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Yang D, Wang J, Qin Z, Feng J, Mao C, Chen Y, Huang X, Ruan Y. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of NPRL3-related epilepsy: Two case reports and literature review. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:33-40. [PMID: 37902097 PMCID: PMC10839296 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3) has been reported to play a role in seizure onset. The principal manifestation of NPRL3-related epilepsy is a range of epilepsy-associated syndromes, such as familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF), sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The association between phenotype and genotype of NPRL3 mutations remains inadequately described. This study aimed to explore the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of NPRL3-related epilepsy. We reported two novel NPRL3 variants in two unrelated epilepsy cases, including a nonsense (c.1174C > T, p.Gln392*) and a missense variant (c.1322C > T, p.Thr441Met). Following a review of the literature, a total of 116 cases of NPRL3-related epilepsy were assessed, mostly with nonsense and frameshift mutations. Our findings suggest that patients harboring various NPRL3 variants exhibit variable clinical manifestations. In addition, it may be worthwhile to consider theexistence of NPRL3 mutations in epilepsy patients with a family history. This study provides useful information for the treatment and prognosis by expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of NPRL3-related epilepsy by reporting two cases with different novel variants. Following a review of the literature, it was observed that patients harboring various NPRL3 variants exhibited a variability of clinical manifestations. Also, patients carrying nonsense mutations are frequently prone to drug resistance and other severe comorbidities such as developmental delay, but more cases need to be collected to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Yang
- Ruikang Clinical Medical CollegeGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningChina
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Jinqiu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Zailong Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic DiseasesMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Genetic and Metabolic Central LaboratoryGuangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention InstituteNanningChina
| | - Juntan Feng
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Chengyun Mao
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Yuyi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Xuelin Huang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Yiyan Ruan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic DiseasesMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
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Winczewska-Wiktor A, Braszka M, Harada-Laszlo M, Badura-Stronka M, Kaczmarek I, Starczewska M, Wencel-Warot A, Steinborn B, Jamsheer A. Evaluating the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in managing drug resistant paediatric DEDPC5-related epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109535. [PMID: 38118233 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet treatment in a cohort of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy with a mutation in the DEPDC5 gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS We followed four paediatric patients with drug resistant DEPDC5-related epilepsy through a ketogenic diet (KD) treatment course. We analyzed the following parameters of their clinical profiles: past medical history, clinical characteristics of seizure morphology, EEG records pre- and post-KD treatment, the results of MRI head and neurological and psychological examinations (pre-treatment and throughout treatment course). We evaluated the effectiveness of previous therapeutic approaches and the current treatment with ketogenic diet alongside results of neuroimaging studies. Effect of KD on co-morbid behavioural and psychiatric symptoms, as well as adverse effects from KD were also assessed. RESULTS In three patients, the introduction of the ketogenic diet resulted in the cessation of seizures, while in 1 patient with co-morbid cortical dysplasia, epileptic seizures of lesser severity returned after an initial seizure-free period of several weeks. Further, 1 patient was able to transition to a KD-only treatment regimen. The remaining patients were able to reduce the number of antiseizure medicine (ASM) to a monotherapy. In all cases we observed improvements in EEG results. Our cohort included one patient whose MRI head showed cortical dysplasia. However, no patients demonstrated any neurological signs in neurological examination. Psychological examination showed normal intellectual development in all patients, although behavioral disorders and difficulties at school were observed. The introduction of KD treatment correlated with improvement in school performance and improved behavioral regulation. No clinically significant adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS KD seems to be both effective and well tolerated in young patients with DEPDC5-related epilepsy, both as a monotherapy and as an adjunct to ASM. We recommend an early adoption of this therapeutic approach in this patient demographic. Our results demonstrate that the positive effects of KD treatment encompass improvements in general functioning, particularly in the context of school performance and behavior, in addition to the achievement of good seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Braszka
- University College London Medical School, 74 Huntly School WC1E6DE, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Harada-Laszlo
- University College London Medical School, 74 Huntly School WC1E6DE, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Izabela Kaczmarek
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Monika Starczewska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | | | - Barbara Steinborn
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Aleksander Jamsheer
- Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
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3
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Mabika M, Agbogba K, Côté S, Lippé S, Riou É, Cieuta C, Lepage JF. Neurophysiological assessment of cortical activity in DEPDC5- and NPRL3-related epileptic mTORopathies. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:11. [PMID: 36639812 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02600-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the GATOR1 complex genes, DEPDC5 and NPRL3, play a major role in the development of lesional and non-lesional focal epilepsy through increased mTORC1 signalling. We aimed to assess the effects of mTORC1 hyperactivation on GABAergic inhibitory circuits, in 3 and 5 individuals carrying DEPDC5 and NPRL3 mutations respectively using a multimodal approach including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS Inhibitory functions probed by TMS and MRS showed no effect of mutations on cortical GABAergic receptor-mediated inhibition and GABA concentration, in both cortical and subcortical regions. However, stronger EEG theta oscillations and stronger and more synchronous gamma oscillations were observed in DEPDC5 and NPRL3 mutations carriers. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that DEPDC5 and NPRL3-related epileptic mTORopathies may not directly modulate GABAergic functions but are nonetheless characterized by a stronger neural entrainment that may be reflective of a cortical hyperexcitability mediated by increased mTORC1 signaling.
