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Destain H, Prahlad M, Kratsios P. Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:35-47. [PMID: 37438210 PMCID: PMC10592372 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.001] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurons are remarkably long-lived, non-dividing cells that must maintain their functional features (e.g., electrical properties, chemical signaling) for extended periods of time - decades in humans. How neurons accomplish this incredible feat is poorly understood. Here, we review recent advances, primarily in the nematode C. elegans, that have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that enable post-mitotic neurons to maintain their functionality across different life stages. We begin with "terminal selectors" - transcription factors necessary for the establishment and maintenance of neuronal identity. We highlight new findings on five terminal selectors (CHE-1 [Glass], UNC-3 [Collier/Ebf1-4], LIN-39 [Scr/Dfd/Hox4-5], UNC-86 [Acj6/Brn3a-c], AST-1 [Etv1/ER81]) from different transcription factor families (ZNF, COE, HOX, POU, ETS). We compare the functions of these factors in specific neuron types of C. elegans with the actions of their orthologs in other invertebrate (D. melanogaster) and vertebrate (M. musculus) systems, highlighting remarkable functional conservation. Finally, we reflect on recent findings implicating chromatin-modifying proteins, such as histone methyltransferases and Polycomb proteins, in the control of neuronal terminal identity. Altogether, these new studies on transcription factors and chromatin modifiers not only shed light on the fundamental problem of neuronal identity maintenance, but also outline mechanistic principles of gene regulation that may operate in other long-lived, post-mitotic cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorine Destain
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manasa Prahlad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
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2
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Dzhugarian S, Hamamah S, Frugoli A, Shepard A. "Knee-Ding" a Diagnosis: A Case of Nail Patella Syndrome. Cureus 2023; 15:e48805. [PMID: 38098902 PMCID: PMC10721234 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48805] [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] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nail Patella Syndrome (NPS) is a rare genetic disorder with pathognomonic signs including dystrophic fingernails, iliac horns, and limb abnormalities, which commonly include hypoplastic development of the patellae, causing patients to experience patellar instability. This resulting patellar instability increases susceptibility to recurrent subluxations or dislocations in NPS patients. Since these anatomical abnormalities are present at birth or in childhood, early recognition may prevent the need for surgical intervention if appropriate preventive measures are taken. This case report describes a 54-year-old woman with a history of NPS, diagnosed later in adulthood, with a prior patellectomy at age 18 secondary to an unspecified left knee injury that occurred at age 4. A combination of radiographic and clinical findings are presented, which support the diagnosis of NPS, including dystrophic nails, left knee x-ray consistent with prior patellectomy, and right knee x-ray showing inferolateral subluxation of a hypoplastic patella. Additional signs associated with NPS are also discussed, including mood disorders, Raynaud's, and a high hairline which may assist in early diagnosis. This case report emphasizes earlier identification of NPS by clinicians through recognition of signs and symptoms while also considering proactive measures to lessen recurrent subluxations or dislocations to preserve patellar integrity and reduce the need for surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosi Dzhugarian
- Graduate Medical Education, Internal Medicine, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
| | - Sevag Hamamah
- Graduate Medical Education, Internal Medicine, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
| | - Amanda Frugoli
- Graduate Medical Education, Internal Medicine, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
| | - Angelica Shepard
- Graduate Medical Education, Internal Medicine, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
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3
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Pishva E, van den Hove DLA, Laroche V, Lvovs A, Roy A, Ortega G, Burrage J, Veidebaum T, Kanarik M, Mill J, Lesch KP, Harro J. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of aggressive behaviour: a longitudinal population-based study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023. [PMID: 36929374 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human aggression is influenced by an interplay between genetic predisposition and experience across the life span. This interaction is thought to occur through epigenetic mechanisms, inducing differential gene expression, thereby moderating neuronal cell and circuit function, and thus shaping aggressive behaviour. