standard deviation 3.3] years old). Our analyses demonstrated decreased total volumes of the cerebellum in RTT/RTT-l compared to gender- and age-matched controls (t (22)=-2.93, p = .008, Cohen's d = 1.27). In contrast, global cerebral cortical surface areas, global/regional cortical thicknesses, the degree of global gyrification, and global/regional gray and white matter volumes were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Our findings, as well as literature findings, suggest that early brain abnormalities associated with RTT/RTT-l (with MECP2 mutations) can be detected as regionally decreased cerebellar volumes. Decreased cerebellar volume may be helpful for understanding the etiology of RTT/RTT-l.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Shiohama
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Inohana 1-8-1, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 2608670, Japan.
| | - Jacob Levman
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, St. Francis Xavier University, 2323 Notre Dame Ave, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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31
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Zhao C, Yang L, Xie S, Zhang Z, Pan H, Gong G. Hemispheric Module-Specific Influence of the X Chromosome on White Matter Connectivity: Evidence from Girls with Turner Syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2019; 29:4580-4594. [PMID: 30615091 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTurner syndrome (TS) is caused by the congenital absence of all or part of one of the X chromosomes in females, offering a valuable human “knockout model” to study the functioning patterns of the X chromosome in the human brain. Little is known about whether and how the loss of the X chromosome influences the brain structural wiring patterns in human. We acquired a multimodal MRI dataset and cognitive assessments from 22 girls with TS and 21 age-matched control girls to address these questions. Hemispheric white matter (WM) networks and modules were derived using refined diffusion MRI tractography. Statistical comparisons revealed a reduced topological efficiency of both hemispheric networks and bilateral parietal modules in TS girls. Specifically, the efficiency of right parietal module significantly mediated the effect of the X chromosome on working memory performance, indicating that X chromosome loss impairs working memory performance by disrupting this module. Additionally, TS girls showed structural and functional connectivity decoupling across specific within- and between-modular connections, predominantly in the right hemisphere. These findings provide novel insights into the functional pathways in the brain that are regulated by the X chromosome and highlight a module-specific genetic contribution to WM connectivity in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Xie
- Department of Radiology, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Pan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gaolang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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32
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Townend GS, van de Berg R, de Breet LHM, Hiemstra M, Wagter L, Smeets E, Widdershoven J, Kingma H, Curfs LMG. Oculomotor Function in Individuals With Rett Syndrome. Pediatr Neurol 2018; 88:48-58. [PMID: 30340908 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) are notoriously reliant on the use of eye gaze as a primary means of communication. Underlying an ability to communicate successfully via eye gaze is a complex matrix of requirements, with an intact oculomotor system being just one element. To date, the underlying neural and motor pathways associated with eye gaze are relatively under-researched in RTT. PURPOSE This study was undertaken to plug this gap in knowledge and to further the understanding of RTT in one specific area of development and function, namely oculomotor function. MATERIAL AND METHODS The eye movements of 18 girls and young women with RTT were assessed by electronystagmography (ENG). This tested their horizontal saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements as well as optokinetic nystagmus and vestibulo-ocular reflex. Their results were compared with normative data collected from 16 typically developing children and teenagers. RESULTS Overall, the individuals with RTT demonstrated a range of eye movements on a par with their typically developing peers. However, there were a number of difficulties in executing the ENG testing with the RTT cohort which made quantitative analysis tricky, such as reduced motivation and attention to test materials and low-quality electrode signals. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that individuals with RTT have an intact oculomotor system. However, modifications should be made to the ENG assessment procedure to combat problems in testing and add strength to the results. Further investigation into these testing difficulties is warranted in order to inform such modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian S Townend
- Rett Expertise Centre Netherlands - GKC, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Rett Expertise Centre Netherlands - GKC, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | | | - Monique Hiemstra
- Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Wagter
- Faculty of Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Smeets
- Rett Expertise Centre Netherlands - GKC, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Josine Widdershoven
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Leopold M G Curfs
- Rett Expertise Centre Netherlands - GKC, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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33
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Jeon SJ, Gonzales EL, Mabunga DFN, Valencia ST, Kim DG, Kim Y, Adil KJL, Shin D, Park D, Shin CY. Sex-specific Behavioral Features of Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Exp Neurobiol 2018; 27:321-343. [PMID: 30429643 PMCID: PMC6221834 DOI: 10.5607/en.2018.27.5.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is an important factor in understanding the clinical presentation, management, and developmental trajectory of children with neuropsychiatric disorders. While much is known about the clinical and neurobehavioral profiles of males with neuropsychiatric disorders, surprisingly little is known about females in this respect. Animal models may provide detailed mechanistic information about sex differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in terms of manifestation, disease progression, and development of therapeutic options. This review aims to widen our understanding of the role of sex in autism spectrum disorder, by summarizing and comparing behavioral characteristics of animal models. Our current understanding of how differences emerge in boys and girls with neuropsychiatric disorders is limited: Information derived from animal studies will stimulate future research on the role of biological maturation rates, sex hormones, sex-selective protective (or aggravating) factors and psychosocial factors, which are essential to devise sex precision medicine and to improve diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, there is a strong need of novel strategies to elucidate the major mechanisms leading to sex-specific autism features, as well as novel models or methods to examine these sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Jeon
