Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons

Various recent studies revealed that biometal dyshomeostasis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Substantial evidence indicates that disrupted neuronal homeostasis of different metal ions such as Fe, Cu, Pb, Hg, Se, and Zn may m...

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Main Authors: Simone Hagmeyer, Katharina Mangus, Tobias M. Boeckers, Andreas M. Grabrucker
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2015-01-01
Series:Neural Plasticity
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/985083
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author Simone Hagmeyer
Katharina Mangus
Tobias M. Boeckers
Andreas M. Grabrucker
author_facet Simone Hagmeyer
Katharina Mangus
Tobias M. Boeckers
Andreas M. Grabrucker
author_sort Simone Hagmeyer
collection DOAJ
description Various recent studies revealed that biometal dyshomeostasis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Substantial evidence indicates that disrupted neuronal homeostasis of different metal ions such as Fe, Cu, Pb, Hg, Se, and Zn may mediate synaptic dysfunction and impair synapse formation and maturation. Here, we performed in vitro studies investigating the consequences of an imbalance of transition metals on glutamatergic synapses of hippocampal neurons. We analyzed whether an imbalance of any one metal ion alters cell health and synapse numbers. Moreover, we evaluated whether a biometal profile characteristic for ASD patients influences synapse formation, maturation, and composition regarding NMDA receptor subunits and Shank proteins. Our results show that an ASD like biometal profile leads to a reduction of NMDAR (NR/Grin/GluN) subunit 1 and 2a, as well as Shank gene expression along with a reduction of synapse density. Additionally, synaptic protein levels of GluN2a and Shanks are reduced. Although Zn supplementation is able to rescue the aforementioned alterations, Zn deficiency is not solely responsible as causative factor. Thus, we conclude that balancing Zn levels in ASD might be a prime target to normalize synaptic alterations caused by biometal dyshomeostasis.
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spelling doaj-art-7fa7935c6d9d41b0bd2b1079d6a8dfc12025-02-03T01:11:28ZengWileyNeural Plasticity2090-59041687-54432015-01-01201510.1155/2015/985083985083Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured NeuronsSimone Hagmeyer0Katharina Mangus1Tobias M. Boeckers2Andreas M. Grabrucker3WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, GermanyWG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, GermanyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, GermanyWG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, GermanyVarious recent studies revealed that biometal dyshomeostasis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Substantial evidence indicates that disrupted neuronal homeostasis of different metal ions such as Fe, Cu, Pb, Hg, Se, and Zn may mediate synaptic dysfunction and impair synapse formation and maturation. Here, we performed in vitro studies investigating the consequences of an imbalance of transition metals on glutamatergic synapses of hippocampal neurons. We analyzed whether an imbalance of any one metal ion alters cell health and synapse numbers. Moreover, we evaluated whether a biometal profile characteristic for ASD patients influences synapse formation, maturation, and composition regarding NMDA receptor subunits and Shank proteins. Our results show that an ASD like biometal profile leads to a reduction of NMDAR (NR/Grin/GluN) subunit 1 and 2a, as well as Shank gene expression along with a reduction of synapse density. Additionally, synaptic protein levels of GluN2a and Shanks are reduced. Although Zn supplementation is able to rescue the aforementioned alterations, Zn deficiency is not solely responsible as causative factor. Thus, we conclude that balancing Zn levels in ASD might be a prime target to normalize synaptic alterations caused by biometal dyshomeostasis.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/985083
spellingShingle Simone Hagmeyer
Katharina Mangus
Tobias M. Boeckers
Andreas M. Grabrucker
Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons
Neural Plasticity
title Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons
title_full Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons
title_fullStr Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons
title_short Effects of Trace Metal Profiles Characteristic for Autism on Synapses in Cultured Neurons
title_sort effects of trace metal profiles characteristic for autism on synapses in cultured neurons
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/985083
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