1
|
Ahmed NI, Khandelwal N, Anderson AG, Oh E, Vollmer RM, Kulkarni A, Gibson JR, Konopka G. Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114257. [PMID: 38761373 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114257] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factors Foxp1 and Foxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN-specific loss of Foxp1, Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type-specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral-mediated re-expression of Foxp1 into the double knockouts is sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles between Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the D1-SPNs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Newaz I Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily Oh
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Rachael M Vollmer
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jay R Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shan D, Song Y, Zhang Y, Ho CW, Xia W, Li Z, Ge F, Ou Q, Dai Z, Dai Z. Neurexin dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders: a PRIMSA-based systematic review through iPSC and animal models. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1297374. [PMID: 38380150 PMCID: PMC10876810 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1297374] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neurexins, essential synaptic proteins, are linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Objective Through this systematic review, we aimed to shed light on the relationship between neurexin dysfunction and its implications in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Both animal and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models served as our primary investigative platforms. Methods Utilizing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, our search strategy involved scouring articles from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases covering a span of two decades (2003-2023). Of the initial collection, 27 rigorously evaluated studies formed the essence of our review. Results Our review suggested the significant ties between neurexin anomalies and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric outcomes, most notably ASD. Rodent-based investigations delineated pronounced ASD-associated behaviors, and hiPSC models derived from ASD-diagnosed patients revealed the disruptions in calcium dynamics and synaptic activities. Additionally, our review underlined the integral role of specific neurexin variants, primarily NRXN1, in the pathology of schizophrenia. It was also evident from our observation that neurexin malfunctions were implicated in a broader array of these disorders, including ADHD, intellectual challenges, and seizure disorders. Conclusion This review accentuates the cardinal role neurexins play in the pathological process of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. The findings underscore a critical need for standardized methodologies in developing animal and hiPSC models for future studies, aiming to minimize heterogeneity. Moreover, we highlight the need to expand research into less studied neurexin variants (i.e., NRXN2 and NRXN3), broadening the scope of our understanding in this field. Our observation also projects hiPSC models as potent tools for bridging research gaps, promoting translational research, and fostering the development of patient-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Yuming Song
- School of Medical Imaging, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanyi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheong Wong Ho
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Wenxin Xia
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Zhi Li
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Fenfen Ge
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Qifeng Ou
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Zijie Dai
- Division of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zhihao Dai
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bastien BL, Cowen MH, Hart MP. Distinct neurexin isoforms cooperate to initiate and maintain foraging activity. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:367. [PMID: 38036526 PMCID: PMC10689797 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are synaptic adhesion molecules that play diverse roles in synaptic development, function, maintenance, and plasticity. Neurexin genes have been associated with changes in human behavior, where variants in NRXN1 are associated with autism, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome. While NRXN1, NRXN2, and NRXN3 all encode major α and β isoforms, NRXN1 uniquely encodes a γ isoform, for which mechanistic roles in behavior have yet to be defined. Here, we show that both α and γ isoforms of neurexin/nrx-1 are required for the C. elegans behavioral response to food deprivation, a sustained period of hyperactivity upon food loss. We find that the γ isoform regulates initiation and the α isoform regulates maintenance of the behavioral response to food deprivation, demonstrating cooperative function of multiple nrx-1 isoforms in regulating a sustained behavior. The γ isoform alters monoamine signaling via octopamine, relies on specific expression of NRX-1 isoforms throughout the relevant circuit, and is independent of neuroligin/nlg-1, the canonical trans-synaptic partner of nrx-1. The α isoform regulates the pre-synaptic structure of the octopamine producing RIC neuron and its maintenance role is conditional on neuroligin/nlg-1. Collectively, these results demonstrate that neurexin isoforms can have separate behavioral roles and act cooperatively across neuronal circuits to modify behavior, highlighting the need to directly analyze and consider all isoforms when defining the contribution of neurexins to behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Bastien
