Proteomics data reveals Wnt signaling involvement in the hippocampal-dependent behavioral impairment in THRSP-overexpressing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder mouse model

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1885484/v1

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Proteomics data reveals Wnt signaling involvement in the hippocampal-dependent behavioral impairment in THRSP-overexpressing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder mouse model

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1885484/v1

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published 16 Jan, 2023

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Despite the predominance and high heritability of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), its etiology remains unclear. Preclinical and clinical evidence partially implicates impaired limbic system function, particularly in the hippocampus (HPC). Children diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with deficits in executive function, temporal processing, and visuospatial memory, the defining hallmarks of the predominantly inattentive presentation (ADHD-PI), which is subserved by the hippocampus. However, the specific genes/proteins involved and how they shape hippocampal structure to influence ADHD behavior remain poorly understood. As an exploratory tool, hippocampal tissues from a mouse model overexpressing (OE) thyroid hormone-responsive protein (THRSP) with defining characteristics of ADHD-PI were utilized for proteomic analyses. Integrated proteomics and network analysis revealed altered protein network involved in Wnt signaling. Compared with THRSP knockout (KO) mice, THRSP OE mice showed impaired attention and memory, accompanied by dysregulated Wnt signaling affecting hippocampal cell proliferation (BrdU) and neurogenic marker expression (i.e., NEU-N, GFAP), markers of neural stem cell (NSC) activity. In addition, combined exposure to an enriched environment and treadmill exercise could improve behavioral deficits in THRSP OE mice and Wnt signaling and NSC activity.

ADHD predominantly inattentive

Hippocampus

Neuronal Markers

Thyroid hormone-responsive protein (THRSP)

Wnt signaling

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a ubiquitous array of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity behaviors typically diagnosed in children ¹ and often persist into adulthood ². According to global estimates, ADHD affects 8–12% of children ³ and 2–6% of adults ⁴. Moreover, twin and adoption studies have indicated that ADHD is a highly heritable disorder, with heritability estimated between 77–90% ^{5, 6}, suggesting the substantial role of genetics in the etiology of ADHD. However, no single gene can predict this disorder. Conversely, numerous studies have indicated that approximately 33% of ADHD heritability may be caused by polygenic factors comprising several common variants, each with a small effect size ⁷. Furthermore, considerable evidence supports the interaction between genetic (polygenic) and environmental factors during early development ^{8, 9, 10}.

Studies have implicated widespread changes in the brain macro- and microstructure, including the frontal, basal ganglia, anterior cingulate, temporal, and parietal regions ^{11, 12}, with high associations in the left parahippocampal gyrus ¹³ and hippocampus (HPC) ^{14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19}. Children diagnosed with ADHD frequently struggle with deficits in executive function, temporal processing, and visuospatial memory, the defining hallmarks of predominantly inattentive presentation (ADHD-PI) ^{20, 21, 22, 23}, considered to be subserved by the hippocampal region.

The HPC comprises two layers of neurons, pyramidal neurons in the cornu ammonis (CA) and granule neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) fields ²⁴. This brain region is involved in consolidating emotional memory and episodic memory formation. Interestingly, the hippocampal DG can generate new neurons throughout life in humans ^{25, 26, 27} and rodents ^{28, 29}, termed adult neurogenesis ^{30, 31, 32} and believed to play a crucial role in cognitive plasticity ³³. Interestingly, alterations during neurogenesis and plasticity of the developing brain and later in life are often discussed as vulnerability factors for developing psychiatric disorders such as ADHD ^{34, 35}. Recently, personalized fingerprinting of the brain functional connectome has revealed sensitive time points in brain maturation and plasticity that differed from those with symptoms of ADHD ^{36, 37}. Evidence indicates that candidate risk genes in ADHD are enriched in pathways such as neurite outgrowth, axon guidance, cell trafficking, brain development, and neurogenesis ^{38, 39, 40}, all of which are regulated by Wnt signaling ^{41, 42, 43, 44}.