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Hu J, Gao X, Chen L, Kan Y, Du Z, Xin S, Ji W, Yu Q, Cao L. Identification of two rare NPRL3 variants in two Chinese families with familial focal epilepsy with variable foci 3: NGS analysis with literature review. Front Genet 2023; 13:1054567. [PMID: 36685832 PMCID: PMC9852884 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1054567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The GAP Activity Towards Rags 1 (GATOR1) complex, which includes DEPDC5, NPRL2, and NPRL3, plays a key role in epilepsy. It has been reported that focal epilepsy is associated with mutations in the NPRL3 gene in some cases. We report two rare mutations in the NPRL3 gene in two unrelated Chinese families with focal epilepsy in this study. Methods: The proband and her brother in family E1 first experienced seizures at 1.5 and 6 years of age, respectively. Despite resection of epileptogenic foci, she still suffered recurrent seizures. The first seizure of a 20-year-old male proband in family E2 occurred when he was 2 years old. To identify pathogenic variants in these families, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA from peripheral blood. Results: In family E1, the trio-WES analysis of the proband and her brother without apparent structural brain abnormalities identified a heterozygous variant in the NPRL3 gene (c.954C>A, p.Y318*, NM_001077350.3). In family E2, the proband carried a heterozygous NPRL3 mutation (c.1545-1G>C, NM_001077350.3). Surprisingly, the mothers of the two probands each carried the variants, but neither had an attack. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the mutation (c.954C>A) was in the highly conserved amino acid residues of NPRL3, which affected the α-helix of NPRL3 protein, leading to a truncated protein. The splice variant (c.1545-1G>C) resulted in the loss of the last exon of the NPRL3 gene. Conclusion: The results of this study provide a foundation for diagnosing NPRL3-related epilepsy by enriching their genotypes and phenotypes and help us identify the genetic etiologies of epilepsy in these two families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Hu
- Department of Neurology, Zibo Changguo Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xueping Gao
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Longchang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Zibo Changguo Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Yuling Kan
- Central Laboratory, Binzhou People’s Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoli Du
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | | | - Wenkai Ji
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Department of Neurology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Lili Cao,
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5
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Iffland PH, Everett ME, Cobb-Pitstick KM, Bowser LE, Barnes AE, Babus JK, Romanowski AJ, Baybis M, Elziny S, Puffenberger EG, Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Poulopoulos A, Carson VJ, Crino PB. NPRL3 loss alters neuronal morphology, mTOR localization, cortical lamination and seizure threshold. Brain 2022; 145:3872-3885. [PMID: 35136953 PMCID: PMC10200289 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3), a component of the GATOR1 complex within the mTOR pathway, are associated with epilepsy and malformations of cortical development. Little is known about the effects of NPRL3 loss on neuronal mTOR signalling and morphology, or cerebral cortical development and seizure susceptibility. We report the clinical phenotypic spectrum of a founder NPRL3 pedigree (c.349delG, p.Glu117LysFS; n = 133) among Old Order Mennonites dating to 1727. Next, as a strategy to define the role of NPRL3 in cortical development, CRISPR/Cas9 Nprl3 knockout in Neuro2a cells in vitro and in foetal mouse brain in vivo was used to assess the effects of Nprl3 knockout on mTOR activation, subcellular mTOR localization, nutrient signalling, cell morphology and aggregation, cerebral cortical cytoarchitecture and network integrity. The NPRL3 pedigree exhibited an epilepsy penetrance of 28% and heterogeneous clinical phenotypes with a range of epilepsy semiologies, i.e. focal or generalized onset, brain imaging abnormalities, i.e. polymicrogyria, focal cortical dysplasia or normal imaging, and EEG findings, e.g. focal, multi-focal or generalized spikes, focal or generalized slowing. Whole exome analysis comparing a seizure-free group (n = 37) to those with epilepsy (n = 24) to search for gene modifiers for epilepsy did not identify a unique genetic modifier that explained the variability in seizure penetrance in this cohort. Nprl3 knockout in vitro caused mTOR pathway hyperactivation, cell soma enlargement and the formation of cellular aggregates seen in time-lapse videos that were prevented with the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin or torin1. In Nprl3 knockout cells, mTOR remained localized on the lysosome in a constitutively active conformation, as evidenced by phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 and 4E-BP1 proteins, even under nutrient starvation (amino acid-free) conditions, demonstrating that Nprl3 loss decouples mTOR activation from neuronal metabolic state. To model human malformations of cortical development associated with NPRL3 variants, we created a focal Nprl3 knockout in foetal mouse cortex by in utero electroporation and found altered cortical lamination and white matter heterotopic neurons, effects which were prevented with rapamycin treatment. EEG recordings showed network hyperexcitability and reduced seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol treatment. NPRL3 variants are linked to a highly variable clinical phenotype which we propose results from mTOR-dependent effects on cell structure, cortical development and network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Iffland
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | | | | | - Allan E Barnes
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Janice K Babus
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Andrea J Romanowski
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Marianna Baybis
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Soad Elziny
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Peter B Crino
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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6
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Ye G, Wang J, Yang W, Li J, Ye M, Jin X. The roles of KLHL family members in human cancers. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:5105-5139. [PMID: 36504893 PMCID: PMC9729911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kelch-like (KLHL) family members consist of three domains: bric-a-brac, tramtrack, broad complex/poxvirus and zinc finger domain, BACK domain and Kelch domain, which combine and interact with Cullin3 to form an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Research has indicated that KLHL family members ubiquitinate target substrates to regulate physiological and pathological processes, including tumorigenesis and progression. KLHL19, a member of the KLHL family, is associated with tumorigenesis and drug resistance. However, the regulation and cross talks of other KLHL family members, which also play roles in cancer, are still unclear. Our review mainly explores studies concerning the roles of other KLHL family members in tumor-related regulation to provide novel insights into KLHL family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganghui Ye
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315020, Zhejiang, P. R. China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315020, Zhejiang, P. R. China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Weili Yang
