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Hammer M, Krzyzaniak C, Bahramnejad E, Smelser K, Hack J, Watkins J, Ronaldson P. Sex differences in physiological response to increased neuronal excitability in a knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:205-223. [PMID: 38348743 PMCID: PMC10881277 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a common neurological disease; however, few if any of the currently marketed antiseizure medications prevent or cure epilepsy. Discovery of pathological processes in the early stages of epileptogenesis has been challenging given the common use of preclinical models that induce seizures in physiologically normal animals. Moreover, despite known sex dimorphism in neurological diseases, females are rarely included in preclinical epilepsy models. METHODS We characterized sex differences in mice carrying a pathogenic knockin variant (p.N1768D) in the Scn8a gene that causes spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures (TCs) at ∼3 months of age and found that heterozygous females are more resilient than males in mortality and morbidity. To investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie female resilience, we utilized blood-brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal transcriptomic analyses in heterozygous mice before seizure onset (pre-TC) and in mice that experienced ∼20 TCs (post-TC). RESULTS In the pre-TC latent phase, both sexes exhibited leaky BBB; however, patterns of gene expression were sexually dimorphic. Females exhibited enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and protein biogenesis, while males activated gliosis and CREB signaling. After seizure onset (chronic phase), females exhibited a metabolic switch to lipid metabolism, while males exhibited increased gliosis and BBB dysfunction and a strong activation of neuroinflammatory pathways. CONCLUSION The results underscore the central role of oxidative stress and BBB permeability in the early stages of epileptogenesis, as well as sex dimorphism in response to increasing neuronal hyperexcitability. Our results also highlight the need to include both sexes in preclinical studies to effectively translate results of drug efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Hammer
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Erfan Bahramnejad
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Joshua B. Hack
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Joseph C. Watkins
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
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Hill SF, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Reduction of Kcnt1 is therapeutic in mouse models of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1282201. [PMID: 37901435 PMCID: PMC10603267 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282201] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe seizure disorders with inadequate treatment options. Gain- or loss-of-function mutations of neuronal ion channel genes, including potassium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, are common causes of DEE. We previously demonstrated that reduced expression of the sodium channel gene Scn8a is therapeutic in mouse models of sodium and potassium channel mutations. In the current study, we tested whether reducing expression of the potassium channel gene Kcnt1 would be therapeutic in mice with mutation of the sodium channel genes Scn1a or Scn8a. A Kcnt1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) prolonged survival of both Scn1a and Scn8a mutant mice, suggesting a modulatory effect for KCNT1 on the balance between excitation and inhibition. The cation channel blocker quinidine was not effective in prolonging survival of the Scn8a mutant. Our results implicate KCNT1 as a therapeutic target for treatment of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F. Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Miriam H. Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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3
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da Silva CA, Grover CJ, Picardo MCD, Del Negro CA. Role of Na V1.6-mediated persistent sodium current and bursting-pacemaker properties in breathing rhythm generation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113000. [PMID: 37590134 PMCID: PMC10528911 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113000] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inspiration is the inexorable active phase of breathing. The brainstem pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) gives rise to inspiratory neural rhythm, but its underlying cellular and ionic bases remain unclear. The long-standing "pacemaker hypothesis" posits that the persistent Na+ current (INaP) that gives rise to bursting-pacemaker properties in preBötC interneurons is essential for rhythmogenesis. We tested the pacemaker hypothesis by conditionally knocking out and knocking down the Scn8a (Nav1.6 [voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6]) gene in core rhythmogenic preBötC neurons. Deleting Scn8a substantially decreases the INaP and abolishes bursting-pacemaker activity, which slows inspiratory rhythm in vitro and negatively impacts the postnatal development of ventilation. Diminishing Scn8a via genetic interference has no impact on breathing in adult mice. We argue that the Scn8a-mediated INaP is not obligatory but that it influences the development and rhythmic function of the preBötC. The ubiquity of the INaP in respiratory brainstem interneurons could underlie breathing-related behaviors such as neonatal phonation or rhythmogenesis in different physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A da Silva
