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Basic Helix Loop Helix Enhancer 40 Null Mice Have Impaired Synaptic Plasticity, Enhanced Neuronal Excitability, and Decreased Expression of Insulin Degrading Enzyme

ABSTRACT: Basic helix loop helix enhancer 40 (Bhlhe40) is a transcription factor expressed in rodent hippocampus, however, its role in neuronal function is not well understood. Here, we used Bhlhe40 null mice on a congenic C57Bl6/J background (Bhlhe40 KO) to investigate the impact of Bhlhe40 on neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. A whole genome expression array predicted that Bhlhe40 KO mice have up-regulated insulin-related pathways and down-regulated neuronal signaling-related pathways in the hippocampus. We validated that insulin degrading enzyme mRNA (Ide) and IDE protein are significantly downregulated in Bhlhe40 KO hippocampi. No significant difference was observed in hippocampal insulin levels. In hippocampal slices, we found CA1 neurons have increased miniature excitatory post-synaptic current (mEPSC) amplitude and decreased inhibitory post-synaptic current (IPSC) amplitude, indicating hyper-excitability in CA1 neurons in Bhlhe40 KO mice. At CA1 synapses, we found a reduction in long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD), indicating an impairment in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in Bhlhe40 KO hippocampal slices. Bhlhe40 KO mice displayed no difference in seizure response to the convulsant kainic acid (KA) relative to controls. We found that while Bhlhe40 KO mice have decreased exploratory behavior they do not display alterations in spatial learning and memory. Together this suggests that Bhlhe40 plays a role in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity ex vivo, however, Bhlhe40 alone does not play a significant role in seizure susceptibility and learning and memory in vivo. In addition, based on the reduction in IDE protein levels in these mice, there may be dysregulation of other known IDE substrates, namely insulin growth factor (Igf)-1, Igf-2, and Amyloid beta (Aβ).

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE85959 | GEO | 2018/05/03

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Background: Mutations in the X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) cause a severe neurological disorder characterised by early-onset epileptic seizures, autism and intellectual disability (ID). Impaired hippocampal function has been implicated in other models of monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorders and ID and is often linked to epilepsy and behavioural abnormalities. Many individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) have null mutations and complete loss of CDKL5 protein, therefore in the current study we used a Cdkl5-/y rat model to elucidate the impact of CDKL5 loss on cellular excitability and synaptic function of CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs). We hypothesised abnormal pre and/or post synaptic function underlie the enhanced LTP we observe in the hippocampus of Cdkl5-/y rats. Methods: To allow cross-species comparisons of phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5, we generated a loss of function mutation in exon 5 of the rat Cdkl5 gene and assessed the impact of the loss of CDLK5 using a combination of extracellular and whole-cell electrophysiological recordings, biochemistry, and histology. Results: Our results indicate that CA1 hippocampal LTP is enhanced in slices prepared from juvenile, but not adult, Cdkl5-/y rats. Enhanced LTP does not result from changes in NMDA receptor function or subunit expression as these remain unaltered throughout development. Furthermore, Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor mediated currents are unchanged in Cdkl5-/y rats. We observe reduced mEPSC frequency accompanied by increased spine density in basal dendrites of CA1 PCs, however we find no evidence supporting an increase in silent synapses when assessed using a minimal stimulation protocol in slices. Additionally, we found no change in paired-pulse ratio, consistent with normal release probability at Schaffer collateral to CA1 PC synapses. Conclusions: Our data indicate a role for CDKL5 in hippocampal synaptic function and raise the possibility that altered intracellular signalling rather than synaptic deficits contribute to the altered plasticity. Limitations: This study has focussed on the electrophysiological and anatomical properties of hippocampal CA1 PCs across early postnatal development. Studies involving other brains regions, older animals and behavioural phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5 are needed to understand the pathophysiology of CDD.

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Basic Helix Loop Helix Enhancer 40 Null Mice Have Impaired Synaptic Plasticity, Enhanced Neuronal Excitability, and Decreased Expression of Insulin Degrading Enzyme

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