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Vitale C, Natali G, Cerullo MS, Floss T, Michetti C, Grasselli G, Benfenati F. The homeostatic effects of the RE-1 silencing transcription factor on cortical networks are altered under ictogenic conditions in the mouse. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14146. [PMID: 38606882 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14146] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM The Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) is an epigenetic master regulator playing a crucial role in the nervous system. In early developmental stages, REST downregulation promotes neuronal differentiation and the acquisition of the neuronal phenotype. In addition, postnatal fluctuations in REST expression contribute to shaping neuronal networks and maintaining network homeostasis. Here we investigate the role of the early postnatal deletion of neuronal REST in the assembly and strength of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. METHODS We investigated excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission by patch-clamp recordings in acute neocortical slices in a conditional knockout mouse model (RestGTi) in which Rest was deleted by delivering PHP.eB adeno-associated viruses encoding CRE recombinase under the control of the human synapsin I promoter in the lateral ventricles of P0-P1 pups. RESULTS We show that, under physiological conditions, Rest deletion increased the intrinsic excitability of principal cortical neurons in the primary visual cortex and the density and strength of excitatory synaptic connections impinging on them, without affecting inhibitory transmission. Conversely, in the presence of a pathological excitation/inhibition imbalance induced by pentylenetetrazol, Rest deletion prevented the increase in synaptic excitation and decreased seizure severity. CONCLUSION The data indicate that REST exerts distinct effects on the excitability of cortical circuits depending on whether it acts under physiological conditions or in the presence of pathologic network hyperexcitability. In the former case, REST preserves a correct excitatory/inhibitory balance in cortical circuits, while in the latter REST loses its homeostatic activity and may become pro-epileptogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Vitale
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Natali
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Sabina Cerullo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grasselli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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2
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Albini M, Almacellas-Barbanoj A, Krawczun-Rygmaczewska A, Ciano L, Benfenati F, Michetti C, Cesca F. Alterations in KIDINS220/ARMS Expression Impact Sensory Processing and Social Behavior in Adult Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2334. [PMID: 38397009 PMCID: PMC10889203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042334] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinase D-interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220) is a transmembrane protein that participates in neural cell survival, maturation, and plasticity. Mutations in the human KIDINS220 gene are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder ('SINO' syndrome) characterized by spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, and in some cases, autism spectrum disorder. To better understand the pathophysiology of KIDINS220-linked pathologies, in this study, we assessed the sensory processing and social behavior of transgenic mouse lines with reduced Kidins220 expression: the CaMKII-driven conditional knockout (cKO) line, lacking Kidins220 in adult forebrain excitatory neurons, and the Kidins220floxed line, expressing constitutively lower protein levels. We show that alterations in Kidins220 expression levels and its splicing pattern cause impaired response to both auditory and olfactory stimuli. Both transgenic lines show impaired startle response to high intensity sounds, with preserved pre-pulsed inhibition, and strongly reduced social odor recognition. In the Kidins220floxed line, olfactory alterations are associated with deficits in social memory and increased aggressive behavior. Our results broaden our knowledge of the SINO syndrome; understanding sensory information processing and its deviations under neuropathological conditions is crucial for devising future therapeutic strategies to enhance the quality of life of affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Albini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Amanda Almacellas-Barbanoj
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ciano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (A.A.-B.); (A.K.-R.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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3
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Natali G, Michetti C, Krawczun-Rygmaczewska A, Floss T, Cesca F, Benfenati F. Conditional knockout of REST/NRSF in excitatory neurons reduces seizure susceptibility to chemical kindling. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1267609. [PMID: 38034589 PMCID: PMC10687554 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1267609] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) is an epigenetic master regulator that plays a crucial role during nervous system development and maturation. REST function was originally described during development, where it determines neuronal phenotype. However, recent studies showed that REST participates in several processes in the adult brain, including neuronal plasticity and epileptogenesis. In this regard, the relationships between REST and epilepsy are still controversial and need further investigation. As forebrain excitatory neurons are the common final pathway of seizure susceptibility, we investigated the role of REST in epilepsy by inducing REST conditional knockout (REST-cKO) specifically in excitatory neurons of the hippocampus. To target the excitatory neuronal population, we cloned the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα minimal promoter upstream of Cre recombinase. After assessing the specificity of the promoter's expression, the transgenes were packaged in an engineered adeno-associated virus able to cross the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers and delivered in the lateral ventricles of 2-month-old RESTflox/flox mice to characterize, after 1 month, the cognitive phenotype and the seizure propensity. We show that REST-cKO mice display lower levels of anxiety in the light-dark test with respect to control mice but have unaltered motor, social, and cognitive profiles. The evaluation of the susceptibility to epileptic seizures showed that REST-cKO mice are more resistant to pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling but not to seizures induced by a single administration of the convulsant and show higher survival rates. Overall, these data suggest that the absence of REST in forebrain excitatory neurons decreases seizure susceptibility, pointing to a pro-epileptogenic role of the transcriptional repressor under conditions of pathological excitation/inhibition imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Natali
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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4