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
| | - Cameron J Grover
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
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Yu W, Mulligan MK, Williams RW, Meisler MH. Correction of the hypomorphic Gabra2 splice site variant in mouse strain C57BL/6J modifies the severity of Scn8a encephalopathy. HGG Adv 2022; 3:100064. [PMID: 35047853 PMCID: PMC8756487 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2021.100064] [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: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo gain-of-function mutations of SCN8A are a significant cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) (MIM: 614558). The severely affected individuals exhibit refractory seizures, developmental delay, and cognitive disabilities, often accompanied by impaired movement. Individuals with the identical SCN8A variant often differ in clinical course, suggesting a role for modifier genes in disease severity. In a previous study we demonstrated genetic linkage between a hypomorphic mutation in the Gabra2 gene and seizure severity in a mouse model of the human SCN8A pathogenic variant p.Arg1872Trp. Homozygosity for the hypomorphic Gabra2 mutation was associated with early seizure onset and shortened lifespan. We have now confirmed Gabra2 as the modifier gene using a knock-in allele that corrects the splice site variant in strain C57BL/6J. Correction of the Gabra2 variant restores transcript abundance, increases the age of seizure onset, and extends survival of the Scn8a mutant mice. GABRA2 encodes the α2 subunit of the GABAA receptor that provides inhibitory input to dendrites and the the axon initial segment of excitatory neurons. Quantitative variation in human GABAA receptor expression could contribute to variation in the severity of genetic epilepsies and suggests a potential therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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5
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Smith BJ, Côté PD, Tremblay F. Voltage-gated sodium channel-dependent retroaxonal modulation of photoreceptor function during post-natal development in mice. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:353-365. [PMID: 33248000 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile (postnatal day 16) mice lacking Nav 1.6 channels (null-mutant Scn8admu ) have reduced photoreceptor function, which is unexpected given that Nav channels have not been detected in mouse photoreceptors and do not contribute appreciably to photoreceptor function in adults. We demonstrate that acute block of Nav channels with intravitreal TTX in juvenile (P16) wild-type mice has no effect on photoreceptor function. However, reduced light activity by prolonged dark adaptation from P8 caused significant reduction in photoreceptor function at P16. Injecting TTX into the retrobulbar space at P16 to specifically block Nav channels in the optic nerve also caused a reduction in photoreceptor function comparable to that seen at P16 in null-mutant Scn8a mice. In both P16 null-mutant Scn8admu and retrobulbar TTX-injected wild-type mice, photoreceptor function was restored following intravitreal injection of the TrkB receptor agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, linking Nav -dependent retrograde transport to TrkB-dependent neurotrophic factor production pathways as a modulatory influence of photoreceptor function at P16. We also found that in Scn8admu mice, photoreceptor function recovers by P22-25 despite more precarious general health of the animal. Retrobulbar injection of TTX in the wild type still reduced the photoreceptor response at this age but to a lesser extent, suggesting that Nav -dependent modulation of photoreceptor function is largely transient, peaking soon after eye opening. Together, these results suggest that the general photosensitivity of the retina is modulated following eye opening by retrograde transport through activity-dependent retinal ganglion cell axonal signaling targeting TrkB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Smith
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Patrice D Côté
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - François Tremblay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Yu W, Hill SF, Xenakis JG, Pardo-Manuel de Villena F, Wagnon JL, Meisler MH. Gabra2 is a genetic modifier of Scn8a encephalopathy in the mouse. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2847-2856. [PMID: 33140451 PMCID: PMC7756374 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective SCN8A encephalopathy is a developmental epileptic encephalopathy typically caused by de novo gain‐of‐function mutations in Nav1.6. Severely affected individuals exhibit refractory seizures, developmental delay, cognitive disabilities, movement disorders, and elevated risk of sudden death. Patients with the identical SCN8A variant can differ in clinical course, suggesting a role for modifier genes in determining disease severity. The identification of genetic modifiers contributes to understanding disease pathogenesis and suggesting therapeutic interventions. Methods We generated F1 and F2 crosses between inbred mouse strains and mice carrying the human pathogenic variants SCN8A‐R1872W and SCN8A‐N1768D. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of seizure‐related phenotypes was used for chromosomal mapping of modifier loci. Results In an F2 cross between strain SJL/J and C57BL/6J mice carrying the patient mutation R1872W, we identified a major QTL on chromosome 5 containing the Gabra2 gene. Strain C57BL/6J carries a splice site mutation that reduces expression of Gabra2, encoding the α2 subunit of the aminobutyric acid type A receptor. The protective wild‐type allele of Gabra2 from strain SJL/J delays the age at seizure onset and extends life span of the Scn8a mutant mice. Additional Scn8a modifiers were observed in the F2 cross and in an F1 cross with strain C3HeB/FeJ. Significance These studies demonstrate that the SJL/J strain carries multiple modifiers with protective effects against seizures induced by gain‐of‐function mutations in Scn8a. Homozygosity for the hypomorphic variant of Gabra2 in strain C57BL/6J is associated with early seizure onset and short life span. GABRA2 is a potential therapeutic target for SCN8A encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sophie F Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James G Xenakis
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jacy L Wagnon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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7
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Alrashdi B, Dawod B, Schampel A, Tacke S, Kuerten S, Marshall JS, Côté PD. Nav1.6 promotes inflammation and neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:215. [PMID: 31722722 PMCID: PMC6852902 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In multiple sclerosis (MS) and in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, the Nav1.6 voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel isoform has been implicated as a primary contributor to axonal degeneration. Following demyelination Nav1.6, which is normally co-localized with the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) at the nodes of Ranvier, associates with β-APP, a marker of neural injury. The persistent influx of sodium through Nav1.6 is believed to reverse the function of NCX, resulting in an increased influx of damaging Ca2+ ions. However, direct evidence for the role of Nav1.6 in axonal degeneration is lacking. METHODS In mice floxed for Scn8a, the gene that encodes the α subunit of Nav1.6, subjected to EAE we examined the effect of eliminating Nav1.6 from retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in one eye using an AAV vector harboring Cre and GFP, while using the contralateral either injected with AAV vector harboring GFP alone or non-targeted eye as control. RESULTS In retinas, the expression of Rbpms, a marker for retinal ganglion cells, was found to be inversely correlated to the expression of Scn8a. Furthermore, the gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6 (IL-6) and Ifng (IFN-γ), and of the reactive gliosis marker Gfap (GFAP) were found to be reduced in targeted retinas. Optic nerves from targeted eyes were shown to have reduced macrophage infiltration and improved axonal health. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results are consistent with Nav1.6 promoting inflammation and contributing to axonal degeneration following demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barakat Alrashdi
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.,Department of Biology, Al-Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassel Dawod
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrea Schampel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tacke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kuerten
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jean S Marshall
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Patrice D Côté
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
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8
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Inglis GAS, Wong JC, Butler KM, Thelin JT, Mistretta OC, Wu X, Lin X, English AW, Escayg A. Mutations in the Scn8a DIIS4 voltage sensor reveal new distinctions among hypomorphic and null Na v 1.6 sodium channels. Genes Brain Behav 2019; 19:e12612. [PMID: 31605437 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene SCN8A cause a broad range of human diseases, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, and ataxia. Here we describe three mouse lines on the C57BL/6J background with novel, overlapping mutations in the Scn8a DIIS4 voltage sensor: an in-frame 9 bp deletion (Δ9), an in-frame 3 bp insertion (∇3) and a 35 bp deletion that results in a frameshift and the generation of a null allele (Δ35). Scn8a Δ9/+ and Scn8a ∇3/+ heterozygous mutants display subtle motor deficits, reduced acoustic startle response, and are resistant to induced seizures, suggesting that these mutations reduce activity of the Scn8a channel protein, Nav 1.6. Heterozygous Scn8a Δ35/+ mutants show no alterations in motor function or acoustic startle response, but are resistant to induced seizures. Homozygous mutants from each line exhibit premature lethality and severe motor impairments, ranging from uncoordinated gait with tremor (Δ9 and ∇3) to loss of hindlimb control (Δ35). Scn8a Δ9/Δ9 and Scn8a ∇3/∇3 homozygous mutants also exhibit impaired nerve conduction velocity, while normal nerve conduction was observed in Scn8a Δ35/Δ35 homozygous mice. Our results suggest that hypomorphic mutations that reduce Nav 1.6 activity will likely result in different clinical phenotypes compared to null alleles. These three mouse lines represent a valuable opportunity to examine the phenotypic impacts of hypomorphic and null Scn8a mutations without the confound of strain-specific differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kameryn M Butler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Xuewen Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xi Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Jones JM, Dionne L, Dell'Orco J, Parent R, Krueger JN, Cheng X, Dib-Hajj SD, Bunton-Stasyshyn RK, Sharkey LM, Dowling JJ, Murphy GG, Shakkottai VG, Shrager P, Meisler MH. Single amino acid deletion in transmembrane segment D4S6 of sodium channel Scn8a (Nav1.6) in a mouse mutant with a chronic movement disorder. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 89:36-45. [PMID: 26807988 PMCID: PMC4991781 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the neuronal sodium channel gene SCN8A are associated with lethal movement disorders in the mouse and with human epileptic encephalopathy. We describe a spontaneous mouse mutation, Scn8a(9J), that is associated with a chronic movement disorder with early onset tremor and adult onset dystonia. Scn8a(9J) homozygotes have a shortened lifespan, with only 50% of mutants surviving beyond 6 months of age. The 3 bp in-frame deletion removes 1 of the 3 adjacent isoleucine residues in transmembrane segment DIVS6 of Nav1.6 (p.Ile1750del). The altered helical orientation of the transmembrane segment displaces pore-lining amino acids with important roles in channel activation and inactivation. The predicted impact on channel activity was confirmed by analysis of cerebellar Purkinje neurons from mutant mice, which lack spontaneous and induced repetitive firing. In a heterologous expression system, the activity of the mutant channel was below the threshold for detection. Observations of decreased nerve conduction velocity and impaired behavior in an open field are also consistent with reduced activity of Nav1.6. The Nav1.6Δ1750 protein is only partially glycosylated. The abundance of mutant Nav1.6 is reduced at nodes of Ranvier and is not detectable at the axon initial segment. Despite a severe reduction in channel activity, the lifespan and motor function of Scn8a(9J/9J) mice are significantly better than null mutants lacking channel protein. The clinical phenotype of this severe hypomorphic mutant expands the spectrum of Scn8a disease to include a recessively inherited, chronic and progressive movement disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Jones
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Louise Dionne
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
| | - James Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Rachel Parent
- Department of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jamie N Krueger
- Department of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Xiaoyang Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06516, United States.
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06516, United States
| | | | - Lisa M Sharkey
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - James J Dowling
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- Department of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Peter Shrager
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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10
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Xie W, Strong JA, Zhang JM. Local knockdown of the NaV1.6 sodium channel reduces pain behaviors, sensory neuron excitability, and sympathetic sprouting in rat models of neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2015; 291:317-30. [PMID: 25686526 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [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: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model of neuropathic pain, as in other pain models, abnormal spontaneous activity of myelinated sensory neurons occurs early and is essential for establishing pain behaviors and other pathologies. Sympathetic sprouting into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is observed after SNL, and sympathectomy reduces pain behavior. Sprouting and spontaneous activity may be mutually reinforcing: blocking neuronal activity reduces sympathetic sprouting, and sympathetic spouts functionally increase spontaneous activity in vitro. However, most studies in this field have used nonspecific methods to block spontaneous activity, methods that also block evoked and normal activity. In this study, we injected small inhibitory (si) RNA directed against the NaV1.6 sodium channel isoform into the DRG before SNL. This isoform can mediate high-frequency repetitive firing, like that seen in spontaneously active neurons. Local knockdown of NaV1.6 markedly reduced mechanical pain behaviors induced by SNL, reduced sympathetic sprouting into the ligated sensory ganglion, and blocked abnormal spontaneous activity and other measures of hyperexcitability in myelinated neurons in the ligated sensory ganglion. Immunohistochemical experiments showed that sympathetic sprouting preferentially targeted NaV1.6-positive neurons. Under these experimental conditions, NaV1.6 knockdown did not prevent or strongly alter single evoked action potentials, unlike previous less specific methods used to block spontaneous activity. NaV1.6 knockdown also reduced pain behaviors in another pain model, chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve, provided the model was modified so that the lesion site was relatively close to the siRNA-injected lumbar DRGs. The results highlight the relative importance of abnormal spontaneous activity in establishing both pain behaviors and sympathetic sprouting, and suggest that the NaV1.6 isoform may have value as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Xie
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0531, USA.
| | - J A Strong
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0531, USA.
| | - J-M Zhang
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0531, USA.
