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Aburto MR, Cryan JF. Gastrointestinal and brain barriers: unlocking gates of communication across the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:222-247. [PMID: 38355758 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between gut and brain has long been appreciated in health and disease, and the gut microbiota is a key player in communication between these two distant organs. Yet, the mechanisms through which the microbiota influences development and function of the gut-brain axis remain largely unknown. Barriers present in the gut and brain are specialized cellular interfaces that maintain strict homeostasis of different compartments across this axis. These barriers include the gut epithelial barrier, the blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Barriers are ideally positioned to receive and communicate gut microbial signals constituting a gateway for gut-microbiota-brain communication. In this Review, we focus on how modulation of these barriers by the gut microbiota can constitute an important channel of communication across the gut-brain axis. Moreover, barrier malfunction upon alterations in gut microbial composition could form the basis of various conditions, including often comorbid neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, we should focus on unravelling the molecular and cellular basis of this communication and move from simplistic framing as 'leaky gut'. A mechanistic understanding of gut microbiota modulation of barriers, especially during critical windows of development, could be key to understanding the aetiology of gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- María R Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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2
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Hung LY, Margolis KG. Autism spectrum disorders and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into mechanisms and clinical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:142-163. [PMID: 38114585 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized as central neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviours. The recognition of ASD as a central nervous system (CNS)-mediated neurobehavioural disorder has led most of the research in ASD to be focused on the CNS. However, gastrointestinal function is also likely to be affected owing to the neural mechanistic nature of ASD and the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system). Thus, it is unsurprising that gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are highly comorbid in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal problems have also been repeatedly associated with increased severity of the core symptoms diagnostic of ASD and other centrally mediated comorbid conditions, including psychiatric issues, irritability, rigid-compulsive behaviours and aggression. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD and its associated behavioural comorbidities, the specific links between these two conditions have not been clearly delineated, and current data linking ASD to gastrointestinal dysfunction have not been extensively reviewed. This Review outlines the established and emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that emphasizes the gut as a novel mechanistic and potential therapeutic target for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Y Hung
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Hokanson KC, Hernández C, Deitzler GE, Gaston JE, David MM. Sex shapes gut-microbiota-brain communication and disease. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:151-161. [PMID: 37813734 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.013] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Research into the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) has entered a golden age, raising the hope that therapeutics acting on it may offer breakthroughs in the treatment of many illnesses. However, most of this work overlooks a fundamental, yet understudied, biological variable: sex. Sex differences exist at every level of the MGBA. Sex steroids shape the structure of the gut microbiota, and these microbes in turn regulate levels of bioactive sex steroids. These hormones and microbes act on gut sensory enteroendocrine cells, which modulate downstream activity in the enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, and brain. We examine recent advances in this field, and discuss the scientific and moral imperative to include females in biomedical research, using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenton C Hokanson
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA; Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | | | - Grace E Deitzler
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jenna E Gaston
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Maude M David
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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4
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Borgonovo J, Allende-Castro C, Medinas DB, Cárdenas D, Cuevas MP, Hetz C, Concha ML. Immunohistochemical characterisation of the adult Nothobranchius furzeri intestine. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 395:21-38. [PMID: 38015266 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03845-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Nothobranchius furzeri is emerging as an exciting vertebrate organism in the field of biomedicine, developmental biology and ecotoxicology research. Its short generation time, compressed lifespan and accelerated ageing make it a versatile model for longitudinal studies with high traceability. Although in recent years the use of this model has increased enormously, there is still little information on the anatomy, morphology and histology of its main organs. In this paper, we present a description of the digestive system of N. furzeri, with emphasis on the intestine. We note that the general architecture of the intestinal tissue is shared with other vertebrates, and includes a folding mucosa, an outer muscle layer and a myenteric plexus. By immunohistochemical analysis, we reveal that the mucosa harbours the same type of epithelial cells observed in mammals, including enterocytes, goblet cells and enteroendocrine cells, and that the myenteric neurons express neurotransmitters common to other species, such as serotonin, substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, we detect the presence of a proliferative compartment at the base of the intestinal folds. The description of the normal intestinal morphology provided here constitutes a baseline information to contrast with tissue alterations in future lines of research assessing pathologies, ageing-related diseases or damage caused by toxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Borgonovo
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Allende-Castro
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Danilo B Medinas
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deyanira Cárdenas
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Medical Technology School, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Paz Cuevas
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Medical Technology School, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Miguel L Concha
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile.
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile.
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Cassidy RM, Flores EM, Trinh Nguyen AK, Cheruvu SS, Uribe RA, Krachler AM, Odem MA. Systematic analysis of proximal midgut- and anorectal-originating contractions in larval zebrafish using event feature detection and supervised machine learning algorithms. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14675. [PMID: 37743702 PMCID: PMC10841157 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14675] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish larvae are translucent, allowing in vivo analysis of gut development and physiology, including gut motility. While recent progress has been made in measuring gut motility in larvae, challenges remain which can influence results, such as how data are interpreted, opportunities for technical user error, and inconsistencies in methods. METHODS To overcome these challenges, we noninvasively introduced Nile Red fluorescent dye to fill the intraluminal gut space in zebrafish larvae and collected serial confocal microscopic images of gut fluorescence. We automated the detection of fluorescent-contrasted contraction events against the median-subtracted signal and compared it to manually annotated gut contraction events across anatomically defined gut regions. Supervised machine learning (multiple logistic regression) was then used to discriminate between true contraction events and noise. To demonstrate, we analyzed motility in larvae under control and reserpine-treated conditions. We also used automated event detection analysis to compare unfed and fed larvae. KEY RESULTS Automated analysis retained event features for proximal midgut-originating retrograde and anterograde contractions and anorectal-originating retrograde contractions. While manual annotation showed reserpine disrupted gut motility, machine learning only achieved equivalent contraction discrimination in controls and failed to accurately identify contractions after reserpine due to insufficient intraluminal fluorescence. Automated analysis also showed feeding had no effect on the frequency of anorectal-originating contractions. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Automated event detection analysis rapidly and accurately annotated contraction events, including the previously neglected phenomenon of anorectal contractions. However, challenges remain to discriminate contraction events based on intraluminal fluorescence under treatment conditions that disrupt functional motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Cassidy
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern
Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Erika M. Flores
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern
Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anh K. Trinh Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern
Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sai S. Cheruvu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology,
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX
77005, USA
| | - Anne Marie Krachler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern
Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Max A. Odem
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern
Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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6
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Robinson BG, Oster BA, Robertson K, Kaltschmidt JA. Loss of ASD-related molecule Cntnap2 affects colonic motility in mice. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1287057. [PMID: 38027494 PMCID: PMC10665486 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1287057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are highly prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the molecular link between ASD and GI dysfunction remains poorly understood. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is critical for normal GI motility and has been shown to be altered in mouse models of ASD and other neurological disorders. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Cntnap2) is an ASD-related synaptic cell-adhesion molecule important for sensory processing. In this study, we examine the role of Cntnap2 in GI motility by characterizing Cntnap2's expression in the ENS and assessing GI function in Cntnap2 mutant mice. We find Cntnap2 expression predominately in enteric sensory neurons. We further assess in vivo and ex vivo GI motility in Cntnap2 mutants and show altered transit time and colonic motility patterns. The overall organization of the ENS appears undisturbed. Our results suggest that Cntnap2 plays a role in GI function and may provide a molecular link between ASD and GI dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz G. Robinson
