1
|
Zhang Y, Bharadhwaj VS, Kodamullil AT, Herrmann C. A network of transcriptomic signatures identifies novel comorbidity mechanisms between schizophrenia and somatic disorders. Discov Ment Health 2024; 4:11. [PMID: 38573526 PMCID: PMC10994898 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-024-00063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The clinical burden of mental illness, in particular schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are driven by frequent chronic courses and increased mortality, as well as the risk for comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Evidence suggests an overlap of molecular pathways between psychotic disorders and somatic comorbidities. In this study, we developed a computational framework to perform comorbidity modeling via an improved integrative unsupervised machine learning approach based on multi-rank non-negative matrix factorization (mrNMF). Using this procedure, we extracted molecular signatures potentially explaining shared comorbidity mechanisms. For this, 27 case-control microarray transcriptomic datasets across multiple tissues were collected, covering three main categories of conditions including psychotic disorders, cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. We addressed the limitation of normal NMF for parameter selection by introducing multi-rank ensembled NMF to identify signatures under various hierarchical levels simultaneously. Analysis of comorbidity signature pairs was performed to identify several potential mechanisms involving activation of inflammatory response auxiliarily interconnecting angiogenesis, oxidative response and GABAergic neuro-action. Overall, we proposed a general cross-cohorts computing workflow for investigating the comorbid pattern across multiple symptoms, applied it to the real-data comorbidity study on schizophrenia, and further discussed the potential for future application of the approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youcheng Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) & BioQuant, Universität Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vinay S Bharadhwaj
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), 53757, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Alpha T Kodamullil
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), 53757, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Carl Herrmann
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) & BioQuant, Universität Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leduc T, El Alami H, Bougadir K, Bélanger-Nelson E, Mongrain V. Neuroligin-2 shapes individual slow waves during slow-wave sleep and the response to sleep deprivation in mice. Mol Autism 2024; 15:13. [PMID: 38570872 PMCID: PMC10993465 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00594-5] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances are a common comorbidity to most neurodevelopmental disorders and tend to worsen disease symptomatology. It is thus crucial to understand mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances to improve patients' quality of life. Neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is a synaptic adhesion protein regulating GABAergic transmission. It has been linked to autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia in humans, and deregulations of its expression were shown to cause epileptic-like hypersynchronized cerebral activity in rodents. Importantly, the absence of Nlgn2 (knockout: KO) was previously shown to alter sleep-wake duration and quality in mice, notably increasing slow-wave sleep (SWS) delta activity (1-4 Hz) and altering its 24-h dynamics. This type of brain oscillation is involved in memory consolidation, and is also a marker of homeostatic sleep pressure. Sleep deprivation (SD) is notably known to impair cognition and the physiological response to sleep loss involves GABAergic transmission. METHODS Using electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings, we here first aimed to verify how individual slow wave (SW; 0.5-4 Hz) density and properties (e.g., amplitude, slope, frequency) contribute to the higher SWS delta activity and altered 24-h dynamics observed in Nlgn2 KO mice. We further investigated the response of these animals to SD. Finally, we tested whether sleep loss affects the gene expression of Nlgn2 and related GABAergic transcripts in the cerebral cortex of wild-type mice using RNA sequencing. RESULTS Our results show that Nlgn2 KO mice have both greater SW amplitude and density, and that SW density is the main property contributing to the altered 24-h dynamics. We also found the absence of Nlgn2 to accelerate paradoxical sleep recovery following SD, together with profound alterations in ECoG activity across vigilance states. Sleep loss, however, did not modify the 24-h distribution of the hypersynchronized ECoG events observed in these mice. Finally, RNA sequencing confirmed an overall decrease in cortical expression of Nlgn2 and related GABAergic transcripts following SD in wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS This work brings further insight into potential mechanisms of sleep duration and quality deregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders, notably involving NLGN2 and GABAergic neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Leduc
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil (CÉAMS), Recherche - Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900, St-Denis street, Tour Viger Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Hiba El Alami
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil (CÉAMS), Recherche - Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Khadija Bougadir
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil (CÉAMS), Recherche - Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Erika Bélanger-Nelson
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil (CÉAMS), Recherche - Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pfizer Canada ULC, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Mongrain
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil (CÉAMS), Recherche - Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900, St-Denis street, Tour Viger Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Clarin JD, Reddy N, Alexandropoulos C, Gao WJ. The role of cell adhesion molecule IgSF9b at the inhibitory synapse and psychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105476. [PMID: 38029609 PMCID: PMC10842117 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105476] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding perturbations in synaptic function between health and disease states is crucial to the treatment of neuropsychiatric illness. While genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci implicated in synaptic dysfunction in disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, many have not been rigorously characterized. Here, we highlight immunoglobulin superfamily member 9b (IgSF9b), a cell adhesion molecule thought to localize exclusively to inhibitory synapses in the brain. While both pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest its association with psychiatric diseases, our understanding of IgSF9b in synaptic maintenance, neural circuits, and behavioral phenotypes remains rudimentary. Moreover, these functions wield undiscovered influences on neurodevelopment. This review evaluates current literature and publicly available gene expression databases to explore the implications of IgSF9b dysfunction in rodents and humans. Through a focused analysis of one high-risk gene locus, we identify areas requiring further investigation and unearth clues related to broader mechanisms contributing to the synaptic etiology of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D Clarin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Natasha Reddy
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Cassandra Alexandropoulos
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gillespie B, Panthi S, Sundram S, Hill RA. The impact of maternal immune activation on GABAergic interneuron development: A systematic review of rodent studies and their translational implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105488. [PMID: 38042358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105488] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Mothers exposed to infections during pregnancy disproportionally birth children who develop autism and schizophrenia, disorders associated with altered GABAergic function. The maternal immune activation (MIA) model recapitulates this risk factor, with many studies also reporting disruptions to GABAergic interneuron expression, protein, cellular density and function. However, it is unclear if there are species, sex, age, region, or GABAergic subtype specific vulnerabilities to MIA. Furthermore, to fully comprehend the impact of MIA on the GABAergic system a synthesised account of molecular, cellular, electrophysiological and behavioural findings was required. To this end we conducted a systematic review of GABAergic interneuron changes in the MIA model, focusing on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We reviewed 102 articles that revealed robust changes in a number of GABAergic markers that present as gestationally-specific, region-specific and sometimes sex-specific. Disruptions to GABAergic markers coincided with distinct behavioural phenotypes, including memory, sensorimotor gating, anxiety, and sociability. Findings suggest the MIA model is a valid tool for testing novel therapeutics designed to recover GABAergic function and associated behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sandesh Panthi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McClatchy DB, Powell SB, Yates JR. In vivo mapping of protein-protein interactions of schizophrenia risk factors generates an interconnected disease network. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.12.571320. [PMID: 38168169 PMCID: PMC10759996 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Genetic analyses of Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients have identified thousands of risk factors. In silico protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis has provided strong evidence that disrupted PPI networks underlie SCZ pathogenesis. In this study, we performed in vivo PPI analysis of several SCZ risk factors in the rodent brain. Using endogenous antibody immunoprecipitations coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, we constructed a SCZ network comprising 1612 unique PPI with a 5% FDR. Over 90% of the PPI were novel, reflecting the lack of previous PPI MS studies in brain tissue. Our SCZ PPI network was enriched with known SCZ risk factors, which supports the hypothesis that an accumulation of disturbances in selected PPI networks underlies SCZ. We used Stable Isotope Labeling in Mammals (SILAM) to quantitate phencyclidine (PCP) perturbations in the SCZ network and found that PCP weakened most PPI but also led to some enhanced or new PPI. These findings demonstrate that quantitating PPI in perturbed biological states can reveal alterations to network biology.