Extracellular Wnt signaling stimulates numerous intracellular signaling cascades that regulate crucial aspects of neural stem cell (NSC) fate determination, cell migration, cell polarity, neural patterning, and organogenesis ⁴⁵ during embryonic and adult brain development ⁴⁶ via the transcriptional coactivator catenin beta 1 (β-catenin; Ctnnb1), which forms the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Given this extensive range of roles, dysregulation of Wnt signaling could have pathological effects on neurodevelopment ⁴⁷. Previous findings have afforded new hypotheses: Apart from the well-recognized multifactorial ADHD etiological factors, recent evidence proposes that the interface between genetic and environmental factors and particularly Wnt signaling pathways might significantly contribute to ADHD pathophysiology ^{10, 34, 48, 49, 50, 51}.

In an extension of our previous studies and for preclinical exploration of the genetic underpinnings of ADHD, the present study performed proteomic analysis of the HPC of a thyroid hormone-responsive protein (THRSP)-overexpressing (OE) mouse model of predominantly inattentive ADHD (ADHD-PI) presentation. This ‘bottom-up’ experimental approach is intended to screen and identify enriched pathways, particularly those involved in Wnt signaling, which could further elucidate the ADHD-PI endophenotype observed in THRSP OE mice. We also evaluated the effects of environmental enrichment on behavior and gene expression.

Animals

Herein, we used two THRSP transgenic mouse lines, OE and knockout (KO) mice ⁵² and their wild-type (WT) counterparts (Figure 1a), confirmed using DNA electrophoresis (genotyping). These lines were continuously bred and maintained at the Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience (Laboratory of Pharmacology, Sahmyook University) ^{52, 53} animal facility until the appropriate experimental age was reached. In addition, non-transgenic littermates were used as WT counterparts. Briefly, mice were housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment (temperature, 22 ± 2°C; relative humidity, 55 ± 5%) under a 12/12 h light/dark (07:00–19:00 h light) cycle. All standard animal care and procedures were performed following the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care (NIH Publication No. 85-23, revised 1985), the Animal Ethics Review Board of Sahmyook University, South Korea (SYUIACUC2020-010), and in compliance with the 3Rs framework ⁵⁴ and ARRIVE guidelines ⁵⁵ recommended by Nature Communications.

EXPERIMENT 1: Evaluation of potential genetic targets affecting ADHD-PI behavior

Y-maze

Prior to proteomic and other molecular analyses of the hippocampal region, 7-week-old mice (between postnatal [PND] 49 or 50) (n=12) were examined in the Y-maze test to confirm the impaired behavior (i.e., inattention, impaired memory) in adult THRSP OE and the absence thereof in THRSP KO mice, compared with WT mice, which were previously observed ^{52, 53}. The use of 7-week-old or PND 49 or 50 mice was based on a previous study that identified the chronometry of species, indicating full body growth completion by PND 50 ⁵⁶. Accordingly, we employed an arbitrary date of PND 49 or 50 as a reasonable age for an adult mouse.

Briefly, each mouse was placed in one arm of the Y-maze (45 × 10 × 20 cm), allowed to explore freely for 10 min, and recorded using Ethovison XT (RRID: SCR_000441; Noldus, Netherlands). 'Arm entry' was defined as entry of all four paws (mice) into an arm and the 'alternation behavior' (actual alternations) as a consecutive entry into three arms. The percentage of spontaneous alternation was calculated as the ratio of actual alternations to the maximum number of alternations (total number of arm entries minus two) multiplied by 100 (% alternation = [(number of alternations)/(total arm entries − 2)] × 100).

Separate groups of mice (n=12) maintained in a standard environment (SE) (6 per cage) or enriched environment (EE) (6 per cage) were subjected to Y-maze tests at a frequency of four tests conducted on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 in the reared environment (Figure 7a).

