Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhenzhen Zhang, Mengzhuo Hou, Huaxing Ou, Daping Wang, Zhifang Li, Huawei Zhang, Jianping Lu
Summary: This study investigated the distinct mechanisms of NLGN2 and NLGN3 in autism development, revealing their differences in synaptic development and plasticity through experimental and structural analysis, and speculating on their interactions with factors such as maternal diabetes.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yu-Chieh Chen, Hsiang-Yuan Lin, Yiling Chien, Yu-Hung Tung, Yen-Hsuan Ni, Susan Shur -Fen Gau
Summary: This study investigated the microbial profiles in an East Asian sample and found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had altered microbiota compared to typically developing controls (TDC). These changes were associated with autistic symptoms and emotional/behavioral problems, but not GI symptoms. The findings support the hypothesis of a complex relationship between altered microbiome, immune dysregulation, and ASD.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiaying Zeng, Yujie Liang, Ruoyu Sun, Saijun Huang, Zichen Wang, Li Xiao, Jianpin Lu, Hong Yu, Paul Yao
Summary: Studies have shown a link between maternal diabetes and the development of autism spectrum disorder. This study investigates the role of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in maternal diabetes-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction and autism-like behavior (ALB) in mice. The results suggest that transient hyperglycemia leads to epigenetic changes and gene suppression in tight junction proteins, and maternal diabetes induces oxidative stress, inflammation, altered microbiota compositions, and suppressed gene expression, subsequently triggering GI dysfunction and ALB in offspring. HSC transplantation reverses these effects, indicating its potential as a treatment for maternal diabetes-related symptoms in mouse offspring.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Wei Cao, Jia-hui Li, Shen Lin, Qiang-qiang Xia, Yong-lan Du, Qian Yang, Ying-zhi Ye, Ling-hui Zeng, Xiang-yao Li, Junyu Xu, Jian-hong Luo
Summary: This study shows that neuroligins are involved in autism spectrum disorder, and that dysfunction of NMDA receptors and PV+ interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex contribute to social deficits in a mouse model of autism. The researchers found that restoring NMDA receptor function with a partial agonist improved the interneuron dysfunction and prevented social deficits. These findings suggest that targeting NMDA receptors and PV+ interneurons may be a potential therapeutic strategy for autism.
Article
Pediatrics
Hui Wang, Shu Liu, Liqing Xie, Jinhui Wang
Summary: This study revealed significant differences in gut microbiota structure between children with ASD and healthy controls in the southeastern coastal region of China through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analyses. Specific bacterial taxa and metabolic pathways were found to differ between the two groups, highlighting the importance of clinical interventions to address gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms in children with ASD, with fecal microbiota transplantation as a promising avenue for further research.
Article
Immunology
Dilansu Guneykaya, Bilge Ugursu, Francesca Logiacco, Oliver Popp, Maria Almut Feiks, Niklas Meyer, Stefan Wendt, Marcus Semtner, Fatma Cherif, Christian Gauthier, Charlotte Madore, Zhuoran Yin, Ozcan Cinar, Taner Arslan, Zoltan Gerevich, Philipp Mertins, Oleg Butovsky, Helmut Kettenmann, Susanne A. Wolf
Summary: Loss of NLGN4 affects synaptic and behavioral phenotypes in ASD. NLGN4 depletion leads to lower microglia density, altered morphology, reduced response to injury and purinergic signaling in mice, particularly in the hippocampal CA3 region and predominantly in males. Proteomic analysis reveals disrupted energy metabolism and sexual dimorphism in the microglial phenotype. Estradiol treatment restores the altered microglial phenotype and function in male NLGN4-/- mice.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Michael Camilleri
Summary: The objective of this article is to review the evidence of abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract motor functions in the context of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). The article describes preferred methods and documented motor dysfunctions in DGBI based on those methods for each section regarding GI motor dysfunction. Non-invasive measurements of gut motility and therapeutic interventions directed to abnormalities of motility suggest their consideration in patients with DGBI not responding to first-line approaches.