Collapse
|
6
|
Shillington A, Zappia KJ, White L, Fosdick C, Erickson CA, Lamy M, Dominick KC. Genetic syndromes are prevalent in patients with comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders and catatonia. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:2716-2722. [PMID: 37642312 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63379] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Catatonia occurs at high rates in idiopathic and syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders. At our institution's multidisciplinary catatonia clinic, clinical genetic testing (including microarray, fragile X PCR and methylation, autism/ID expanded panels, and exome sequencing) was commonly completed as part of clinical workup on patients with co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders and catatonia (performed in 36/48 cases or 75%). This testing identified a pathogenic or likely pathogenic finding in 15/36 patients (42%). Testing identified a VUS (variant of uncertain significance) in 9/36 patients (25%). On review of the VUS findings, 4/9 were felt to be suspicious and potentially diagnostic. Testing was negative for 12/36 patients (33%). Many of the variants identified in this cohort were found in genes involved in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamatergic synaptic signaling; imbalances of these neurotransmitters are hypothesized to be drivers of catatonia. More work is needed to further characterize the molecular underpinnings of catatonia in the setting of neurodevelopmental disorders, including expanding genetic testing to larger cohorts in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelle Shillington
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine J Zappia
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lori White
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Cara Fosdick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Martine Lamy
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gawande DY, S Narasimhan KK, Shelkar GP, Pavuluri R, Stessman HAF, Dravid SM. GluN2D Subunit in Parvalbumin Interneurons Regulates Prefrontal Cortex Feedforward Inhibitory Circuit and Molecular Networks Relevant to Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:297-309. [PMID: 37004850 PMCID: PMC10524289 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.020] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parvalbumin interneuron (PVI) activity synchronizes the medial prefrontal cortex circuit for normal cognitive function, and its impairment may contribute to schizophrenia (SZ). NMDA receptors in PVIs participate in these activities and form the basis for the NMDA receptor hypofunction hypothesis of SZ. However, the role of the GluN2D subunit, which is enriched in PVIs, in regulating molecular networks relevant to SZ is unknown. METHODS Using electrophysiology and a mouse model with conditional deletion of GluN2D from PVIs (PV-GluN2D knockout [KO]), we examined the cell excitability and neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex. Histochemical, RNA sequencing analysis and immunoblotting were conducted to understand molecular mechanisms. Behavioral analysis was conducted to test cognitive function. RESULTS PVIs in the medial prefrontal cortex were found to express putative GluN1/2B/2D receptors. In a PV-GluN2D KO model, PVIs were hypoexcitable, whereas pyramidal neurons were hyperexcitable. Excitatory neurotransmission was higher in both cell types in PV-GluN2D KO, whereas inhibitory neurotransmission showed contrasting changes, which could be explained by reduced somatostatin interneuron projections and increased PVI projections. Genes associated with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) synthesis, vesicular release, and uptake as well as those involved in formation of inhibitory synapses, specifically GluD1-Cbln4 and Nlgn2, and regulation of dopamine terminals were downregulated in PV-GluN2D KO. SZ susceptibility genes including Disc1, Nrg1, and ErbB4 and their downstream targets were also downregulated. Behaviorally, PV-GluN2D KO mice showed hyperactivity and anxiety behavior and deficits in short-term memory and cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that GluN2D in PVIs serves as a point of convergence of pathways involved in the regulation of GABAergic synapses relevant to SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Y Gawande
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Gajanan P Shelkar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ratnamala Pavuluri
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Holly A F Stessman
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Shashank M Dravid
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu X, Hua F, Yang D, Lin Y, Zhang L, Ying J, Sheng H, Wang X. Roles of neuroligins in central nervous system development: focus on glial neuroligins and neuron neuroligins. Lab Invest 2022; 20:418. [PMID: 36088343 PMCID: PMC9463862 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that are relevant to many neurodevelopmental disorders. They are differentially enriched at the postsynapse and interact with their presynaptic ligands, neurexins, whose differential binding to neuroligins has been shown to regulate synaptogenesis, transmission, and other synaptic properties. The proper functioning of functional networks in the brain depends on the proper connection between neuronal synapses. Impaired synaptogenesis or synaptic transmission results in synaptic dysfunction, and these synaptic pathologies are the basis for many neurodevelopmental disorders. Deletions or mutations in the neuroligins genes have been found in patients with both autism and schizophrenia. It is because of the important role of neuroligins in synaptic connectivity and synaptic dysfunction that studies on neuroligins in the past have mainly focused on their expression in neurons. As studies on the expression of genes specific to various cells of the central nervous system deepened, neuroligins were found to be expressed in non-neuronal cells as well. In the central nervous system, glial cells are the most representative non-neuronal cells, which can also express neuroligins in large amounts, especially astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and they are involved in the regulation of synaptic function, as are neuronal neuroligins. This review examines the mechanisms of neuron neuroligins and non-neuronal neuroligins in the central nervous system and also discusses the important role of neuroligins in the development of the central nervous system and neurodevelopmental disorders from the perspective of neuronal neuroligins and glial neuroligins.
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang S, Yao Z, Li X, Zhang Z, Liu X, Yang P, Chen N, Xia X, Lyu S, Shi Q, Wang E, Ru B, Jiang Y, Lei C, Chen H, Huang Y. Assessing genomic diversity and signatures of selection in Pinan cattle using whole-genome sequencing data. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:460. [PMID: 35729510 PMCID: PMC9215082 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crossbreeding is an important way to improve production beef cattle performance. Pinan cattle is a new hybrid cattle obtained from crossing Piedmontese bulls with Nanyang cows. After more than 30 years of cross-breeding, Pinan cattle show a variety of excellent characteristics, including fast growth, early onset of puberty, and good meat quality. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, population structure, and genomic region under the selection of Pinan cattle based on whole-genome sequencing data of 30 Pinan cattle and 169 published cattle genomic data worldwide. RESULTS: Estimating ancestry composition analysis showed that the composition proportions for our Pinan cattle were mainly Piedmontese and a small amount of Nanyang cattle. The analyses of nucleotide diversity and linkage disequilibrium decay indicated that the genomic diversity of Pinan cattle was higher than that of European cattle and lower than that of Chinese indigenous cattle. De-correlated composite of multiple selection signals, which combines four different statistics including θπ, CLR, FST, and XP-EHH, was computed to detect the signatures of selection in the Pinan cattle genome. A total of 83 genes were identified, affecting many economically important traits. Functional annotation revealed that these selected genes were related to immune (BOLA-DQA2, BOLA-DQB, LSM14A, SEC13, and NAALADL2), growth traits (CYP4A11, RPL26, and MYH10), embryo development (REV3L, NT5E, CDX2, KDM6B, and ADAMTS9), hornless traits (C1H21orf62), and climate adaptation (ANTXR2). CONCLUSION In this paper, we elucidated the genomic characteristics, ancestry composition, and selective signals related to important economic traits in Pinan cattle. These results will provide the basis for further genetic improvement of Pinan cattle and reference for other hybrid cattle related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunjin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Henan Provincial Animal Husbandry General Station, Zhengzhou Henan, 450008, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ningbo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoting Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shijie Lyu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Qiaoting Shi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Eryao Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Baorui Ru
- Henan Provincial Animal Husbandry General Station, Zhengzhou Henan, 450008, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yongzhen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lawal O, Ulloa Severino FP, Eroglu C. The role of astrocyte structural plasticity in regulating neural circuit function and behavior. Glia 2022; 70:1467-1483. [PMID: 35535566 PMCID: PMC9233050 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain circuits undergo substantial structural changes during development, driven by the formation, stabilization, and elimination of synapses. Synaptic connections continue to undergo experience‐dependent structural rearrangements throughout life, which are postulated to underlie learning and memory. Astrocytes, a major glial cell type in the brain, are physically in contact with synaptic circuits through their structural ensheathment of synapses. Astrocytes strongly contribute to the remodeling of synaptic structures in healthy and diseased central nervous systems by regulating synaptic connectivity and behaviors. However, whether structural plasticity of astrocytes is involved in their critical functions at the synapse is unknown. This review will discuss the emerging evidence linking astrocytic structural plasticity to synaptic circuit remodeling and regulation of behaviors. Moreover, we will survey possible molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating the structural plasticity of astrocytes and their non‐cell‐autonomous effects on neuronal plasticity. Finally, we will discuss how astrocyte morphological changes in different physiological states and disease conditions contribute to neuronal circuit function and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola Lawal
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francesco Paolo Ulloa Severino
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Psychology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hörnberg H, Pohl T. Neuroligins in neurodevelopmental conditions: how mouse models of de novo mutations can help us link synaptic function to social behavior. Neuronal Signal. [PMID: 35601025 PMCID: PMC9093077 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental conditions (or neurodevelopmental disorders, NDDs) are highly heterogeneous with overlapping characteristics and shared genetic etiology. The large symptom variability and etiological heterogeneity have made it challenging to understand the biological mechanisms underpinning NDDs. To accommodate this individual variability, one approach is to move away from diagnostic criteria and focus on distinct dimensions with relevance to multiple NDDs. This domain approach is well suited to preclinical research, where genetically modified animal models can be used to link genetic variability to neurobiological mechanisms and behavioral traits. Genetic factors associated with NDDs can be grouped functionally into common biological pathways, with one prominent functional group being genes associated with the synapse. These include the neuroligins (Nlgns), a family of postsynaptic transmembrane proteins that are key modulators of synaptic function. Here, we review how research using Nlgn mouse models has provided insight into how synaptic proteins contribute to behavioral traits associated with NDDs. We focus on how mutations in different Nlgns affect social behaviors, as differences in social interaction and communication are a common feature of most NDDs. Importantly, mice carrying distinct mutations in Nlgns share some neurobiological and behavioral phenotypes with other synaptic gene mutations. Comparing the functional implications of mutations in multiple synaptic proteins is a first step towards identifying convergent neurobiological pathways in multiple brain regions and circuits.