Brain extraction

In the first set of experiments, brain samples from 18 mice (Figure 1a) were randomly assigned for use in proteomics analysis, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, or immunofluorescence (Figure 4-6). For the first six samples, HPC was divided into left and right portions, in which the left hippocampal side of the brain was snap-frozen and enclosed in a dry ice-filled box, subsequently transported to the SNU laboratory for proteomic analysis. The remaining right half was prepared for protein extraction and underwent western blotting. We used the second set of six hippocampal brain samples for qRT-PCR and the last six brain samples for immunofluorescence targeting the hippocampal DG.

Proteomic analysis

Proteins were extracted from mouse HPC brain tissues using radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) buffer and quantified using the bicinchoninic acid protein assay. Briefly, 200 µg of each sample were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions and stained with Instant Blue Coomassie protein stain. Each lane was divided into 10 individually processed segments for in-gel protein digestion. Stained gel fragments were cut into small pieces, washed with 100 mM ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3), and dehydrated with 50% (v/v) acetonitrile (ACN) in 25 mM ammonium bicarbonate. The reduction was performed by incubating samples with 20 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) for 1 h at 60°C, followed by alkylation with 55 mM iodoacetamide for 45 min in the dark. After washing and dehydration with acetonitrile, gel pieces were covered with 12.5 ng/μL trypsin in 50 mM NH4HCO3, and digestion was performed overnight at 37°C. Peptide extraction was carried out by incubation at 37°C with 10% formic acid (FA) and further incubation with 50% ACN in 0.1% FA and 80% ACN in 0.1% FA. Eluted peptides were dried in a SpeedVac and stored at −20°C until further use.

Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and data analysis

Peptides were resuspended in solvent A (0.1% FA), loaded into an analytical column, and separated with a linear grade 5−35% solvent B (0.1% FA in 98% ACN) for 95 min at a flow rate of 300 nL/min. The MS spectra were recorded on a Q-Exactive plus hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap MS coupled with an Ultimate 3000 HPLC system. The standard mass spectrometric condition of the spray voltage was set to 2.0 kV, and the temperature of the heated capillary was set to 250℃. Full scans were acquired in the range of 400−1400 m/z with 70,000 resolutions, and the normalized collision energy was 27% and 17,500 resolutions for high-energy collision dissociation fragmentation. The data-dependent acquisition was performed with a single survey MS scan, followed by 10 MS/MS scans with a dynamic exclusion time of 30 s. The collected MS/MS raw data were converted into mzXML files using engine-based PEAKS Studio. Protein identification was performed using the UniProt-Musculus database, setting the precursor mass tolerance to 10 ppm and fragment mass tolerance to 0.8 Da. Oxidized methionine was considered a variable amino acid modification, and carbamidomethylation of cysteine was deemed a fixed modification. Trypsin was selected as the enzyme, allowing up to two missed cleavages. Peptide and protein identifications were further filtered to < 1% FDR, as measured using a concatenated target-decoy database search strategy. Relative protein quantitation samples were analyzed using the Power Law Global Error Model (PLGEM) (http://www.bioconductor.org) package within the R program (version 3.4.2). PLGEM can control datasets to distinguish statistically significant DEPs and calculate expression level changes by p-value and signal-to-noise ratio. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed using all significantly altered proteins.

Gene ontology (GO) analysis

Analyses of GO biological processes and enriched pathways were performed using the GENEONTOLOGY/PANTHER classification system (v.17) ^{57, 58, 59}. We used upregulated and downregulated DEPs from THRSP KO and OE mice relative to WT mice to analyze GO biological processes. In contrast, the total DEPs (upregulated and downregulated) were used for GO enrichment analysis.

Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) analysis

To investigate the biological relevance of identified DEPs, protein-protein interaction networks were generated using STRING (v.11.5) ⁶⁰. The graphical representation of protein networks was restricted to high-confidence interactions with a score interaction threshold of 0.9, excluding non-interacting proteins.