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) levels were measured in peripheral blood obtained from 95 individuals participating in the Estonian Children Personality Behaviours and Health Study (ECPBHS) at 15 and 25 years of age. We examined the association between aggressive behaviour, as measured by Life History of Aggression (LHA) total score and DNAm levels both assessed at age 25. We further examined the pleiotropic effect of genetic variants regulating LHA-associated differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and multiple traits related to aggressive behaviours. Lastly, we tested whether the DNA methylomic loci identified in association with LHA at age 25 were also present at age 15. RESULTS We found one differentially methylated position (DMP) (cg17815886; p = 1.12 × 10-8 ) and five differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with LHA after multiple testing adjustments. The DMP annotated to the PDLIM5 gene, and DMRs resided in the vicinity of four protein-encoding genes (TRIM10, GTF2H4, SLC45A4, B3GALT4) and a long intergenic non-coding RNA (LINC02068). We observed evidence for the colocalization of genetic variants associated with top DMPs and general cognitive function, educational attainment and cholesterol levels. Notably, a subset of the DMPs associated with LHA at age 25 also displayed altered DNAm patterns at age 15 with high accuracy in predicting aggression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential role of DNAm in the development of aggressive behaviours. We observed pleiotropic genetic variants associated with identified DMPs, and various traits previously established to be relevant in shaping aggression in humans. The concordance of DNAm signatures in adolescents and young adults may have predictive value for inappropriate and maladaptive aggression later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Daniel L A van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Laroche
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aneth Lvovs
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia.,Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arunima Roy
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Ortega
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joe Burrage
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Margus Kanarik
- Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jonathan Mill
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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4
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Vourdoumpa A, Paltoglou G, Charmandari E. The Genetic Basis of Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:1416. [PMID: 36986146 PMCID: PMC10058966 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence represents one of the most challenging public health problems of our century owing to its epidemic proportions and the associated significant morbidity, mortality, and increase in public health costs. The pathogenesis of polygenic obesity is multifactorial and is due to the interaction among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. More than 1100 independent genetic loci associated with obesity traits have been currently identified, and there is great interest in the decoding of their biological functions and the gene-environment interaction. The present study aimed to systematically review the scientific evidence and to explore the relation of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs) with changes in body mass index (BMI) and other measures of body composition in children and adolescents with obesity, as well as their response to lifestyle interventions. Twenty-seven studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, which consisted of 7928 overweight/obese children and adolescents at different stages of pubertal development who underwent multidisciplinary management. The effect of polymorphisms in 92 different genes was assessed and revealed SNPs in 24 genetic loci significantly associated with BMI and/or body composition change, which contribute to the complex metabolic imbalance of obesity, including the regulation of appetite and energy balance, the homeostasis of glucose, lipid, and adipose tissue, as well as their interactions. The decoding of the genetic and molecular/cellular pathophysiology of obesity and the gene-environment interactions, alongside with the individual genotype, will enable us to design targeted and personalized preventive and management interventions for obesity early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Vourdoumpa
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Paltoglou
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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5
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Hingorani M, Viviani AML, Sanfilippo JE, Janušonis S. High-resolution spatiotemporal analysis of single serotonergic axons in an in vitro system. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:994735. [PMID: 36353595 PMCID: PMC9638127 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.994735] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate brains have a dual structure, composed of (i) axons that can be well-captured with graph-theoretical methods and (ii) axons that form a dense matrix in which neurons with precise connections operate. A core part of this matrix is formed by axons (fibers) that store and release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), an ancient neurotransmitter that supports neuroplasticity and has profound implications for mental health. The self-organization of the serotonergic matrix is not well understood, despite recent advances in experimental and theoretical approaches. In particular, individual serotonergic axons produce highly stochastic trajectories, fundamental to the construction of regional fiber densities, but further advances in predictive computer simulations require more accurate experimental information. This study examined single serotonergic axons in culture systems (co-cultures and monolayers), by using a set of complementary high-resolution methods: confocal microscopy, holotomography (refractive index-based live imaging), and super-resolution (STED) microscopy. It shows that serotonergic axon walks in neural tissue may strongly reflect the stochastic geometry of this tissue and it also provides new insights into the morphology and branching properties of serotonergic axons. The proposed experimental platform can support next-generation analyses of the serotonergic matrix, including seamless integration with supercomputing approaches.