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Neurosciences IDP Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Beau A. Oster
- Nevada ENDURE Program, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Keiramarie Robertson
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Neurosciences IDP Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Julia A. Kaltschmidt
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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7
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Osman A, Mervosh NL, Strat AN, Euston TJ, Zipursky G, Pollak RM, Meckel KR, Tyler SR, Chan KL, Buxbaum Grice A, Drapeau E, Litichevskiy L, Gill J, Zeldin SM, Thaiss CA, Buxbaum JD, Breen MS, Kiraly DD. Acetate supplementation rescues social deficits and alters transcriptional regulation in prefrontal cortex of Shank3 deficient mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:311-324. [PMID: 37657643 PMCID: PMC10955506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves genetic and environmental factors. Mounting evidence demonstrates a role for the gut microbiome in ASD, with signaling via short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) as one mechanism. Here, we utilize mice carrying deletion to exons 4-22 of Shank3 (Shank3KO) to model gene by microbiome interactions in ASD. We identify SCFA acetate as a mediator of gut-brain interactions and show acetate supplementation reverses social deficits concomitant with alterations to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) transcriptional regulation independent of microbiome status. METHODS Shank3KO and wild-type (Wt) littermates were divided into control, Antibiotic (Abx), Acetate and Abx + Acetate groups upon weaning. After six weeks, animals underwent behavioral testing. Molecular analysis including 16S and metagenomic sequencing, metabolomic and transcriptional profiling were conducted. Additionally, targeted serum metabolomic data from Phelan McDermid Syndrome (PMS) patients (who are heterozygous for the Shank3 gene) were leveraged to assess levels of SCFA's relative to ASD clinical measures. RESULTS Shank3KO mice were found to display social deficits, dysregulated gut microbiome and decreased cecal levels of acetate - effects exacerbated by Abx treatment. RNA-sequencing of mPFC showed unique gene expression signature induced by microbiome depletion in the Shank3KO mice. Oral treatment with acetate reverses social deficits and results in marked changes in gene expression enriched for synaptic signaling, pathways among others, even in Abx treated mice. Clinical data showed sex specific correlations between levels of acetate and hyperactivity scores. CONCLUSION These results suggest a key role for the gut microbiome and the neuroactive metabolite acetate in regulating ASD-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Osman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Nicholas L Mervosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ana N Strat
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Tanner J Euston
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Gillian Zipursky
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Rebecca M Pollak
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Katherine R Meckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Scott R Tyler
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Kenny L Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ariela Buxbaum Grice
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Lev Litichevskiy
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jasleen Gill
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sharon M Zeldin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Christoph A Thaiss
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute of Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Michael S Breen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Drew D Kiraly
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States.
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Kozol RA, Dallman JE. Drugs prescribed for Phelan-McDermid syndrome differentially impact sensory behaviors in shank3 zebrafish models. F1000Res 2023; 12:84. [PMID: 37868296 PMCID: PMC10589628 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.127830.2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Altered sensory processing is a pervasive symptom in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); people with Phelan McDermid syndrome (PMS), in particular, show reduced responses to sensory stimuli. PMS is caused by deletions of the terminal end of chromosome 22 or point mutations in Shank3. People with PMS can present with an array of symptoms including ASD, epilepsy, gastrointestinal distress, and reduced responses to sensory stimuli. People with PMS are often medicated to manage behaviors like aggression and/or self-harm and/or epilepsy, and it remains unclear how these medications might impact perception/sensory processing. Here we test this using zebrafish mutant shank3ab PMS models that likewise show reduced sensory responses in a visual motor response (VMR) assay, in which increased locomotion is triggered by light to dark transitions. Methods: We screened three medications, risperidone, lithium chloride (LiCl), and carbamazepine (CBZ), prescribed to people with PMS and one drug, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP) tested in rodent models of PMS, for their effects on a sensory-induced behavior in two zebrafish PMS models with frameshift mutations in either the N- or C- termini. To test how pharmacological treatments affect the VMR, we exposed larvae to selected drugs for 24 hours and then quantified their locomotion during four ten-minute cycles of lights on-to-off stimuli. Results: We found that risperidone normalized the VMR in shank3 models. LiCl and CBZ had no effect on the VMR in any of the three genotypes. MPEP reduced the VMR in wildtype (WT) to levels seen in shank3 models but caused no changes in either shank3 model. Finally, shank3 mutants showed resistance to the seizure-inducing drug pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), at a dosage that results in hyperactive swimming in WT zebrafish. Conclusions: Our work shows that the effects of drugs on sensory processing are varied in ways that can be highly genotype- and drug-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Kozol
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Fl., USA
| | - Julia E. Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
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9
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Robinson BG, Oster BA, Robertson K, Kaltschmidt JA. Loss of ASD-Related Molecule Cntnap2 Affects Colonic Motility in Mice. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.17.537221. [PMID: 37131706 PMCID: PMC10153124 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.17.537221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are highly prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the molecular link between ASD and GI dysfunction remains poorly understood. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is critical for normal GI motility and has been shown to be altered in mouse models of ASD and other neurological disorders. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Cntnap2) is an ASD-related synaptic cell-adhesion molecule important for sensory processing. In this study, we examine the role of Cntnap2 in GI motility by characterizing Cntnap2's expression in the ENS and assessing GI function in Cntnap2 mutant mice. We find Cntnap2 expression predominately in enteric sensory neurons. We further assess in-vivo and ex-vivo GI motility in Cntnap2 mutants and show altered transit time and colonic motility patterns. The overall organization of the ENS appears undisturbed. Our results suggest that Cntnap2 plays a role in GI function and may provide a molecular link between ASD and GI dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz G. Robinson
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Neurosciences IDP Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Beau A. Oster
- Nevada ENDURE Program, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Keiramarie Robertson
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Neurosciences IDP Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Julia A. Kaltschmidt
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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10
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Wang X, Tang R, Wei Z, Zhan Y, Lu J, Li Z. The enteric nervous system deficits in autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1101071. [PMID: 37694110 PMCID: PMC10484716 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1101071] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common comorbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and abnormalities in these issues have been found to be closely related to the severity of core behavioral deficits in autism. The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of gut functions, including gastrointestinal motility. Dysfunctional wiring in the ENS not only results in various gastrointestinal issues, but also correlates with an increasing number of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as ASD. However, it remains unclear whether the gastrointestinal dysfunctions are a consequence of ASD or if they directly contribute to its pathogenesis. This review focuses on the deficits in the ENS associated with ASD, and highlights several high-risk genes for ASD, which are expressed widely in the gut and implicated in gastrointestinal dysfunction among both animal models and human patients with ASD. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of environmental factors associated with gastrointestinal tract in individuals with autism. This could offer fresh perspectives on our understanding of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinnian Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life Science, USTC Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ruijin Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Zhan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Rosales Rosas AL, Wang L, Goossens S, Cuvry A, Li LH, Santos-Ferreira N, Soto A, Dallmeier K, Rocha-Pereira J, Delang L. Ex vivo gut cultures of Aedes aegypti are efficiently infected by mosquito-borne alpha- and flaviviruses. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0519522. [PMID: 37540021 PMCID: PMC10580962 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05195-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can transmit several arboviruses, including chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). When blood-feeding on a virus-infected human, the mosquito ingests the virus into the midgut (stomach), where it replicates and must overcome the midgut barrier to disseminate to other organs and ultimately be transmitted via the saliva. Current tools to study mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) include 2D-cell culture systems and in vivo mosquito infection models, which offer great advantages, yet have some limitations. Here, we describe a long-term ex vivo culture of Ae. aegypti guts. Cultured guts were metabolically active for 7 d in a 96-well plate at 28°C and were permissive to ZIKV, DENV, Ross River virus, and CHIKV. Ex vivo guts from Culex pipiens mosquitoes were found to be permissive to Usutu virus. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed viral protein synthesis in CHIKV-infected guts of Ae. aegypti. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy revealed replication and spread of a reporter DENV in specific regions of the midgut. In addition, two known antiviral molecules, β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine and 7-deaza-2'-C-methyladenosine, were able to inhibit CHIKV and ZIKV replication, respectively, in the ex vivo model. Together, our results show that ex vivo guts can be efficiently infected with mosquito-borne alpha- and flaviviruses and employed to evaluate antiviral drugs. Furthermore, the setup can be extended to other mosquito species. Ex vivo gut cultures could thus be a new model to study MBVs, offering the advantage of reduced biosafety measures compared to infecting living mosquitoes. IMPORTANCE Mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) are a significant global health threat since they can cause severe diseases in humans, such as hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, and chronic arthritis. MBVs rely on the mosquito vector to infect new hosts and perpetuate virus transmission. No therapeutics are currently available. The study of arbovirus infection in the mosquito vector can greatly contribute to elucidating strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. This work investigated the infection of guts from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in an ex vivo platform. We found several MBVs capable of replicating in the gut tissue, including viruses of major health importance, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In addition, antiviral compounds reduced arbovirus infection in the cultured gut tissue. Overall, the gut model emerges as a useful tool for diverse applications such as studying tissue-specific responses to virus infection and screening potential anti-arboviral molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucia Rosales Rosas