RNA extraction and qRT-PCR

Total RNA was isolated using TRIzol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA). A Hybrid-RTM Kit (Geneall Biotechnology, Seoul, Korea) was used for RNA purification. The total RNA concentration was determined with a Colibri Microvolume Spectrometer (Titertek-Berthold, Pforzheim, Germany).

qRT-PCR was used to measure mRNA expression levels of Thrsp and those involved in Wnt signaling (upstream/downstream), based on our previous report ⁶¹. One microgram (µg) of total RNA was reverse-transcribed into cDNA using AccuPower CycleScript RT Premix (Bioneer, Seoul, Korea). The cDNA amplification was performed using custom-made sequence-specific primers (Cosmogenetech, Seoul, Korea) (Thyroid hormone-responsive protein (Thrsp), F: 5'-ATGCAAGTGCTAACGAAACGC-3', R: 5'-CCTGCCATTCCTCCCTTGG-3'; Wnt family member 3 (Wnt3), F: 5'-CTCGCTGGCTACCCAATTTG-3', R: 5'-CTTCACACCTTCTGCTACGCT-3'; Wnt family member 4 (Wnt4), F: 5'-AGACGTGCGAGAAACTCAAAG-3', R: 5'-GGAACTGGTATTGGCACTCCT-3'; Wnt family member 6 (Wnt6), F: 5'-GCAAGACTGGGGGTTCGAG-3', R: 5'-CCTGACAACCACACTGTAGGAG-3'; Wnt family member 7a (Wnt7a), F: 5'-TCAGTTTCAGTTCCGAAATGGC-3', R: 5'- CCCGACTCCCCACTTTGAG-3'; Wnt family member 8b (Wnt8b), F: 5'-CCCGTGTGCGTTCTTCTAGTC-3', R: 5'-AGTAGACCAGGTAAGCCTTTGG-3'; Wnt family member 11 (Wnt11), F: 5'-GCTGGCACTGTCCAAGACTC-3', R: 5'-CTCCCGTGTACCTCTCTCCA-3'; Cerberus 1 (Cer1), F: 5'-CTCTGGGGAAGGCAGACCTAT-3', R: 5'-CCACAAACAGATCCGGCTT-3'; Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (Dkk1), F: 5'-CTCATCAATTCCAACGCGATCA-3', R: 5'-GCCCTCATAGAGAACTCCCG-3'; Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 4 (Dkk4), F: 5'-GTACTGGTGACCTTGCTTGGA-3', R: 5'-CCGTTCATCGTGAAACGCTAAG-3'; Secreted frizzled related protein 2 (sFrp2), F: 5'-CGTGGGCTCTTCCTCTTCG-3', R: 5'-ATGTTCTGGTACTCGATGCCG-3'; Secreted frizzled related protein 5 (sFrp5), F: 5'-CACTGCCACAAGTTCCCCC-3', R: 5'-TCTGTTCCATGAGGCCATCAG-3'; Shisa family member 4 (Shisa4), F: 5'-GGACTGCTTGTGGTATCTGGA-3', R: 5'-CGGTGATGAGTAAGGTCAGGT-3'; Shisa family member 9 (Shisa9), F: 5'-CTCCTGTCGGGGCTACTTC-3', R: 5'-CCGCTTCTTAAACGTGCAGC-3'; Insulin like growth factor binding protein 1 (Igfbp1), F: 5'-ATCAGCCCATCCTGTGGAAC-3', R: 5'-TGCAGCTAATCTCTCTAGCACTT-3'; Insulin like growth factor binding protein 1 (Igfbp5), F: 5'-CCCTGCGACGAGAAAGCTC-3', R: 5'-GCTCTTTTCGTTGAGGCAAACC-3'; Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1), F: 5'-TCTGGAGCATCCTACCTTGC-3', R: 5'-ATGAGCACTCTAGCCTGATGG-3'; Sclerostin (Sost), F: 5'-AGCCTTCAGGAATGATGCCAC-3', R: 5'-CTTTGGCGTCATAGGGATGGT-3'; Sclerostin domain containing 1 (Sostdc1), F: 