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6
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Lee C, Zhang Z, Janušonis S. Brain serotonergic fibers suggest anomalous diffusion-based dropout in artificial neural networks. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:949934. [PMID: 36267232 PMCID: PMC9577023 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.949934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Random dropout has become a standard regularization technique in artificial neural networks (ANNs), but it is currently unknown whether an analogous mechanism exists in biological neural networks (BioNNs). If it does, its structure is likely to be optimized by hundreds of millions of years of evolution, which may suggest novel dropout strategies in large-scale ANNs. We propose that the brain serotonergic fibers (axons) meet some of the expected criteria because of their ubiquitous presence, stochastic structure, and ability to grow throughout the individual's lifespan. Since the trajectories of serotonergic fibers can be modeled as paths of anomalous diffusion processes, in this proof-of-concept study we investigated a dropout algorithm based on the superdiffusive fractional Brownian motion (FBM). The results demonstrate that serotonergic fibers can potentially implement a dropout-like mechanism in brain tissue, supporting neuroplasticity. They also suggest that mathematical theories of the structure and dynamics of serotonergic fibers can contribute to the design of dropout algorithms in ANNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Skirmantas Janušonis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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7
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Aydin B, Sierk M, Moreno-Estelles M, Tejavibulya L, Kumar N, Flames N, Mahony S, Mazzoni EO. Foxa2 and Pet1 Direct and Indirect Synergy Drive Serotonergic Neuronal Differentiation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:903881. [PMID: 35801179 PMCID: PMC9254625 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.903881] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal programming by forced expression of transcription factors (TFs) holds promise for clinical applications of regenerative medicine. However, the mechanisms by which TFs coordinate their activities on the genome and control distinct neuronal fates remain obscure. Using direct neuronal programming of embryonic stem cells, we dissected the contribution of a series of TFs to specific neuronal regulatory programs. We deconstructed the Ascl1-Lmx1b-Foxa2-Pet1 TF combination that has been shown to generate serotonergic neurons and found that stepwise addition of TFs to Ascl1 canalizes the neuronal fate into a diffuse monoaminergic fate. The addition of pioneer factor Foxa2 represses Phox2b to induce serotonergic fate, similar to in vivo regulatory networks. Foxa2 and Pet1 appear to act synergistically to upregulate serotonergic fate. Foxa2 and Pet1 co-bind to a small fraction of genomic regions but mostly bind to different regulatory sites. In contrast to the combinatorial binding activities of other programming TFs, Pet1 does not strictly follow the Foxa2 pioneer. These findings highlight the challenges in formulating generalizable rules for describing the behavior of TF combinations that program distinct neuronal subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begüm Aydin
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Michael Sierk
- Interdisciplinary Sciences Department, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, United States
| | - Mireia Moreno-Estelles
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IIBV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Link Tejavibulya
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Nikathan Kumar
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Nuria Flames
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IIBV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Nuria Flames,
| | - Shaun Mahony
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Shaun Mahony,
| | - Esteban O. Mazzoni
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
- Esteban O. Mazzoni,
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8
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Zhang XL, Spencer WC, Tabuchi N, Kitt MM, Deneris ES. Reorganization of postmitotic neuronal chromatin accessibility for maturation of serotonergic identity. eLife 2022; 11:e75970. [PMID: 35471146 PMCID: PMC9098219 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Assembly of transcriptomes encoding unique neuronal identities requires selective accessibility of transcription factors to cis-regulatory sequences in nucleosome-embedded postmitotic chromatin. Yet, the mechanisms controlling postmitotic neuronal chromatin accessibility are poorly understood. Here, we show that unique distal enhancers define the Pet1 neuron lineage that generates serotonin (5-HT) neurons in mice. Heterogeneous single-cell chromatin landscapes are established early in postmitotic Pet1 neurons and reveal the putative regulatory programs driving Pet1 neuron subtype identities. Distal enhancer accessibility is highly dynamic as Pet1 neurons mature, suggesting the existence of regulatory factors that reorganize postmitotic neuronal chromatin. We find that Pet1 and Lmx1b control chromatin accessibility to select Pet1-lineage-specific enhancers for 5-HT neurotransmission. Additionally, these factors are required to maintain chromatin accessibility during early maturation suggesting that postmitotic neuronal open chromatin is unstable and requires continuous regulatory input. Together, our findings reveal postmitotic transcription factors that reorganize accessible chromatin for neuron specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui L Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - William C Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Nobuko Tabuchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Meagan M Kitt
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Evan S Deneris
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
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9
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Kitt MM, Tabuchi N, Spencer WC, Robinson HL, Zhang XL, Eastman BA, Lobur KJ, Silver J, Mei L, Deneris ES. An adult-stage transcriptional program for survival of serotonergic connectivity. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110711. [PMID: 35443166 PMCID: PMC9109281 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons must function for decades of life, but how these non-dividing cells are preserved is poorly understood. Using mouse serotonin (5-HT) neurons as a model, we report an adult-stage transcriptional program specialized to ensure the preservation of neuronal connectivity. We uncover a switch in Lmx1b and Pet1 transcription factor function from controlling embryonic axonal growth to sustaining a transcriptomic signature of 5-HT connectivity comprising functionally diverse synaptic and axonal genes. Adult-stage deficiency of Lmx1b and Pet1 causes slowly progressing degeneration of 5-HT synapses and axons, increased susceptibility of 5-HT axons to neurotoxic injury, and abnormal stress responses. Axon degeneration occurs in a die back pattern and is accompanied by accumulation of α-synuclein and amyloid precursor protein in spheroids and mitochondrial fragmentation without cell body loss. Our findings suggest that neuronal connectivity is transcriptionally protected by maintenance of connectivity transcriptomes; progressive decay of such transcriptomes may contribute to age-related diseases of brain circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan M Kitt