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Michetti C, Ferrante D, Parisi B, Ciano L, Prestigio C, Casagrande S, Martinoia S, Terranova F, Millo E, Valente P, Giovedi' S, Benfenati F, Baldelli P. Low glycemic index diet restrains epileptogenesis in a gender-specific fashion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:356. [PMID: 37947886 PMCID: PMC10638170 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04988-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Dietary restriction, such as low glycemic index diet (LGID), have been successfully used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. However, if such diet could also counteract antiepileptogenesis is still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the administration of LGID during the latent pre-epileptic period, prevents or delays the appearance of the overt epileptic phenotype. To this aim, we used the Synapsin II knockout (SynIIKO) mouse, a model of temporal lobe epilepsy in which seizures manifest 2-3 months after birth, offering a temporal window in which LGID may affect epileptogenesis. Pregnant SynIIKO mice were fed with either LGID or standard diet during gestation and lactation. Both diets were maintained in weaned mice up to 5 months of age. LGID delayed the seizure onset and induced a reduction of seizures severity only in female SynIIKO mice. In parallel with the epileptic phenotype, high-density multielectrode array recordings revealed a reduction of frequency, amplitude, duration, velocity of propagation and spread of interictal events by LGID in the hippocampus of SynIIKO females, but not mutant males, confirming the gender-specific effect. ELISA-based analysis revealed that LGID increased cortico-hippocampal allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels only in females, while it was unable to affect ALLO plasma concentrations in either sex. The results indicate that the gender-specific interference of LGID with the epileptogenic process can be ascribed to a gender-specific increase in cortical ALLO, a neurosteroid known to strengthen GABAergic transmission. The study highlights the possibility of developing a personalized gender-based therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Daniele Ferrante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Parisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ciano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cosimo Prestigio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Terranova
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Giovedi'
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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5
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Michetti C, Falace A, Benfenati F, Fassio A. Synaptic genes and neurodevelopmental disorders: From molecular mechanisms to developmental strategies of behavioral testing. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105856. [PMID: 36070836 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptopathies are a class of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by modification in genes coding for synaptic proteins. These proteins oversee the process of neurotransmission, mainly controlling the fusion and recycling of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminal, the expression and localization of receptors at the postsynapse and the coupling between the pre- and the postsynaptic compartments. Murine models, with homozygous or heterozygous deletion for several synaptic genes or knock-in for specific pathogenic mutations, have been developed. They have proved to be extremely informative for understanding synaptic physiology, as well as for clarifying the patho-mechanisms leading to developmental delay, epilepsy and motor, cognitive and social impairments that are the most common clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the onset of these disorders emerges during infancy and adolescence while the behavioral phenotyping is often conducted in adult mice, missing important information about the impact of synaptic development and maturation on the manifestation of the behavioral phenotype. Here, we review the main achievements obtained by behavioral testing in murine models of synaptopathies and propose a battery of behavioral tests to improve classification, diagnosis and efficacy of potential therapeutic treatments. Our aim is to underlie the importance of studying behavioral development and better focusing on disease onset and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Falace
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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6
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Francia S, Shmal D, Di Marco S, Chiaravalli G, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Mantero G, Michetti C, Cupini S, Manfredi G, DiFrancesco ML, Rocchi A, Perotto S, Attanasio M, Sacco R, Bisti S, Mete M, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Colombo E, Benfenati F. Light-induced charge generation in polymeric nanoparticles restores vision in advanced-stage retinitis pigmentosa rats. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3677. [PMID: 35760799 PMCID: PMC9237035 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal dystrophies such as Retinitis pigmentosa are among the most prevalent causes of inherited legal blindness, for which treatments are in demand. Retinal prostheses have been developed to stimulate the inner retinal network that, initially spared by degeneration, deteriorates in the late stages of the disease. We recently reported that conjugated polymer nanoparticles persistently rescue visual activities after a single subretinal injection in the Royal College of Surgeons rat model of Retinitis pigmentosa. Here we demonstrate that conjugated polymer nanoparticles can reinstate physiological signals at the cortical level and visually driven activities when microinjected in 10-months-old Royal College of Surgeons rats bearing fully light-insensitive retinas. The extent of visual restoration positively correlates with the nanoparticle density and hybrid contacts with second-order retinal neurons. The results establish the functional role of organic photovoltaic nanoparticles in restoring visual activities in fully degenerate retinas with intense inner retina rewiring, a stage of the disease in which patients are subjected to prosthetic interventions. Retinal dystrophies such as Retinitis pigmentosa are among the most prevalent causes of inherited incurable legal blindness. Here the authors demonstrate that conjugated polymer nanoparticles reinstate visual functions in aged rats with fully degenerated and rewired retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Francia
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - D Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - G Chiaravalli
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - J F Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Mantero
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - C Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Cupini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - G Manfredi
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy.,Novavido s.r.l., Bologna, Italy
| | - M L DiFrancesco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - A Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - S Perotto
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - M Attanasio
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Sacrocuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - R Sacco
- Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Bisti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - M Mete
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Sacrocuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - G Pertile