Collapse
|
12
|
Terashima H, Minatohara K, Maruoka H, Okabe S. Imaging neural circuit pathology of autism spectrum disorders: autism-associated genes, animal models and the application of in vivo two-photon imaging. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:i81-i99. [DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in human genetics identified genetic variants involved in causing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Mouse models that mimic mutations found in patients with ASD exhibit behavioral phenotypes consistent with ASD symptoms. These mouse models suggest critical biological factors of ASD etiology. Another important implication of ASD genetics is the enrichment of ASD risk genes in molecules involved in developing synapses and regulating neural circuit function. Sophisticated in vivo imaging technologies applied to ASD mouse models identify common synaptic impairments in the neocortex, with genetic-mutation-specific defects in local neural circuits. In this article, we review synapse- and circuit-level phenotypes identified by in vivo two-photon imaging in multiple mouse models of ASD and discuss the contributions of altered synapse properties and neural circuit activity to ASD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Terashima
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Minatohara
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hisato Maruoka
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ru FX, Kong F, Ren CY, He YS, Xia SY, Li YN, Liang YP, Feng JJ, Wei ZY, Chen JH. Repeated Winning and Losing Experiences in Chronic Social Conflicts Are Linked to RNA Editing Pattern Difference. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:896794. [PMID: 35664469 PMCID: PMC9161819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.896794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Winner-loser effects influence subsequent agonistic interactions between conspecifics. Previous winning experiences could strengthen future aggression and increase the chance of winning the next agonistic interaction, while previous losing experiences could have the opposite effect. Although the role of A-to-I RNA editing has been recently implicated in chronic social defeat stress and aggressive behavior, it remains to be further elucidated in chronic social conflicts in agonistic interactions, especially in the repeated aggression (winners) and repeated defeat (losers) resulted from these conflicts. In the current study, transcriptome-wide A-to-I RNA editing in the dorsal striatum was investigated in a mouse model of chronic social conflicts, and compared between mice repeatedly winning and losing daily agonistic interactions. Our analysis identified 622 A-to-I RNA editing sites in the mouse dorsal striatum, with 23 to be differentially edited in 22 genes, most of which had been previously associated with neurological, psychiatric, or immune disorders. Among these differential RNA editing (DRE) sites four missense variants were observed in neuroligin 2 (Nlgn2), Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor 9 (Arhgef9) BLCAP apoptosis inducing factor (Blcap), and cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 2 (Cyfip2), as well as two noncoding RNA sites in small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (Snhg11) and the maternally expressed 3 (Meg3) gene. Moreover, significant changes were observed in gene functions and pathways enriched by genes with A-to-I RNA editing in losers and especially winners compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that repeated winning and losing experiences in chronic social conflicts are linked to A-to-I RNA editing pattern difference, underlining its role in the molecular mechanism of agonistic interactions between conspecifics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Xia Ru
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Fanzhi Kong
- Shantou University Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chun-Yan Ren
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Shan He
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Shou-Yue Xia
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Ning Li
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Ya-Ping Liang
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun-Jie Feng
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wei
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oguro K, Shimazaki K, Yokota H, Onuki Y, Murashima Y, Kawai K, Muramatsu SI. Global brain delivery of neuroligin 2 gene ameliorates seizures in a mouse model of epilepsy. J Gene Med 2021; 24:e3402. [PMID: 34897885 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3402] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing availability of effective drugs, around one-third of patients with epilepsy are still resistant to pharmacotherapy. Gene therapy has been suggested as a plausible approach to achieve seizure control, in particular for patients with focal epilepsy. Because seizures develop across wide spans of the brain in many forms of epilepsy, global delivery of the vectors is necessary to tackle such generalized seizures. Neuroligin 2 (NL2) is a postsynaptic cell adhesion molecule that induces or strengthens inhibitory synaptic function by specifically combining with neurexin 1. METHODS In the present study, we applied an adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 9 vector expressing NL2 to modulate neuronal excitability in broad areas of the brain in epileptic (EL) mice, a model of polygene epilepsy. We administered the AAV vector expressing Flag-tagged NL2 under the synapsin I promoter (AAV-NL2) via cardiac injection 6 weeks after birth. RESULTS Significant reductions in the duration, strength and frequency of seizure were observed during a 14-week observation period in NL2-treated EL mice compared to untreated or AAV-green fluorescent protein-treated EL mice. No behavioral abnormality was observed in NL2-treated EL mice in an open-field test. Immunohistochemical examination at 14 weeks after AAV-NL2 injection revealed the expression of exogenous NL2 in broad areas of the brain, including the hippocampus and, in these areas, NL2 co-localized with postsynaptic inhibitory molecule gephyrin. CONCLUSIONS Global brain delivery of NL2 by systemic administration of AAV vector may provide a non-invasive therapeutic approach for generalized epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Oguro
- Department of Neurosurgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Shioya Hospital, Tochigi, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kuniko Shimazaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hidenori Yokota
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Koga Red Cross Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Onuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Murashima
- Divison of Frontier Health Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University Graduate School of Human Health Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kawai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Muramatsu
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.,Center for Gene & Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Uchigashima M, Cheung A, Futai K. Neuroligin-3: A Circuit-Specific Synapse Organizer That Shapes Normal Function and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Dysfunction. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:749164. [PMID: 34690695 PMCID: PMC8526735 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.749164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses provide a vital foundation for neuron-neuron communication and overall brain function. By tethering closely apposed molecular machinery for presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic signal transduction, circuit- and context- specific synaptic properties can drive neuronal computations for animal behavior. Trans-synaptic signaling via synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) serves as a promising mechanism to generate the molecular diversity of chemical synapses. Neuroligins (Nlgns) were discovered as postsynaptic CAMs that can bind to presynaptic CAMs like Neurexins (Nrxns) at the synaptic cleft. Among the four (Nlgn1-4) or five (Nlgn1-3, Nlgn4X, and Nlgn4Y) isoforms in rodents or humans, respectively, Nlgn3 has a heterogeneous expression and function at particular subsets of chemical synapses and strong association with non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several lines of evidence have suggested that the unique expression and function of Nlgn3 protein underlie circuit-specific dysfunction characteristic of non-syndromic ASD caused by the disruption of Nlgn3 gene. Furthermore, recent studies have uncovered the molecular mechanism underlying input cell-dependent expression of Nlgn3 protein at hippocampal inhibitory synapses, in which trans-synaptic signaling of specific alternatively spliced isoforms of Nlgn3 and Nrxn plays a critical role. In this review article, we overview the molecular, anatomical, and physiological knowledge about Nlgn3, focusing on the circuit-specific function of mammalian Nlgn3 and its underlying molecular mechanism. This will provide not only new insight into specific Nlgn3-mediated trans-synaptic interactions as molecular codes for synapse specification but also a better understanding of the pathophysiological basis for non-syndromic ASD associated with functional impairment in Nlgn3 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motokazu Uchigashima
- Department of Cellular Neuropathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Amy Cheung
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kensuke Futai
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cruces-Solis H, Babaev O, Ali H, Piletti Chatain C, Mykytiuk V, Balekoglu N, Wenger S, Krueger-Burg D. Altered theta and beta oscillatory synchrony in a genetic mouse model of pathological anxiety. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21585. [PMID: 33960026 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002028rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
While the neural circuits mediating normal, adaptive defensive behaviors have been extensively studied, substantially less is currently known about the network mechanisms by which aberrant, pathological anxiety is encoded in the brain. Here we investigate in mice how deletion of Neuroligin-2 (Nlgn2), an inhibitory synapse-specific adhesion protein that has been associated with pathological anxiety and other psychiatric disorders, alters the communication between key brain regions involved in mediating defensive behaviors. To this end, we performed multi-site simultaneous local field potential (LFP) recordings from the basolateral amygdala (BLA), centromedial amygdala (CeM), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral hippocampus (vHPC) in an open field paradigm. We found that LFP power in the vHPC was profoundly increased and was accompanied by an abnormal modulation of the synchrony of theta frequency oscillations particularly in the vHPC-mPFC-BLA circuit. Moreover, deletion of Nlgn2 increased beta and gamma frequency synchrony across the network, and this increase was associated with increased center avoidance. Local deletion of Nlgn2 in the vHPC and BLA revealed that they encode distinct aspects of this avoidance phenotype, with vHPC linked to immobility and BLA linked to a reduction in exploratory activity. Together, our data demonstrate that alterations in long-range functional connectivity link synaptic inhibition to abnormal defensive behaviors, and that both exaggerated activation of normal defensive circuits and recruitment of fundamentally distinct mechanisms contribute to this phenotype. Nlgn2 knockout mice therefore represent a highly relevant model to study the role of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the circuits underlying anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Cruces-Solis
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Olga Babaev
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heba Ali
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carolina Piletti Chatain
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vasyl Mykytiuk
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nursen Balekoglu
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sally Wenger