- Yinzhou People’s Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315040, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jinyun Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315020, Zhejiang, P. R. China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Meng Ye
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315020, Zhejiang, P. R. China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315020, Zhejiang, P. R. China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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7
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Yuskaitis CJ, Modasia JB, Schrötter S, Rossitto LA, Groff KJ, Morici C, Mithal DS, Chakrabarty RP, Chandel NS, Manning BD, Sahin M. DEPDC5-dependent mTORC1 signaling mechanisms are critical for the anti-seizure effects of acute fasting. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111278. [PMID: 36044864 PMCID: PMC9508617 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Caloric restriction and acute fasting are known to reduce seizures but through unclear mechanisms. mTOR signaling has been suggested as a potential mechanism for seizure protection from fasting. We demonstrate that brain mTORC1 signaling is reduced after acute fasting of mice and that neuronal mTORC1 integrates GATOR1 complex-mediated amino acid and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-mediated growth factor signaling. Neuronal mTORC1 is most sensitive to withdrawal of leucine, arginine, and glutamine, which are dependent on DEPDC5, a component of the GATOR1 complex. Metabolomic analysis reveals that Depdc5 neuronal-specific knockout mice are resistant to sensing significant fluctuations in brain amino acid levels after fasting. Depdc5 neuronal-specific knockout mice are resistant to the protective effects of fasting on seizures or seizure-induced death. These results establish that acute fasting reduces seizure susceptibility in a DEPDC5-dependent manner. Modulation of nutrients upstream of GATOR1 and mTORC1 could offer a rational therapeutic strategy for epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Yuskaitis
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jinita B Modasia
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandra Schrötter
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leigh-Ana Rossitto
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karenna J Groff
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Morici
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Divakar S Mithal
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Section of Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ram P Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brendan D Manning
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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Teles E Silva AL, Glaser T, Griesi-Oliveira K, Corrêa-Velloso J, Wang JYT, da Silva Campos G, Ulrich H, Balan A, Zarrei M, Higginbotham EJ, Scherer SW, Passos-Bueno MR, Sertié AL. Rare CACNA1H and RELN variants interact through mTORC1 pathway in oligogenic autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:234. [PMID: 35668055 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01997-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligogenic inheritance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been supported by several studies. However, little is known about how the risk variants interact and converge on causative neurobiological pathways. We identified in an ASD proband deleterious compound heterozygous missense variants in the Reelin (RELN) gene, and a de novo splicing variant in the Cav3.2 calcium channel (CACNA1H) gene. Here, by using iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and a heterologous expression system, we show that the variant in Cav3.2 leads to increased calcium influx into cells, which overactivates mTORC1 pathway and, consequently, further exacerbates the impairment of Reelin signaling. Also, we show that Cav3.2/mTORC1 overactivation induces proliferation of NPCs and that both mutant Cav3.2 and Reelin cause abnormal migration of these cells. Finally, analysis of the sequencing data from two ASD cohorts-a Brazilian cohort of 861 samples, 291 with ASD; the MSSNG cohort of 11,181 samples, 5,102 with ASD-revealed that the co-occurrence of risk variants in both alleles of Reelin pathway genes and in one allele of calcium channel genes confer significant liability for ASD. Our results support the notion that genes with co-occurring deleterious variants tend to have interconnected pathways underlying oligogenic forms of ASD.
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Dentel B, Angeles-Perez L, Ren C, Jakkamsetti V, Holley AJ, Caballero D, Oh E, Gibson J, Pascual JM, Huber KM, Tu BP, Tsai PT. Increased glycine contributes to synaptic dysfunction and early mortality in Nprl2 seizure model. iScience 2022; 25:104334. [PMID: 35602938 PMCID: PMC9118754 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies for epilepsies associated with the mTORC1 signaling negative regulator GATOR1 are lacking. NPRL2 is a subunit of the GATOR1 complex and mutations in GATOR1 subunits, including NPRL2, are associated with epilepsy. To delineate the mechanisms underlying NPRL2-related epilepsies, we created a mouse (Mus musculus) model with neocortical loss of Nprl2. Mutant mice have increased mTORC1 signaling and exhibit spontaneous seizures. They also display abnormal synaptic function characterized by increased evoked and spontaneous EPSC and decreased evoked and spontaneous IPSC frequencies, respectively. Proteomic and metabolomics studies of Nprl2 mutants revealed alterations in known epilepsy-implicated proteins and metabolic pathways, including increases in the neurotransmitter, glycine. Furthermore, glycine actions on the NMDA receptor contribute to the electrophysiological and survival phenotypes of these mice. Taken together, in this neuronal Nprl2 model, we delineate underlying molecular, metabolic, and electrophysiological mechanisms contributing to mTORC1-related epilepsy, providing potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Dentel
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | | | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Vikram Jakkamsetti
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Andrew J. Holley
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Daniel Caballero
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Emily Oh
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Jay Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Juan M. Pascual
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Peter T. Tsai
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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10
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Abstract
DEPDC5-related epilepsy, caused by pathogenic germline variants(with or without additional somatic variants in the brain) of DEPDC5 (Dishevelled, Egl-10 and Pleckstrin domain-containing protein 5) gene, is a newly discovered predominantly focal epilepsy linked to enhanced mTORC1 pathway. DEPDC5-related epilepsy includes several familial epilepsy syndromes, including familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) and rare sporadic nonlesional focal epilepsy. DEPDC5 has been identified as one of the more common epilepsy genes linked to infantile spasms and sudden unexpected death (SUDEP). Although intelligence usually is unaffected in DEPDC5-related epilepsy, some people have been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other psychiatric problems. DEPDC5 variants have also been found in 20% of individuals with various brain abnormalities, challenging the traditional distinction between lesional and nonlesional epilepsies. The most exciting development of DEPDC5 variants is the possibility of precision therapeutics using mTOR inhibitors, as evidenced with phenotypic rescue in many animal models. However, more research is needed to better understand the functional impact of diverse (particularly missense or splice-region) variants, the specific involvement of DEPDC5 in epileptogenesis, and the creation and utilization of precision therapies in humans. Precision treatments for DEPDC5-related epilepsy will benefit not only a small number of people with the condition, but they will also pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in epilepsy (including acquired epilepsies in which mTORC1 activation occurs, for example, post-traumatic epilepsy) and other neurological disorders involving a dysfunctional mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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11