5'-CCTGCCATTCATCTCTCTCTCA-3', R: 5'-CCGGGACAGGTTTAACCACA-3'; Adenomatosis polyposis coli downregulated 1 (Apcdd1), F: 5'-CTTCACGGCGTCCAAGTCAT-3', R: 5'-GCAAGTTCGGTTCACCAGTC-3'; Frizzled class receptor 1 (Fzd1), F: 5'-CAGCAGTACAACGGCGAAC-3', R: 5'-GTCCTCCTGATTCGTGTGGC-3'; Frizzled class receptor 3 (Fzd3), F: 5'-ATGGCTGTGAGCTGGATTGTC-3', R: 5'-GGCACATCCTCAAGGTTATAGGT-3'; Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1), F: 5'-ACTATGGATGCCCCTAAAACTTG-3', R: 5'-GCAATCTCTTTCACCGTCACA-3'; Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (Lrp5), F: 5'-AAGGGTGCTGTGTACTGGAC-3', R: 5'-AGAAGAGAACCTTACGGGACG-3'; Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (Lrp6), F: 5'-TTGTTGCTTTATGCAAACAGACG-3', R: 5'-GTTCGTTTAATGGCTTCTTCGC-3'; Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 10 (Lrp10), F: 5'-GGATCACTTTCCCACGTTCTG-3', R: 5'-GAGTGCAGGATTAAATGCTCTGA-3'; Receptor tyrosine kinase like orphan receptor 1 (Ror1), F: 5'-TGAGCCGATGAATAACATCACAA-3', R: 5'-CAGGTGCATCATTCTTGAACCA-3'; Receptor tyrosine kinase like orphan receptor 2 (Ror2), F: 5'-ATCGACACCTTGGGACAACC-3', R: 5'-AGTGCAGGATTGCCGTCTG-3'; Receptor like tyrosine kinase (Ryk), F: 5'-GGTCTTGATGCAGAGCTTTACT-3', R: 5'-CCCATAGCCACAAAGTTGTCTAC-3'; Disheveled segment polarity protein 1 (Dvl1), F: 5'-ATGAGGAGGACAATACGAGCC-3', R: 5'-GCATTTGTGCTTCCGAACTAGC-3'; Disheveled segment polarity protein 2 (Dvl2), F: 5'-GGTGTAGGCGAGACGAAGG-3', R: 5'-GCTGCAAAACGCTCTTGAAATC-3'; Disheveled segment polarity protein 3 (Dvl3), F: 5'-GTCACCTTGGCGGACTTTAAG-3', R: 5'-AAGCAGGGTAGCTTGGCATTG-3'; Axin 2 (Axin2), F: 5'-TGACTCTCCTTCCAGATCCCA-3', R: 5'-TGCCCACACTAGGCTGACA-3'; Adenomatous polyposis coli regulator of Wnt signaling pathway (Apc), F: 5'-CTTGTGGCCCAGTTAAAATCTGA-3', R: 5'-CGCTTTTGAGGGTTGATTCCT-3'; Apc regulator of Wnt signaling pathway 2 (Apc2), F: 5'-CACACAGTTTGACCATCGTGA-3', R: 5'-GTGGACGAGGTTGCGTAGC-3'; Casein kinase 1 alpha 1 (Csnk1α1), F: 5'-TCCAAGGCCGAATTTATCGTC-3', R: 5'-ACTTCCTCGCCATTGGTGATG-3'; Casein kinase 1 epsilon (Csnk1ε), F: 5'-ATGGAGTTGCGTGTGGGAAAT-3', R: 5'-ACATTCGAGCTTGATGGCTACT-3'; Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3β), F: 5'-TGGCAGCAAGGTAACCACAG-3', R: 5'-CGGTTCTTAAATCGCTTGTCCTG-3'; Catenin beta 1 (Ctnnβ1), F: 5'-ATGGAGCCGGACAGAAAAGC-3', R: 5'-CTTGCCACTCAGGGAAGGA-3';) and was detected with SYBR Green (Solgent, Korea).

qRT-PCR analysis was performed in duplicate, and values were normalized to mRNA levels of the housekeeping gene Actin beta (Actb), F:5’- GGCTGTATTCCCCTCCATCG-3’, R:5’-CCAGTTGGTAACAATGCCATGT-3’]. The relative expression levels were calculated using the 2-^ΔΔCt method.