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lanjiao Wang
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Goossens
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arno Cuvry
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Li-Hsin Li
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Molecular Vaccinology and Vaccine Discovery, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nanci Santos-Ferreira
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alina Soto
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kai Dallmeier
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Molecular Vaccinology and Vaccine Discovery, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joana Rocha-Pereira
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Delang
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Davidson EA, Holingue C, Jimenez-Gomez A, Dallman JE, Moshiree B. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Genetically Defined Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:645-660. [PMID: 37586397 PMCID: PMC10895389 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771460] [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] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in most forms of neurodevelopment disorders (NDDs) such as in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The current patient-reported outcome measures with validated questionnaires used in the general population of children without NDDS cannot be used in the autistic individuals. We explore here the multifactorial pathophysiology of ASD and the role of genetics and the environment in this disease spectrum and focus instead on possible diagnostics that could provide future objective insight into the connection of the gut-brain-microbiome in this disease entity. We provide our own data from both humans and a zebrafish model of ASD called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. We hope that this review highlights the gaps in our current knowledge on many of these profound NDDs and that it provides a future framework upon which clinicians and researchers can build and network with other interested multidisciplinary specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andres Jimenez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Center, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, Florida
- Department of Child Neurology, Florida Atlantic University Stiles - Nicholson Brain Institute, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Julia E. Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Miami, Florida
| | - Baharak Moshiree
- Atrium Health, Wake Forest Medical University, Charlotte, North Carolina
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13
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Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil A, Anjan Sawale R, Claude Vanwalleghem G. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model for neuro-immune interactions in the enteric nervous system in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00142-3. [PMID: 37301234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% of the population and are strongly associated with gastrointestinal diseases creating shortcomings in quality of life. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ASD and although neurodevelopmental deficits are central, the pathogenesis of the condition is complex and the high prevalence of intestinal disorders is poorly understood. In agreement with the prominent research establishing clear bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, several studies have made it evident that such a relation also exists in ASD. Thus, dysregulation of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity may play an important role in ASD. However, only limited research has investigated how the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal mucosal immune factors may impact on the development of ASD-related intestinal disorders. This review focuses on the mechanistic studies that elucidate the regulation and interactions between enteric immune cells, residing gut microbiota and the ENS in models of ASD. Especially the multifaceted properties and applicability of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the study of ASD pathogenesis are assessed in comparison to studies conducted in rodent models and humans. Advances in molecular techniques and in vivo imaging, combined with genetic manipulation and generation of germ-free animals in a controlled environment, appear to make zebrafish an underestimated model of choice for the study of ASD. Finally, we establish the research gaps that remain to be explored to further our understanding of the complexity of ASD pathogenesis and associated mechanisms that may lead to intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Rajlakshmi Anjan Sawale
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gilles Claude Vanwalleghem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Sree Kumar H, Wisner AS, Refsnider JM, Martyniuk CJ, Zubcevic J. Small fish, big discoveries: zebrafish shed light on microbial biomarkers for neuro-immune-cardiovascular health. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1186645. [PMID: 37324381 PMCID: PMC10267477 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1186645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful model to study the gut microbiome in the context of human conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and immune dysfunction. Here, we highlight zebrafish as a tool to bridge the gap in knowledge in linking the gut microbiome and physiological homeostasis of cardiovascular, neural, and immune systems, both independently and as an integrated axis. Drawing on zebrafish studies to date, we discuss challenges in microbiota transplant techniques and gnotobiotic husbandry practices. We present advantages and current limitations in zebrafish microbiome research and discuss the use of zebrafish in identification of microbial enterotypes in health and disease. We also highlight the versatility of zebrafish studies to further explore the function of human conditions relevant to gut dysbiosis and reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemaa Sree Kumar
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Alexander S. Wisner
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Center for Drug Design and Development, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Jeanine M. Refsnider
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, OH, United States
| | - Jasenka Zubcevic
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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15
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Matuleviciene A, Siauryte K, Kuiper E. Consensus recommendations on chewing, swallowing and gastrointestinal problems in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104763. [PMID: 37054968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104763] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). Chewing and swallowing difficulties, dental problems, reflux disease, cyclic vomiting, constipation, incontinence, diarrhoea, and nutritional deficiencies have been most frequently reported. Therefore, this review summarises current findings on GI problems and addresses the fundamental questions, which were based on parental surveys, of how frequent GI problems occur in PMS, what GI problems occur, what consequences (e.g., nutritional deficiencies) GI problems cause for individuals with PMS, and how GI problems can be treated in individuals with PMS. Our findings show that gastrointestinal problems have a detrimental effect on the health of people with PMS and are a significant burden for their families. Therefore, we advise evaluation for these problems and formulate care recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ausra Matuleviciene
- Dept. of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Kamile Siauryte
- Dept. of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Els Kuiper
- Patient Representative from the European Consensus PMS Group, the Netherlands
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16
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Schön M, Pablo L, Julián N, Mattina T, Gunnarsson C, Hadzsiev K, Verpelli C, Bourgeron T, Sarah J, van Ravenswaaij-Arts CMA, Hennekam RC. Definition and clinical variability of SHANK3-related Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104754. [PMID: 37003575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104754] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is an infrequently described syndrome that presents with a disturbed development, neurological and psychiatric characteristics, and sometimes other comorbidities. As part of the development of European medical guidelines we studied the definition, phenotype, genotype-phenotype characteristics, and natural history of the syndrome. The number of confirmed diagnoses of PMS in different European countries was also assessed and it could be concluded that PMS is underdiagnosed. The incidence of PMS in European countries is estimated to be at least 1 in 30,000. Next generation sequencing, including analysis of copy number variations, as first tier in diagnostics of individuals with intellectual disability will likely yield a larger number of individuals with PMS than presently known. A definition of PMS by its phenotype is at the present not possible, and therefore PMS-SHANK3 related is defined by the presence of SHANK3 haploinsufficiency, either by a deletion involving region 22q13.2-33 or a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in SHANK3. In summarizing the phenotype, we subdivided it into that of individuals with a 22q13 deletion and that of those with a pathogenic/likely pathogenic SHANK3 variant. The phenotype of individuals with PMS is variable, depending in part on the deletion size or, whether only a variant of SHANK3 is present. The core phenotype in the domains development, neurology, and senses are similar in those with deletions and SHANK3 variants, but individuals with a SHANK3 variant more often are reported to have behavioural disorders and less often urogenital malformations and lymphedema. The behavioural disorders may, however, be a less outstanding feature in individuals with deletions accompanied by more severe intellectual disability. Data available on the natural history are limited. Results of clinical trials using insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), intranasal insulin, and oxytocin are available, other trials are in progress. The present guidelines for PMS aim at offering tools to caregivers and families to provide optimal care to individuals with PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Germany.