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Li Y, Zhao X, Wang S, Xu K, Zhao X, Huang S, Zhu S. A Novel Loss-of-Function Mutation in the NPRL3 Gene Identified in Chinese Familial Focal Epilepsy with Variable Foci. Front Genet 2021; 12:766354. [PMID: 34868250 PMCID: PMC8633433 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.766354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by partial epilepsy with variable foci. In this study, we report a six-generation with segregation of the mutation present in four generations Chinese family presenting with focal epilepsy with variable foci. Whole exome sequencing confirms a novel pathogenic mutation in the NPRL3 gene (c316C>T; p. Q106*). PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were conducted to analyze the gene transcription, protein expression, and subcellular localization of NPRL3 and related signaling molecules in peripheral blood cells from family members. As compared with healthy family members, both mRNA level and protein expression of NPRL3 are decreased in peripheral blood cells of the mutation carrier. In addition, the expression of downstream molecular Phospho-p70 S6 kinase (P-s6k) are increased consequently. Our findings expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of the NPRL3-associated epilepsy and reveal the mechanisms of mTOR pathway signaling and GATOR1 pathogenesis in focal epilepsies, providing exciting potential for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, further in vitro and animal experiments are still needed to evaluate the role of NPRL3 loss-of-function mutation in epileptogensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youzhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suiqiang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Cases-Cunillera S, van Loo KMJ, Pitsch J, Quatraccioni A, Sivalingam S, Salomoni P, Borger V, Dietrich D, Schoch S, Becker AJ. Heterogeneity and excitability of BRAF V600E-induced tumors is determined by Akt/mTOR-signaling state and Trp53-loss. Neuro Oncol 2021; 24:741-754. [PMID: 34865163 PMCID: PMC9071348 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Developmental brain tumors harboring BRAFV600E somatic mutation are diverse. Here, we describe molecular factors that determine BRAFV600E-induced tumor biology and function. Methods Intraventricular in utero electroporation in combination with the piggyBac transposon system was utilized to generate developmental brain neoplasms, which were comprehensively analyzed with regard to growth using near-infrared in-vivo imaging, transcript signatures by RNA sequencing, and neuronal activity by multielectrode arrays. Results BRAF
V600E expression in murine neural progenitors elicits benign neoplasms composed of enlarged dysmorphic neurons and neoplastic astroglia recapitulating ganglioglioma (GG) only in concert with active Akt/mTOR-signaling. Purely glial tumors resembling aspects of polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumors of the young (PLNTYs) emerge from BRAFV600E alone. Additional somatic Trp53-loss is sufficient to generate anaplastic GGs (aGGs) with glioneuronal clonality. Functionally, only BRAFV600E/pAkt tumors intrinsically generate substantial neuronal activity and show enhanced relay to adjacent tissue conferring high epilepsy propensity. In contrast, PLNTY- and aGG models lack significant spike activity, which appears in line with the glial differentiation of the former and a dysfunctional tissue structure combined with reduced neuronal transcript signatures in the latter. Conclusion mTOR-signaling and Trp53-loss critically determine the biological diversity and electrical activity of BRAFV600E-induced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cases-Cunillera
- Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen M J van Loo
- Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Epileptology, Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julika Pitsch
- Department of Epileptology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne Quatraccioni
- Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sugirthan Sivalingam
- Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Paolo Salomoni
- Nuclear Function Group, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Valeri Borger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk Dietrich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Department of Epileptology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Corresponding Author: Albert J. Becker, MD, Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, D-53127 Bonn, Germany ()
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13
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Ishida S, Zhao D, Sawada Y, Hiraoka Y, Mashimo T, Tanaka K. Dorsal telencephalon-specific Nprl2- and Nprl3-knockout mice: novel mouse models for GATORopathy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1519-1530. [PMID: 34965576 PMCID: PMC9071434 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent genetic cause of focal epilepsies is variations in the GAP activity toward RAGs 1 complex genes DEP domain containing 5 (DEPDC5), nitrogen permease regulator 2-like protein (NPRL2) and nitrogen permease regulator 3-like protein (NPRL3). Because these variations are frequent and associated with a broad spectrum of focal epilepsies, a unique pathology categorized as GATORopathy can be conceptualized. Animal models recapitulating the clinical features of patients are essential to decipher GATORopathy. Although several genetically modified animal models recapitulate DEPDC5-related epilepsy, no models have been reported for NPRL2- or NPRL3-related epilepsies. Here, we conditionally deleted Nprl2 and Nprl3 from the dorsal telencephalon in mice [Emx1cre/+; Nprl2f/f (Nprl2-cKO) and Emx1cre/+; Nprl3f/f (Nprl3-cKO)] and compared their phenotypes with Nprl2+/−, Nprl3+/− and Emx1cre/+; Depdc5f/f (Depdc5-cKO) mice. Nprl2-cKO and Nprl3-cKO mice recapitulated the major abnormal features of patients—spontaneous seizures, and dysmorphic enlarged neuronal cells with increased mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling—similar to Depdc5-cKO mice. Chronic postnatal rapamycin administration dramatically prolonged the survival period and inhibited seizure occurrence but not enlarged neuronal cells in Nprl2-cKO and Nprl3-cKO mice. However, the benefit of rapamycin after withdrawal was less durable in Nprl2- and Nprl3-cKO mice compared with Depdc5-cKO mice. Further studies using these conditional knockout mice will be useful for understanding GATORopathy and for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Ishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Di Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuta Sawada
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedical Research, MRI, TMDU, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Center for Brain Integration Research (CBIR), TMDU, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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14