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Sacrocuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - G Lanzani
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy. .,Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - E Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - F Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy. .,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
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7
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Almacellas-Barbanoj A, Albini M, Satapathy A, Jaudon F, Michetti C, Krawczun-Rygmaczewska A, Huang H, Manago F, Papaleo F, Benfenati F, Cesca F. Kidins220/ARMS modulates brain morphology and anxiety-like traits in adult mice. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:58. [PMID: 35140204 PMCID: PMC8828717 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00854-4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Kinase D interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220), also known as ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning (ARMS), is a transmembrane scaffold protein that participates in fundamental aspects of neuronal physiology including cell survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. The Kidins220 constitutive knockout line displays developmental defects in the nervous and cardiovascular systems that lead to embryonic lethality, which has so far precluded the study of this protein in the adult. Moreover, Kidins220 mRNA is tightly regulated by alternative splicing, whose impact on nervous system physiology has not yet been addressed in vivo. Here, we have asked to what extent the absence of Kidins220 splicing and the selective knockout of Kidins220 impact on adult brain homeostasis. To answer this question, we used a floxed line that expresses only the full-length, non-spliced Kidins220 mRNA, and a forebrain-specific, CaMKII-Cre driven Kidins220 conditional knockout (cKO) line. Kidins220 cKO brains are characterized by enlarged ventricles in the absence of cell death, and by deficient dendritic arborization in several cortical regions. The deletion of Kidins220 leads to behavioral changes, such as reduced anxiety-like traits linked to alterations in TrkB-BDNF signaling and sex-dependent alterations of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory. Kidins220 floxed mice present similarly enlarged brain ventricles and increased associative memory. Thus, both the absolute levels of Kidins220 expression and its splicing pattern are required for the correct brain development and related expression of behavioral phenotypes. These findings are relevant in light of the increasing evidence linking mutations in the human KIDINS220 gene to the onset of severe neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Almacellas-Barbanoj
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Martina Albini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Annyesha Satapathy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Fanny Jaudon
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Huiping Huang
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Neuroscience area, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Manago
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Neuroscience area, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Neuroscience area, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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8
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Hurley S, Mohan C, Suetterlin P, Ellingford R, Riegman KLH, Ellegood J, Caruso A, Michetti C, Brock O, Evans R, Rudari F, Delogu A, Scattoni ML, Lerch JP, Fernandes C, Basson MA. Distinct, dosage-sensitive requirements for the autism-associated factor CHD8 during cortical development. Mol Autism 2021; 12:16. [PMID: 33627187 PMCID: PMC7905672 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CHD8 haploinsufficiency causes autism and macrocephaly with high penetrance in the human population. Chd8 heterozygous mice exhibit relatively subtle brain overgrowth and little gene expression changes in the embryonic neocortex. The purpose of this study was to generate new, sub-haploinsufficient Chd8 mouse models to allow us to identify and study the functions of CHD8 during embryonic cortical development. METHODS To examine the possibility that certain phenotypes may only appear at sub-heterozygous Chd8 levels in the mouse, we created an allelic series of Chd8-deficient mice to reduce CHD8 protein levels to approximately 35% (mild hypomorph), 10% (severe hypomorph) and 0% (neural-specific conditional knockout) of wildtype levels. We used RNA sequencing to compare transcriptional dysregulation, structural MRI and brain weight to investigate effects on brain size, and cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis markers in immunostaining assays to quantify changes in neural progenitor fate. RESULTS Mild Chd8 hypomorphs displayed significant postnatal lethality, with surviving animals exhibiting more pronounced brain hyperplasia than heterozygotes. Over 2000 genes were dysregulated in mild hypomorphs, including autism-associated neurodevelopmental and cell cycle genes. We identify increased proliferation of non-ventricular zone TBR2+ intermediate progenitors as one potential cause of brain hyperplasia in these mutants. Severe Chd8 hypomorphs displayed even greater transcriptional dysregulation, including evidence for p53 pathway upregulation. In contrast to mild hypomorphs, these mice displayed reduced brain size and increased apoptosis in the embryonic neocortex. Homozygous, conditional deletion of Chd8 in early neuronal progenitors resulted in pronounced brain hypoplasia, partly caused by p53 target gene derepression and apoptosis in the embryonic neocortex. Limitations Our findings identify an important role for the autism-associated factor CHD8 in controlling the proliferation of intermediate progenitors in the mouse neocortex. We propose that CHD8 has a similar function in human brain development, but studies on human cells are required to confirm this. Because many of our mouse mutants with reduced CHD8 function die shortly after birth, it is not possible to fully determine to what extent reduced CHD8 function results in autism-associated behaviours in mice. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings identify important, dosage-sensitive functions for CHD8 in p53 pathway repression, neurodevelopmental gene expression and neural progenitor fate in the embryonic neocortex. We conclude that brain development is acutely sensitive to reduced CHD8 expression and that the varying sensitivities of different progenitor populations and cellular processes to CHD8 dosage result in non-linear effects on gene transcription and brain growth. Shaun Hurley, Conor Mohan and Philipp Suetterlin have contributed equally to this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Hurley
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Conor Mohan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Philipp Suetterlin
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Ellingford
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Jacob Ellegood
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Caruso
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Olivier Brock
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Romy Evans
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fabrizio Rudari
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessio Delogu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK.
