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Stroh A, Schweiger S, Ramirez JM, Tüscher O. The selfish network: how the brain preserves behavioral function through shifts in neuronal network state. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:246-258. [PMID: 38485625 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.005] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal networks possess the ability to regulate their activity states in response to disruptions. How and when neuronal networks turn from physiological into pathological states, leading to the manifestation of neuropsychiatric disorders, remains largely unknown. Here, we propose that neuronal networks intrinsically maintain network stability even at the cost of neuronal loss. Despite the new stable state being potentially maladaptive, neural networks may not reverse back to states associated with better long-term outcomes. These maladaptive states are often associated with hyperactive neurons, marking the starting point for activity-dependent neurodegeneration. Transitions between network states may occur rapidly, and in discrete steps rather than continuously, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders. The self-stabilizing, metastable, and noncontinuous characteristics of these network states can be mathematically described as attractors. Maladaptive attractors may represent a distinct pathophysiological entity that could serve as a target for new therapies and for fostering resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Stroh
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany; Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Susann Schweiger
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research at the Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Jeong SY, Choi JH, Kim J, Woo JS, Lee EH. Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32 (TRIM32): What Does It Do for Skeletal Muscle? Cells 2023; 12:2104. [PMID: 37626915 PMCID: PMC10453674 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripartite motif-containing protein 32 (TRIM32) is a member of the tripartite motif family and is highly conserved from flies to humans. Via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, TRIM32 mediates and regulates many physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as growth, differentiation, muscle regeneration, immunity, and carcinogenesis. TRIM32 plays multifunctional roles in the maintenance of skeletal muscle. Genetic variations in the TRIM32 gene are associated with skeletal muscular dystrophies in humans, including limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2H (LGMD2H). LGMD2H-causing genetic variations of TRIM32 occur most frequently in the C-terminal NHL (ncl-1, HT2A, and lin-41) repeats of TRIM32. LGMD2H is characterized by skeletal muscle dystrophy, myopathy, and atrophy. Surprisingly, most patients with LGMD2H show minimal or no dysfunction in other tissues or organs, despite the broad expression of TRIM32 in various tissues. This suggests more prominent roles for TRIM32 in skeletal muscle than in other tissues or organs. This review is focused on understanding the physiological roles of TRIM32 in skeletal muscle, the pathophysiological mechanisms mediated by TRIM32 genetic variants in LGMD2H patients, and the correlations between TRIM32 and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yeon Jeong
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hee Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jooho Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Woo
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 10833, USA
| | - Eun Hui Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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Thomas SD, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. mTOR Signaling Disruption and Its Association with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041889. [PMID: 36838876 PMCID: PMC9964164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication along with repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers for diagnostic screening or treatments available for autistic patients. Numerous genetic disorders are associated with high prevalence of ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and fragile X syndrome. Preclinical investigations in animal models of these diseases have revealed irregularities in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as ASD-related behavioral defects. Reversal of the downstream molecular irregularities, associated with mTOR hyperactivation, improved the behavioral deficits observed in the preclinical investigations. Plant bioactive molecules have shown beneficial pre-clinical evidence in ASD treatment by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this review, we summarize the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as well as the genetic alterations of the pathway components and its critical impact on the development of the autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in negative regulators of mTORC1, such as TSC1, TSC2, and PTEN, result in ASD-like phenotypes through the disruption of the mTORC1-mediated signaling. We further discuss the various naturally occurring phytoconstituents that have been identified to be bioactive and modulate the pathway to prevent its disruption and contribute to beneficial therapeutic effects in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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Roles of the Notch signaling pathway and microglia in autism. Behav Brain Res 2023; 437:114131. [PMID: 36174842 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is mainly involved in the regulation of neural stem cell proliferation, survival and differentiation during the development of the central nervous system. As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism is associated with an abnormal increase in the number of microglia in several brain regions. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of autism may be related to the Notch signaling pathway and microglia. In this review, we discuss how Notch pathway activity leads to behavioral abnormalities such as learning and memory impairment by influencing neuronal biological activities. An increase in microglial protein synthesis and abnormal autophagy can affect synaptic development and lead to behavioral abnormalities, and all of these changes can lead to autism. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway regulates the activation and differentiation of microglia and promotes inflammatory responses, leading to the occurrence of autism. When excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) secreted by microglia cannot be cleared by autophagy in a timely manner, Notch signaling pathway activity is affected, possibly further increasing susceptibility to autism. This review reveals the mechanism underlying the role of the Notch signaling pathway, microglia and their interaction in the pathogenesis of autism and provides a theoretical reference for targeted clinical therapies for autism.
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