| | - Lapunzina Pablo
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM)-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, CIBERER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII; ITHACA-European Reference Network, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nevado Julián
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM)-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, CIBERER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII; ITHACA-European Reference Network, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Mattina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gunnarsson
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Centre for Rare Diseases in South East Region of Sweden, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kinga Hadzsiev
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris Cité, IUF, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Jesse Sarah
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Raoul C Hennekam
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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17
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Coe A, Ciricillo J, Mansi S, El-Chammas K, Santucci N, Bali N, Lu PL, Damrongmanee A, Fei L, Liu C, Kaul A, Williams KC. Evaluation of Chronic Constipation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 76:154-159. [PMID: 36705696 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003662] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic constipation occurs frequently in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective was to determine whether chronic constipation is associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motor activity in ASD children than in non-ASD children. A secondary goal was to determine if clinical variables could identify children with ASD at risk for possessing abnormal colonic motility. METHODS A retrospective, propensity-matched, case-control study compared colonic manometry (CM) of an ASD cohort and non-ASD controls with chronic constipation. Clinical variables were evaluated as potential predictors for abnormal colonic motility. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with ASD and 123 controls without the diagnosis of ASD who underwent CM were included. Propensity score resulted in 35 matched cohorts of ASD and controls. The rate of abnormal CM findings between ASD and matched controls (24% vs 20%, P = 0.78) did not differ significantly. A prediction model of abnormal CM that included ASD diagnosis, duration of constipation, and soiling achieved a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.65. The risk for abnormal colonic motility increased 11% for every 1-year increase in duration of constipation. Odds for abnormal motility were 30 times higher in ASD children with soiling than controls with soiling (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Chronic constipation does not appear to be associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motility in children with ASD. Clinical information of disease duration and presence of soiling due to constipation show promise in identifying patients with ASD at a greater risk for abnormal colonic motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Coe
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Sherief Mansi
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Khalil El-Chammas
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neha Santucci
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neetu Bali
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Peter L Lu
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Alisara Damrongmanee
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Lin Fei
- the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Chunyan Liu
- the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ajay Kaul
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kent C Williams
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
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18
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Wang N, Lv L, Huang X, Shi M, Dai Y, Wei Y, Xu B, Fu C, Huang H, Shi H, Liu Y, Hu X, Qin D. Gene editing in monogenic autism spectrum disorder: animal models and gene therapies. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1043018. [PMID: 36590912 PMCID: PMC9794862 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1043018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disease, and its diagnosis is dependent on behavioral manifestation, such as impaired reciprocal social interactions, stereotyped repetitive behaviors, as well as restricted interests. However, ASD etiology has eluded researchers to date. In the past decades, based on strong genetic evidence including mutations in a single gene, gene editing technology has become an essential tool for exploring the pathogenetic mechanisms of ASD via constructing genetically modified animal models which validates the casual relationship between genetic risk factors and the development of ASD, thus contributing to developing ideal candidates for gene therapies. The present review discusses the progress in gene editing techniques and genetic research, animal models established by gene editing, as well as gene therapies in ASD. Future research should focus on improving the validity of animal models, and reliable DNA diagnostics and accurate prediction of the functional effects of the mutation will likely be equally crucial for the safe application of gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Longbao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Mingqin Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Youwu Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bonan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chenyang Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongling Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Dongdong Qin Yun Liu Xintian Hu
| | - Xintian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Dongdong Qin Yun Liu Xintian Hu
| | - Dongdong Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Dongdong Qin Yun Liu Xintian Hu
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19
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Hayot G, Massonot M, Keime C, Faure E, Golzio C. Loss of autism-candidate CHD8 perturbs neural crest development and intestinal homeostatic balance. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 6:6/1/e202201456. [PMID: 36375841 PMCID: PMC9664244 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with mutations in CHD8 present with gastrointestinal complaints, yet the underlying mechanisms are understudied. Here, using a stable constitutive chd8 mutant zebrafish model, we found that the loss of chd8 leads to a reduced number of vagal neural crest cells (NCCs), enteric neural and glial progenitors, emigrating from the neural tube, and that their early migration capability was altered. At later stages, although the intestinal colonization by NCCs was complete, we found the decreased numbers of both serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells and NCC-derived serotonergic neurons, suggesting an intestinal hyposerotonemia in the absence of chd8 Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses revealed an altered expression of key receptors and enzymes in serotonin and acetylcholine signaling pathways. The tissue examination of chd8 mutants revealed a thinner intestinal epithelium accompanied by an accumulation of neutrophils and the decreased numbers of goblet cells and eosinophils. Last, single-cell sequencing of whole intestines showed a global disruption of the immune balance with a perturbed expression of inflammatory interleukins and changes in immune cell clusters. Our findings propose a causal developmental link between chd8, NCC development, intestinal homeostasis, and autism-associated gastrointestinal complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Hayot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Massonot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Céline Keime
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elodie Faure
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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20
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Wang J, Yin L, Zheng W, Shi S, Hao W, Liu C, Zheng L. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG normalizes gut dysmotility induced by environmental pollutants via affecting serotonin level in zebrafish larvae. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:222. [PMID: 36100774 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03409-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal peristalsis is essential for gastrointestinal function, which could maintain the appropriate progression and digestion of food and reduce bacterial aggregation through mixing function. Even though certain ingredients of foodstuff are known to increase or decrease intestinal peristalsis, the role of environmental pollutants on intestinal peristalsis is relatively unknown. Therefore, the effects of four typical environmental pollutants (oxytetracycline, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorpyrifos) on intestinal peristalsis in the zebrafish model and then tested the recovery effect of the constipation-resistant probiotic. The results showed that 4-day environmental pollutants exposures on the zebrafish embryos at 1 day post fertilization clearly decreased the intestinal peristalsis through decreasing the serotonin (5-HT) production and down-regulating the expression of key genes involved in 5-HT synthesis. Pollutants-evoked change of gut motility could be normalized in the presence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) via increasing 5-HT secretion. Exogenous 5-hydroxytryptophan (100 µg/L) could also rescue the dysfunction of gut motility in pollutants-treated zebrfish. The data identified that LGG normalized disorder of intestinal peristalsis induced by environmental pollutants through increasing 5-HT level. The stimulant effect of LGG on peristalsis may be associated with 5-HT system, which could provide references for the application of probiotics in regulation of gut dysmotility.
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Curpăn AS, Balmus I, Dobrin RP, Ciobica A, Chele GE, Gorgan DL, Boloș A. A Mini-Review Regarding the Modalities to Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders-Like Impairments in Zebrafish—Focussing on Neurobehavioural and Psychological Responses. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1147. [PMID: 36138883 PMCID: PMC9496774 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex disorders which can be associated with many comorbidities and exhibit multifactorial-dependent phenotypes. An important characteristic is represented by the early onset of the symptoms, during childhood or young adulthood, with a great impact on the socio-cognitive functioning of the affected individuals. Thus, the aim of our review is to describe and to argue the necessity of early developmental stages zebrafish models, focusing on NDDs, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and also on schizophrenia. The utility of the animal models in NDDs or schizophrenia research remains quite controversial. Relevant discussions can be opened regarding the specific characteristics of the animal models and the relationship with the etiologies, physiopathology, and development of these disorders. The zebrafish models behaviors displayed as early as during the pre-hatching embryo stage (locomotor activity prone to repetitive behavior), and post-hatching embryo stage, such as memory, perception, affective-like, and social behaviors can be relevant in ASD and schizophrenia research. The neurophysiological processes impaired in both ASD and schizophrenia are generally highly conserved across all vertebrates. However, the relatively late individual development and conscious social behavior exhibited later in the larval stage are some of the most important limitations of these model animal species.