Article
Immunology
Ning Li, Hongyan Chen, Yi Cheng, Fenghua Xu, Guangcong Ruan, Senhong Ying, Wen Tang, Lu Chen, Minjia Chen, LinLing Lv, Yi Ping, Dongfeng Chen, Yanling Wei
Summary: This study found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without causing severe complications. FMT may be a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the symptoms of patients with ASD by altering gut microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yogesh Bhattarai, Jie Si, Meng Pu, Owen A. Ross, Pamela J. McLean, Lisa Till, William Moor, Madhusudan Grover, Karunya K. Kandimalla, Kara G. Margolis, Gianrico Farrugia, Purna C. Kashyap
Summary: Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder associated with alterations in gut microbiota and epithelial barrier function. In a mouse model, chronic rotenone treatment resulted in changes in gut microbiota composition and increased intestinal permeability, exacerbating motor deficits.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomoyuki Yoshida, Atsushi Yamagata, Ayako Imai, Juhyon Kim, Hironori Izumi, Shogo Nakashima, Tomoko Shiroshima, Asami Maeda, Shiho Iwasawa-Okamoto, Kenji Azechi, Fumina Osaka, Takashi Saitoh, Katsumi Maenaka, Takashi Shimada, Yuko Fukata, Masaki Fukata, Jumpei Matsumoto, Hisao Nishijo, Keizo Takao, Shinji Tanaka, Shigeo Okabe, Katsuhiko Tabuchi, Takeshi Uemura, Masayoshi Mishina, Hisashi Mori, Shuya Fukai
Summary: Mutations of Neuroligin 3 (NLGN3) have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers have identified a new interaction between NLGN3 and a splice variant of protein tyrosine phosphatase delta (PTP delta) and its impact on social behavior development in mice. The study suggests that both canonical and non-canonical NLGN3 pathways compete and regulate the development of sociality.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Geraldine Leader, Cathal Abberton, Stephen Cunningham, Katie Gilmartin, Margo Grudzien, Emily Higgins, Lokesh Joshi, Sally Whelan, Arlene Mannion
Summary: This systematic review provides an updated understanding of the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. The review found that GIS were common and that there was conflicting evidence concerning their relationship with co-occurring conditions. It also identified evidence of some causal relationships that support the existence of the gut-immune-brain pathways. Future research needs to use large prospective designs and objective and standardized GIS measurements to provide a nuanced understanding of GIS in the context of ASD.
Article
Microbiology
Wenlin Deng, Siqi Wang, Fang Li, Fang Wang, Yi Pei Xing, Yongchun Li, Ying Lv, Haoran Ke, Zitong Li, Pin Jing Lv, Hu Hao, Ye Chen, Xin Xiao
Summary: This research investigates the gastrointestinal issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and finds that compared to typically developing children, children with ASD have a higher rate of gastrointestinal problems, social impairment, and poor sleeping habits. However, gastrointestinal disturbances have a minor impact on the core symptoms of autism, while alterations in metabolites like SCFAs may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Stephanie K. Gaskell, Rebecca Burgell, Lukasz Wiklendt, Phil Dinning, Ricardo J. S. Costa
Summary: This study showed that running for 2 hours at 60% V?O2max in hot ambient conditions can affect gastric myoelectrical activity and orocecal transit time, leading to increased gastrointestinal symptoms incidence and severity in hot conditions.
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hailin Li, Churui Liu, Saijun Huang, Xin Wang, Muqing Cao, Tingfeng Gu, Xiaoxuan Ou, Shuolin Pan, Zongyu Lin, Xiaotong Wang, Yanna Zhu, Jin Jing
Summary: This study found that altered gut microbiota and metabolites derived from microbiota are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Certain microbiota were positively correlated with constipation and total GI symptoms, while others negatively modulated these associations. Additionally, specific metabolites were identified to correlate with constipation and total GI symptoms. These findings provide insights into the relationship between diet, the gut microbiota, and GI symptoms in children with ASD.
Article
Neurosciences
Julia Muellerleile, Matej Vnencak, Angelo Ippolito, Dilja Krueger-Burg, Tassilo Jungenitz, Stephan W. Schwarzacher, Peter Jedlicka
Summary: The knockout of the Neuroligin-3 gene in mice resulted in reduced synaptic transmission but increased excitability in granule cells, similar to the effects seen in Neuroligin-1 knockout mice. While Neuroligin-1 and Neuroligin-3 have distinct functions, both are essential for intact synaptic transmission in the mouse dentate gyrus. Interactions between neuroligins play a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission, and mutations in neuroligins related to autism spectrum disorder may impact the availability of other neuroligins at the synapse.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Christina Birnbaum, Jennifer Wood, Erik Lilleskov, Louis James Lamit, James Shannon, Matthew Brewer, Samantha Grover
Summary: The structure and function of microbial communities in peatlands are influenced by soil abiotic factors, and peatland degradation reduces microbial richness and alters microbial functions.