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Vasic V, Jones MSO, Haslinger D, Knaus LS, Schmeisser MJ, Novarino G, Chiocchetti AG. Translating the Role of mTOR- and RAS-Associated Signalopathies in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Models, Mechanisms and Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111746. [PMID: 34828352 PMCID: PMC8624393 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting mTOR or RAS signaling underlie defined syndromes (the so-called mTORopathies and RASopathies) with high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These syndromes show a broad variety of somatic phenotypes including cancers, skin abnormalities, heart disease and facial dysmorphisms. Less well studied are the neuropsychiatric symptoms such as ASD. Here, we assess the relevance of these signalopathies in ASD reviewing genetic, human cell model, rodent studies and clinical trials. We conclude that signalopathies have an increased liability for ASD and that, in particular, ASD individuals with dysmorphic features and intellectual disability (ID) have a higher chance for disruptive mutations in RAS- and mTOR-related genes. Studies on rodent and human cell models confirm aberrant neuronal development as the underlying pathology. Human studies further suggest that multiple hits are necessary to induce the respective phenotypes. Recent clinical trials do only report improvements for comorbid conditions such as epilepsy or cancer but not for behavioral aspects. Animal models show that treatment during early development can rescue behavioral phenotypes. Taken together, we suggest investigating the differential roles of mTOR and RAS signaling in both human and rodent models, and to test drug treatment both during and after neuronal development in the available model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Mattson S. O. Jones
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Denise Haslinger
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Lisa S. Knaus
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Andreas G. Chiocchetti
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-6301-80658
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15
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Chodraui FI, Garcia CAB, Mendes ND, Santos MV, Beggiora PS, Silva SC, Teixeira TL, da Silva Lopes L, Saggioro FP, Neder L, Machado HR. Phosphorylation of S6 Protein as a Potential Biomarker in Surgically Treated Refractory Epilepsy. Dev Neurosci 2021; 42:230-236. [PMID: 33706310 DOI: 10.1159/000514006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), focal cortical dysplasia IIB (FCD IIB), and hemimegalencephaly (HME) exhibit similar molecular features that are dependent on the hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway. They are all associated with refractory epilepsy and the need for surgical resection with varying outcomes. The phosphorylated protein S6 (pS6) is a downstream target of mTOR, whose increased expression might indicate mTOR hyperactivation, but which is also present when there is no alteration in the pathway (such as in FCD type I). We have performed immunohistochemical marking and quantification of pS6 in resected brain specimens of 26 patients clinically and histologically diagnosed with TSC, FCD IIB, or HME and compared this data to a control group of 25 patients, to measure the extent of pS6 positivity and its correlation with clinical aspects. Our results suggest that pS6 may serve as a reliable biomarker in epilepsy and that a greater percentage of pS6 marking can relate to more severe forms of mTOR-dependent brain anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe I Chodraui
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Araújo B Garcia
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Niele D Mendes
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Santos
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil,
| | - Pâmela S Beggiora
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Stephanya C Silva
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thiago L Teixeira
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiza da Silva Lopes
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fabiano P Saggioro
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciano Neder
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Hélio R Machado
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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16
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Hu S, Yang T, Wang Y. Widespread labeling and genomic editing of the fetal central nervous system by in utero CRISPR AAV9-PHP.eB administration. Development 2021; 148:dev.195586. [PMID: 33334860 PMCID: PMC7847274 DOI: 10.1242/dev.195586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Efficient genetic manipulation in the developing central nervous system is crucial for investigating mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders and the development of promising therapeutics. Common approaches including transgenic mice and in utero electroporation, although powerful in many aspects, have their own limitations. In this study, we delivered vectors based on the AAV9.PHP.eB pseudo-type to the fetal mouse brain, and achieved widespread and extensive transduction of neural cells. When AAV9.PHP.eB-coding gRNA targeting PogZ or Depdc5 was delivered to Cas9 transgenic mice, widespread gene knockout was also achieved at the whole brain level. Our studies provide a useful platform for studying brain development and devising genetic intervention for severe developmental diseases. Summary:In utero CRISPR AAV9-PHP.eB provides a powerful platform to efficiently manipulate gene expression in the developing CNS to investigate mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntong Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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17
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Wang Y, Bai L, Li S, Wen Y, Liu Q, Li R, Liu Y. Simvastatin Enhances Muscle Regeneration Through Autophagic Defect-Mediated Inflammation and mTOR Activation in G93ASOD1 Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:1593-606. [PMID: 33222146 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02216-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by the selective loss of motor neurons, muscular atrophy, and degeneration. Statins, as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are the most widely prescribed drugs to lower cholesterol levels and used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, statins are seldom used in muscular diseases, primarily because of their rare statin-associated myopathy. Recently, statins have been shown to reduce muscular damage and improve its function. Here, we investigated the role of statins in myopathy using G93ASOD1 mice. Our results indicated that simvastatin significantly increased the autophagic flux defect and increased inflammation in the skeletal muscles of G93ASOD1 mice. We also found that increased inflammation correlated with aggravated muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Nevertheless, long-term simvastatin treatment promoted the regeneration of damaged muscle by activating the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. However, administration of simvastatin did not impede vast muscle degeneration and movement dysfunction resulting from the enhanced progressive impairment of the neuromuscular junction. Together, our findings highlighted that simvastatin exacerbated skeletal muscle atrophy and denervation in spite of promoting myogenesis in damaged muscle, providing new insights into the selective use of statin-induced myopathy in ALS.