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Steffen DM, Ferri SL, Marcucci CG, Blocklinger KL, Molumby MJ, Abel T, Weiner JA. The γ-Protocadherins Interact Physically and Functionally with Neuroligin-2 to Negatively Regulate Inhibitory Synapse Density and Are Required for Normal Social Interaction. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2574-2589. [PMID: 33471287 PMCID: PMC8137559 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02263-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are key players in the formation of neural circuits during development. The γ-protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs), a family of 22 CAMs encoded by the Pcdhg gene cluster, are known to play important roles in dendrite arborization, axon targeting, and synapse development. We showed previously that multiple γ-Pcdhs interact physically with the autism-associated CAM neuroligin-1, and inhibit the latter's ability to promote excitatory synapse maturation. Here, we show that γ-Pcdhs can also interact physically with the related neuroligin-2, and inhibit this CAM's ability to promote inhibitory synapse development. In an artificial synapse assay, γ-Pcdhs co-expressed with neuroligin-2 in non-neuronal cells reduce inhibitory presynaptic maturation in contacting hippocampal axons. Mice lacking the γ-Pcdhs from the forebrain (including the cortex, the hippocampus, and portions of the amygdala) exhibit increased inhibitory synapse density and increased co-localization of neuroligin-2 with inhibitory postsynaptic markers in vivo. These Pcdhg mutants also exhibit defective social affiliation and an anxiety-like phenotype in behavioral assays. Together, these results suggest that γ-Pcdhs negatively regulate neuroligins to limit synapse density in a manner that is important for normal behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Steffen
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sarah L Ferri
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Charles G Marcucci
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kelsey L Blocklinger
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Michael J Molumby
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xue K, Hu Y, Gu S, Wang C, Kong R, Xie W, Li J. Using structural analysis to clarify the impact of single nucleotide variants in neurexin/neuroligin revealed in clinical genomic sequencing. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:8085-8099. [PMID: 33818307 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1907225] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The synapse is a highly specialized and dynamic structure, which is involved in regulating neurotransmission. Nerve cell adhesion molecule is a kind of transmembrane protein that mediates the interaction between cells and cells, cells and extracellular matrix, and plays a role in cell recognition, metastasis, and transmembrane signal transduction. Among nerve cell adhesion molecules, Neurexins (NRXNs) and Neuroligins (NLGNs) have been focused due to the relation with autism and other neuropsychiatric diseases. The previous research discovered numerous variants in NRXNs and NLGNs reported in neurodevelopmental disorders by genomic sequencing. However, structural variants in synaptic molecules caused by genome variants still prevent us from understanding the molecular mechanism of diseases. Thus, we sought to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the known NRXN and NLGN gene variants by protein structure analysis. In this study, we analyzed the structural properties of the NRXN/NLGN complex by calculating free energy in residue scanning, in combination with existing risk evaluation tools to focus on candidate missense mutations. Our calculations show that five candidate missense mutations in NLGNs can reduce the stability of NLGNs and even prevent the formation of NRXN/NLGN complexes, namely R87W, R204H, R437H, R437C and R583W. In addition, we found that the affinity of the amino acid substitution (Leu593Phe) (ΔΔG(affinity)) changes the affinity of the NLGN dimer. Overall, we have identified important potential pathological variants that provide clues to biomarkers.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyu Xue
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunyun Hu
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuanglin Gu
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ren Kong
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vieira MM, Jeong J, Roche KW. The role of NMDA receptor and neuroligin rare variants in synaptic dysfunction underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:93-104. [PMID: 33823469 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Many genes encoding synaptic proteins are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), intellectual disability (ID), and epilepsy. Here we review recent studies on the synaptic effects of disease-associated rare variants identified in two families of synaptic proteins: NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and the postsynaptic adhesion molecules neuroligins (NLGNs). Many NMDAR subunit genes (GRINs) are highly intolerant to variation, and both gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) variants are implicated in disease. NLGN genes are also associated with ASDs, and in some cases, contribute to the male bias identified in these patients. Understanding the molecular basis of synaptic dysfunction of rare variants in these genes will help the design of new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mota Vieira
- Receptor Biology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jaehoon Jeong
- Receptor Biology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Katherine W Roche
- Receptor Biology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Genetic correlation analysis has quickly gained popularity in the past few years and provided insights into the genetic etiology of numerous complex diseases. However, existing approaches oversimplify the shared genetic architecture between different phenotypes and cannot effectively identify precise genetic regions contributing to the genetic correlation. In this work, we introduce LOGODetect, a powerful and efficient statistical method to identify small genome segments harboring local genetic correlation signals. LOGODetect automatically identifies genetic regions showing consistent associations with multiple phenotypes through a scan statistic approach. It uses summary association statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as input and is robust to sample overlap between studies. Applied to seven phenotypically distinct but genetically correlated neuropsychiatric traits, we identify 227 non-overlapping genome regions associated with multiple traits, including multiple hub regions showing concordant effects on five or more traits. Our method addresses critical limitations in existing analytic strategies and may have wide applications in post-GWAS analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanmin Guo
- Center for Statistical Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - James J Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Qiongshi Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Lin Hou
- Center for Statistical Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen M, Wang W, Song W, Qian W, Lin GN. Integrative Analysis Identified Key Schizophrenia Risk Factors from an Abnormal Behavior Mouse Gene Set. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:172. [PMID: 33672431 PMCID: PMC7927082 DOI: 10.3390/life11020172] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe chronic psychiatric illness with heterogeneous symptoms. However, the pathogenesis of SCZ is unclear, and the number of well-defined SCZ risk factors is limited. We hypothesized that an abnormal behavior (AB) gene set verified by mouse model experiments can be used to better understand SCZ risks. In this work, we carried out an integrative bioinformatics analysis to study two types of risk genes that are either differentially expressed (DEGs) in the case-control study data or carry reported SCZ genetic variants (MUTs). Next, we used RNA-Seq expression data from the hippocampus (HIPPO) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to define the key genes affected by different types (DEGs and MUTs) in different brain regions (DLPFC and HIPPO): DLPFC-kDEG, DLPFC-kMUT, HIPPO-kDEG, and HIPPO-kMUT. The four hub genes (SHANK1, SHANK2, DLG4, and NLGN3) of the biological functionally enriched terms were strongly linked to SCZ via gene co-expression network analysis. Then, we observed that specific spatial expressions of DLPFC-kMUT and HIPPO-kMUT were convergent in the early stages and divergent in the later stages of development. In addition, all four types of key genes showed significantly larger average protein-protein interaction degrees than the background. Comparing the different cell types, the expression of four types of key genes showed specificity in different dimensions. Together, our results offer new insights into potential risk factors and help us understand the complexity and regional heterogeneity of SCZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (M.C.); (W.W.); (W.S.); (W.Q.)
| | - Weidi Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (M.C.); (W.W.); (W.S.); (W.Q.)
| | - Weicheng Song
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (M.C.); (W.W.); (W.S.); (W.Q.)
| | - Wei Qian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (M.C.); (W.W.); (W.S.); (W.Q.)
| | - Guan Ning Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (M.C.); (W.W.); (W.S.); (W.Q.)
- Engineering Research Center of Digital Medicine and Clinical Translational, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai 200030, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Synaptic connectivity patterns underlie brain functions. How recognition molecules control where and when neurons form synapses with each other, therefore, is a fundamental question of cellular neuroscience. This chapter delineates adhesion and signaling complexes as well as secreted factors that contribute to synaptic partner recognition in the vertebrate brain. The sections follow a developmental perspective and discuss how recognition molecules (1) guide initial synaptic wiring, (2) provide for the rejection of incorrect partner choices, (3) contribute to synapse specification, and (4) support the removal of inappropriate synapses once formed. These processes involve a rich repertoire of molecular players and key protein families are described, notably the Cadherin and immunoglobulin superfamilies, Semaphorins/Plexins, Leucine-rich repeat containing proteins, and Neurexins and their binding partners. Molecular themes that diversify these recognition systems are defined and highlighted throughout the text, including the neuron-type specific expression and combinatorial action of recognition factors, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications. Methodological innovations advancing the field such as proteomic approaches and single cell expression studies are additionally described. Further, the chapter highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate brain region to analyze synaptic recognition factors and the advantages offered by laminated structures like the hippocampus or retina. In a concluding section, the profound disease relevance of aberrant synaptic recognition for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders is discussed. Based on the current progress, an outlook is presented on research goals that can further advance insights into how recognition molecules provide for the astounding precision and diversity of synaptic connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Watters
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas Biederer
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kim HY, Um JW, Ko J. Proper synaptic adhesion signaling in the control of neural circuit architecture and brain function. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 200:101983. [PMID: 33422662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trans-synaptic cell-adhesion molecules are critical for governing various stages of synapse development and specifying neural circuit properties via the formation of multifarious signaling pathways. Recent studies have pinpointed the putative roles of trans-synaptic cell-adhesion molecules in mediating various cognitive functions. Here, we review the literature on the roles of a diverse group of central synaptic organizers, including neurexins (Nrxns), leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs), and their associated binding proteins, in regulating properties of specific type of synapses and neural circuits. In addition, we highlight the findings that aberrant synaptic adhesion signaling leads to alterations in the structures, transmission, and plasticity of specific synapses across diverse brain areas. These results seem to suggest that proper trans-synaptic signaling pathways by Nrxns, LAR-RPTPs, and their interacting network is likely to constitute central molecular complexes that form the basis for cognitive functions, and that these complexes are heterogeneously and complexly disrupted in many neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Young Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea; Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, South Korea.