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22
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Doldur-Balli F, Imamura T, Veatch OJ, Gong NN, Lim DC, Hart MP, Abel T, Kayser MS, Brodkin ES, Pack AI. Synaptic dysfunction connects autism spectrum disorder and sleep disturbances: A perspective from studies in model organisms. Sleep Med Rev 2022; 62:101595. [PMID: 35158305 PMCID: PMC9064929 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances (SD) accompany many neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting SD is a transdiagnostic process that can account for behavioral deficits and influence underlying neuropathogenesis. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comprises a complex set of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Diagnosis of ASD is based primarily on behavioral criteria, and there are no drugs that target core symptoms. Among the co-occurring conditions associated with ASD, SD are one of the most prevalent. SD often arises before the onset of other ASD symptoms. Sleep interventions improve not only sleep but also daytime behaviors in children with ASD. Here, we examine sleep phenotypes in multiple model systems relevant to ASD, e.g., mice, zebrafish, fruit flies and worms. Given the functions of sleep in promoting brain connectivity, neural plasticity, emotional regulation and social behavior, all of which are of critical importance in ASD pathogenesis, we propose that synaptic dysfunction is a major mechanism that connects ASD and SD. Common molecular targets in this interplay that are involved in synaptic function might be a novel avenue for therapy of individuals with ASD experiencing SD. Such therapy would be expected to improve not only sleep but also other ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusun Doldur-Balli
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Toshihiro Imamura
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Olivia J Veatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | - Naihua N Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Diane C Lim
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, USA
| | - Michael P Hart
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Edward S Brodkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Allan I Pack
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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23
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Al-Biltagi M, Saeed NK, Qaraghuli S. Gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism: Could artificial intelligence help? Artif Intell Gastroenterol 2022; 3:1-12. [DOI: 10.35712/aig.v3.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is one of the pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders usually associated with many medical comorbidities. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are pervasive in children, with a 46%-84% prevalence rate. Children with Autism have an increased frequency of diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux and/or disease, abdominal pain, chronic flatulence due to various factors as food allergies, gastrointestinal dysmotility, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These GI disorders have a significant negative impact on both the child and his/her family. Artificial intelligence (AI) could help diagnose and manage Autism by improving children's communication, social, and emotional skills for a long time. AI is an effective method to enhance early detection of GI disorders, including GI bleeding, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Coeliac disease, food allergies, IBS, IBD, and rectal polyps. AI can also help personalize the diet for children with Autism by microbiome modification. It can help to provide modified gluten without initiating an immune response. However, AI has many obstacles in treating digestive diseases, especially in children with Autism. We need to do more studies and adopt specific algorithms for children with Autism. In this article, we will highlight the role of AI in helping children with gastrointestinal disorders, with particular emphasis on children with Autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Biltagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Samara Qaraghuli
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plant, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad 14022, Baghdad, Iraq
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Tayanloo-Beik A, Hamidpour SK, Abedi M, Shojaei H, Tavirani MR, Namazi N, Larijani B, Arjmand B. Zebrafish Modeling of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Current Status and Future Prospective. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:911770. [PMID: 35911241 PMCID: PMC9329562 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.911770] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a complicated range of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders which can occur via genetic or non-genetic factors. Clinically, ASD is associated with problems in relationships, social interactions, and behaviors that pose many challenges for children with ASD and their families. Due to the complexity, heterogeneity, and association of symptoms with some neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders, clinical trials have not yielded reliable results and there still remain challenges in drug discovery and development pipeline for ASD patients. One of the main steps in promoting lead compounds to the suitable drug for commercialization is preclinical animal testing, in which the efficacy and toxicity of candidate drugs are examined in vivo. In recent years, zebrafish have been able to attract the attention of many researchers in the field of neurological disorders such as ASD due to their outstanding features. The presence of orthologous genes for ASD modeling, the anatomical similarities of parts of the brain, and similar neurotransmitter systems between zebrafish and humans are some of the main reasons why scientists draw attention to zebrafish as a prominent animal model in preclinical studies to discover highly effective treatment approaches for the ASD through genetic and non-genetic modeling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Kokabi Hamidpour
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Abedi
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamide Shojaei
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nazli Namazi
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hosie S, Abo-Shaban T, Lee CYQ, Matta SM, Shindler A, Gore R, Sharna SS, Herath M, Crack PJ, Franks AE, Hill-Yardin EL. The Emerging Role of the Gut-Brain-Microbiota Axis in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Adv Exp Med Biol 2022; 1383:141-56. [PMID: 36587154 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05843-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD; autism) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder associated with changes in gut-brain axis communication. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are experienced by a large proportion of individuals diagnosed with autism. Several mutations associated with autism modify cellular communication via neuronal synapses. It has been suggested that modifications to the enteric nervous system, an intrinsic nervous system of the GI tract, could contribute to GI dysfunction. Changes in gut motility, permeability, and the mucosal barrier as well as shifts in the large population of microbes inhabiting the GI tract could contribute to GI symptoms. Preclinical research has demonstrated that mice expressing the well-studied R451C missense mutation in Nlgn3 gene, which encodes cell adhesion protein neuroligin-3 at neuronal synapses, exhibit GI dysfunction. Specifically, NL3R451C mice show altered colonic motility and faster small intestinal transit. As well as dysmotility, macrophages located within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue of the NL3R451C mouse caecum show altered morphology, suggesting that neuro-inflammation pathways are modified in this model. Interestingly, NL3R451C mice maintained in a shared environment demonstrate fecal microbial dysbiosis indicating a role for the nervous system in regulating gut microbial populations. To better understand host-microbe interactions, further clarification and comparison of clinical and animal model profiles of dysbiosis should be obtained, which in turn will provide better insights into the efforts taken to design personalized microbial therapies. In addition to changes in neurophysiological measures, the mucosal component of the GI barrier may contribute to GI dysfunction more broadly in individuals diagnosed with a wide range of neurological disorders. As the study of GI dysfunction advances to encompass multiple components of the gut-brain-microbiota axis, findings will help understand future directions such as microbiome engineering and optimisation of the mucosal barrier for health.
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Larijani B, Hamidpour SK, Tayanloo-Beik A, Shahbazbadr A, Yavari H, Namazi N, Biglar M, Arjmand B. An Overview of Zebrafish Modeling Methods in Drug Discovery and Development. Adv Exp Med Biol 2021. [PMID: 34961915 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies are recognized as a significant step forward in the bridging between drug discovery and clinical applications. Animal models, due to their relative genetic, molecular, physiological, and even anatomical similarities to humans, can provide a suitable platform for unraveling the mechanisms underlying human diseases and discovering new therapeutic approaches as well. Recently, zebrafish has attracted attention as a valuable experimental and pharmacological model in drug discovery and development studies due to its prominent characteristics such as the high degree of genetic similarity with humans, genetic manipulability, and prominent clinical features. Since advancing a theory to a valid and reliable observation requires the manipulation of animals, it is, therefore, essential to use efficient modeling methods appropriate to the different aspects of experimental conditions. In this context, applying several various approaches such as using chemicals, pathogens, and genetic manipulation approaches allows zebrafish development into a preferable model that mimics some human disease pathophysiology. Thus, such modeling approaches not only can provide a framework for a comprehensive understanding of the human disease mechanisms that have a counterpart in zebrafish but also can pave the way for discovering new drugs that are accompanied by higher amelioration effects on different human diseases.