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11
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Makinson CD, Tanaka BS, Lamar T, Goldin AL, Escayg A. Role of the hippocampus in Nav1.6 ( Scn8a) mediated seizure resistance. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 68:16-25. [PMID: 24704313 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SCN1A mutations are the main cause of the epilepsy disorders Dravet syndrome (DS) and genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). Mutations that reduce the activity of the mouse Scn8a gene, in contrast, are found to confer seizure resistance and extend the lifespan of mouse models of DS and GEFS+. To investigate the mechanism by which reduced Scn8a expression confers seizure resistance, we induced interictal-like burst discharges in hippocampal slices of heterozygous Scn8a null mice (Scn8a(med/+)) with elevated extracellular potassium. Scn8a(med/+) mutants exhibited reduced epileptiform burst discharge activity after P20, indicating an age-dependent increased threshold for induction of epileptiform discharges. Scn8a deficiency also reduced the occurrence of burst discharges in a GEFS+ mouse model (Scn1a(R1648H/+)). There was no detectable change in the expression levels of Scn1a (Nav1.1) or Scn2a (Nav1.2) in the hippocampus of adult Scn8a(med/+) mutants. To determine whether the increased seizure resistance associated with reduced Scn8a expression was due to alterations that occurred during development, we examined the effect of deleting Scn8a in adult mice. Global Cre-mediated deletion of a heterozygous floxed Scn8a allele in adult mice was found to increase thresholds to chemically and electrically induced seizures. Finally, knockdown of Scn8a gene expression in the adult hippocampus via lentiviral Cre injection resulted in a reduction in the number of EEG-confirmed seizures following the administration of picrotoxin. Our results identify the hippocampus as an important structure in the mediation of Scn8a-dependent seizure protection and suggest that selective targeting of Scn8a activity might be efficacious in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian S Tanaka
- Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Tyra Lamar
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Alan L Goldin
- Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Sawyer NT, Papale LA, Eliason J, Neigh GN, Escayg A. Scn8a voltage-gated sodium channel mutation alters seizure and anxiety responses to acute stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 39:225-236. [PMID: 24138934 PMCID: PMC3989103 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Stress is known to trigger seizures in patients with epilepsy, highlighting the physiological stress response as a possible therapeutic target for epilepsy treatment. Nevertheless, little is currently known about how a genetic predisposition to epilepsy interacts with the stress response to influence seizure outcome. To address this question, we examined the effect of acute stress on seizure outcome in mice with mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene Scn8a. Scn8a mutants display spontaneous spike-wave discharges (SWDs) characteristic of absence epilepsy. We saw that the baseline frequency of SWDs in Scn8a mutants correlates closely with the diurnal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with a peak in seizure activity occurring at around the same time as the peak in corticosterone (1700-1900h). A 20-min acute restraint stress administered in the morning increases the frequency of spontaneous SWDs immediately following the stressor. Seizure frequency then returns to baseline levels within 3h after stressor exposure, but the subsequent evening peak in seizure frequency is delayed and broadened, changes that persist into the next evening and are accompanied by long-lasting changes in HPA axis activity. Scn8a mutants also show increased anxiety-like behavior in mildly stressful situations. A 20-min acute restraint stress can also increase the severity and duration of chemically induced seizures in Scn8a mutants, changes that differ from wild-type littermates. Overall, our data show that a voltage-gated sodium channel mutation can alter the behavioral response to stress and can interact with the stress response to alter seizure outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki T Sawyer
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ligia A Papale
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica Eliason
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gretchen N Neigh
- Department of Physiology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Xiao M, Bosch MK, Nerbonne JM, Ornitz DM. FGF14 localization and organization of the axon initial segment. Mol Cell Neurosci 2013; 56:393-403. [PMID: 23891806 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is highly enriched in the structural proteins ankyrin G and βIV-spectrin, the pore-forming (α) subunits of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels, and functional Nav channels, and is critical for the initiation of action potentials. We previously reported that FGF14, a member of the intracellular FGF (iFGF) sub-family, is expressed in cerebellar Purkinje neurons and that the targeted inactivation of Fgf14 in mice (Fgf14(-/-)) results in markedly reduced Purkinje neuron excitability. Here, we demonstrate that FGF14 immunoreactivity is high in the AIS of Purkinje neurons and is distributed in a decreasing, proximal to distal, gradient. This pattern is evident early in the postnatal development of Purkinje neurons and is also observed in many other types of central neurons. In (Scn8a(med)) mice, which are deficient in expression of the Nav1.6 α subunit, FGF14 immunoreactivity is markedly increased and expanded in the Purkinje neuron AIS, in parallel with increased expression of the Nav1.1 (Scn1a) α subunit and expanded expression of βIV-spectrin. Although Nav1.1, FGF14, and βIV-spectrin are affected, ankyrin G immunoreactivity at the AIS of Scn8a(med) and wild type (WT) Purkinje neurons was not significantly different. In Fgf14(-/-) Purkinje neurons, βIV-spectrin and ankyrin G immunoreactivity at the AIS were also similar to WT Purkinje neurons, although both the Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 α subunits are modestly, but significantly (p<0.005), reduced within sub-domains of the AIS, changes that may contribute to the reduced excitability of Fgf14(-/-) Purkinje neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolei Xiao
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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