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.
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9
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De Fusco A, Cerullo MS, Marte A, Michetti C, Romei A, Castroflorio E, Baulac S, Benfenati F. Acute knockdown of Depdc5 leads to synaptic defects in mTOR-related epileptogenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 139:104822. [PMID: 32113911 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DEP-domain containing 5 (DEPDC5) is part of the GATOR1 complex that functions as key inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Loss-of-function mutations in DEPDC5 leading to mTOR hyperactivation have been identified as the most common cause of either lesional or non-lesional focal epilepsy. However, the precise mechanisms by which DEPDC5 loss-of-function triggers neuronal and network hyperexcitability are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the cellular mechanisms of hyperexcitability by comparing the constitutive heterozygous Depdc5 knockout mouse versus different levels of acute Depdc5 deletion (≈40% and ≈80% neuronal knockdown of Depdc5 protein) by RNA interference in primary cortical cultures. While heterozygous Depdc5+/- neurons have only a subtle phenotype, acutely knocked-down neurons exhibit a strong dose-dependent phenotype characterized by mTOR hyperactivation, increased soma size, dendritic arborization, excitatory synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability. The robust synaptic phenotype resulting from the acute knockdown Depdc5 deficiency highlights the importance of the temporal dynamics of Depdc5 knockdown in triggering the phenotypic changes, reminiscent of the somatic second-hit mechanism in patients with focal cortical dysplasia. These findings uncover a novel synaptic phenotype that is causally linked to Depdc5 knockdown, highlighting the developmental role of Depdc5. Interestingly, the synaptic defect appears to affect only excitatory synapses, while inhibitory synapses develop normally. The increased frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs, paralleled by increased density of excitatory synapses and expression of glutamate receptors, may generate an excitation/inhibition imbalance that triggers epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Sabina Cerullo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romei
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stephanie Baulac
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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10
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Carminati E, Buffolo F, Rocchi A, Michetti C, Cesca F, Benfenati F. Mild Inactivation of RE-1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) Reduces Susceptibility to Kainic Acid-Induced Seizures. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:580. [PMID: 31998079 PMCID: PMC6965066 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RE-1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) controls several steps in neural development by modulating the expression of a wide range of neural genes. Alterations in REST expression have been associated with the onset of epilepsy; however, whether such alterations are deleterious or represent a protective homeostatic response remains elusive. To study the impact of REST modulation on seizure propensity, we developed a tool for its negative modulation in vivo. The tool is composed of the paired-amphipathic helix 1 (PAH1) domain, a competitive inhibitor of REST activation by mSin3, fused to the light-oxygen-voltage sensing 2 (LOV2) domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1, a molecular switch to alternatively hide or expose the PAH1 inhibitor. We employed the C450A and I539E light-independent AsLOV2 variants to mimic the closed (inactive) and open (active) states of LOV2-PAH1, respectively. Recombinant AAV1/2 viral particles (rAAVs) allowed LOV2-PAH1 expression in HEK293T cells and primary neurons, and efficiently transduced hippocampal neurons in vivo. mRNA expression analysis revealed an increased expression of several neuronal genes in the hippocampi of mice expressing the open probe. AAV-transduced mice received a single dose of kainic acid (KA), a treatment known to induce a transient increase of REST levels in the hippocampus. Remarkably, mice expressing the active variant displayed a reduced number of KA-induced seizures, which were less severe compared to mice carrying the inactive probe. These data support the validity of our tool to modulate REST activity in vivo and the potential impact of REST modulation on epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Carminati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Buffolo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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11
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Suetterlin P, Hurley S, Mohan C, Riegman KLH, Pagani M, Caruso A, Ellegood J, Galbusera A, Crespo-Enriquez I, Michetti C, Yee Y, Ellingford R, Brock O, Delogu A, Francis-West P, Lerch JP, Scattoni ML, Gozzi A, Fernandes C, Basson MA. Altered Neocortical Gene Expression, Brain Overgrowth and Functional Over-Connectivity in Chd8 Haploinsufficient Mice. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:2192-2206. [PMID: 29668850 PMCID: PMC6018918 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [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: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Truncating CHD8 mutations are amongst the highest confidence risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identified to date. Here, we report that Chd8 heterozygous mice display increased brain size, motor delay, hypertelorism, pronounced hypoactivity, and anomalous responses to social stimuli. Whereas gene expression in the neocortex is only mildly affected at midgestation, over 600 genes are differentially expressed in the early postnatal neocortex. Genes involved in cell adhesion and axon guidance are particularly prominent amongst the downregulated transcripts. Resting-state functional MRI identified increased synchronized activity in cortico-hippocampal and auditory-parietal networks in Chd8 heterozygous mutant mice, implicating altered connectivity as a potential mechanism underlying the behavioral phenotypes. Together, these data suggest that altered brain growth and diminished expression of important neurodevelopmental genes that regulate long-range brain wiring are followed by distinctive anomalies in functional brain connectivity in Chd8+/- mice. Human imaging studies have reported altered functional connectivity in ASD patients, with long-range under-connectivity seemingly more frequent. Our data suggest that CHD8 haploinsufficiency represents a specific subtype of ASD where neuropsychiatric symptoms are underpinned by long-range over-connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Suetterlin