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nobuko Tabuchi
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - W Clay Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Heath L Robinson
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Xinrui L Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Brent A Eastman
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Katherine J Lobur
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Evan S Deneris
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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10
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Catela C, Chen Y, Weng Y, Wen K, Kratsios P. Control of spinal motor neuron terminal differentiation through sustained Hoxc8 gene activity. eLife 2022; 11:70766. [PMID: 35315772 PMCID: PMC8940177 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal motor neurons (MNs) constitute cellular substrates for several movement disorders. Although their early development has received much attention, how spinal MNs become and remain terminally differentiated is poorly understood. Here, we determined the transcriptome of mouse MNs located at the brachial domain of the spinal cord at embryonic and postnatal stages. We identified novel transcription factors (TFs) and terminal differentiation genes (e.g. ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, adhesion molecules) with continuous expression in MNs. Interestingly, genes encoding homeodomain TFs (e.g. HOX, LIM), previously implicated in early MN development, continue to be expressed postnatally, suggesting later functions. To test this idea, we inactivated Hoxc8 at successive stages of mouse MN development and observed motor deficits. Our in vivo findings suggest that Hoxc8 is not only required to establish, but also maintain expression of several MN terminal differentiation markers. Data from in vitro generated MNs indicate Hoxc8 acts directly and is sufficient to induce expression of terminal differentiation genes. Our findings dovetail recent observations in Caenorhabditis elegans MNs, pointing toward an evolutionarily conserved role for Hox in neuronal terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Catela
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Yihan Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Yifei Weng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Kailong Wen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
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11
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Peek SL, Bosch PJ, Bahl E, Iverson BJ, Parida M, Bais P, Manak JR, Michaelson JJ, Burgess RW, Weiner JA. p53-mediated neurodegeneration in the absence of the nuclear protein Akirin2. iScience 2022; 25:103814. [PMID: 35198879 PMCID: PMC8844820 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper gene regulation is critical for both neuronal development and maintenance as the brain matures. We previously demonstrated that Akirin2, an essential nuclear protein that interacts with transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes, is required for the embryonic formation of the cerebral cortex. Here we show that Akirin2 plays a mechanistically distinct role in maintaining healthy neurons during cortical maturation. Restricting Akirin2 loss to excitatory cortical neurons resulted in progressive neurodegeneration via necroptosis and severe cortical atrophy with age. Comparing transcriptomes from Akirin2-null postnatal neurons and cortical progenitors revealed that targets of the tumor suppressor p53, a regulator of both proliferation and cell death encoded by Trp53, were consistently upregulated. Reduction of Trp53 rescued neurodegeneration in Akirin2-null neurons. These data: (1) implicate Akirin2 as a critical neuronal maintenance protein, (2) identify p53 pathways as mediators of Akirin2 functions, and (3) suggest Akirin2 dysfunction may be relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Peek
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peter J. Bosch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ethan Bahl
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Brianna J. Iverson
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mrutyunjaya Parida
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Roy J. Carver Center for Genomics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Preeti Bais
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - J. Robert Manak
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Roy J. Carver Center for Genomics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jacob J. Michaelson
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Joshua A. Weiner
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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12
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Hirsch D, Kohl A, Wang Y, Sela-Donenfeld D. Axonal Projection Patterns of the Dorsal Interneuron Populations in the Embryonic Hindbrain. Front Neuroanat 2022; 15:793161. [PMID: 35002640 PMCID: PMC8738170 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.793161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the inner workings of neural circuits entails understanding the cellular origin and axonal pathfinding of various neuronal groups during development. In the embryonic hindbrain, different subtypes of dorsal interneurons (dINs) evolve along the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of rhombomeres and are imperative for the assembly of central brainstem circuits. dINs are divided into two classes, class A and class B, each containing four neuronal subgroups (dA1-4 and dB1-4) that are born in well-defined DV positions. While all interneurons belonging to class A express the transcription factor Olig3 and become excitatory, all class B interneurons express the transcription factor Lbx1 but are diverse in their excitatory or inhibitory fate. Moreover, within every class, each interneuron subtype displays its own specification genes and axonal projection patterns which are required to govern the stage-by-stage assembly of their connectivity toward their target sites. Remarkably, despite the similar genetic landmark of each dINs subgroup along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the hindbrain, genetic fate maps of some dA/dB neuronal subtypes uncovered their contribution to different nuclei centers in relation to their rhombomeric origin. Thus, DV and AP positional information has to be orchestrated in each dA/dB subpopulation to form distinct neuronal circuits in the hindbrain. Over the span of several decades, different axonal routes have been well-documented to dynamically emerge and grow throughout the hindbrain DV and AP positions. Yet, the genetic link between these distinct axonal bundles and their neuronal origin is not fully clear. In this study, we reviewed the available data regarding the association between the specification of early-born dorsal interneuron subpopulations in the hindbrain and their axonal circuitry development and fate, as well as the present existing knowledge on molecular effectors underlying the process of axonal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Hirsch