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Postsynaptic organizational protein complexes play central roles both in orchestrating synapse formation and in defining the functional properties of synaptic transmission that together shape the flow of information through neuronal networks. A key component of these organizational protein complexes is the family of synaptic adhesion proteins called neuroligins. Neuroligins form transsynaptic bridges with presynaptic neurexins to regulate various aspects of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is the only member that acts exclusively at GABAergic inhibitory synapses. Altered expression and mutations in NLGN2 and several of its interacting partners are linked to cognitive and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety. Research on NLGN2 has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the molecular architecture of inhibitory synapses. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the molecular and cellular functions of mammalian NLGN2 and its role in the neuronal circuitry that regulates behavior in rodents and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heba Ali
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena Marth
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hu TM, Wang YC, Wu CL, Hsu SH, Tsai HY, Cheng MC. Multiple Rare Risk Coding Variants in Postsynaptic Density-Related Genes Associated With Schizophrenia Susceptibility. Front Genet 2020; 11:524258. [PMID: 33343614 PMCID: PMC7746813 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.524258] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Schizophrenia is a chronic debilitating neurobiological disorder of aberrant synaptic connectivity and synaptogenesis. Postsynaptic density (PSD)–related proteins in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor–postsynaptic signaling complexes are crucial to regulating the synaptic transmission and functions of various synaptic receptors. This study examined the role of PSD-related genes in susceptibility to schizophrenia. Methods We resequenced 18 genes encoding the disks large-associated protein (DLGAP), HOMER, neuroligin (NLGN), neurexin, and SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) protein families in 98 schizophrenic patients with family psychiatric history using semiconductor sequencing. We analyzed the protein function of the identified rare schizophrenia-associated mutants via immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Results We identified 50 missense heterozygous mutations in 98 schizophrenic patients with family psychiatric history, and in silico analysis revealed some as damaging or pathological to the protein function. Ten missense mutations were absent from the dbSNP database, the gnomAD (non-neuro) dataset, and 1,517 healthy controls from Taiwan BioBank. Immunoblotting revealed eight missense mutants with altered protein expressions in cultured cells compared with the wild type. Conclusion Our findings suggest that PSD-related genes, especially the NLGN, SHANK, and DLGAP families, harbor rare functional mutations that might alter protein expression in some patients with schizophrenia, supporting contributing rare coding variants into the genetic architecture of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ming Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Future Studies and LOHAS Industry, Fo Guang University, Jiaosi, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Liang Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yao Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chih Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Trobiani L, Meringolo M, Diamanti T, Bourne Y, Marchot P, Martella G, Dini L, Pisani A, De Jaco A, Bonsi P. The neuroligins and the synaptic pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:37-51. [PMID: 32991906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The genetics underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and heterogeneous, and de novo variants are found in genes converging in functional biological processes. Neuronal communication, including trans-synaptic signaling involving two families of cell-adhesion proteins, the presynaptic neurexins and the postsynaptic neuroligins, is one of the most recurrently affected pathways in ASD. Given the role of these proteins in determining synaptic function, abnormal synaptic plasticity and failure to establish proper synaptic contacts might represent mechanisms underlying risk of ASD. More than 30 mutations have been found in the neuroligin genes. Most of the resulting residue substitutions map in the extracellular, cholinesterase-like domain of the protein, and impair protein folding and trafficking. Conversely, the stalk and intracellular domains are less affected. Accordingly, several genetic animal models of ASD have been generated, showing behavioral and synaptic alterations. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge on ASD-linked mutations in the neuroligin proteins and their effect on synaptic function, in various brain areas and circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trobiani
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Dept. Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Tamara Diamanti
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Yves Bourne
- Lab. "Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques", CNRS/Aix Marseille Univ, Faculté des Sciences - Campus Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Pascale Marchot
- Lab. "Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques", CNRS/Aix Marseille Univ, Faculté des Sciences - Campus Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Dept. Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Dini
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Dept. Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella De Jaco
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yumoto T, Kimura M, Nagatomo R, Sato T, Utsunomiya S, Aoki N, Kitaura M, Takahashi K, Takemoto H, Watanabe H, Okano H, Yoshida F, Nao Y, Tomita T. Autism-associated variants of neuroligin 4X impair synaptogenic activity by various molecular mechanisms. Mol Autism 2020; 11:68. [PMID: 32873342 PMCID: PMC7465329 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00373-y] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several genetic alterations, including point mutations and copy number variations in NLGN genes, have been associated with psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). NLGN genes encode neuroligin (NL) proteins, which are adhesion molecules that are important for proper synaptic formation and maturation. Previously, we and others found that the expression level of murine NL1 is regulated by proteolytic processing in a synaptic activity-dependent manner. METHODS In this study, we analyzed the effects of missense variants associated with ASD and XLMR on the metabolism and function of NL4X, a protein which is encoded by the NLGN4X gene and is expressed only in humans, using cultured cells, primary neurons from rodents, and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. RESULTS NL4X was found to undergo proteolytic processing in human neuronal cells. Almost all NL4X variants caused a substantial decrease in the levels of mature NL4X and its synaptogenic activity in a heterologous culture system. Intriguingly, the L593F variant of NL4X accelerated the proteolysis of mature NL4X proteins located on the cell surface. In contrast, other variants decreased the cell-surface trafficking of NL4X. Notably, protease inhibitors as well as chemical chaperones rescued the expression of mature NL4X. LIMITATIONS Our study did not reveal whether these dysfunctional phenotypes occurred in individuals carrying NLGN4X variant. Moreover, though these pathological mechanisms could be exploited as potential drug targets for ASD, it remains unclear whether these compounds would have beneficial effects on ASD model animals and patients. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that reduced amounts of the functional NL4X protein on the cell surface is a common mechanism by which point mutants of the NL4X protein cause psychiatric disorders, although different molecular mechanisms are thought to be involved. Furthermore, these results highlight that the precision medicine approach based on genetic and cell biological analyses is important for the development of therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yumoto
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Misaki Kimura
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryota Nagatomo
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tsukika Sato
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Utsunomiya
- Neuroscience 2, Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi, Osaka, Japan
- Business-Academia Collaborative Laboratory (Shionogi), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsue Aoki
- Neuroscience 2, Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi, Osaka, Japan
- Business-Academia Collaborative Laboratory (Shionogi), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoji Kitaura
- Research Administration SPRC, R&D General Administration Unit, General Administration Division, Shionogi Administration Service, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Takahashi
- Drug Discovery Technology 3, Laboratory for Innovative Therapy Research, Shionogi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takemoto
- Neuroscience 2, Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi, Osaka, Japan
- Business-Academia Collaborative Laboratory (Shionogi), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Yoshida
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nao
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Taisuke Tomita
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mariano V, Achsel T, Bagni C, Kanellopoulos AK. Modelling Learning and Memory in Drosophila to Understand Intellectual Disabilities. Neuroscience 2020; 445:12-30. [PMID: 32730949 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a large number of conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome, among others. They are characterized by limitations in adaptive and social behaviors, as well as intellectual disability (ID). Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing studies have highlighted a large number of NDD/ID risk genes. To dissect the genetic causes and underlying biological pathways, in vivo experimental validation of the effects of these mutations is needed. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an ideal model to study NDDs, with highly tractable genetics, combined with simple behavioral and circuit assays, permitting rapid medium-throughput screening of NDD/ID risk genes. Here, we review studies where the use of well-established assays to study mechanisms of learning and memory in Drosophila has permitted insights into molecular mechanisms underlying IDs. We discuss how technologies in the fly model, combined with a high degree of molecular and physiological conservation between flies and mammals, highlight the Drosophila system as an ideal model to study neurodevelopmental disorders, from genetics to behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Mariano
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cao F, Liu JJ, Zhou S, Cortez MA, Snead OC, Han J, Jia Z. Neuroligin 2 regulates absence seizures and behavioral arrests through GABAergic transmission within the thalamocortical circuitry. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3744. [PMID: 32719346 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17560-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are two distinct brain disorders but have a high rate of co-occurrence, suggesting shared pathogenic mechanisms. Neuroligins are cell adhesion molecules important in synaptic function and ASD, but their role in epilepsy remains unknown. In this study, we show that Neuroligin 2 (NLG2) knockout mice exhibit abnormal spike and wave discharges (SWDs) and behavioral arrests characteristic of absence seizures. The anti-absence seizure drug ethosuximide blocks SWDs and rescues behavioral arrests and social memory impairment in the knockout mice. Restoring GABAergic transmission either by optogenetic activation of the thalamic reticular nucleus (nRT) presynaptic terminals or postsynaptic NLG2 expression in the thalamic neurons reduces the SWDs and behavioral arrests in the knockout mice. These results indicate that NLG2-mediated GABAergic transmission at the nRT-thalamic circuit represents a common mechanism underlying both epileptic seizures and ASD. Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that are involved in synapse function and autism spectrum disorder. The authors show that NLG2-mediated GABAergic transmission at the thalamic reticular nucleus-thalamic circuit is a common mechanism underlying epileptic seizures and ASD.