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mara H Cowen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael P Hart
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ulloa Severino FP, Lawal OO, Sakers K, Wang S, Kim N, Friedman AD, Johnson SA, Sriworarat C, Hughes RH, Soderling SH, Kim IH, Yin HH, Eroglu C. Training-induced circuit-specific excitatory synaptogenesis in mice is required for effort control. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5522. [PMID: 37684234 PMCID: PMC10491649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41078-z] [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: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptogenesis is essential for circuit development; however, it is unknown whether it is critical for the establishment and performance of goal-directed voluntary behaviors. Here, we show that operant conditioning via lever-press for food reward training in mice induces excitatory synapse formation onto a subset of anterior cingulate cortex neurons projecting to the dorsomedial striatum (ACC→DMS). Training-induced synaptogenesis is controlled by the Gabapentin/Thrombospondin receptor α2δ-1, which is an essential neuronal protein for proper intracortical excitatory synaptogenesis. Using germline and conditional knockout mice, we found that deletion of α2δ-1 in the adult ACC→DMS circuit diminishes training-induced excitatory synaptogenesis. Surprisingly, this manipulation does not impact learning but results in a significant increase in effort exertion without affecting sensitivity to reward value or changing contingencies. Bidirectional optogenetic manipulation of ACC→DMS neurons rescues or phenocopies the behaviors of the α2δ-1 cKO mice, highlighting the importance of synaptogenesis within this cortico-striatal circuit in regulating effort exertion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo Ulloa Severino
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Cajal Institute (CSIC), Madrid, 28001, Spain.
| | | | - Kristina Sakers
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Shiyi Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Namsoo Kim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Sarah Anne Johnson
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Ryan H Hughes
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Scott H Soderling
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS), Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Il Hwan Kim
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Henry H Yin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS), Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS), Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Molloy CJ, Cooke J, Gatford NJF, Rivera-Olvera A, Avazzadeh S, Homberg JR, Grandjean J, Fernandes C, Shen S, Loth E, Srivastava DP, Gallagher L. Bridging the translational gap: what can synaptopathies tell us about autism? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1191323. [PMID: 37441676 PMCID: PMC10333541 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1191323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple molecular pathways and cellular processes have been implicated in the neurobiology of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. There is a current focus on synaptic gene conditions, or synaptopathies, which refer to clinical conditions associated with rare genetic variants disrupting genes involved in synaptic biology. Synaptopathies are commonly associated with autism and developmental delay and may be associated with a range of other neuropsychiatric outcomes. Altered synaptic biology is suggested by both preclinical and clinical studies in autism based on evidence of differences in early brain structural development and altered glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission potentially perturbing excitatory and inhibitory balance. This review focusses on the NRXN-NLGN-SHANK pathway, which is implicated in the synaptic assembly, trans-synaptic signalling, and synaptic functioning. We provide an overview of the insights from preclinical molecular studies of the pathway. Concentrating on NRXN1 deletion and SHANK3 mutations, we discuss emerging understanding of cellular processes and electrophysiology from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) models derived from individuals with synaptopathies, neuroimaging and behavioural findings in animal models of Nrxn1 and Shank3 synaptic gene conditions, and key findings regarding autism features, brain and behavioural phenotypes from human clinical studies of synaptopathies. The identification of molecular-based biomarkers from preclinical models aims to advance the development of targeted therapeutic treatments. However, it remains challenging to translate preclinical animal models and iPSC studies to interpret human brain development and autism features. We discuss the existing challenges in preclinical and clinical synaptopathy research, and potential solutions to align methodologies across preclinical and clinical research. Bridging the translational gap between preclinical and clinical studies will be necessary to understand biological mechanisms, to identify targeted therapies, and ultimately to progress towards personalised approaches for complex neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciara J. Molloy
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Cooke
- Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. F. Gatford
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Rivera-Olvera
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sahar Avazzadeh
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joanes Grandjean
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eva Loth
- Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak P. Srivastava
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Hospital for SickKids, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahmed NI, Khandelwal N, Anderson AG, Kulkarni A, Gibson J, Konopka G. Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.546567. [PMID: 37425820 PMCID: PMC10327074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.546567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factors Foxp1 and Foxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN specific loss of Foxp1, Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral mediated re-expression of Foxp1 into the double knockouts was sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles between Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the D1-SPNs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Newaz I. Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashley G. Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jay Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Lead Contact
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Choi K, Piasini E, Díaz-Hernández E, Cifuentes LV, Henderson NT, Holly EN, Subramaniyan M, Gerfen CR, Fuccillo MV. Distributed processing for value-based choice by prelimbic circuits targeting anterior-posterior dorsal striatal subregions in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1920. [PMID: 37024449 PMCID: PMC10079960 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36795-4] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fronto-striatal circuits have been implicated in cognitive control of behavioral output for social and appetitive rewards. The functional diversity of prefrontal cortical populations is strongly dependent on their synaptic targets, with control of motor output mediated by connectivity to dorsal striatum. Despite evidence for functional diversity along the anterior-posterior striatal axis, it is unclear how distinct fronto-striatal sub-circuits support value-based choice. Here we found segregated prefrontal populations defined by anterior/posterior dorsomedial striatal target. During a feedback-based 2-alternative choice task, single-photon imaging revealed circuit-specific representations of task-relevant information with prelimbic neurons targeting anterior DMS (PL::A-DMS) robustly modulated during choices and negative outcomes, while prelimbic neurons targeting posterior DMS (PL::P-DMS) encoded internal representations of value and positive outcomes contingent on prior choice. Consistent with this distributed coding, optogenetic inhibition of PL::A-DMS circuits strongly impacted choice monitoring and responses to negative outcomes while inhibition of PL::P-DMS impaired task engagement and strategies following positive outcomes. Together our data uncover PL populations engaged in distributed processing for value-based choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyuhyun Choi
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eugenio Piasini
- Computational Neuroscience Initiative, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Neural Computation Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Edgar Díaz-Hernández
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luigim Vargas Cifuentes
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathan T Henderson
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth N Holly
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Manivannan Subramaniyan
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charles R Gerfen
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marc V Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu B, Ho Y, Fasolino M, Medina J, O’Brien WT, Lamonica JM, Nugent E, Brodkin ES, Fuccillo MV, Bucan M, Zhou Z. Allelic contribution of Nrxn1α to autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes in mice. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010659. [PMID: 36848371 PMCID: PMC9997995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) in the Neurexin 1 (NRXN1) gene, which encodes a presynaptic protein involved in neurotransmitter release, are some of the most frequently observed single-gene variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To address the functional contribution of NRXN1 CNVs to behavioral phenotypes relevant to ASD, we carried out systematic behavioral phenotyping of an allelic series of Nrxn1 mouse models: one carrying promoter and exon 1 deletion abolishing Nrxn1α transcription, one carrying exon 9 deletion disrupting Nrxn1α protein translation, and one carrying an intronic deletion with no observable effect on Nrxn1α expression. We found that homozygous loss of Nrxn1α resulted in enhanced aggression in males, reduced affiliative social behaviors in females, and significantly altered circadian activities in both sexes. Heterozygous or homozygous loss of Nrxn1α affected the preference for social novelty in male mice, and notably, enhanced repetitive motor skills and motor coordination in both sexes. In contrast, mice bearing an intronic deletion of Nrxn1 did not display alterations in any of the behaviors assessed. These findings demonstrate the importance of Nrxn1α gene dosage in regulating social, circadian, and motor functions, and the variables of sex and genomic positioning of CNVs in the expression of autism-related phenotypes. Importantly, mice with heterozygous loss of Nrxn1, as found in numerous autistic individuals, show an elevated propensity to manifest autism-related phenotypes, supporting the use of models with this genomic architecture to study ASD etiology and assess additional genetic variants associated with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Nephrosis, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yugong Ho
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Maria Fasolino