Review
Clinical Neurology
T. Abo-Shaban, S. S. Sharna, S. Hosie, C. Y. Q. Lee, G. K. Balasuriya, S. J. McKeown, A. E. Franks, E. L. Hill-Yardin
Summary: Individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder often experience tissue inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and the gut-associated lymphoid tissue plays a crucial role in these conditions. The interaction between Peyer's patches and the enteric nervous system is important for regulating gastrointestinal function and influencing mood and behavior. Understanding the functions of analogous tissues such as caecal patches is also important. Researching these tissues is essential for understanding the underlying causes of inflammatory disorders and gastrointestinal dysfunction in neurodevelopmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Yunyun Zheng, Xiaojuan Wang, Helen L. Hayden, Ashley Franks, Anya Shindler, Yuhong Liu, Gary J. Clark, Jian Jin, Caixian Tang
Summary: Understanding the influence of nitrogen fertilisation on the priming effect in soils is crucial for predicting carbon loss and its impact on climate. The effect of nitrogen addition on the priming effect varies among different soil types.
BIOLOGY AND FERTILITY OF SOILS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Sarah A. Knowler, Anya Shindler, Jennifer L. Wood, Asha Lakkavaram, Colleen J. Thomas, Tania F. de Koning-Ward, Elisa L. Hill-Yardin, Teresa G. Carvalho, Ashley E. Franks
Summary: Cerebral malaria is the most severe form of malaria and can have long-term neurological consequences. Research has shown the importance of the gut microbiome in brain health, but little is known about its role in malaria. In this study, mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA parasites showed significant differences in bacterial communities compared to non-infected mice. The findings suggest that the gut microbiome is affected by the infection and could be a target for intervention strategies to reduce the severity of cerebral malaria.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Xueling Yang, Jie Cheng, Ashley E. Franks, Xiaowei Huang, Qi Yang, Zhongyi Cheng, Yuanhui Liu, Bin Ma, Jianming Xu, Yan He
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between soil functioning and microbial community diversity using dilution approach and nutrient supplementation. In a eutrophic environment, a decrease in microbial diversity delayed lindane degradation and methanogenesis, but exacerbated microbial respiration. Microbial co-occurrence networks became more stable with decreasing diversity, and were correlated with species richness and network complexity.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Elisa L. L. Hill-Yardin, Andreas M. M. Grabrucker, Ashley E. E. Franks
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Aimee C. McKinnon, Luke Collins, Jennifer L. Wood, Nick Murphy, Ashley E. Franks, Martin J. Steinbauer
Summary: This study aimed to monitor honey bee hives in the field using remote surveillance to quantify flights and assess the risk of pesticide exposure. The results showed that bee activity increased in almond orchards compared to bushland, and low levels of pesticide residues were detected in the collected pollen.
Article
Soil Science
Yunyun Zheng, Jian Jin, Xiaojuan Wang, Gary J. Clark, Ashley Franks, Caixian Tang
Summary: Nitrogen availability has different effects on the mineralization of soil organic matter depending on soil type and layer. This study investigated the priming effect of soil organic matter decomposition in response to nitrogen addition. The results showed that the priming effect was stronger in the mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) fraction compared to the particulate organic matter (POM) fraction, and the abundance of bacteria, fungi, and functional genes increased more in the MAOM fraction. These findings suggest that nitrogen input may have a greater potential to stimulate the priming effect in soils with a higher proportion of POM with a greater C:N ratio.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chalystha Yie Qin Lee, Gayathri K. Balasuriya, Madushani Herath, Ashley E. Franks, Elisa L. Hill-Yardin
Summary: Individuals with autism commonly have gastrointestinal illness, but the role of the appendix and cecum in autism-associated GI symptoms has not been investigated. Through studying mice with an autism-associated mutation, it was found that they had accelerated cecal motility, reduced cecal weight, impaired secretion, and neuro-immune alterations. These results suggest that the mutation disrupts the gut-brain axis and leads to GI dysfunction in autism.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madushani Herath, Ellie Cho, Ulrika Marklund, Ashley E. Franks, Joel C. Bornstein, Elisa L. Hill-Yardin
Summary: Mutations in the Nlgn3 gene are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. This study characterizes the expression of Nlgn3 in the enteric nervous system using RNA in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. The results show that Nlgn3 mRNA is expressed in cholinergic and VIP-expressing submucosal neurons, nitrergic and calretinin-containing myenteric neurons, and glial cells. The autism-associated R451C mutation reduces Nlgn3 mRNA expression in cholinergic submucosal neurons and certain myenteric neurons and glial cells. These findings contribute to the understanding of the role of Nlgn3 in GI dysfunction in ASD.
Article
Biology
Shalini Kunhikannan, Colleen J. Thomas, M. N. Sumana, Ashley E. Franks, Sumana Kumar, S. Nagarathna, Steve Petrovski, Anya E. Shindler
Summary: This study examined the resistance profile of soil bacteria from a hospital and its affiliated university precinct in Mysore, India. The results showed that antibiotic resistant bacteria were present closer to the hospital setting, indicating the influence of antibiotic usage in hospitals on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance into hospital precinct soil.
BMC RESEARCH NOTES
(2023)