Western blotting

Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression levels of specific Wnt signaling targets and neuronal markers in the mouse hippocampal region. Western blotting protocols were performed in accordance with those utilized in our previous studies ^{53, 62}. Briefly, 30 μg of protein lysates were loaded and electrophoresed on 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyacrylamide gels and subsequently transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes. Membranes were blocked with 5% bovine serum albumin in Tris-buffered saline with Tween-20 (TBST) for 1 h and incubated overnight with the following primary antibodies: rabbit polyclonal anti-phosphorylated-GSK3B (1/1000; Cell Signaling Technology Cat# 9336, RRID:AB_331405), rabbit monoclonal anti-GSK3B (1/1000; Cell Signaling Technology Cat# 9336, RRID:AB_331405), rabbit polyclonal anti-CSNK1E (1/1000; Cell Signaling Technology Cat# 12448, RRID:AB_2797919), rabbit polyclonal anti-GFAP (1/1000; LSBio, catalog number: LS-B15993), mouse monoclonal anti-NEU-N (1/1000; LSBio [LifeSpan] Cat# LS-C312122, RRID:AB_2827517). The standard control was performed using mouse monoclonal anti-ACTB (1/5000; Sigma-Aldrich Cat# A5441, RRID:AB_476744). Subsequently, the blots were washed in TBST and incubated with the appropriate HRP-conjugated anti-rabbit (Bio-Rad Cat# 170-6515, RRID:AB_11125142) and anti-mouse (Bio-Rad Cat# 170-6516, RRID:AB_11125547) secondary antibodies for 1 h. After three final washes with TBST, blots were visualized using enhanced chemiluminescence (Clarity Western ECL; Bio-Rad Laboratories) in a ChemiDoc Imaging System (Bio-Rad ChemiDoc MP Imaging System, RRID:SCR_019037).

5-BrdU injection

To label cell proliferation or mitotic cells in naïve mice, all groups were injected with 50 mg/kg 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (5-BrdU) (Cat# HY-15910 MedChemExpress, Monmouth Junction, NJ, USA) once daily for 6 days. On the last day (day 7), all groups were injected with 100 mg/kg 5-BrdU after behavioral experiments or 3 h prior to brain extraction. 5-BrdU was dissolved in 0.7% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1% Tween-80 in 0.9% saline solution and administered intraperitoneally (i.p.).

Immunofluorescence

Briefly, 5-BrdU-injected mice (n=6/group) were sacrificed immediately after the last day of the respective experiments. Standard protocols for brain fixation were followed ⁶³. Briefly, mice were anesthetized using tiletamine/zolazepam (50 mg·mL^-1); Zoletil; Vibrac Laboratories, Carros, France) and xylazine (100 mg·mL^-1). Using the intracardiac route, mice were perfused with a perfusion solution (0.05 M phosphate-buffered saline [PBS] and perfusate [4% paraformaldehyde; PFA] in 0.1 M phosphate buffer [PB]). Subsequently, mouse brains were carefully isolated, placed in a PFA solution-filled container, and stored at 4°C. The following day, brain samples were washed with PBS to remove the excess PFA, placed in a 30% sucrose solution, and stored at 4°C until use.

Brain samples were sectioned using a cryostat (Leica CM1850; Wetzlar, Germany) adjusted to 40-μm thickness, following stereotaxic coordinates of the mouse brain ⁶⁴. The brain slices were placed in a 0.2 M PB:distilled water:ethylene glycol:glycerin (1:3:3:3) storage solution and stored at 4°C (short-term storage) or -20°C (long-term storage).