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea.,Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Darine Froy N Mabunga
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Schley T Valencia
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Do Gyeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Yujeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Keremkleroo Jym L Adil
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Dongpil Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Donghyun Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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34
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Li Y, Shen M, Stockton ME, Zhao X. Hippocampal deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 165:106945. [PMID: 30321651 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders result from impaired development or maturation of the central nervous system. Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders; however, the exact causes are frequently complex and unclear. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders may have deficits with diverse manifestations, including challenges with sensory function, motor function, learning, memory, executive function, emotion, anxiety, and social ability. Although these functions are mediated by multiple brain regions, many of them are dependent on the hippocampus. Extensive research supports important roles of the mammalian hippocampus in learning and cognition. In addition, with its high levels of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and lifelong neurogenesis, the hippocampus is sensitive to experience and exposure and susceptible to disease and injury. In this review, we first summarize hippocampal deficits seen in several human neurodevelopmental disorders, and then discuss hippocampal impairment including hippocampus-dependent behavioral deficits found in animal models of these neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Minjie Shen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Michael E Stockton
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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35
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Shovlin S, Tropea D. Transcriptome level analysis in Rett syndrome using human samples from different tissues. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:113. [PMID: 29996871 PMCID: PMC6042368 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of neuro-genetic disorders have been mostly investigated in the brain, however, for some pathologies, transcriptomic analysis in multiple tissues represent an opportunity and a challenge to understand the consequences of the genetic mutation. This is the case for Rett Syndrome (RTT): a neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affecting females that is characterised by a loss of purposeful movements and language accompanied by gait abnormalities and hand stereotypies. Although the genetic aetiology is largely associated to Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) mutations, linking the pathophysiology of RTT and its clinical symptoms to direct molecular mechanisms has been difficult.One approach used to study the consequences of MECP2 dysfunction in patients, is to perform transcriptomic analysis in tissues derived from RTT patients or Induced Pluripotent Stem cells. The growing affordability and efficiency of this approach has led to a far greater understanding of the complexities of RTT syndrome but is also raised questions about previously held convictions such as the regulatory role of MECP2, the effects of different molecular mechanisms in different tissues and role of X Chromosome Inactivation in RTT.In this review we consider the results of a number of different transcriptomic analyses in different patients-derived preparations to unveil specific trends in differential gene expression across the studies. Although the analyses present limitations- such as the limited sample size- overlaps exist across these studies, and they report dysregulations in three main categories: dendritic connectivity and synapse maturation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and glial cell activity.These observations have a direct application to the disorder and give insights on the altered mechanisms in RTT, with implications on potential diagnostic criteria and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute- TTMI, St James Hospital, D8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute- TTMI, St James Hospital, D8, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, TCIN, Loyd Building, Dublin2, Dublin, Ireland
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36
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The neural circuitry of restricted repetitive behavior: Magnetic resonance imaging in neurodevelopmental disorders and animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:152-171. [PMID: 29802854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are patterns of behavior that exhibit little variation in form and have no obvious function. RRBs although transdiagonstic are a particularly prominent feature of certain neurodevelopmental disorders, yet relatively little is known about the neural circuitry of RRBs. Past work in this area has focused on isolated brain regions and neurotransmitter systems, but implementing a neural circuit approach has the potential to greatly improve understanding of RRBs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well-suited to studying the structural and functional connectivity of the nervous system, and is a highly translational research tool. In this review, we synthesize MRI research from both neurodevelopmental disorders and relevant animal models that informs the neural circuitry of RRB. Together, these studies implicate distributed neural circuits between the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Despite progress in neuroimaging of RRB, there are many opportunities for conceptual and methodological improvement. We conclude by suggesting future directions for MRI research in RRB, and how such studies can benefit from complementary approaches in neuroscience.