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18
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Klofas LK, Short BP, Snow JP, Sinnaeve J, Rushing GV, Westlake G, Weinstein W, Ihrie RA, Ess KC, Carson RP. DEPDC5 haploinsufficiency drives increased mTORC1 signaling and abnormal morphology in human iPSC-derived cortical neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 143:104975. [PMID: 32574724 PMCID: PMC7462127 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the DEPDC5 gene can cause epilepsy, including forms with and without brain malformations. The goal of this study was to investigate the contribution of DEPDC5 gene dosage to the underlying neuropathology of DEPDC5-related epilepsies. We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from epilepsy patients harboring heterozygous loss of function mutations in DEPDC5. Patient iPSCs displayed increases in both phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and proliferation rate, consistent with elevated mTORC1 activation. In line with these findings, we observed increased soma size in patient iPSC-derived cortical neurons that was rescued with rapamycin treatment. These data indicate that human cells heterozygous for DEPDC5 loss-of-function mutations are haploinsufficient for control of mTORC1 signaling. Our findings suggest that human pathology differs from mouse models of DEPDC5-related epilepsies, which do not show consistent phenotypic differences in heterozygous neurons, and support the need for human-based models to affirm and augment the findings from animal models of DEPDC5-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay K Klofas
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brittany P Short
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John P Snow
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Justine Sinnaeve
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Grant Westlake
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Will Weinstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rebecca A Ihrie
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kevin C Ess
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert P Carson
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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19
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Iffland PH, Barnes AE, Baybis M, Crino PB. Dynamic analysis of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in neurons with Tsc2 or Depdc5 knockout. Exp Neurol 2020; 334:113432. [PMID: 32781001 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
TSC1 or TSC2 mutations cause Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), and lead to mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) hyperactivation evidenced by hyperphosphorylation of ribosomal S6 protein and 4-elongation factor binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Amino acid (AA) levels modulate mTOR-dependent S6 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in non-neural cells, but this has not been comprehensively investigated in neurons. The effects of AA levels on mTOR signaling and S6 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation were analyzed in Tsc2 and Depdc5 (a distinct mTOR regulatory gene associated with epilepsy) CRISPR-edited Neuro2a (N2a) cells and differentiated neurons. Tsc2 or Depdc5 knockout (KO) led to S6 and 4E-BP1 hyperphosphorylation and cell soma enlargement, but while Tsc2 KO N2a cells exhibited reduced S6 phosphorylation (Ser240/244) and cell soma size after incubation in AA free (AAF) media, Depdc5 KO cells did not. Using a CFP/YFP FRET-biosensor coupled to 4E-BP1, we assayed 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in living N2a cells and differentiated neurons following Tsc2 or Depdc5 KO. AAF conditions reduced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in Tsc2 KO N2a cells but had no effect in Depdc5 KO cells. Rapamycin blocked S6 protein phosphorylation but had no effect on 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, following either Tsc2 or Depdc5 KO. Confocal imaging demonstrated that AAF media promoted movement of mTOR off the lysosome, functionally inactivating mTOR, in Tsc2 KO but not Depdc5 KO cells, demonstrating that AA levels modulate lysosomal mTOR localization and account, in part, for differential effects of AAF conditions following Tsc2 versus Depdc5 KO. AA levels and rapamycin differentially modulate S6 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and mTOR lysosomal localization in neurons following Tsc2 KO versus Depdc5 KO. Neuronal mTOR signaling in mTOR-associated epilepsies may have distinct responses to mTOR inhibitors and to levels of cellular amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Iffland
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Allan E Barnes
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Marianna Baybis
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Peter B Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
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20
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Yuskaitis CJ, Rossitto LA, Gurnani S, Bainbridge E, Poduri A, Sahin M. Chronic mTORC1 inhibition rescues behavioral and biochemical deficits resulting from neuronal Depdc5 loss in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2952-2964. [PMID: 31174205 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
DEPDC5 is now recognized as one of the genes most often implicated in familial/inherited focal epilepsy and brain malformations. Individuals with pathogenic variants in DEPDC5 are at risk for epilepsy, associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. Depdc5flox/flox-Syn1Cre (Depdc5cc+) neuronal-specific Depdc5 knockout mice exhibit seizures and neuronal mTORC1 hyperactivation. It is not known if Depdc5cc+ mice have a hyperactivity/anxiety phenotype, die early from terminal seizures or whether mTOR inhibitors rescue DEPDC5-related seizures and associated comorbidities. Herein, we report that Depdc5cc+ mice were hyperactive in open-field testing but did not display anxiety-like behaviors on the elevated-plus maze. Unlike many other mTOR-related models, Depdc5cc+ mice had minimal epileptiform activity and rare seizures prior to seizure-induced death, as confirmed by video-EEG monitoring. Treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin starting after 3 weeks of age significantly prolonged the survival of Depdc5cc+ mice and partially rescued the behavioral hyperactivity. Rapamycin decreased the enlarged brain size of Depdc5cc+ mice with corresponding decrease in neuronal soma size. Loss of Depdc5 led to a decrease in the other GATOR1 protein levels (NPRL2 and NPRL3). Rapamycin failed to rescue GATOR1 protein levels but rather rescued downstream mTORC1 hyperactivity as measured by phosphorylation of S6. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence of behavioral alterations in mice with Depdc5 loss and support mTOR inhibition as a rational therapeutic strategy for DEPDC5-related epilepsy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Yuskaitis
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leigh-Ana Rossitto
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarika Gurnani
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bainbridge
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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De Fusco A, Cerullo MS, Marte A, Michetti C, Romei A, Castroflorio E, Baulac S, Benfenati F. Acute knockdown of Depdc5 leads to synaptic defects in mTOR-related epileptogenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 139:104822. [PMID: 32113911 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DEP-domain containing 5 (DEPDC5) is part of the GATOR1 complex that functions as key inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Loss-of-function mutations in DEPDC5 leading to mTOR hyperactivation have been identified as the most common cause of either lesional or non-lesional focal epilepsy. However, the precise mechanisms by which DEPDC5 loss-of-function triggers neuronal and network hyperexcitability are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the cellular mechanisms of hyperexcitability by comparing the constitutive heterozygous Depdc5 knockout mouse versus different levels of acute Depdc5 deletion (≈40% and ≈80% neuronal knockdown of Depdc5 protein) by RNA interference in primary cortical cultures. While heterozygous Depdc5+/- neurons have only a subtle phenotype, acutely knocked-down neurons exhibit a strong dose-dependent phenotype characterized by mTOR hyperactivation, increased soma size, dendritic arborization, excitatory synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability. The robust synaptic phenotype resulting from the acute knockdown Depdc5 deficiency highlights the importance of the temporal dynamics of Depdc5 knockdown in triggering the phenotypic changes, reminiscent of the somatic second-hit mechanism in patients with focal cortical dysplasia. These findings uncover a novel synaptic phenotype that is causally linked to Depdc5 knockdown, highlighting the developmental role of Depdc5. Interestingly, the synaptic defect appears to affect only excitatory synapses, while inhibitory synapses develop normally. The increased frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs, paralleled by increased density of excitatory synapses and expression of glutamate receptors, may generate an excitation/inhibition imbalance that triggers epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Sabina Cerullo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romei
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stephanie Baulac
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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22
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Wei Z, Wang L, Qiao X, Zhang Y, Liu C, Deng Y. The clinical phenotypes and genetic characteristics of seven epilepsy patients related to heterozygous DEPDC5 variants in China. Acta Epileptologica 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-020-0011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
DEPDC5 together with NPRL2 and NPRL3 forms the GATOR1 which plays an important role in the the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Deregulation of mTOR signalling has been associated to various neurological conditions, including epilepsy. Variants in the gene encoding GATOR1 complex, especially in DEPDC5, have been implicated in the pathogensis of several focal epilepsies. While there was little report on the electroencephalogram (EEG) feature of DEPDC5 related epilepsy, we decided to investigate the specific EEG pattern and the prognosis of DEPDC5 related epilepsy.