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Kozol RA, James DM, Varela I, Sumathipala SH, Züchner S, Dallman JE. Restoring Shank3 in the rostral brainstem of shank3ab-/- zebrafish autism models rescues sensory deficits. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1411. [PMID: 34921227 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
People with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, caused by mutations in the SHANK3 gene, commonly exhibit reduced responses to sensory stimuli; yet the changes in brain-wide activity that link these symptoms to mutations in the shank3 gene remain unknown. Here we quantify movement in response to sudden darkness in larvae of two shank3 zebrafish mutant models and show that both models exhibit dampened responses to this stimulus. Using brain-wide activity mapping, we find that shank3−/− light-sensing brain regions show normal levels of activity while sensorimotor integration and motor regions are less active. Specifically restoring Shank3 function in a sensorimotor nucleus of the rostral brainstem enables the shank3−/− model to respond like wild-type. In sum, we find that reduced sensory responsiveness in shank3−/− models is associated with reduced activity in sensory processing brain regions and can be rescued by restoring Shank3 function in the rostral brainstem. These studies highlight the importance of Shank3 function in the rostral brainstem for integrating sensory inputs to generate behavioral adaptations to changing sensory stimuli. Robert Kozol et al. developed two zebrafish Shank3 models to characterize the basis of sensorimotor deficits, which are a consistent feature in SHANK3-deficient human patients (Phelan-McDermid Syndrome). Their results suggest that hindbrain regions require Shank3 for normal responses to light, and provide further insight toward the biology of sensory deficits in Shank3 mutants.
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Franco C, Bonomini F, Borsani E, Castrezzati S, Franceschetti L, Rezzani R. Involvement of Intestinal Goblet Cells and Changes in Sodium Glucose Transporters Expression: Possible Therapeutic Targets in Autistic BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mice. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:11328. [PMID: 34769857 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with a complicated etiology and could be responsible for disrupted gastrointestinal tract microbiota. The aim of this work was to study intestinal samples from an autistic animal model (BTBR mouse strain) to better describe gastrointestinal alterations. We performed a morphological and biological evaluation of small intestine samples. In terms of morphology, we studied the goblet cells, cells of intestinal mucosal responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective mucous blanket. Alterations in their secretion may indicate an altered rate of mucus synthesis and this is one of the possible causes of gastrointestinal problems. In terms of biological evaluation, impaired regulation of glucose homeostasis regulated by sodium-glucose transporters has been suggested as an important component of obesity and associated comorbidities; therefore, this study analyzed the expression of sodium/glucose transporter-1 and -3 in BTBR mice to better define their role. We demonstrated that, in BTBR mice as compared to C57BL/6J (B6) strain animals: (1) The goblet cells had different protein content in their vesicles and apparently a larger number of Golgi cisternae; (2) the expression and level of sodium/glucose transporters were higher. These findings could suggest new possible targets in autism spectrum disorder to maintain mucus barrier function.
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29
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Wang X, Cheng E, Burnett IS. MSBOTS: a multiple small biological organism tracking system robust against non-ideal detection and segmentation conditions. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11750. [PMID: 34395069 PMCID: PMC8323605 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11750] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurately tracking a group of small biological organisms using algorithms to obtain their movement trajectories is essential to biomedical and pharmaceutical research. However, object mis-detection, segmentation errors and overlapped individual trajectories are particularly common issues that restrict the development of automatic multiple small organism tracking research. Extending on previous work, this paper presents an accurate and generalised Multiple Small Biological Organism Tracking System (MSBOTS), whose general feasibility is tested on three types of organisms. Evaluated on zebrafish, Artemia and Daphnia video datasets with a wide variety of imaging conditions, the proposed system exhibited decreased overall Multiple Object Tracking Precision (MOTP) errors of up to 77.59%. Moreover, MSBOTS obtained more reliable tracking trajectories with a decreased standard deviation of up to 47.68 pixels compared with the state-of-the-art idTracker system. This paper also presents a behaviour analysis module to study the locomotive characteristics of individual organisms from the obtained tracking trajectories. The developed MSBOTS with the locomotive analysis module and the tested video datasets are made freely available online for public research use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eva Cheng
- Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian S Burnett
- Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest division of the peripheral nervous system and closely resembles components and functions of the central nervous system. Although the central role of the ENS in congenital enteric neuropathic disorders, including Hirschsprung disease and inflammatory and functional bowel diseases, is well acknowledged, its role in systemic diseases is less understood. Evidence of a disordered ENS has accumulated in neurodegenerative diseases ranging from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis to Parkinson disease as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. The ENS is a key modulator of gut barrier function and a regulator of enteric homeostasis. A 'leaky gut' represents the gateway for bacterial and toxin translocation that might initiate downstream processes. Data indicate that changes in the gut microbiome acting in concert with the individual genetic background can modify the ENS, central nervous system and the immune system, impair barrier function, and contribute to various disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or neurodegeneration. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of the ENS in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, highlighting its interaction with various key players involved in shaping the phenotypes. Finally, current flaws and pitfalls related to ENS research in addition to future perspectives are also addressed.
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Abstract
The concept of autism continues to evolve. Not only have the central diagnostic criteria that define autism evolved but understanding of the label and how autism is viewed in research, clinical and sociological terms has also changed. Several key issues have emerged in relation to research, clinical and sociological aspects of autism. Shifts in research focus to encompass the massive heterogeneity covered under the label and appreciation that autism rarely exists in a diagnostic vacuum have brought about new questions and challenges. Diagnostic changes, increasing moves towards early diagnosis and intervention, and a greater appreciation of autism in girls and women and into adulthood and old age have similarly impacted on autism in the clinic. Discussions about autism in socio-political terms have also increased, as exemplified by the rise of ideas such as neurodiversity and an increasingly vocal dialogue with those diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Such changes are to be welcomed, but at the same time bring with them new challenges. Those changes also offer an insight into what might be further to come for the label of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Whiteley
- ESPA Research, Unit 133i Business Innovation Centre, The Robert Luff Laboratory, Education & Services for People With Autism Research, Sunderland, United Kingdom
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James DM, Davidson EA, Yanes J, Moshiree B, Dallman JE. The Gut-Brain-Microbiome Axis and Its Link to Autism: Emerging Insights and the Potential of Zebrafish Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:662916. [PMID: 33937265 PMCID: PMC8081961 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.662916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Research involving autism spectrum disorder (ASD) most frequently focuses on its key diagnostic criteria: restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, altered sensory perception, and communication impairments. These core criteria, however, are often accompanied by numerous comorbidities, many of which result in severe negative impacts on quality of life, including seizures, epilepsy, sleep disturbance, hypotonia, and GI distress. While ASD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder, gastrointestinal (GI) distress is among the most prevalent co-occurring symptom complex, manifesting in upward of 70% of all individuals with ASD. Consistent with this high prevalence, over a dozen family foundations that represent genetically distinct, molecularly defined forms of ASD have identified GI symptoms as an understudied area with significant negative impacts on quality of life for both individuals and their caregivers. Moreover, GI symptoms are also correlated with more pronounced irritability, social withdrawal, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances, suggesting that they may exacerbate the defining behavioral symptoms of ASD. Despite these facts (and to the detriment of the community), GI distress remains largely unaddressed by ASD research and is frequently regarded as a symptomatic outcome rather than a potential contributory factor to the behavioral symptoms. Allowing for examination of both ASD's impact on the central nervous system (CNS) as well as its impact on the GI tract and the associated microbiome, the zebrafish has recently emerged as a powerful tool to study ASD. This is in no small part due to the advantages zebrafish present as a model system: their precocious development, their small transparent larval form, and their parallels with humans in genetics and physiology. While ASD research centered on the CNS has leveraged these advantages, there has been a critical lack of GI-centric ASD research in zebrafish models, making a holistic view of the gut-brain-microbiome axis incomplete. Similarly, high-throughput ASD drug screens have recently been developed but primarily focus on CNS and behavioral impacts while potential GI impacts have not been investigated. In this review, we aim to explore the great promise of the zebrafish model for elucidating the roles of the gut-brain-microbiome axis in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. James