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37
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Chen Y, Yu J, Niu Y, Qin D, Liu H, Li G, Hu Y, Wang J, Lu Y, Kang Y, Jiang Y, Wu K, Li S, Wei J, He J, Wang J, Liu X, Luo Y, Si C, Bai R, Zhang K, Liu J, Huang S, Chen Z, Wang S, Chen X, Bao X, Zhang Q, Li F, Geng R, Liang A, Shen D, Jiang T, Hu X, Ma Y, Ji W, Sun YE. Modeling Rett Syndrome Using TALEN-Edited MECP2 Mutant Cynomolgus Monkeys. Cell 2017; 169:945-955.e10. [PMID: 28525759 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene-editing technologies have made it feasible to create nonhuman primate models for human genetic disorders. Here, we report detailed genotypes and phenotypes of TALEN-edited MECP2 mutant cynomolgus monkeys serving as a model for a neurodevelopmental disorder, Rett syndrome (RTT), which is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the human MECP2 gene. Male mutant monkeys were embryonic lethal, reiterating that RTT is a disease of females. Through a battery of behavioral analyses, including primate-unique eye-tracking tests, in combination with brain imaging via MRI, we found a series of physiological, behavioral, and structural abnormalities resembling clinical manifestations of RTT. Moreover, blood transcriptome profiling revealed that mutant monkeys resembled RTT patients in immune gene dysregulation. Taken together, the stark similarity in phenotype and/or endophenotype between monkeys and patients suggested that gene-edited RTT founder monkeys would be of value for disease mechanistic studies as well as development of potential therapeutic interventions for RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China; Kunming Enovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650000, China.
| | - Juehua Yu
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China; Kunming Enovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Hailiang Liu
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Radiology and BRIC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yingzhou Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Jiaojian Wang
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 625014, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, the First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yu Kang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China; Kunming Enovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Kunhua Wu
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Siguang Li
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jingkuan Wei
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Jing He
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Junbang Wang
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yuping Luo
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Chenyang Si
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China; Kunming Enovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Raoxian Bai
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Kunshan Zhang
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Shaoyong Huang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xinhua Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Qingping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Fuxing Li
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Rui Geng
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Dinggang Shen
- Department of Radiology and BRIC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tianzi Jiang
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 625014, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xintian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yuanye Ma
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650051, China; Kunming Enovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650000, China.