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joanna Medina
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - William Timothy O’Brien
- Preclinical Models Core, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center (IDDRC) Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Janine M. Lamonica
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erin Nugent
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marc V. Fuccillo
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Maja Bucan
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Preclinical Models Core, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center (IDDRC) Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marion-Poll L, Roussarie JP, Taing L, Dard-Dascot C, Servant N, Jaszczyszyn Y, Jordi E, Mulugeta E, Hervé D, Bourc’his D, Greengard P, Thermes C, Girault JA. DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation characterize the identity of D1 and D2 striatal projection neurons. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1321. [PMID: 36456703 PMCID: PMC9715678 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04269-w] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal DNA modifications differ from those in other cells, including methylation outside CpG context and abundant 5-hydroxymethylation whose relevance for neuronal identities are unclear. Striatal projection neurons expressing D1 or D2 dopamine receptors allow addressing this question, as they share many characteristics but differ in their gene expression profiles, connections, and functional roles. We compare translating mRNAs and DNA modifications in these two populations. DNA methylation differences occur predominantly in large genomic clusters including differentially expressed genes, potentially important for D1 and D2 neurons. Decreased gene body methylation is associated with higher gene expression. Hydroxymethylation differences are more scattered and affect transcription factor binding sites, which can influence gene expression. We also find a strong genome-wide hydroxymethylation asymmetry between the two DNA strands, particularly pronounced at expressed genes and retrotransposons. These results identify novel properties of neuronal DNA modifications and unveil epigenetic characteristics of striatal projection neurons heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Marion-Poll
- grid.7429.80000000121866389INSERM UMR-S1270, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462844.80000 0001 2308 1657Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462192.a0000 0004 0520 8345Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005 France ,Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Present Address: Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211 Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Roussarie
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065 USA ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Present Address: Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Lieng Taing
- grid.7429.80000000121866389INSERM UMR-S1270, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462844.80000 0001 2308 1657Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462192.a0000 0004 0520 8345Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462844.80000 0001 2308 1657Present Address: UMR1166 Inserm and Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Medicine, Paris, 75013 France
| | - Cloelia Dard-Dascot
- grid.457334.20000 0001 0667 2738Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198 France
| | - Nicolas Servant
- grid.440907.e0000 0004 1784 3645Institut Curie, INSERM U900, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, Mines Paris Tech, PSL-Research University, Paris, 75005 France
| | - Yan Jaszczyszyn
- grid.457334.20000 0001 0667 2738Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198 France
| | - Emmanuelle Jordi
- grid.7429.80000000121866389INSERM UMR-S1270, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462844.80000 0001 2308 1657Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462192.a0000 0004 0520 8345Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005 France ,Present Address: Coave Therapeutics, Paris, 75014 France
| | - Eskeatnaf Mulugeta
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.5645.2000000040459992XPresent Address: Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC), Department of Cell Biology, Rotterdam, 3000 CA The Netherlands
| | - Denis Hervé
- grid.7429.80000000121866389INSERM UMR-S1270, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462844.80000 0001 2308 1657Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462192.a0000 0004 0520 8345Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005 France
| | - Déborah Bourc’his
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, 75005 France
| | - Paul Greengard
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Claude Thermes
- grid.457334.20000 0001 0667 2738Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198 France
| | - Jean-Antoine Girault