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ayelet Kohl
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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13
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Barettino C, Ballesteros-Gonzalez Á, Aylón A, Soler-Sanchis X, Ortí L, Díaz S, Reillo I, García-García F, Iborra FJ, Lai C, Dehorter N, Leinekugel X, Flames N, Del Pino I. Developmental Disruption of Erbb4 in Pet1+ Neurons Impairs Serotonergic Sub-System Connectivity and Memory Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:770458. [PMID: 34957103 PMCID: PMC8703035 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.770458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonergic system of mammals innervates virtually all the central nervous system and regulates a broad spectrum of behavioral and physiological functions. In mammals, serotonergic neurons located in the rostral raphe nuclei encompass diverse sub-systems characterized by specific circuitry and functional features. Substantial evidence suggest that functional diversity of serotonergic circuits has a molecular and connectivity basis. However, the landscape of intrinsic developmental mechanisms guiding the formation of serotonergic sub-systems is unclear. Here, we employed developmental disruption of gene expression specific to serotonergic subsets to probe the contribution of the tyrosine kinase receptor ErbB4 to serotonergic circuit formation and function. Through an in vivo loss-of-function approach, we found that ErbB4 expression occurring in a subset of serotonergic neurons, is necessary for axonal arborization of defined long-range projections to the forebrain but is dispensable for the innervation of other targets of the serotonergic system. We also found that Erbb4-deletion does not change the global excitability or the number of neurons with serotonin content in the dorsal raphe nuclei. In addition, ErbB4-deficiency in serotonergic neurons leads to specific behavioral deficits in memory processing that involve aversive or social components. Altogether, our work unveils a developmental mechanism intrinsically acting through ErbB4 in subsets of serotonergic neurons to orchestrate a precise long-range circuit and ultimately involved in the formation of emotional and social memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela Barettino
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Andrés Aylón
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Leticia Ortí
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Selene Díaz
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Reillo
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco García-García
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Príncipe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Cary Lai
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Xavier Leinekugel
- Institut de Neurobiology de la Méditerranée (INMED, UMR1249), INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Nuria Flames
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Del Pino
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
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14
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Sousa E, Flames N. Transcriptional regulation of neuronal identity. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:645-660. [PMID: 34862697 PMCID: PMC9306894 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15551] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal diversity is an intrinsic feature of the nervous system. Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators in the establishment of different neuronal identities; how are the actions of different TFs coordinated to orchestrate this diversity? Are there common features shared among the different neuron types of an organism or even among different animal groups? In this review, we provide a brief overview on common traits emerging on the transcriptional regulation of neuron type diversification with a special focus on the comparison between mouse and Caenorhabditis elegans model systems. In the first part, we describe general concepts on neuronal identity and transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In the second part of the review, TFs are classified in different categories according to their key roles at specific steps along the protracted process of neuronal specification and differentiation. The same TF categories can be identified both in mammals and nematodes. Importantly, TFs are very pleiotropic: Depending on the neuron type or the time in development, the same TF can fulfil functions belonging to different categories. Finally, we describe the key role of transcriptional repression at all steps controlling neuronal diversity and propose that acquisition of neuronal identities could be considered a metastable process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Sousa
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IBV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Flames
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia IBV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
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15
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Transcription factor encoding of neuron subtype: Strategies that specify arbor pattern. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:149-158. [PMID: 33895620 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dendrite and axon arbors form scaffolds that connect a neuron to its partners; they are patterned to support the specific connectivity and computational requirements of each neuron subtype. Transcription factor networks control the specification of neuron subtypes, and the consequent diversification of their stereotyped arbor patterns during differentiation. We outline how the differentiation trajectories of stereotyped arbors are shaped by hierarchical deployment of precursor cell and postmitotic transcription factors. These transcription factors exert modular control over the dendrite and axon features of a single neuron, create spatial and functional compartmentalization of an arbor, instruct implementation of developmental patterning rules, and exert operational control over the cell biological processes that construct an arbor.