| | - Yi Eve Sun
- Translational Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Medical School, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Klein M, van Donkelaar M, Verhoef E, Franke B. Imaging genetics in neurodevelopmental psychopathology. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:485-537. [PMID: 29984470 PMCID: PMC7170264 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined by highly heritable problems during development and brain growth. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and intellectual disability (ID) are frequent neurodevelopmental disorders, with common comorbidity among them. Imaging genetics studies on the role of disease-linked genetic variants on brain structure and function have been performed to unravel the etiology of these disorders. Here, we reviewed imaging genetics literature on these disorders attempting to understand the mechanisms of individual disorders and their clinical overlap. For ADHD and ASD, we selected replicated candidate genes implicated through common genetic variants. For ID, which is mainly caused by rare variants, we included genes for relatively frequent forms of ID occurring comorbid with ADHD or ASD. We reviewed case-control studies and studies of risk variants in healthy individuals. Imaging genetics studies for ADHD were retrieved for SLC6A3/DAT1, DRD2, DRD4, NOS1, and SLC6A4/5HTT. For ASD, studies on CNTNAP2, MET, OXTR, and SLC6A4/5HTT were found. For ID, we reviewed the genes FMR1, TSC1 and TSC2, NF1, and MECP2. Alterations in brain volume, activity, and connectivity were observed. Several findings were consistent across studies, implicating, for example, SLC6A4/5HTT in brain activation and functional connectivity related to emotion regulation. However, many studies had small sample sizes, and hypothesis-based, brain region-specific studies were common. Results from available studies confirm that imaging genetics can provide insight into the link between genes, disease-related behavior, and the brain. However, the field is still in its early stages, and conclusions about shared mechanisms cannot yet be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Klein
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Donkelaar
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Verhoef
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Allemang-Grand R, Ellegood J, Spencer Noakes L, Ruston J, Justice M, Nieman BJ, Lerch JP. Neuroanatomy in mouse models of Rett syndrome is related to the severity of Mecp2 mutation and behavioral phenotypes. Mol Autism 2017; 8:32. [PMID: 28670438 PMCID: PMC5485541 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects girls. The majority of RTT cases are caused by de novo mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), and several mouse models have been created to further understand the disorder. In the current literature, many studies have focused their analyses on the behavioral abnormalities and cellular and molecular impairments that arise from Mecp2 mutations. However, limited efforts have been placed on understanding how Mecp2 mutations disrupt the neuroanatomy and networks of the brain. Methods In this study, we examined the neuroanatomy of male and female mice from the Mecp2tm1Hzo, Mecp2tm1.1Bird/J, and Mecp2tm2Bird/J mouse lines using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) paired with deformation-based morphometry to determine the brain regions susceptible to Mecp2 disruptions. Results We found that many cortical and subcortical regions were reduced in volume within the brains of mutant mice regardless of mutation type, highlighting regions that are susceptible to Mecp2 disruptions. We also found that the volume within these regions correlated with behavioral metrics. Conversely, regions of the cerebellum were differentially affected by the type of mutation, showing an increase in volume in the mutant Mecp2tm1Hzo brain relative to controls and a decrease in the Mecp2tm1.1Bird/J and Mecp2tm2Bird/J lines. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the direction and magnitude of the neuroanatomical differences between control and mutant mice carrying Mecp2 mutations are driven by the severity of the mutation and the stage of behavioral impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rylan Allemang-Grand
- Mouse Imaging Centre, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Ontario Canada.,Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Suite 15-701, Toronto, M5G 1L7 Ontario Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Ontario Canada.,Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario Canada
| | - Leigh Spencer Noakes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Ontario Canada.,Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario Canada
| | - Julie Ruston
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario Canada
| | - Monica Justice
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario Canada
| | - Brian J Nieman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Ontario Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Suite 15-701, Toronto, M5G 1L7 Ontario Canada.,Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, 661 University Ave, Toronto, Suite 510, M5G 0A3 Ontario Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Ontario Canada.,Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Suite 15-701, Toronto, M5G 1L7 Ontario Canada
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Santosh P, Lievesley K, Fiori F, Singh J. Development of the Tailored Rett Intervention and Assessment Longitudinal (TRIAL) database and the Rett Evaluation of Symptoms and Treatments (REST) Questionnaire. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015342. [PMID: 28637735 PMCID: PMC5734452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rett syndrome (RTT) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that presents with deficits in brain functioning leading to language and learning regression, characteristic hand stereotypies and developmental delay. Different mutations in the gene implicated in RTT-methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) establishes RTT as a disorder with divergent symptomatology ranging from individuals with severe to milder phenotypes. A reliable and single multidimensional questionnaire is needed that can embrace all symptoms, and the relationships between them, and can map clinically meaningful data to symptomatology across the lifespan in patients with RTT. As part of the HealthTracker-based Tailored Rett Intervention and Assessment Longitudinal (TRIAL) database, the Rett Evaluation of Symptoms and Treatments (REST) Questionnaire will be able to marry with the physiological aspects of the disease obtained using wearable sensor technology, along with genetic and psychosocial data to stratify patients. Taken together, the web-based TRIAL database will empower clinicians and researchers with the confidence to delineate between different aspects of disorder symptomatology to streamline care pathways for individuals or for those patients entering clinical trials. This protocol describes the anticipated development of the REST questionnaire and the TRIAL database which links with the outcomes of the wearable sensor technology, and will serve as a barometer for longitudinal patient monitoring in patients with RTT. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The US Food and Drug Administration Guidance for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures will be used as a template to inform the methodology of the study. It will follow an iterative framework that will include item/concept identification, item/concept elicitation in parent/carer-mediated focus groups, expert clinician feedback, web-based presentation of questionnaires, initial scale development, instrument refinement and instrument validation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received favourable opinion from the National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee (REC): NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC)-London, Bromley Research Ethics Committee (reference: 15/LO/1772).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
- HealthTracker Ltd, Gillingham, Kent, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate Lievesley
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
- HealthTracker Ltd, Gillingham, Kent, UK
| | - Federico Fiori
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
- HealthTracker Ltd, Gillingham, Kent, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
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O'Leary HM, Marschik PB, Khwaja OS, Ho E, Barnes KV, Clarkson TW, Bruck NM, Kaufmann WE. Detecting autonomic response to pain in Rett syndrome. Dev Neurorehabil 2017; 20:108-114. [PMID: 26457613 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1087437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify pain response in girls affected by Rett syndrome (RTT) using electrodermal activity (EDA), a measure of skin conductance, reflecting sympathetic activity known to be modulated by physical and environmental stress. METHODS EDA increase, heart rate (HR) increase and Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) values calculated during venipuncture (invasive) and vital signs collection (non-invasive) events were compared with values calculated during a prior baseline and a RTT clinical severity score (CSS). RESULTS EDA and HR increase were significantly higher than baseline during venipuncture only and not significantly correlated with FLACC or CSS. EDA increase was the most sensitive measure of pain response. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings revealed that motor impairment might bias non-verbal pain scales, underscore the importance of using autonomic measures when assessing pain and warrant further investigation into the utility of using EDA to objectively quantify RTT pain response to inform future RTT pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M O'Leary
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Peter B Marschik
- b Institute of Physiology, Graz Medical University , Graz , Austria.,c Department of Women's and Children's Health , Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Omar S Khwaja
- d Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Eugenia Ho
- e Department of Neurology , Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA , and
| | - Katherine V Barnes
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Tessa W Clarkson
- f Division of Developmental Medicine , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Natalie M Bruck
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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Kaufmann WE, Stallworth JL, Everman DB, Skinner SA. Neurobiologically-based treatments in Rett syndrome: opportunities and challenges. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016; 4:1043-1055. [PMID: 28163986 PMCID: PMC5214376 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1229181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects females, typically resulting in a period of developmental regression in early childhood followed by stabilization and severe chronic cognitive, behavioral, and physical disability. No known treatment exists beyond symptomatic management, and while insights into the genetic cause, pathophysiology, neurobiology, and natural history of RTT have been gained, many challenges remain. Areas covered: Based on a comprehensive survey of the primary literature on RTT, this article describes and comments upon the general and unique features of the disorder, genetic and neurobiological bases of drug development, and the history of clinical trials in RTT, with an emphasis on drug trial design, outcome measures, and implementation. Expert opinion: Neurobiologically based drug trials are the ultimate goal in RTT, and due to the complexity and global nature of the disorder, drugs targeting both general mechanisms (e.g., growth factors) and specific systems (e.g., glutamate modulators) could be effective. Trial design should optimize data on safety and efficacy, but selection of outcome measures with adequate measurement properties, as well as innovative strategies, such as those enhancing synaptic plasticity and use of biomarkers, are essential for progress in RTT and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David B Everman
- Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center , Greenwood , SC , USA
| | - Steven A Skinner
- Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center , Greenwood , SC , USA
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Sochat V, David M, Wall DP. Translational Meta-analytical Methods to Localize the Regulatory Patterns of Neurological Disorders in the Human Brain. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2015; 2015:2073-2082. [PMID: 26958307 PMCID: PMC4765688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The task of mapping neurological disorders in the human brain must be informed by multiple measurements of an individual's phenotype - neuroimaging, genomics, and behavior. We developed a novel meta-analytical approach to integrate disparate resources and generated transcriptional maps of neurological disorders in the human brain yielding a purely computational procedure to pinpoint the brain location of transcribed genes likely to be involved in either onset or maintenance of the neurological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Sochat