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | | | - Julio Yanes
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Baharak Moshiree
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Julia E. Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
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Köktürk M, Altindağ F, Ozhan G, Çalimli MH, Nas MS. Textile dyes Maxilon blue 5G and Reactive blue 203 induce acute toxicity and DNA damage during embryonic development of Danio rerio. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 242:108947. [PMID: 33285322 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Common textile dyes used in various industrial sectors are organic compounds and considered for the aquatic environment as pollutants. The textile dye industry is one of the main sectors that have serious impacts on the environment due to a large amount of wastewater released into the ecosystem. Maxilon blue 5G (MB-5G) and Reactive Blue 203 (RB-203) are widely used textile dyes. However, their potential toxicity on living organisms remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigate the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of MB-5G and RB-203 dyes using the zebrafish embryos/larvae. Embryos treated with each dye for 96 h revealed LC50 values of acute toxicity as 166.04 mg L-1 and 278.32 mg L-1 for MB-5G and RB 203, respectively. When exposed to MB-5G and RB-203 at different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 mg L-1) for 96 h, the expression of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, significantly increased in brain tissues as compared to control. MB-5G and RB-203 resulted in common developmental abnormalities including tail malformation, microphthalmia, pericardial edema, curved body axis, and yolk sac/pericardial edemas. Moreover, at its highest dose (100 mg L-1), RB-203 caused premature hatching after 48 h, while MG-5G did not. Our results collectively reveal that the textile dyes MB-5G and RB-203 cause genotoxicity and teratogenicity during embryonic and larval development of zebrafish. Thus, it is necessary to eliminate these compounds from wastewater or reduce their concentrations to safe levels before discharging the textile industry wastewater into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mine Köktürk
- Department of Organic Farming, College of Applied Sciences, Igdir University, Igdir, Turkey
| | - Fikret Altindağ
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Izmir, Turkey; Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Harbi Çalimli
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Tuzluca Vocational School, Igdır University, Igdir, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Salih Nas
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Igdır University, Igdir, Turkey
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Lee JG, Cho HJ, Jeong YM, Lee JS. Genetic Approaches Using Zebrafish to Study the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030566. [PMID: 33807650 PMCID: PMC8002147 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a bidirectional signaling pathway mediating the interaction of the microbiota, the intestine, and the central nervous system. While the MGBA plays a pivotal role in normal development and physiology of the nervous and gastrointestinal system of the host, its dysfunction has been strongly implicated in neurological disorders, where intestinal dysbiosis and derived metabolites cause barrier permeability defects and elicit local inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, concomitant with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, mobilization and infiltration of immune cells into the brain, and the dysregulated activation of the vagus nerve, culminating in neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction of the brain and behavioral abnormalities. In this topical review, we summarize recent findings in human and animal models regarding the roles of the MGBA in physiological and neuropathological conditions, and discuss the molecular, genetic, and neurobehavioral characteristics of zebrafish as an animal model to study the MGBA. The exploitation of zebrafish as an amenable genetic model combined with in vivo imaging capabilities and gnotobiotic approaches at the whole organism level may reveal novel mechanistic insights into microbiota-gut-brain interactions, especially in the context of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Geun Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
| | - Yun-Mi Jeong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-860-4643
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Kuil LE, Chauhan RK, Cheng WW, Hofstra RMW, Alves MM. Zebrafish: A Model Organism for Studying Enteric Nervous System Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:629073. [PMID: 33553169 PMCID: PMC7859111 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.629073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is a large network of enteric neurons and glia that regulates various processes in the gastrointestinal tract including motility, local blood flow, mucosal transport and secretion. The ENS is derived from stem cells coming from the neural crest that migrate into and along the primitive gut. Defects in ENS establishment cause enteric neuropathies, including Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), which is characterized by an absence of enteric neural crest cells in the distal part of the colon. In this review, we discuss the use of zebrafish as a model organism to study the development of the ENS. The accessibility of the rapidly developing gut in zebrafish embryos and larvae, enables in vivo visualization of ENS development, peristalsis and gut transit. These properties make the zebrafish a highly suitable model to bring new insights into ENS development, as well as in HSCR pathogenesis. Zebrafish have already proven fruitful in studying ENS functionality and in the validation of novel HSCR risk genes. With the rapid advancements in gene editing techniques and their unique properties, research using zebrafish as a disease model, will further increase our understanding on the genetics underlying HSCR, as well as possible treatment options for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Kuil
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rajendra K. Chauhan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - William W. Cheng
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert M. W. Hofstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria M. Alves
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Niesler B, Rappold GA. Emerging evidence for gene mutations driving both brain and gut dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1442-1444. [PMID: 32461615 PMCID: PMC8159735 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beate Niesler
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A. Rappold
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Reilly J, Gallagher L, Leader G, Shen S. Coupling of autism genes to tissue-wide expression and dysfunction of synapse, calcium signalling and transcriptional regulation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242773. [PMID: 33338084 PMCID: PMC7748153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder that is often accompanied with many co-morbidities. Recent genetic studies have identified various pathways from hundreds of candidate risk genes with varying levels of association to ASD. However, it is unknown which pathways are specific to the core symptoms or which are shared by the co-morbidities. We hypothesised that critical ASD candidates should appear widely across different scoring systems, and that comorbidity pathways should be constituted by genes expressed in the relevant tissues. We analysed the Simons Foundation for Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database and four independently published scoring systems and identified 292 overlapping genes. We examined their mRNA expression using the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database and validated protein expression levels using the human protein atlas (HPA) dataset. This led to clustering of the overlapping ASD genes into 2 groups; one with 91 genes primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS geneset) and another with 201 genes expressed in both CNS and peripheral tissues (CNS+PT geneset). Bioinformatic analyses showed a high enrichment of CNS development and synaptic transmission in the CNS geneset, and an enrichment of synapse, chromatin remodelling, gene regulation and endocrine signalling in the CNS+PT geneset. Calcium signalling and the glutamatergic synapse were found to be highly interconnected among pathways in the combined geneset. Our analyses demonstrate that 2/3 of ASD genes are expressed beyond the brain, which may impact peripheral function and involve in ASD co-morbidities, and relevant pathways may be explored for the treatment of ASD co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Galway, Ireland
- * E-mail: (JR); (SS)
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences—Trinity College Dublin, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Leader
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Galway, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail: (JR); (SS)
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Pensado-López A, Veiga-Rúa S, Carracedo Á, Allegue C, Sánchez L. Experimental Models to Study Autism Spectrum Disorders: hiPSCs, Rodents and Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1376. [PMID: 33233737 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect around 1.5% of the global population, which manifest alterations in communication and socialization, as well as repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. ASD is a complex disorder with known environmental and genetic contributors; however, ASD etiology is far from being clear. In the past decades, many efforts have been put into developing new models to study ASD, both in vitro and in vivo. These models have a lot of potential to help to validate some of the previously associated risk factors to the development of the disorder, and to test new potential therapies that help to alleviate ASD symptoms. The present review is focused on the recent advances towards the generation of models for the study of ASD, which would be a useful tool to decipher the bases of the disorder, as well as to conduct drug screenings that hopefully lead to the identification of useful compounds to help patients deal with the symptoms of ASD.