Methods
The records of 546 epilepsy patients with unknown causes who were admitted in Xijing Hospital and underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Finally, the clinical data of these 7 patients with DEPDC5 variants were collected in this study. We analyzed their clinical manifestations, EEG and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results
Seven DEPDC5 variants, including six novel mutations, were identified in seven individuals with focal epilepsy. Among these patients, one had family history. Four showed specific interictal EEG patterns, periodic-like sharp waves or spike waves, were found in four patients. Five out of seven patients (71.4%) were well-controlled by anti-epilepsy drugs while two patients with sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy had either drug resistance or relapse of epilepsy.
Conclusion
DEPDC5 variants were related to focal epilepsy in patients with or without family history. The EEG abnormalities of DEPDC5 related epilepsy were heterogeneous among different patients, while periodic-like sharp waves or spike waves might be the most characteristic interictal EEG pattern for DEPDC5 related epilepsies. In this study the prognosis of DEPDC5 related epilepsy was similar to other epilepsies. DEPDC5 variants may not predict the prognosis so far.
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23
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Iffland PH, Carson V, Bordey A, Crino PB. GATORopathies: The role of amino acid regulatory gene mutations in epilepsy and cortical malformations. Epilepsia 2019; 60:2163-2173. [PMID: 31625153 PMCID: PMC7155771 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in a growing number of malformations of cortical development (MCD) associated with intractable epilepsy. Mutations in single genes encoding mTOR pathway regulatory proteins have been linked to MCD such as focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) types IIa and IIb, hemimegalencephaly (HME), and megalencephaly. Recent studies have demonstrated that the GATOR1 protein complex, comprised of DEPDC5, NPRL3, and NPRL2, plays a pivotal role in regulating mTOR signaling in response to cellular amino acid levels and that mutations in DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2 are linked to FCD, HME, and seizures. Histopathological analysis of FCD and HME tissue specimens resected from individuals harboring DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2 gene mutations reveals hyperactivation of mTOR pathway signaling. Family pedigrees carrying mutations in either DEPDC5 or NPRL3 share clinical phenotypes of epilepsy and MCD, as well as intellectual and neuropsychiatric disabilities. Interestingly, some individuals with seizures associated with DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2 variants exhibit normal brain imaging suggesting either occult MCD or a role for these genes in non-lesional neocortical epilepsy. Mouse models resulting from knockdown or knockout of either Depdc5 or Nprl3 exhibit altered cortical lamination, neuronal dysmorphogenesis, and enhanced neuronal excitability as reported in models resulting from direct mTOR activation through expression of its canonical activator RHEB. The role of the GATOR1 proteins in regulating mTOR signaling suggest plausible options for mTOR inhibition in the treatment of epilepsy associated with mutations in DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H. Iffland
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vincent Carson
- The Clinic for Special Children, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Angelique Bordey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Peter B. Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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24
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Dawson RE, Nieto Guil AF, Robertson LJ, Piltz SG, Hughes JN, Thomas PQ. Functional screening of GATOR1 complex variants reveals a role for mTORC1 deregulation in FCD and focal epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104640. [PMID: 31639411 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the GAP activity toward RAGs 1 (GATOR1) complex genes (DEPDC5, NPRL2 and NPRL3) have been associated with focal epilepsy and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). GATOR1 functions as an inhibitor of the mTORC1 signalling pathway, indicating that the downstream effects of mTORC1 deregulation underpin the disease. However, the vast majority of putative disease-causing variants have not been functionally assessed for mTORC1 repression activity. Here, we develop a novel in vitro functional assay that enables rapid assessment of GATOR1-gene variants. Surprisingly, of the 17 variants tested, we show that only six showed significantly impaired mTORC1 inhibition. To further investigate variant function in vivo, we generated a conditional Depdc5 mouse which modelled a 'second-hit' mechanism of disease. Generation of Depdc5 null 'clones' in the embryonic brain resulted in mTORC1 hyperactivity and modelled epilepsy and FCD symptoms including large dysmorphic neurons, defective migration and lower seizure thresholds. Using this model, we validated DEPDC5 variant F164del to be loss-of-function. We also show that Q542P is not functionally compromised in vivo, consistent with our in vitro findings. Overall, our data show that mTORC1 deregulation is the central pathological mechanism for GATOR1 variants and also indicates that a significant proportion of putative disease variants are pathologically inert, highlighting the importance of GATOR1 variant functional assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby E Dawson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Alvaro F Nieto Guil
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Louise J Robertson
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Sandra G Piltz
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - James N Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Paul Q Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Precision Medicine Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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25
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Zhang Z, Tang J, Di R, Liu Q, Wang X, Gan S, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hu W, Chu M. Comparative Transcriptomics Reveal Key Sheep (Ovis aries) Hypothalamus LncRNAs that Affect Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E152. [PMID: 30965601 PMCID: PMC6523726 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The diverse functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which execute their functions mainly through modulating the activities of their target genes, have been have been widely studied for many years (including a number of studies involving lncRNAs in the ovary and uterus). Herein, for the first time, we detect lncRNAs in sheep hypothalami with FecB++ through RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and identify a number of known and novel lncRNAs, with 622 and 809 found to be differentially expressed in polytocous sheep in the follicular phase (PF) vs. monotocous sheep in the follicular phase (MF) and polytocous sheep in the luteal phase (PL) vs. monotocous sheep in the luteal phase (ML), respectively. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed based on the predicted target genes. The most highly enriched GO terms (at the molecular function level) included carbonyl reductase (NADPH), 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (NADP+), and prostaglandin-E2 9-reductase activity in PF vs. MF, and phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate binding in PL vs. ML was associated with sheep fecundity. Interestingly, the phenomena of valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation in PL vs. ML, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis in PF vs. MF, were present. In addition, the interactome of lncRNA and its targets showed that MSTRG.26777 and its cis-targets ENSOARG00000013744, ENSOARG00000013700, and ENSOARG00000013777, and MSTRG.105228 and its target WNT7A may participate in the sheep reproductive process at the hypothalamus level. Significantly, MSTRG.95128 and its cis-target Forkhead box L1 (FOXG1) were shown to be upregulated in PF vs. MF but downregulated in PL vs. ML. All of these results may be attributed to discoveries of new candidate genes and pathways related to sheep reproduction, and they may provide new views for understanding sheep reproduction without the effects of the FecB mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jishun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China.