- Stanford Graduate Fellow, Graduate Program in Biomedical Informatics
| | - Maude David
- Department of Pediatrics, Systems Medicine Division Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Dennis P Wall
- Stanford Graduate Fellow, Graduate Program in Biomedical Informatics
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Abstract
In order to understand the consequences of the mutation on behavioral and biological phenotypes relevant to autism, mutations in many of the risk genes for autism spectrum disorder have been experimentally generated in mice. Here, we summarize behavioral outcomes and neuroanatomical abnormalities, with a focus on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of postmortem mouse brains. Results are described from multiple mouse models of autism spectrum disorder and comorbid syndromes, including the 15q11-13, 16p11.2, 22q11.2, Cntnap2, Engrailed2, Fragile X, Integrinβ3, MET, Neurexin1a, Neuroligin3, Reelin, Rett, Shank3, Slc6a4, tuberous sclerosis, and Williams syndrome models, and inbred strains with strong autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes, including BTBR and BALB. Concomitant behavioral and neuroanatomical abnormalities can strengthen the interpretation of results from a mouse model, and may elevate the usefulness of the model system for therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Ellegood
- />Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7 Canada
| | - Jacqueline N. Crawley
- />MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
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Rietveld L, Stuss DP, McPhee D, Delaney KR. Genotype-specific effects of Mecp2 loss-of-function on morphology of Layer V pyramidal neurons in heterozygous female Rett syndrome model mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:145. [PMID: 25941473 PMCID: PMC4403522 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurological disorder primarily caused by mutations in the X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). The heterozygous female brain consists of mosaic of neurons containing both wild-type MeCP2 (MeCP2+) and mutant MeCP2 (MeCP2-). Three-dimensional morphological analysis was performed on individually genotyped layer V pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex of heterozygous (Mecp2(+/-) ) and wild-type (Mecp2(+/+) ) female mice ( > 6 mo.) from the Mecp2(tm1.1Jae) line. Comparing basal dendrite morphology, soma and nuclear size of MeCP2+ to MeCP2- neurons reveals a significant cell autonomous, genotype specific effect of Mecp2. MeCP2- neurons have 15% less total basal dendritic length, predominantly in the region 70-130 μm from the cell body and on average three fewer branch points, specifically loss in the second and third branch orders. Soma and nuclear areas of neurons of mice were analyzed across a range of ages (5-21 mo.) and X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) ratios (12-56%). On average, MeCP2- somata and nuclei were 15 and 13% smaller than MeCP2+ neurons respectively. In most respects branching morphology of neurons in wild-type brains (MeCP2 WT) was not distinguishable from MeCP2+ but somata and nuclei of MeCP2 WT neurons were larger than those of MeCP2+ neurons. These data reveal cell autonomous effects of Mecp2 mutation on dendritic morphology, but also suggest non-cell autonomous effects with respect to cell size. MeCP2+ and MeCP2- neuron sizes were not correlated with age, but were correlated with XCI ratio. Unexpectedly the MeCP2- neurons were smallest in brains where the XCI ratio was highly skewed toward MeCP2+, i.e., wild-type. This raises the possibility of cell non-autonomous effects that act through mechanisms other than globally secreted factors; perhaps competition for synaptic connections influences cell size and morphology in the genotypically mosaic brain of RTT model mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Rietveld
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David P Stuss
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David McPhee
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kerry R Delaney
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
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Chapleau CA, Lane J, Pozzo-Miller L, Percy AK. Evaluation of current pharmacological treatment options in the management of Rett syndrome: from the present to future therapeutic alternatives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 8:358-69. [PMID: 24050745 DOI: 10.2174/15748847113086660069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a large family of conditions of genetic or environmental origin that are characterized by deficiencies in cognitive and behavioral functions. The therapeutic management of individuals with these disorders is typically complex and is limited to the treatment of specific symptoms that characterize each disorder. The neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome (RTT) is the leading cause of severe intellectual disability in females. Mutations in the gene encoding the transcriptional regulator methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), located on the X chromosome, have been confirmed in more than 95% of individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for classical RTT. RTT is characterized by an uneventful early infancy followed by stagnation and regression of growth, motor, language, and social skills later in development. This review will discuss the genetics, pathology, and symptoms that distinguish RTT from other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability. Because great progress has been made in the basic and clinical science of RTT, the goal of this review is to provide a thorough assessment of current pharmacotherapeutic options to treat the symptoms associated with this disorder. Furthermore, we will highlight recent discoveries made with novel pharmacological interventions in experimental preclinical phases, and which have reversed pathological phenotypes in mouse and cell culture models of RTT and may result in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Chapleau
- Department of Pediatrics, CIRC-320, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0021, USA.