- grid.7429.80000000121866389INSERM UMR-S1270, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462844.80000 0001 2308 1657Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Paris, 75005 France ,grid.462192.a0000 0004 0520 8345Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005 France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Riemersma IW, Havekes R, Kas MJH. Spatial and Temporal Gene Function Studies in Rodents: Towards Gene-Based Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:28. [PMID: 35052369 PMCID: PMC8774890 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by differences in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory differences beginning early in life. Especially sensory symptoms are highly correlated with the severity of other behavioral differences. ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition on multiple levels, including clinical presentation, genetics, and developmental trajectories. Over a thousand genes have been implicated in ASD. This has facilitated the generation of more than two hundred genetic mouse models that are contributing to understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD. Since the first symptoms already arise during early life, it is especially important to identify both spatial and temporal gene functions in relation to the ASD phenotype. To further decompose the heterogeneity, ASD-related genes can be divided into different subgroups based on common functions, such as genes involved in synaptic function. Furthermore, finding common biological processes that are modulated by this subgroup of genes is essential for possible patient stratification and the development of personalized early treatments. Here, we review the current knowledge on behavioral rodent models of synaptic dysfunction by focusing on behavioral phenotypes, spatial and temporal gene function, and molecular targets that could lead to new targeted gene-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martien J. H. Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; (I.W.R.); (R.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fuccillo MV, Pak C. Copy number variants in neurexin genes: phenotypes and mechanisms. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 68:64-70. [PMID: 33756113 PMCID: PMC8491281 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurexins are central to trans-synaptic cell adhesion and signaling during synapse specification and maintenance. The past two decades of human genetics research have identified structural variations in the neurexin gene family, in particular NRXN1 copy number variants (CNVs), implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric and developmental disorders. The heterogeneity and reduced penetrance of NRXN1 deletions, in addition to the pleiotropic, circuit-specific functions of NRXN1, present substantial obstacles to understanding how compromised NRXN1 function predisposes individuals to neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we provide an updated review of NRXN1 genetics in disease, followed by recently published work using both human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived systems and animal models to understand the mechanisms of disease pathophysiology. Finally, we suggest our outlook on how the field should progress to improve our understanding of neurexin mediated disease pathogenesis. We believe that understanding how structural genetic variants in NRXN1 contribute to disease pathophysiology requires parallel approaches in iPSC and mouse model systems, each leveraging their unique strengths — analysis of genetic interactions and background effects in iPSCs and neural circuit and behavioral analysis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc V Fuccillo
- Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - ChangHui Pak
- Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Davatolhagh MF, Fuccillo MV. Neurexin1⍺ differentially regulates synaptic efficacy within striatal circuits. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108773. [PMID: 33626349 PMCID: PMC8071350 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes essential for synaptic function, such as the presynaptic adhesion molecule Neurexin1α (Nrxn1α), are strongly implicated in neuropsychiatric pathophysiology. As the input nucleus of the basal ganglia, the striatum integrates diverse excitatory projections governing cognitive and motor control, and its impairment may represent a recurrent pathway to disease. Here, we test the functional relevance of Nrxn1α in striatal circuits by employing optogenetic-mediated afferent recruitment of dorsal prefrontal cortical (dPFC) and parafascicular thalamic connections onto dorsomedial striatal (DMS) spiny projection neurons (SPNs). For dPFC-DMS circuits, we find decreased synaptic strength specifically onto indirect pathway SPNs in both Nrxn1α+/- and Nrxn1α-/- mice, driven by reductions in neurotransmitter release. In contrast, thalamic excitatory inputs to DMS exhibit relatively normal excitatory synaptic strength despite changes in synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) content. These findings suggest that dysregulation of Nrxn1α modulates striatal function in an input- and target-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Felicia Davatolhagh
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marc V Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Neurexin 1 variants as risk factors for suicide death. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7436-7445. [PMID: 34168285 PMCID: PMC8709873 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a significant public health concern with complex etiology. Although the genetic component of suicide is well established, the scope of gene networks and biological mechanisms underlying suicide has yet to be defined. Previously, we reported genome-wide evidence that neurexin 1 (NRXN1), a key synapse organizing molecule, is associated with familial suicide risk. Here we present new evidence for two non-synonymous variants (rs78540316; P469S and rs199784139; H885Y) associated with increased familial risk of suicide death. We tested the impact of these variants on binding interactions with known partners and assessed functionality in a hemi-synapse formation assay. Although the formation of hemi-synapses was not altered with the P469S variant relative to wild-type, both variants increased binding to the postsynaptic binding partner, leucine-rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 2 (LRRTM2) in vitro. Our findings indicate that variants in NRXN1 and related synaptic genes warrant further study as risk factors for suicide death.
Collapse
|