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Shaun Hurley
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Conor Mohan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Kimberley L H Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Ivan Crespo-Enriquez
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Yohan Yee
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Robert Ellingford
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Olivier Brock
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Alessio Delogu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Philippa Francis-West
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, PO82, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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12
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Piccini A, Castroflorio E, Valente P, Guarnieri FC, Aprile D, Michetti C, Bramini M, Giansante G, Pinto B, Savardi A, Cesca F, Bachi A, Cattaneo A, Wren JD, Fassio A, Valtorta F, Benfenati F, Giovedì S. APache Is an AP2-Interacting Protein Involved in Synaptic Vesicle Trafficking and Neuronal Development. Cell Rep 2018; 21:3596-3611. [PMID: 29262337 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission is critically dependent on synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling. Although the precise mechanisms of SV retrieval are still debated, it is widely accepted that a fundamental role is played by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, a form of endocytosis that capitalizes on the clathrin/adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) coat and several accessory factors. Here, we show that the previously uncharacterized protein KIAA1107, predicted by bioinformatics analysis to be involved in the SV cycle, is an AP2-interacting clathrin-endocytosis protein (APache). We found that APache is highly enriched in the CNS and is associated with clathrin-coated vesicles via interaction with AP2. APache-silenced neurons exhibit a severe impairment of maturation at early developmental stages, reduced SV density, enlarged endosome-like structures, and defects in synaptic transmission, consistent with an impaired clathrin/AP2-mediated SV recycling. Our data implicate APache as an actor in the complex regulation of SV trafficking, neuronal development, and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piccini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia C Guarnieri
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giansante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy; Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Savardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Angela Bachi
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Angela Cattaneo
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Jonathan D Wren
- Department of Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5005, USA
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Silvia Giovedì
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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13
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Michetti C, Caruso A, Pagani M, Sabbioni M, Medrihan L, David G, Galbusera A, Morini M, Gozzi A, Benfenati F, Scattoni ML. The Knockout of Synapsin II in Mice Impairs Social Behavior and Functional Connectivity Generating an ASD-like Phenotype. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:5014-5023. [PMID: 28922833 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy are neurodevelopmental conditions that appear with high rate of co-occurrence, suggesting the possibility of a common genetic basis. Mutations in Synapsin (SYN) genes, particularly SYN1 and SYN2, have been recently associated with ASD and epilepsy in humans. Accordingly, mice lacking Syn1 or Syn2, but not Syn3, experience epileptic seizures and display autistic-like traits that precede the onset of seizures. Here, we analyzed social behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations emitted in 2 social contexts by SynI, SynII, or SynIII mutants and show that SynII mutants display the most severe ASD-like phenotype. We also show that the behavioral SynII phenotype correlates with a significant decrease in auditory and hippocampal functional connectivity as measured with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Taken together, our results reveal a permissive contribution of Syn2 to the expression of normal socio-communicative behavior, and suggest that Syn2-mediated synaptic dysfunction can lead to ASD-like behavior through dysregulation of cortical connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto 38068, Italy.,Center for Mind and Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto 38068, Italy
| | - Mara Sabbioni
- Research Coordination and support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucian Medrihan
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Gergely David
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto 38068, Italy
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto 38068, Italy
| | - Monica Morini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto 38068, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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14
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Valente P, Romei A, Fadda M, Sterlini B, Lonardoni D, Forte N, Fruscione F, Castroflorio E, Michetti C, Giansante G, Valtorta F, Tsai JW, Zara F, Nieus T, Corradi A, Fassio A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. Constitutive Inactivation of the PRRT2 Gene Alters Short-Term Synaptic Plasticity and Promotes Network Hyperexcitability in Hippocampal Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2018; 29:2010-2033. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Fadda
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Lonardoni
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genova, Italy
| | - Nicola Forte
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, Department Head-Neck and Neuroscience, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giansante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Jin-Wu Tsai
- Institute of Brain Science, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Federico Zara
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, Department Head-Neck and Neuroscience, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, Genova, Italy