Collapse
|
30
|
Weigel M, Wang L, Fu MM. Microtubule organization and dynamics in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia. Dev Neurobiol 2020; 81:310-320. [PMID: 32324338 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Though much is known about microtubule organization and microtubule-based transport in neurons, the development and function of microtubules in glia are more enigmatic. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on microtubules in ramified brain cells, including oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia. We focus on normal cell biology-how structure relates to function in these cells. In oligodendrocytes, microtubules are important for extension of processes that contact axons and for elongating the myelin sheath. Recent studies demonstrate that new microtubules can form outside of the oligodendrocyte cell body off of Golgi outpost organelles. In astrocytes and microglia, changes in cell shape and ramification can be influenced by neighboring cells and the extracellular milieu. Finally, we highlight key papers implicating glial microtubule defects in neurological injury and disease and discuss how microtubules may contribute to invasiveness in gliomas. Thus, future research on the mechanisms underlying microtubule organization in normal glial cell function may yield valuable insights on neurological disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Weigel
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Meng Fu
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Armstrong EC, Caruso A, Servadio M, Andreae LC, Trezza V, Scattoni ML, Fernandes C. Assessing the developmental trajectory of mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders: Social and communication deficits in mice with Neurexin 1α deletion. Genes, Brain and Behavior 2020; 19:e12630. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Armstrong
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College London London UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College London London UK
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and Support ServiceIstituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Michela Servadio
- Department of ScienceSection of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University “Roma Tre” Rome Italy
| | - Laura C. Andreae
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College London London UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College London London UK
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of ScienceSection of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University “Roma Tre” Rome Italy
| | - Maria L. Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support ServiceIstituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College London London UK
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, PO82, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College London London UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen J, Dong B, Feng X, Jiang D, Chen G, Long C, Yang L. Aberrant mPFC GABAergic synaptic transmission and fear behavior in neuroligin-2 R215H knock-in mice. Brain Res 2020; 1730:146671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
33
|
Norris RHC, Churilov L, Hannan AJ, Nithianantharajah J. Mutations in neuroligin-3 in male mice impact behavioral flexibility but not relational memory in a touchscreen test of visual transitive inference. Mol Autism 2019; 10:42. [PMID: 31827744 PMCID: PMC6889473 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0292-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction including disrupted behavioral flexibility is central to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A cognitive measure that assesses relational memory, and the ability to flexibly assimilate and transfer learned information is transitive inference. Transitive inference is highly conserved across vertebrates and disrupted in cognitive disorders. Here, we examined how mutations in the synaptic cell-adhesion molecule neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3) that have been documented in ASD impact relational memory and behavioral flexibility. We first refined a rodent touchscreen assay to measure visual transitive inference, then assessed two mouse models of Nlgn3 dysfunction (Nlgn3−/y and Nlgn3R451C). Deep analysis of touchscreen behavioral data at a trial level established we could measure trajectories in flexible responding and changes in processing speed as cognitive load increased. We show that gene mutations in Nlgn3 do not disrupt relational memory, but significantly impact flexible responding. Our study presents the first analysis of reaction times in a rodent transitive inference test, highlighting response latencies from the touchscreen system are useful indicators of processing demands or decision-making processes. These findings expand our understanding of how dysfunction of key components of synaptic signaling complexes impact distinct cognitive processes disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders, and advance our approaches for dissecting rodent behavioral assays to provide greater insights into clinically relevant cognitive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H C Norris
- 1Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria Australia
| | - Leonid Churilov
- 2Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 245 Burgundy St, Heidelberg, Victoria Australia.,3Department of Medicine - Austin Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, 245 Burgundy St, Heidelberg, Victoria Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- 1Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria Australia.,4Florey Department of Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria Australia.,5Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria Australia
| | - Jess Nithianantharajah
- 1Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria Australia.,4Florey Department of Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Troyano-Rodriguez E, Wirsig-Wiechmann CR, Ahmad M. Neuroligin-2 Determines Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in the Lateral Septum to Optimize Stress-Induced Neuronal Activation and Avoidance Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:1046-1055. [PMID: 30878196 PMCID: PMC6555663 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations in the neocortex have revealed that the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission (E/I ratio) is important for proper information processing. The disturbance of this balance underlies many neuropsychiatric illnesses, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. However, little is known about the contribution of E/I balance to the functioning of subcortical brain regions, such as the lateral septum (LS), a structure that plays important roles in regulating anxiety-related behavior. METHODS We manipulated E/I balance in the mouse LS by localized conditional deletion of neuroligin-2, a postsynaptic cell adhesion protein located at gamma-aminobutyric acidergic synapses and important for inhibitory synaptic transmission. We then performed analyses of synaptic transmission in the LS, stress-induced expression of immediate early gene c-fos, and anxiety-related and depression-related behavior. RESULTS The absence of neuroligin-2 in the LS in the mature mouse brain resulted in postsynaptic impairment of inhibitory synaptic transmission. Importantly, the reduced inhibition and resulting E/I imbalance decreased the responsiveness of LS neurons to stress. Furthermore, this E/I imbalance in the LS was associated with impaired stress-induced activation of downstream hypothalamic nuclei and reduced avoidance behavior of the animals in the elevated plus maze. CONCLUSIONS Our results described the synaptic function of neuroligin-2 in the LS, uncovered a positive association between c-Fos-expressing neurons in the LS and downstream hypothalamic areas and avoidance behavior, and demonstrated that intact inhibitory synaptic transmission and proper E/I balance are required for the optimal functioning of this subcortical circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohiuddin Ahmad
- Department of Cell Biology and Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Verma V, Paul A, Amrapali Vishwanath A, Vaidya B, Clement JP. Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour. Open Biol 2019; 9:180265. [PMID: 31185809 PMCID: PMC6597757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhik Paul
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhupesh Vaidya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sakers K, Eroglu C. Control of neural development and function by glial neuroligins. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 57:163-170. [PMID: 30991196 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.03.007] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroligins are a family of cell adhesion molecules, which are best known for their functions as postsynaptic components of the trans-synaptic neurexin-neuroligin complexes. Neuroligins are highly conserved across evolution with important roles in the formation, maturation and function of synaptic structures. Mutations in the genes that encode for neuroligins have been linked to a number of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which stem from synaptic pathologies. Owing to their essential functions in regulating synaptic connectivity and their link to synaptic dysfunction in disease, previous studies on neuroligins have focused on neurons. Yet a recent work reveals that neuroligins are also expressed in the central nervous system by glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and perform important roles in controlling synaptic connectivity in a non-cell autonomous manner. In this review, we will highlight these recent findings demonstrating the important roles of glial neuroligins in regulating the development and connectivity of healthy and diseased brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Sakers
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS), Durham, NC 27710, United States; Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lleó A, Núñez-Llaves R, Alcolea D, Chiva C, Balateu-Paños D, Colom-Cadena M, Gomez-Giro G, Muñoz L, Querol-Vilaseca M, Pegueroles J, Rami L, Lladó A, Molinuevo JL, Tainta M, Clarimón J, Spires-Jones T, Blesa R, Fortea J, Martínez-Lage P, Sánchez-Valle R, Sabidó E, Bayés À, Belbin O. Changes in Synaptic Proteins Precede Neurodegeneration Markers in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:546-560. [PMID: 30606734 PMCID: PMC6398205 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.001290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [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: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A biomarker of synapse loss, an early event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology that precedes neuronal death and symptom onset, would be a much-needed prognostic biomarker. With direct access to the brain interstitial fluid, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a potential source of synapse-derived proteins. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate novel CSF biomarkers of synapse loss in AD. Discovery: Combining shotgun proteomics of the CSF with an exhaustive search of the literature and public databases, we identified 251 synaptic proteins, from which we selected 22 for further study. Verification: Twelve proteins were discarded because of poor detection by Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM). We confirmed the specific expression of 9 of the remaining proteins (Calsynytenin-1, GluR2, GluR4, Neurexin-2A, Neurexin-3A, Neuroligin-2, Syntaxin-1B, Thy-1, Vamp-2) at the human synapse using Array Tomography microscopy and biochemical fractionation methods. Exploration: Using SRM, we monitored these 9 synaptic proteins (20 peptides) in a cohort of CSF from cognitively normal controls and subjects in the pre-clinical and clinical AD stages (n = 80). Compared with controls, peptides from 8 proteins were elevated 1.3 to 1.6-fold (p < 0.04) in prodromal AD patients. Validation: Elevated levels of a GluR4 peptide at the prodromal stage were replicated (1.3-fold, p = 0.04) in an independent cohort (n = 60). Moreover, 7 proteins were reduced at preclinical stage 1 (0.6 to 0.8-fold, p < 0.04), a finding that was replicated (0.7 to 0.8-fold, p < 0.05) for 6 proteins in a third cohort (n = 38). In a cross-cohort meta-analysis, 6 synaptic proteins (Calsyntenin-1, GluR4, Neurexin-2A, Neurexin-3A, Syntaxin-1B and Thy-1) were reduced 0.8-fold (p < 0.05) in preclinical AD, changes that precede clinical symptoms and CSF markers of neurodegeneration. Therefore, these proteins could have clinical value for assessing disease progression, especially in preclinical stages of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Lleó
- From the ‡Memory Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Núñez-Llaves