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16
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Abbott SBG, Souza GMPR. Chemoreceptor mechanisms regulating CO 2 -induced arousal from sleep. J Physiol 2021; 599:2559-2571. [PMID: 33759184 DOI: 10.1113/jp281305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Arousal from sleep in response to CO2 is a life-preserving reflex that enhances ventilatory drive and facilitates behavioural adaptations to restore eupnoeic breathing. Recurrent activation of the CO2 -arousal reflex is associated with sleep disruption in obstructive sleep apnoea. In this review we examine the role of chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies, the retrotrapezoid nucleus and serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe in the CO2 -arousal reflex. We also provide an overview of the supra-medullary structures that mediate CO2 -induced arousal. We propose a framework for the CO2 -arousal reflex in which the activity of the chemoreceptors converges in the parabrachial nucleus to trigger cortical arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B G Abbott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 29903, USA
| | - George M P R Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 29903, USA
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17
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Vahid-Ansari F, Albert PR. Rewiring of the Serotonin System in Major Depression. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:802581. [PMID: 34975594 PMCID: PMC8716791 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.802581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that is implicated in a wide variety of behavioral and cognitive phenotypes. Originating in the raphe nuclei, 5-HT neurons project widely to innervate many brain regions implicated in the functions. During the development of the brain, as serotonin axons project and innervate brain regions, there is evidence that 5-HT plays key roles in wiring the developing brain, both by modulating 5-HT innervation and by influencing synaptic organization within corticolimbic structures. These actions are mediated by 14 different 5-HT receptors, with region- and cell-specific patterns of expression. More recently, the role of the 5-HT system in synaptic re-organization during adulthood has been suggested. The 5-HT neurons have the unusual capacity to regrow and reinnervate brain regions following insults such as brain injury, chronic stress, or altered development that result in disconnection of the 5-HT system and often cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Chronic treatment with antidepressants that amplify 5-HT action, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), appears to accelerate the rewiring of the 5-HT system by mechanisms that may be critical to the behavioral and cognitive improvements induced in these models. In this review, we survey the possible 5-HT receptor mechanisms that could mediate 5-HT rewiring and assess the evidence that 5-HT-mediated brain rewiring is impacting recovery from mental illness. By amplifying 5-HT-induced rewiring processes using SSRIs and selective 5-HT agonists, more rapid and effective treatments for injury-induced mental illness or cognitive impairment may be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faranak Vahid-Ansari
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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18
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Laureano-Melo R, Dos-Santos RC, da Conceição RR, de Souza JS, da Silva Lau R, da Silva Souza Silva S, Marinho BG, Giannocco G, Ahmed RG, da Silva Côrtes W. Perinatal fluoxetine treatment promotes long-term behavioral changes in adult mice. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:1341-1351. [PMID: 32827287 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00606-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin exerts a significant role in the mammalian central nervous system embryogenesis and brain ontogeny. Therefore, we investigate the effect of perinatal fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, administration on the behavioral expression of adult male Swiss mice. For this purpose, two groups (n = 6 each, and ~ 35 g) of pregnant female Swiss mice were mated. Their offspring were treated with FLX (10 mg/Kg, s.c.) from postnatal day (PND) 5 to 15. At PND 16, one male puppy of each litter was euthanized, and the hippocampus was dissected for RNA analysis. At 70 days of life, the male offspring underwent a behavioral assessment in the open field, object recognition task, light-dark box, tail suspension and rotarod test. According to our results, the programmed animals had a decrease in TPH2, 5HT1a, SERT, BDNF, and LMX1B expression. Also, it was observed less time of immobility in tail suspension test and higher grooming time in the open field test. In the light-dark box test, the FLX-treated offspring had less time in the light side than control. We also observed a low cognitive performance in the object recognition task and poor motor skill learning in the rotarod test. These findings suggest that programming with FLX during the neonatal period alters a hippocampal serotonergic system, promoting anxiety and antidepressant behavior in adults, as well as a low mnemonic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Laureano-Melo
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Barra Mansa University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Raoni Conceição Dos-Santos
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues da Conceição
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Janaina Sena de Souza
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raphael da Silva Lau
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Samantha da Silva Souza Silva
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Bruno Guimarães Marinho
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Gisele Giannocco
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - R G Ahmed
- Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Wellington da Silva Côrtes
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
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19
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Bech S, Løkkegaard A, Nielsen TT, Nørremølle A, Grønborg S, Hasholt L, Steffensen GK, Graehn G, Olesen JH, Tommerup N, Mang Y, Bak M, Nielsen JE, Eiberg H, Hjermind LE. Paroxysmal Cranial Dyskinesia and Nail-Patella Syndrome Caused by a Novel Variant in the LMX1B Gene. Mov Disord 2020; 35:2343-2347. [PMID: 32949189 PMCID: PMC8151874 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a Danish family, multiple individuals in five generations present with early-onset paroxysmal cranial dyskinesia, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and kidney dysfunction. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate linkage and to identify the underlying genetic cause of disease. METHODS Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms analysis, Sequence-Tagged-Site marker analyses, exome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing were performed. RESULTS Linkage analyses identified a candidate locus on chromosome 9. Exome sequencing revealed a novel variant in LMX1B present in all affected individuals, logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of z = 6.54, predicted to be damaging. Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is caused by pathogenic variants in LMX1B encoding a transcription factor essential to cytoskeletal and kidney growth and dopaminergic and serotonergic network development. NPS is characterized by abnormal musculoskeletal features and kidney dysfunction. Movement disorders have not previously been associated with NPS. CONCLUSIONS Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a heretofore unrecognized feature of the NPS spectrum. The pathogenic mechanism might relate to aberrant dopaminergic circuits. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bech
- Department of Neurology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annemette Løkkegaard
- Department of Neurology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Troels T Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Nørremølle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sabine Grønborg
- Department of Pediatrics, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lis Hasholt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gudrun K Steffensen
- Department of Nephrology, Sygehus Lillebaelt, Kolding Sygehus, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Gabor Graehn
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - Jess H Olesen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Tommerup
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuan Mang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Bak
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen E Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Eiberg
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lena E Hjermind
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Lipiec MA, Bem J, Koziński K, Chakraborty C, Urban-Ciećko J, Zajkowski T, Dąbrowski M, Szewczyk ŁM, Toval A, Ferran JL, Nagalski A, Wiśniewska MB. TCF7L2 regulates postmitotic differentiation programmes and excitability patterns in the thalamus. Development 2020; 147:dev.190181. [PMID: 32675279 PMCID: PMC7473649 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal phenotypes are controlled by terminal selector transcription factors in invertebrates, but only a few examples of such regulators have been provided in vertebrates. We hypothesised that TCF7L2 regulates different stages of postmitotic differentiation in the thalamus, and functions as a thalamic terminal selector. To investigate this hypothesis, we used complete and conditional knockouts of Tcf7l2 in mice. The connectivity and clustering of neurons were disrupted in the thalamo-habenular region in Tcf7l2-/- embryos. The expression of subregional thalamic and habenular transcription factors was lost and region-specific cell migration and axon guidance genes were downregulated. In mice with a postnatal Tcf7l2 knockout, the induction of genes that confer thalamic terminal electrophysiological features was impaired. Many of these genes proved to be direct targets of TCF7L2. The role of TCF7L2 in terminal selection was functionally confirmed by impaired firing modes in thalamic neurons in the mutant mice. These data corroborate the existence of master regulators in the vertebrate brain that control stage-specific genetic programmes and regional subroutines, maintain regional transcriptional network during embryonic development, and induce terminal selection postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Andrzej Lipiec
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Bem
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Koziński
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chaitali Chakraborty
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Zajkowski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Dąbrowski
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Angel Toval
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, Campus de la Salud, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ferran
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, Campus de la Salud, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrzej Nagalski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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21
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Janušonis S, Detering N, Metzler R, Vojta T. Serotonergic Axons as Fractional Brownian Motion Paths: Insights Into the Self-Organization of Regional Densities. Front Comput Neurosci 2020; 14:56. [PMID: 32670042 PMCID: PMC7328445 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2020.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