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Rea V, Van Raay TJ. Using Zebrafish to Model Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparison of ASD Risk Genes Between Zebrafish and Their Mammalian Counterparts. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:575575. [PMID: 33262688 PMCID: PMC7686559 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.575575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a highly variable and complex set of neurological disorders that alter neurodevelopment and cognitive function, which usually presents with social and learning impairments accompanied with other comorbid symptoms like hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, or repetitive behaviors. Autism can be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors and unraveling the etiology of ASD has proven challenging, especially given that different genetic mutations can cause both similar and different phenotypes that all fall within the autism spectrum. Furthermore, the list of ASD risk genes is ever increasing making it difficult to synthesize a common theme. The use of rodent models to enhance ASD research is invaluable and is beginning to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms of this disease. Recently, zebrafish have been recognized as a useful model of neurodevelopmental disorders with regards to genetics, pharmacology and behavior and one of the main foundations supporting autism research (SFARI) recently identified 12 ASD risk genes with validated zebrafish mutant models. Here, we describe what is known about those 12 ASD risk genes in human, mice and zebrafish to better facilitate this research. We also describe several non-genetic models including pharmacological and gnotobiotic models that are used in zebrafish to study ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence J. Van Raay
- Dept of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Uyttebroek L, Pype C, Hubens G, Timmermans JP, Van Nassauw L. Effect of TNBS-induced colitis on enteric neuronal subpopulations in adult zebrafish. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 32875777 PMCID: PMC7459238 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is characterized by periods of acute inflammation and remission. Therapeutic management of IBD is still problematic, because of incomplete understanding its pathogenesis. This study focuses on the effect of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis on changes in enteric neuronal subpopulations in adult zebrafish. These changes are suggested to be related to the altered neuro-immune interactions and GI motility, and in IBD pathogenesis. New insights into neuroplasticity will be instrumental in finding appropriate therapeutic treatments. TNBS was intraluminally administered in the distal intestine (DI) of anesthetized adult zebrafish. A histological time course of the intestinal inflammatory response was created to establish optimal TNBS concentration and acute inflammation phase. Using double immunolabelling on whole mounts, the effect of inflammation on neuronal populations was analyzed. Based on intestinal wall thickening, epithelial fold disruption, reduced goblet cell number, and eosinophil infiltration, our analysis indicated that the optimal TNBS concentration (320 mM in 25% ethanol) inducing non-lethal inflammation reached a peak at 6 h post-induction. The inflammatory response returned to baseline values at 3 days post-induction. At the acute inflammation phase, no influence on the distribution or proportion of nitrergic neurons was observed, while only the proportion of cholinergic neurons was significantly reduced in the DI. The proportion of serotonergic neurons was significantly increased in the entire intestine during inflammation. This study describes a method of TNBS-induced colitis in the adult zebrafish. Given that the acute inflammation phase is accompanied by neuroplasticity comparable to changes observed in IBD patients, and the unique and versatile characteristics of the zebrafish, allows this model to be used alongside IBD animal models to unravel IBD pathology and to test new IBD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Uyttebroek
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp.
| | - Casper Pype
- Laboratory of Applied Veterinary Morphology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp.
| | - Guy Hubens
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp.
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp.
| | - Luc Van Nassauw
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp.
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Goodspeed K, Bliss G, Linnehan D. Bringing everyone to the table - findings from the 2018 Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation International Conference. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:152. [PMID: 32546186 PMCID: PMC7298935 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01389-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and numerous systemic complications including seizures, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and renal anomalies. The Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF) was created to improve the quality of life of people affected by PMS worldwide by supporting families, accelerating research, and raising awareness. To further this mission, the PMSF initiated the Phelan-McPosium in 2016 to bring families affected by PMS, clinicians, and researchers together to design patient-centered rigorous clinical and translational research. Here, we present findings from the 2018 Phelan-McPosium. RESULTS The 2018 Phelan-McPosium was attended by 183 families and 35 researchers and clinicians. Overall, the Early Childhood parents raised the fewest number of concerns, families of Late-Childhood patients raised more concerns around epilepsy and behavioral problems, and Teen and Adult families were primarily concerned about implications of genetic testing, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and regression. All families were concerned with feasibility, safety and importance of clinical trials for PMS. CONCLUSIONS The concerns raised by families across the sessions varied by age in a manner which may overlap with the emergence of various signs and symptoms through the natural history of PMS. The design of the Phelan-McPosium session has successfully generated thoughtful research questions that led to innovative investigations and clinical trials that are shaping the standard of care for PMS. This is an approach which could be employed by any rare disease group to align translational research efforts with a patient-centered focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Goodspeed
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology & Neurotherapeutics, and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Geraldine Bliss
- Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 1153, 8 Sorrento Drive, Osprey, FL, 34229, USA
| | - Diane Linnehan
- Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 1153, 8 Sorrento Drive, Osprey, FL, 34229, USA
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Fröhlich H, Kollmeyer ML, Linz VC, Stuhlinger M, Groneberg D, Reigl A, Zizer E, Friebe A, Niesler B, Rappold G. Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autism displayed by altered motility and achalasia in Foxp1 +/- mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22237-45. [PMID: 31611379 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911429116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal dysfunctions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder are poorly understood, although they are common among this group of patients. FOXP1 haploinsufficiency is characterized by autistic behavior, language impairment, and intellectual disability, but feeding difficulties and gastrointestinal problems have also been reported. Whether these are primary impairments, the result of altered eating behavior, or side effects of psychotropic medication remains unclear. To address this question, we investigated Foxp1 +/- mice reflecting FOXP1 haploinsufficiency. These animals show decreased body weight and altered feeding behavior with reduced food and water intake. A pronounced muscular atrophy was detected in the esophagus and colon, caused by reduced muscle cell proliferation. Nitric oxide-induced relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter was impaired and achalasia was confirmed in vivo by manometry. Foxp1 targets (Nexn, Rbms3, and Wls) identified in the brain were dysregulated in the adult Foxp1 +/- esophagus. Total gastrointestinal transit was significantly prolonged due to impaired colonic contractility. Our results have uncovered a previously unknown dysfunction (achalasia and impaired gut motility) that explains the gastrointestinal disturbances in patients with FOXP1 syndrome, with potential wider relevance for autism.
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Abstract
Microbial communities populate the mucosal surfaces of all animals. Metazoans have co-evolved with these microorganisms, forming symbioses that affect the molecular and cellular underpinnings of animal physiology. These microorganisms, collectively referred to as the microbiota, are found on many distinct body sites (including the skin, nasal cavity, and urogenital tract), however the most densely colonized host tissue is the intestinal tract. Although spatially confined within the intestinal lumen, the microbiota and associated products shape the development and function of the host immune system. Studies comparing gnotobiotic animals devoid of any microbes (germ free) with counterparts colonized with selected microbial communities have demonstrated that commensal microorganisms are required for the proper development and function of the immune system at homeostasis and following infectious challenge or injury. Animal model systems have been essential for defining microbiota-dependent shifts in innate immune cell function and intestinal physiology during infection and disease. In particular, the zebrafish has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model organism with unparalleled capacity for in vivo imaging, a full complement of genetic approaches, and facile methods to experimentally manipulate microbial communities. Here we review key insights afforded by the zebrafish into the impact of microbiota on innate immunity, including evidence that the perception of and response to the microbiota is evolutionarily conserved. We also highlight opportunities to strengthen the zebrafish model system, and to gain new insights into microbiota-innate immune interactions that would be difficult to achieve in mammalian models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Murdoch
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John F Rawls
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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