Using iPSC-derived neurons to uncover cellular phenotypes associated with Timothy syndrome

Nat Med. 2011 Nov 27;17(12):1657-62. doi: 10.1038/nm.2576.

Abstract

Monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders provide key insights into the pathogenesis of disease and help us understand how specific genes control the development of the human brain. Timothy syndrome is caused by a missense mutation in the L-type calcium channel Ca(v)1.2 that is associated with developmental delay and autism. We generated cortical neuronal precursor cells and neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from individuals with Timothy syndrome. Cells from these individuals have defects in calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling and activity-dependent gene expression. They also show abnormalities in differentiation, including decreased expression of genes that are expressed in lower cortical layers and in callosal projection neurons. In addition, neurons derived from individuals with Timothy syndrome show abnormal expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and increased production of norepinephrine and dopamine. This phenotype can be reversed by treatment with roscovitine, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and atypical L-type-channel blocker. These findings provide strong evidence that Ca(v)1.2 regulates the differentiation of cortical neurons in humans and offer new insights into the causes of autism in individuals with Timothy syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / genetics
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / genetics
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling* / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Long QT Syndrome / enzymology
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Norepinephrine / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Purines / pharmacology
  • Roscovitine
  • Syndactyly / enzymology
  • Syndactyly / physiopathology*
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / genetics*
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Purines
  • Roscovitine
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
  • Dopamine
  • Norepinephrine

Supplementary concepts

  • Timothy syndrome

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE25542