| | - Thierry Nieus
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, Genova, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
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Scattoni ML, Michetti C, Ricceri L. Rodent Vocalization Studies in Animal Models of the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Handbook of Ultrasonic Vocalization - A Window into the Emotional Brain 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809600-0.00042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Whittaker DE, Riegman KL, Kasah S, Mohan C, Yu T, Sala BP, Hebaishi H, Caruso A, Marques AC, Michetti C, Smachetti MES, Shah A, Sabbioni M, Kulhanci O, Tee WW, Reinberg D, Scattoni ML, Volk H, McGonnell I, Wardle FC, Fernandes C, Basson MA. The chromatin remodeling factor CHD7 controls cerebellar development by regulating reelin expression. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:874-887. [PMID: 28165338 PMCID: PMC5330721 DOI: 10.1172/jci83408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the neurodevelopmental deficits associated with CHARGE syndrome, which include cerebellar hypoplasia, developmental delay, coordination problems, and autistic features, have not been identified. CHARGE syndrome has been associated with mutations in the gene encoding the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler CHD7. CHD7 is expressed in neural stem and progenitor cells, but its role in neurogenesis during brain development remains unknown. Here we have shown that deletion of Chd7 from cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCps) results in reduced GCp proliferation, cerebellar hypoplasia, developmental delay, and motor deficits in mice. Genome-wide expression profiling revealed downregulated expression of the gene encoding the glycoprotein reelin (Reln) in Chd7-deficient GCps. Recessive RELN mutations have been associated with severe cerebellar hypoplasia in humans. We found molecular and genetic evidence that reductions in Reln expression contribute to GCp proliferative defects and cerebellar hypoplasia in GCp-specific Chd7 mouse mutants. Finally, we showed that CHD7 is necessary for maintaining an open, accessible chromatin state at the Reln locus. Taken together, this study shows that Reln gene expression is regulated by chromatin remodeling, identifies CHD7 as a previously unrecognized upstream regulator of Reln, and provides direct in vivo evidence that a mammalian CHD protein can control brain development by modulating chromatin accessibility in neuronal progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E. Whittaker
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, and
| | - Kimberley L.H. Riegman
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Sahrunizam Kasah
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Conor Mohan
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Tian Yu
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Blanca Pijuan Sala
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Husam Hebaishi
- King’s College London, Randall Division, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Caruso
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
- School of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ana Claudia Marques
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer,” Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Apar Shah
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Mara Sabbioni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
| | - Omer Kulhanci
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wee-Wei Tee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biochemistry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biochemistry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
| | - Holger Volk
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, and
| | - Imelda McGonnell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, and
| | - Fiona C. Wardle
- King’s College London, Randall Division, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College London, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Albert Basson
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
- King’s College London, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
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Michetti C, Castroflorio E, Marchionni I, Forte N, Sterlini B, Binda F, Fruscione F, Baldelli P, Valtorta F, Zara F, Corradi A, Benfenati F. The PRRT2 knockout mouse recapitulates the neurological diseases associated with PRRT2 mutations. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 99:66-83. [PMID: 28007585 PMCID: PMC5321265 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous and rare homozygous mutations in PRoline-Rich Transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) underlie a group of paroxysmal disorders including epilepsy, kinesigenic dyskinesia episodic ataxia and migraine. Most of the mutations lead to impaired PRRT2 expression and/or function. Recently, an important role for PRTT2 in the neurotransmitter release machinery, brain development and synapse formation has been uncovered. In this work, we have characterized the phenotype of a mouse in which the PRRT2 gene has been constitutively inactivated (PRRT2 KO). β-galactosidase staining allowed to map the regional expression of PRRT2 that was more intense in the cerebellum, hindbrain and spinal cord, while it was localized to restricted areas in the forebrain. PRRT2 KO mice are normal at birth, but display paroxysmal movements at the onset of locomotion that persist in the adulthood. In addition, adult PRRT2 KO mice present abnormal motor behaviors characterized by wild running and jumping in response to audiogenic stimuli that are ineffective in wild type mice and an increased sensitivity to the convulsive effects of pentylentetrazol. Patch-clamp electrophysiology in hippocampal and cerebellar slices revealed specific effects in the cerebellum, where PRRT2 is highly expressed, consisting in a higher excitatory strength at parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses during high frequency stimulation. The results show that the PRRT2 KO mouse reproduces the motor paroxysms present in the human PRRT2-linked pathology and can be proposed as an experimental model for the study of the pathogenesis of the disease as well as for testing personalized therapeutic approaches. PRRT2 is intensely expressed in cerebellum and in restricted areas of the forebrain. PRRT2 KO mice display paroxysmal movements at the onset of locomotion. PRRT2 KO mice present abnormal motor behaviors in response to audiogenic stimuli. PRRT2 KO mice are more sensitive to the convulsive effects of pentylentetrazol. PRRT2 KO mice display an altered synaptic transmission in the cerebellar cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Ivan Marchionni