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Einspieler C, Marschik PB, Domingues W, Talisa VB, Bartl-Pokorny KD, Wolin T, Sigafoos J. Monozygotic twins with Rett syndrome: Phenotyping the first two years of life. JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES 2014; 26:171-182. [PMID: 29769795 PMCID: PMC5951272 DOI: 10.1007/s10882-013-9351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The first two years of life for children with Rett syndrome (RTT) have previously been viewed as relatively asymptomatic. However, it is possible that subtle symptoms may be present in early development. To identify possible early indicators of RTT, we analysed videotapes of two twin girls with RTT. The videotapes were analysed to (a) describe the motor and communicative development of this twin pair with RTT; and to (b) explore whether early abnormalities and their age of onset differed between the twins and were related to their later clinical phenotypes. The results indicated several neurodevelopmental abnormalities present before the children exhibited any obvious signs of regression. Abnormalities were evident in the motor, speech-language and communicative domains. These data support an emerging evidence base showing the presence of developmental abnormalities in children with RTT during the first year of life. The results have implications for early screening and clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Einspieler
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter B. Marschik
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Victor B. Talisa
- Center for Genetic Disorders of Cognition and Behavior, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Katrin D. Bartl-Pokorny
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Wolin
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Educational Psychology and Pedagogy, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Einspieler C, Marschik PB, Domingues W, Talisa VB, Bartl-Pokorny KD, Wolin T, Sigafoos J. Monozygotic twins with Rett syndrome: Phenotyping the first two years of life. JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES 2014; 26:171-182. [PMID: 29769795 DOI: 10.1007/sl0882-013-9351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The first two years of life for children with Rett syndrome (RTT) have previously been viewed as relatively asymptomatic. However, it is possible that subtle symptoms may be present in early development. To identify possible early indicators of RTT, we analysed videotapes of two twin girls with RTT. The videotapes were analysed to (a) describe the motor and communicative development of this twin pair with RTT; and to (b) explore whether early abnormalities and their age of onset differed between the twins and were related to their later clinical phenotypes. The results indicated several neurodevelopmental abnormalities present before the children exhibited any obvious signs of regression. Abnormalities were evident in the motor, speech-language and communicative domains. These data support an emerging evidence base showing the presence of developmental abnormalities in children with RTT during the first year of life. The results have implications for early screening and clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Einspieler
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter B Marschik
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Victor B Talisa
- Center for Genetic Disorders of Cognition and Behavior, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Katrin D Bartl-Pokorny
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Wolin
- Institute of Physiology (IN:spired; Developmental Physiology & Developmental Neuroscience), Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Educational Psychology and Pedagogy, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Abstract
This chapter focuses on neurodevelopmental diseases that are tightly linked to abnormal function of the striatum and connected structures. We begin with an overview of three representative diseases in which striatal dysfunction plays a key role--Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Rett's syndrome, and primary dystonia. These diseases highlight distinct etiologies that disrupt striatal integrity and function during development, and showcase the varied clinical manifestations of striatal dysfunction. We then review striatal organization and function, including evidence for striatal roles in online motor control/action selection, reinforcement learning, habit formation, and action sequencing. A key barrier to progress has been the relative lack of animal models of these diseases, though recently there has been considerable progress. We review these efforts, including their relative merits providing insight into disease pathogenesis, disease symptomatology, and basal ganglia function.
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Sadek S, Abdel-Khalek S. Generalized <i>α</i>-Entropy Based Medical Image Segmentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/jsea.2014.71007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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