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Alcolea
- From the ‡Memory Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Chiva
- ‖Proteomics Unit, Center for Genomics Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona
- **University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona
| | | | - Martí Colom-Cadena
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Gomez-Giro
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Muñoz
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Querol-Vilaseca
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Pegueroles
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Rami
- ‡‡Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08015 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Lladó
- ‡‡Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08015 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José L Molinuevo
- ‡‡Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08015 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mikel Tainta
- §§Department of Neurology, Center for Research and Advanced Therapies, CITA-Alzheimer Foundation, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
- ¶¶Servicio de Neurologia, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Goierri-Alto Urola, Osakidetza, Zumárraga, España
| | - Jordi Clarimón
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tara Spires-Jones
- ‖‖Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Rafael Blesa
- From the ‡Memory Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Fortea
- From the ‡Memory Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Lage
- §§Department of Neurology, Center for Research and Advanced Therapies, CITA-Alzheimer Foundation, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Valle
- ‡‡Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08015 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- ‖Proteomics Unit, Center for Genomics Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona
- **University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona
| | - Àlex Bayés
- ***Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025, Barcelona, Spain
- ‡‡‡Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Olivia Belbin
- §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain;
- ¶Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Binda CS, Nakamura Y, Henley JM, Wilkinson KA. Sorting nexin 27 rescues neuroligin 2 from lysosomal degradation to control inhibitory synapse number. Biochem J 2019; 476:293-306. [PMID: 30602588 DOI: 10.1042/BCJ20180504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Retromer is an evolutionarily conserved endosomal trafficking complex that mediates the retrieval of cargo proteins from a degradative pathway for sorting back to the cell surface. To promote cargo recycling, the core retromer trimer of VPS (vacuolar protein sorting)26, VPS29 and VPS35 recognises cargo either directly, or through an adaptor protein, the most well characterised of which is the PDZ [postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), disk large, zona occludens] domain-containing sorting nexin SNX27. Neuroligins (NLGs) are postsynaptic trans-synaptic scaffold proteins that function in the clustering of postsynaptic proteins to maintain synaptic stability. Here, we show that each of the NLGs (NLG1-3) bind to SNX27 in a direct PDZ ligand-dependent manner. Depletion of SNX27 from neurons leads to a decrease in levels of each NLG protein and, for NLG2, this occurs as a result of enhanced lysosomal degradation. Notably, while depletion of the core retromer component VPS35 leads to a decrease in NLG1 and NLG3 levels, NLG2 is unaffected, suggesting that, for this cargo, SNX27 acts independently of retromer. Consistent with loss of SNX27 leading to enhanced lysosomal degradation of NLG2, knockdown of SNX27 results in fewer NLG2 clusters in cultured neurons, and loss of SNX27 or VPS35 reduces the size and number of gephyrin clusters. Together, these data indicate that NLGs are SNX27-retromer cargoes and suggest that SNX27-retromer controls inhibitory synapse number, at least in part through trafficking of NLG2.
Collapse
|
39
|
Van Zandt M, Weiss E, Almyasheva A, Lipior S, Maisel S, Naegele JR. Adeno-associated viral overexpression of neuroligin 2 in the mouse hippocampus enhances GABAergic synapses and impairs hippocampal-dependent behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2018; 362:7-20. [PMID: 30605713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The cell adhesion molecule neuroligin2 (NLGN2) regulates GABAergic synapse development, but its role in neural circuit function in the adult hippocampus is unclear. We investigated GABAergic synapses and hippocampus-dependent behaviors following viral-vector-mediated overexpression of NLGN2. Transducing hippocampal neurons with AAV-NLGN2 increased neuronal expression of NLGN2 and membrane localization of GABAergic postsynaptic proteins gephyrin and GABAARγ2, and presynaptic vesicular GABA transporter protein (VGAT) suggesting trans-synaptic enhancement of GABAergic synapses. In contrast, glutamatergic postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) and presynaptic vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) protein were unaltered. Moreover, AAV-NLGN2 significantly increased parvalbumin immunoreactive (PV+) synaptic boutons co-localized with postsynaptic gephyrin+ puncta. Furthermore, these changes were demonstrated to lead to cognitive impairments as shown in a battery of hippocampal-dependent mnemonic tasks and social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Van Zandt
- Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Middletown, CT, United States
| | - E Weiss
- Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Middletown, CT, United States
| | - A Almyasheva
- Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Middletown, CT, United States
| | - S Lipior
- Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Middletown, CT, United States
| | - S Maisel
- Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Middletown, CT, United States
| | - J R Naegele
- Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Middletown, CT, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Babaev O, Cruces-Solis H, Piletti Chatain C, Hammer M, Wenger S, Ali H, Karalis N, de Hoz L, Schlüter OM, Yanagawa Y, Ehrenreich H, Taschenberger H, Brose N, Krueger-Burg D. IgSF9b regulates anxiety behaviors through effects on centromedial amygdala inhibitory synapses. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5400. [PMID: 30573727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07762-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in synaptic inhibition play a critical role in psychiatric disorders, and accordingly, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms linking components of the inhibitory postsynapse to psychiatrically relevant neural circuits and behaviors. Here we study the role of IgSF9b, an adhesion protein that has been associated with affective disorders, in the amygdala anxiety circuitry. We show that deletion of IgSF9b normalizes anxiety-related behaviors and neural processing in mice lacking the synapse organizer Neuroligin-2 (Nlgn2), which was proposed to complex with IgSF9b. This normalization occurs through differential effects of Nlgn2 and IgSF9b at inhibitory synapses in the basal and centromedial amygdala (CeM), respectively. Moreover, deletion of IgSF9b in the CeM of adult Nlgn2 knockout mice has a prominent anxiolytic effect. Our data place IgSF9b as a key regulator of inhibition in the amygdala and indicate that IgSF9b-expressing synapses in the CeM may represent a target for anxiolytic therapies. IgSF9b is a synaptic adhesion protein that has been linked to psychiatric disorders. Here the authors show that deletion of IgSF9b regulates anxiety-like behaviour in mice by increasing inhibitory synaptic transmission in the centromedial amygdala.
Collapse
|
41
|
Seok BS, Cao F, Bélanger-Nelson E, Provost C, Gibbs S, Jia Z, Mongrain V. The effect of Neuroligin-2 absence on sleep architecture and electroencephalographic activity in mice. Mol Brain 2018; 11:52. [PMID: 30231918 PMCID: PMC6146600 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders are comorbid with most psychiatric disorders, but the link between these is not well understood. Neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is a cell adhesion molecule that plays roles in synapse formation and neurotransmission. Moreover, NLGN2 has been associated with psychiatric disorders, but its implication in sleep remains underexplored. In the present study, the effect of Nlgn2 knockout (Nlgn2−/−) on sleep architecture and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in mice has been investigated. The EEG and electromyogram (EMG) were recorded in Nlgn2−/− mice and littermates for 24 h from which three vigilance states (i.e., wakefulness, rapid eye movement [REM] sleep, non-REM [NREM] sleep) were visually identified. Spectral analysis of the EEG was performed for the three states. Nlgn2−/− mice showed more wakefulness and less NREM and REM sleep compared to wild-type (Nlgn2+/+) mice, especially during the dark period. This was accompanied by changes in the number and duration of individual episodes of wakefulness and sleep, indexing changes in state consolidation, as well as widespread changes in EEG spectral activity in all states. Abnormal ‘hypersynchronized’ EEG events have also been observed predominantly in Nlgn2−/− mice. These events were mainly observed during wakefulness and REM sleep. In addition, Nlgn2−/− mice showed alterations in the daily time course of NREM sleep delta (1–4 Hz) activity, pointing to modifications in the dynamics of sleep homeostasis. These data suggest that NLGN2 participates in the regulation of sleep duration as well as EEG activity during wakefulness and sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bong Soo Seok
- Research Center and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), 5400 Gouin West blvd, Montréal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, 2960 chemin de la Tour, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Erika Bélanger-Nelson
- Research Center and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), 5400 Gouin West blvd, Montréal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
| | - Chloé Provost
- Research Center and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), 5400 Gouin West blvd, Montréal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
| | - Steve Gibbs
- Research Center and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), 5400 Gouin West blvd, Montréal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, 2960 chemin de la Tour, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Valérie Mongrain
- Research Center and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), 5400 Gouin West blvd, Montréal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada. .,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, 2960 chemin de la Tour, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu J, Misra A, Reddy MVVVS, White MA, Ren G, Rudenko G. Structural Plasticity of Neurexin 1α: Implications for its Role as Synaptic Organizer. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:4325-43. [PMID: 30193986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
α-Neurexins are synaptic organizing molecules implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. They bind and arrange an array of different partners in the synaptic cleft. The extracellular region of neurexin 1α (n1α) contains six LNS domains (L1-L6) interspersed by three Egf-like repeats. N1α must encode highly evolved structure-function relationships in order to fit into the narrow confines of the synaptic cleft, and also recruit its large, membrane-bound partners. Internal molecular flexibility could provide a solution; however, it is challenging to delineate because currently no structural methods permit high-resolution structure determination of large, flexible, multi-domain protein molecules. To investigate the structural plasticity of n1α, in particular the conformation of domains that carry validated binding sites for different protein partners, we used a panel of structural techniques. Individual particle electron tomography revealed that the N-terminally and C-terminally tethered domains, L1 and L6, have a surprisingly limited range of conformational freedom with respect to the linear central core containing L2 through L5. A 2.8-Å crystal structure revealed an unexpected arrangement of the L2 and L3 domains. Small-angle X-ray scattering and electron tomography indicated that incorporation of the alternative splice insert SS6 relieves the restricted conformational freedom between L5 and L6, suggesting that SS6 may work as a molecular toggle. The architecture of n1α thus encodes a combination of rigid and flexibly tethered domains that are uniquely poised to work together to promote its organizing function in the synaptic cleft, and may permit allosterically regulated and/or concerted protein partner binding.