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shangquan Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China.
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China.
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China.
| | - Wenping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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26
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García-Rincón D, Díaz-Alonso J, Paraíso-Luna J, Ortega Z, Aguareles J, de Salas-Quiroga A, Jou C, de Prada I, Martínez-Cerdeño V, Aronica E, Guzmán M, Pérez-Jiménez MÁ, Galve-Roperh I. Contribution of Altered Endocannabinoid System to Overactive mTORC1 Signaling in Focal Cortical Dysplasia. Front Pharmacol 2019; 9:1508. [PMID: 30687088 PMCID: PMC6334222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations of the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway are causally involved in a subset of malformations of cortical development (MCDs) ranging from focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) to hemimegalencephaly and megalencephaly. These MCDs represent a frequent cause of refractory pediatric epilepsy. The endocannabinoid system -especially cannabinoid CB1 receptor- exerts a neurodevelopmental regulatory role at least in part via activation of mTORC1 signaling. Therefore, we sought to characterize the possible contribution of endocannabinoid system signaling to FCD. Confocal microscopy characterization of the CB1 receptor expression and mTORC1 activation was conducted in FCD Type II resection samples. FCD samples were subjected to single nucleotide polymorphism screening for endocannabinoid system elements, as well as CB1 receptor gene sequencing. Cannabinoid CB1 receptor levels were increased in FCD with overactive mTORC1 signaling. CB1 receptors were enriched in phospho-S6-positive cells including balloon cells (BCs) that co-express aberrant markers of undifferentiated cells and dysplastic neurons. Pharmacological regulation of CB1 receptors and the mTORC1 pathway was performed in fresh FCD-derived organotypic cultures. HU-210-evoked activation of CB1 receptors was unable to further activate mTORC1 signaling, whereas CB1 receptor blockade with rimonabant attenuated mTORC1 overactivation. Alterations of the endocannabinoid system may thus contribute to FCD pathological features, and blockade of cannabinoid signaling might be a new therapeutic intervention in FCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel García-Rincón
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Díaz-Alonso
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Paraíso-Luna
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaira Ortega
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Aguareles
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adán de Salas-Quiroga
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Jou
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children of Northern California and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Majolo F, Marinowic DR, Machado DC, Da Costa JC. MTOR pathway in focal cortical dysplasia type 2: What do we know? Epilepsy Behav 2018; 85:157-63. [PMID: 29945038 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the most commonly encountered developmental malformation that causes refractory epilepsy. Focal cortical dysplasia type 2 is one of the most usual neuropathological findings in tissues resected therapeutically from patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Unlike other types of FCD, it is characterized by laminar disorganization and dysplastic neurons, which compromise the organization of the six histologically known layers in the cortex; the morphology and/or cell location can also be altered. A comprehensive review about the pathogenesis of this disease is important because of the necessity to update the results reported over the past years. Here, we present an updated review through Pubmed about the mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathway in FCD type 2. A wide variety of aspects was covered in 44 articles related to molecular and cellular biology, including experiments in animal and human models. The first publications appeared in 2004, but there is still a lack of studies specifically for one type of FCD. With the advancement of techniques and greater access to molecular and cellular experiments, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoids, it is believed that the trend is increasing the number of publications contributing to the achievement of new discoveries.
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28
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Abstract
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), previously called nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE), is a focal epilepsy characterized by asymmetric tonic/dystonic posturing and/or complex hyperkinetic seizures occurring mostly during sleep. SHE fulfills the definition of rare disease with an estimated minimum prevalence of 1.8/100,000 individuals, and it represents about 10% of drug-resistant surgical cases. Although SHE and autosomal-dominant SHE (ADSHE) have been considered benign epileptic conditions for a long time, emerging data have shed light on the severity of this disorder and some peculiar features can impact negatively on the quality of life of SHE patients. In fact, seizure frequency can be very high, resulting in nocturnal sleep fragmentation with possible diurnal consequences such as excessive sleepiness and fatigue. Moreover, recent studies, adopting a systematic neuropsychological assessment, have shown deficits in memory, executive functions and visuo-spatial abilities in almost half of SHE patients. Intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders have also been reported in some genetic forms. SHE may also exert a negative effect on health-related quality of life, especially in domains pertaining to a patient's role in the family, social context and patient's illness experience. Despite a good response to pharmacological treatment, especially with carbamazepine, 30% of SHE patients suffer from drug-resistant seizures. Finally, recent studies suggest a poor prognosis in a high percentage of SHE patients with a 20.4% cumulative probability of achieving terminal remission at 10 years from onset. For selected drug-resistant SHE patients, epilepsy surgery is the only treatment offering high probability of recovery, both for seizures and for epilepsy-related sleep alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Menghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- "Claudio Munari" Center for Epilepsy Surgery, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy, .,Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), IRCCS, Giannina Gaslini Institute, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy,
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