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Nicola Forte
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Binda
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Department Head and Neck Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, Institute G. Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department Head and Neck Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, Institute G. Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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Avvisati R, Contu L, Stendardo E, Michetti C, Montanari C, Scattoni ML, Badiani A. Ultrasonic vocalization in rats self-administering heroin and cocaine in different settings: evidence of substance-specific interactions between drug and setting. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1501-11. [PMID: 26960696 PMCID: PMC4819852 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that the setting of drug use affects drug reward in a substance-specific manner. Heroin and cocaine co-abusers, for example, indicated distinct settings for the two drugs: heroin being used preferentially at home and cocaine preferentially outside the home. Similar results were obtained in rats that were given the opportunity to self-administer intravenously both heroin and cocaine. OBJECTIVES The goal of the present study was to investigate the possibility that the positive affective state induced by cocaine is enhanced when the drug is taken at home relative to a non-home environment, and vice versa for heroin. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we trained male rats to self-administer both heroin and cocaine on alternate days and simultaneously recorded the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), as it has been reported that rats emit 50-kHz USVs when exposed to rewarding stimuli, suggesting that these USVs reflect positive affective states. RESULTS We found that Non-Resident rats emitted more 50-kHz USVs when they self-administered cocaine than when self-administered heroin whereas Resident rats emitted more 50-kHz USVs when self-administering heroin than when self-administering cocaine. Differences in USVs in Non-Resident rats were more pronounced during the first self-administration (SA) session, when the SA chambers were completely novel to them. In contrast, the differences in USVs in Resident rats were more pronounced during the last SA sessions. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the setting of drug taking exerts a substance-specific influence on the ability of drugs to induce positive affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Avvisati
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Contu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliana Stendardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Christian Montanari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Badiani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Sussex Addiction Research and Intervention Centre (SARIC), School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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Huang H, Michetti C, Busnelli M, Managò F, Sannino S, Scheggia D, Giancardo L, Sona D, Murino V, Chini B, Scattoni ML, Papaleo F. Chronic and acute intranasal oxytocin produce divergent social effects in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1102-14. [PMID: 24190025 PMCID: PMC3957104 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [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: 07/06/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal administration of oxytocin (OXT) might be a promising new adjunctive therapy for mental disorders characterized by social behavioral alterations such as autism and schizophrenia. Despite promising initial studies in humans, it is not yet clear the specificity of the behavioral effects induced by chronic intranasal OXT and if chronic intranasal OXT could have different effects compared with single administration. This is critical for the aforementioned chronic mental disorders that might potentially involve life-long treatments. As a first step to address these issues, here we report that chronic intranasal OXT treatment in wild-type C57BL/6J adult mice produced a selective reduction of social behaviors concomitant to a reduction of the OXT receptors throughout the brain. Conversely, acute intranasal OXT treatment produced partial increases in social behaviors towards opposite-sex novel-stimulus female mice, while on the other hand, it decreased social exploration of same-sex novel stimulus male mice, without affecting social behavior towards familiar stimulus male mice. Finally, prolonged exposure to intranasal OXT treatments did not alter, in wild-type animals, parameters of general health such as body weight, locomotor activity, olfactory and auditory functions, nor parameters of memory and sensorimotor gating abilities. These results indicate that a prolonged over-stimulation of a 'healthy' oxytocinergic brain system, with no inherent deficits in social interaction and normal endogenous levels of OXT, results in specific detrimental effects in social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Busnelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Managò
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Sannino
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Scheggia
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Giancardo
- Pattern Analysis and Computer Vision, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Sona
- Pattern Analysis and Computer Vision, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Vittorio Murino
- Pattern Analysis and Computer Vision, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Bice Chini
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy,Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy, Tel: +39 010 71781786, E-mail:
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Michetti C, Romano E, Altabella L, Caruso A, Castelluccio P, Bedse G, Gaetani S, Canese R, Laviola G, Scattoni ML. Mapping pathological phenotypes in reelin mutant mice. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:95. [PMID: 25237666 PMCID: PMC4154529 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with multifactorial origin characterized by social communication deficits and the presence of repetitive behaviors/interests. Several studies showed an association between the reelin gene mutation and increased risk of ASD and a reduced reelin expression in some brain regions of ASD subjects, suggesting a role for reelin deficiency in ASD etiology. Reelin is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein playing important roles during development of the central nervous system. To deeply investigate the role of reelin dysfunction as vulnerability factor in ASD, we assessed the behavioral, neurochemical, and brain morphological features of reeler male mice. We recently reported a genotype-dependent deviation in the ultrasonic vocal repertoire and a general delay in motor development of reeler pups. We now report that adult male heterozygous (Het) reeler mice did not show social behavior and communication deficits during male-female social interactions. Wildtype and Het mice showed a typical light/dark locomotor activity profile, with a peak during the central interval of the dark phase. However, when faced with a mild stressful stimulus (a saline injection) only Het mice showed an over response to stress. In addition to the behavioral studies, we conducted high performance liquid chromatography and magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to investigate whether reelin mutation influences brain monoamine and metabolites levels in regions involved in ASD. Low levels of dopamine in cortex and high levels of glutamate and taurine in hippocampus were detected in Het mice, in line with clinical data collected on ASD children. Altogether, our data detected subtle but relevant neurochemical abnormalities in reeler mice supporting this mutant line, particularly male subjects, as a valid experimental model to estimate the contribution played by reelin deficiency in the global ASD neurobehavioral phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy ; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Emilia Romano
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy ; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico , Rome , Italy
| | - Luisa Altabella
- Molecular and Cellular Imaging Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Angela Caruso
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy ; Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Paolo Castelluccio
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Gaurav Bedse
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Rossella Canese
- Molecular and Cellular Imaging Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
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About I, Capdeville J, Voigt JJ, Bernard P, Michetti C, Faizon R. [Renal angiomyolipoma and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis: a non-fortuitous association]. Rev Med Interne 1994; 15:279-81. [PMID: 8059149 DOI: 10.1016/s0248-8663(94)80033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Angiomyolipoma is a rare tumor, frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis, but not observed in its isolated form. Usually, patients with tuberous sclerosis presented with pathognomonic cutaneous and central nervous system lesions. But the thesis of "formes frustes" without typical stigmata was suggested. A case of bilateral and multifocal angiomyolipoma in a young woman without evidence of phacomatosis is reported. The association with a pulmonary lymphangiomatosis make us suspected "a forme fruste" of tuberous sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I About
- Service de médecine interne A, hôpital de Foix, France
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Abstract
On the basis of 200 angiographic studies of atherosclerotic patients affected by aorto-iliac lesions, the authors have investigated the anastomotic collateral systems of the internal iliac artery. After defining the different anastomotic systems of the internal iliac artery, they attempt to assess the functional importance of each anastomotic system in relation to the level of aorto-iliac obstruction. The different anastomotic systems involved are studied in terms of the different types of obliteration of the main arterial axis, and clinical tolerance is assessed for each case. This study emphasizes the important role of the internal iliac artery in the compensatory circulation to the lower limbs, over and above its role as an artery supplying the pelvis. The authors consider that this justifies attaching great importance to revascularization of the internal iliac arteries during reconstructive aorto-femoral procedures.
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Michetti C, Batt M, Gagliardi JM, Hassen-Khodja R, Le Bas P. [Arterial microembolisms in thrombolytic treatment disclosing an aortic aneurysm]. Presse Med 1987; 16:633. [PMID: 2952978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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Richelme H, Michetti C, Birtwisle Y, Bourgeon A. [Section of the right retropancreatic pedicle during duodeno-pancreatectomy of the head. Technical modality]. Ann Chir 1986; 40:401-4. [PMID: 3592548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Fuzibet JG, Pesce A, Saint-Paul MC, Birtwisle Y, Michetti C, Cassuto JP, Dujardin P. [Primary pseudo-ovarian peritoneal carcinosis in an ovariectomized patient]. Presse Med 1985; 14:1974. [PMID: 2933720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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Batt M, King M, Guidoin R, Goëau-Brissonnière O, Michetti C, Marois M, Gosselin C, Garton A, Le Bas P. [Mechanical fatigue of an arterial prosthesis]. Presse Med 1984; 13:1997-2000. [PMID: 6238295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This case study reports the analysis of a knitted polyester arterial prosthesis that was implanted in an 18-year old patient for five years following a bicycle accident which injured the left external iliac artery. In spite of the prosthesis, the patient continued to participate in competitive cycling. The graft became dilated and stretched by tension from the hypertrophic psoas muscle, and because the patient presented with pain and claudication, a second surgical operation was performed. The central region of the prosthesis was badly kinked. A segment was resected and analyzed in terms of pathological, textile and chemical properties. The analysis showed a poorly healed graft that had suffered from mechanical and chemical degradation. The findings point to the wisdom of implanting woven rather than knitted grafts in young patients and also suggest that in this particular case, where mechanical deterioration was accompanied by chemical degradation, it would have been preferable to remove the whole prosthesis.
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