Collapse
|
43
|
Luo J, Norris RH, Gordon SL, Nithianantharajah J. Neurodevelopmental synaptopathies: Insights from behaviour in rodent models of synapse gene mutations. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:424-439. [PMID: 29217145 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The genomic revolution has begun to unveil the enormous complexity and heterogeneity of the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as such epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Increasingly, human mutations in synapse genes are being identified across these disorders. These neurodevelopmental synaptopathies highlight synaptic homeostasis pathways as a convergence point underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we review some of the key pre- and postsynaptic genes in which penetrant human mutations have been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders for which genetic rodent models have been generated. Specifically, we focus on the main behavioural phenotypes that have been documented in these animal models, to consolidate our current understanding of how synapse genes regulate key behavioural and cognitive domains. These studies provide insights into better understanding the basis of the overlapping genetic and cognitive heterogeneity observed in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Luo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - R H Norris
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - S L Gordon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - J Nithianantharajah
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jiang DY, Wu Z, Forsyth CT, Hu Y, Yee SP, Chen G. GABAergic deficits and schizophrenia-like behaviors in a mouse model carrying patient-derived neuroligin-2 R215H mutation. Mol Brain 2018; 11:31. [PMID: 29859117 PMCID: PMC5984814 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusion, hallucination, and cognitive deficits. We have previously identified from schizophrenia patients a loss-of-function mutation Arg215→His215 (R215H) of neuroligin 2 (NLGN2) gene, which encodes a cell adhesion molecule critical for GABAergic synapse formation and function. Here, we generated a novel transgenic mouse line with neuroligin-2 (NL2) R215H mutation. The single point mutation caused a significant loss of NL2 protein in vivo, reduced GABAergic transmission, and impaired hippocampal activation. Importantly, R215H KI mice displayed anxiety-like behavior, impaired pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), cognition deficits and abnormal stress responses, recapitulating several key aspects of schizophrenia-like behaviors. Our results demonstrate a significant impact of a single point mutation NL2 R215H on brain functions, providing a novel animal model for the study of schizophrenia and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Yun Jiang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Cody Tieu Forsyth
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health center, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wu M, Tian HL, Liu X, Lai JHC, Du S, Xia J. Impairment of Inhibitory Synapse Formation and Motor Behavior in Mice Lacking the NL2 Binding Partner LHFPL4/GARLH4. Cell Rep 2018; 23:1691-1705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
|
46
|
Stogsdill JA, Ramirez J, Liu D, Kim YH, Baldwin KT, Enustun E, Ejikeme T, Ji RR, Eroglu C. Astrocytic neuroligins control astrocyte morphogenesis and synaptogenesis. Nature 2017; 551:192-7. [PMID: 29120426 DOI: 10.1038/nature24638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly complex glial cells with numerous fine cellular processes which infiltrate the neuropil to interact with synapses. The mechanisms controlling the establishment of astrocytes’ remarkable morphology and how impairing astrocytic infiltration of the neuropil alters synaptic connectivity are largely unknown. Here we find that cortical astrocyte morphogenesis depends on direct contact with neuronal processes and occurs in tune with the growth and activity of synaptic circuits. Neuroligin (NL) family cell adhesion proteins, NL1, NL2, and NL3, which are expressed by cortical astrocytes, control astrocyte morphogenesis through interactions with neuronal neurexins. Furthermore, in the absence of astrocytic NL2, cortical excitatory synapse formation and function is diminished, whereas inhibitory synaptic function is enhanced. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism of action for NLs and link astrocyte morphogenesis to synaptogenesis. Because NL mutations are implicated in various neurological disorders, these findings also offer an astrocyte-based mechanism of neural pathology.
Collapse
|
47
|
Heshmati M, Aleyasin H, Menard C, Christoffel DJ, Flanigan ME, Pfau ML, Hodes GE, Lepack AE, Bicks LK, Takahashi A, Chandra R, Turecki G, Lobo MK, Maze I, Golden SA, Russo SJ. Cell-type-specific role for nucleus accumbens neuroligin-2 in depression and stress susceptibility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:1111-1116. [PMID: 29339486 PMCID: PMC5798379 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1719014115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral coping strategies are critical for active resilience to stress and depression; here we describe a role for neuroligin-2 (NLGN-2) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Neuroligins (NLGN) are a family of neuronal postsynaptic cell adhesion proteins that are constituents of the excitatory and inhibitory synapse. Importantly, NLGN-3 and NLGN-4 mutations are strongly implicated as candidates underlying the development of neuropsychiatric disorders with social disturbances such as autism, but the role of NLGN-2 in neuropsychiatric disease states is unclear. Here we show a reduction in NLGN-2 gene expression in the NAc of patients with major depressive disorder. Chronic social defeat stress in mice also decreases NLGN-2 selectively in dopamine D1-positive cells, but not dopamine D2-positive cells, within the NAc of stress-susceptible mice. Functional NLGN-2 knockdown produces bidirectional, cell-type-specific effects: knockdown in dopamine D1-positive cells promotes subordination and stress susceptibility, whereas knockdown in dopamine D2-positive cells mediates active defensive behavior. These findings establish a behavioral role for NAc NLGN-2 in stress and depression; provide a basis for targeted, cell-type specific therapy; and highlight the role of active behavioral coping mechanisms in stress susceptibility.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aggression
- Animals
- Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
- Behavior, Animal
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dominance-Subordination
- Heterozygote
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Social Behavior
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
- Synapses/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Heshmati
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Hossein Aleyasin
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Caroline Menard
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Daniel J Christoffel
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Meghan E Flanigan
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Madeline L Pfau
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Georgia E Hodes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Ashley E Lepack
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Lucy K Bicks
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Aki Takahashi
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Ian Maze
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Sam A Golden
- Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIDA-NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Scott J Russo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029;
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Neuronal networks consist of different types of neurons that all play their own role in order to maintain proper network function. The two main types of neurons segregate in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which together regulate the flow of information through the network. It has been proposed that changes in the relative strength in these two opposing forces underlie the symptoms observed in psychiatric disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. Here, we review the role of alterations to the function of the inhibitory system as a cause of psychiatric disorders. First, we explore both patient and post-mortem evidence of inhibitory deficiency. We then discuss the function of different interneuron subtypes in the network and focus on the central role of a specific class of inhibitory neurons, parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Finally, we discuss genes known to be affected in different disorders and the effects that mutations in these genes have on the inhibitory system in cortex and hippocampus. We conclude that alterations to the inhibitory system are consistently identified in animal models of psychiatric disorders and, more specifically, that mutations affecting the function of parvalbumin-positive interneurons seem to play a central role in the symptoms observed in these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Selten
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.,Department of Human Genetics & Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 10, Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics & Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 10, Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics & Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 10, Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Katzman A, Alberini CM. NLGN1 and NLGN2 in the prefrontal cortex: their role in memory consolidation and strengthening. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 48:122-30. [PMID: 29278843 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critical for memory formation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Clinical and animal model studies have shown that changes in PFC excitation and inhibition are important for cognitive functions as well as related disorders. Here, we discuss recent findings revealing the roles of the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic proteins neuroligin 1 (NLGN1) and NLGN2 in the PFC in memory formation and modulation of memory strength. We propose that shifts in NLGN1 and NLGN2 expression in specific excitatory and inhibitory neuronal subpopulations in response to experience regulate the dynamic processes of memory consolidation and strengthening. Because excitatory/inhibitory imbalances accompany neuropsychiatric disorders in which strength and flexibility of representations play important roles, understanding these mechanisms may suggest novel therapies.
Collapse
|
50
|
Shaw HS, Salmon CK. Refining the Roles of Neuroligins in Synapse Development and Function: A Reductionist Conditional Knock-out Approach. J Neurosci 2017; 37:11769-71. [PMID: 29212945 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2492-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|