All vertebrate brains contain a dense matrix of thin fibers that release serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), a neurotransmitter that modulates a wide range of neural, glial, and vascular processes. Perturbations in the density of this matrix have been associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism and depression, but its self-organization and plasticity remain poorly understood. We introduce a model based on reflected Fractional Brownian Motion (FBM), a rigorously defined stochastic process, and show that it recapitulates some key features of regional serotonergic fiber densities. Specifically, we use supercomputing simulations to model fibers as FBM-paths in two-dimensional brain-like domains and demonstrate that the resultant steady state distributions approximate the fiber distributions in physical brain sections immunostained for the serotonin transporter (a marker for serotonergic axons in the adult brain). We suggest that this framework can support predictive descriptions and manipulations of the serotonergic matrix and that it can be further extended to incorporate the detailed physical properties of the fibers and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skirmantas Janušonis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Nils Detering
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Ralf Metzler
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Thomas Vojta
- Department of Physics, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
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22
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Yoong LF, Lim HK, Tran H, Lackner S, Zheng Z, Hong P, Moore AW. Atypical Myosin Tunes Dendrite Arbor Subdivision. Neuron 2020; 106:452-467.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Remesal L, Roger-Baynat I, Chirivella L, Maicas M, Brocal-Ruiz R, Pérez-Villalba A, Cucarella C, Casado M, Flames N. PBX1 acts as terminal selector for olfactory bulb dopaminergic neurons. Development 2020; 147:dev.186841. [PMID: 32156753 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal specification is a protracted process that begins with the commitment of progenitor cells and culminates with the generation of mature neurons. Many transcription factors are continuously expressed during this process but it is presently unclear how these factors modify their targets as cells transition through different stages of specification. In olfactory bulb adult neurogenesis, the transcription factor PBX1 controls neurogenesis in progenitor cells and the survival of migrating neuroblasts. Here, we show that, at later differentiation stages, PBX1 also acts as a terminal selector for the dopaminergic neuron fate. PBX1 is also required for the morphological maturation of dopaminergic neurons and to repress alternative interneuron fates, findings that expand the known repertoire of terminal-selector actions. Finally, we reveal that the temporal diversification of PBX1 functions in neuronal specification is achieved, at least in part, through the dynamic regulation of alternative splicing. In Caenorhabditis elegans, PBX/CEH-20 also acts as a dopaminergic neuron terminal selector, which suggests an ancient role for PBX factors in the regulation of terminal differentiation of dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Remesal
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Roger-Baynat
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Chirivella
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miren Maicas
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Brocal-Ruiz
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Villalba
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI BIOTECMED), and Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Carme Cucarella
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Metabolic Experimental Pathology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Casado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Metabolic Experimental Pathology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Flames
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Donovan LJ, Spencer WC, Kitt MM, Eastman BA, Lobur KJ, Jiao K, Silver J, Deneris ES. Lmx1b is required at multiple stages to build expansive serotonergic axon architectures. eLife 2019; 8:e48788. [PMID: 31355748 PMCID: PMC6685705 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Formation of long-range axons occurs over multiple stages of morphological maturation. However, the intrinsic transcriptional mechanisms that temporally control different stages of axon projection development are unknown. Here, we addressed this question by studying the formation of mouse serotonin (5-HT) axons, the exemplar of long-range profusely arborized axon architectures. We report that LIM homeodomain factor 1b (Lmx1b)-deficient 5-HT neurons fail to generate axonal projections to the forebrain and spinal cord. Stage-specific targeting demonstrates that Lmx1b is required at successive stages to control 5-HT axon primary outgrowth, selective routing, and terminal arborization. We show a Lmx1b→Pet1 regulatory cascade is temporally required for 5-HT arborization and upregulation of the 5-HT axon arborization gene, Protocadherin-alphac2, during postnatal development of forebrain 5-HT axons. Our findings identify a temporal regulatory mechanism in which a single continuously expressed transcription factor functions at successive stages to orchestrate the progressive development of long-range axon architectures enabling expansive neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Donovan
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - William C Spencer
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Meagan M Kitt
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Brent A Eastman
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Katherine J Lobur
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Kexin Jiao
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Evan S Deneris
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
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