The hippocampal region, specifically the DG, was selected, given its neurogenic role in the adult brain ⁶⁵. Brain slices were carefully washed thrice in a 24-well plate filled with 1× PBS. Subsequently, samples were incubated in a protein-blocking solution (5% goat serum and 0.3% Triton™ X-100 in 1× PBS) for 1 h at room temperature. Thereafter, brain slices were incubated (free-floating) with primary antibodies (dilution, 1/250) dissolved in a protein-blocking solution for 3 days. The primary antibodies used were mouse monoclonal anti-BrdU (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cat# MA3-071, RRID:AB_10986341), mouse monoclonal anti-NEU-N (LSBio, Cat# LS-C312122, RRID:AB_2827517), and rabbit polyclonal anti-GFAP (LSBio; catalog number: LS-B15993). After thrice washing with 1× PBS, the samples were incubated with either goat-anti-rabbit Alexa Fluor™-555 or goat-anti-mouse Alexa Fluor™-488 dyes (1/250) overnight at room temperature. The samples were thrice washed in 1× PBS and then incubated for 10 min with Hoechst 33342 (Thermo Scientific, MA, USA; catalog number:62249) in 1× PBS (1/1000). After three final washes with 1× PBS, the brain slices were mounted on 25 × 75 × 1 mm clean positively charged microscope slides (Walter Products Inc., MI, USA; catalog number: C17090W) and cured with Fisher Chemical™ Permount™ Mounting Medium (Fisher Scientific, NH, USA; catalog number: SP15-100). The prepared slides were then covered with 24 × 50 mm microscope cover glasses (Marienfield Laboratory Glassware, Germany; catalog number:0101222) and observed under a confocal laser-scanning microscope (Leica TCS SP8). The number of cells expressing BrdU in the DG was counted, and corrected cell fluorescence levels for NEU-N and GFAP in the DG were analyzed using ImageJ software (RRID: SCR_003070), as described previously ^{63, 66, 67}.

EXPERIMENT 2: Outcomes of non-pharmacological management in ADHD-PI genetic targets and behavior

Rearing environment

From week 3 (PND 21) to 7 (PND 49-50), six mice were maintained in either the standard environment (SE) or EE (n=12). The onset and duration of the rearing environment were based on previous studies that reported improved neural and behavioral outcomes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl) ^{68, 69}, the most validated animal model of ADHD. The overall cage size for both SE and EE measurements was 430 × 290 × 201 mm (L × B × H), with corncob bedding and a wire mesh cover. In addition, the EE cage contained a variety of stimulating, well-proportioned objects (i.e., colorful plastic tubes, wooden blocks, glass marbles, and small cylindrical-shaped wire cage platforms) (Figure 7b) to initiate interest and allow exploratory behavior, affording improvements in memory and cognitive functions ^{70, 71}. Cages were cleaned twice weekly to ensure a hygienic environment, and at the same time, objects in the EE group were rearranged into a novel configuration to ensure reinterest and re-exploration.

Treadmill exercise

The use of treadmill exercise allows an aerobic form of workout in mice, initiated in combination with EE, previously shown to improve memory and cognitive functions in rodents ^{72, 73, 74, 75}. Mice exposed to EE were allowed to run on a treadmill platform six times weekly (20 min/day) for four weeks in a rearing environment (Figure 7a).

Before the actual treadmill exercise, mice from the EE group were allowed a one-week adaptation period to familiarize themselves with the treadmill (Daejong Lab, Seoul, Republic of Korea). In the present study, we prevented the use of shock to stimulate running, as it may induce stress in mice, eventually altering their behavior. Instead, tapping with a wire brush was used to induce mice to continuous walking/running ⁷⁶. We maintained treadmill exercise for 20 min every six days, while the speed was gradually increased weekly to ensure continuous training and to stimulate running at the following speeds: week 0/habituation (10 m/20 min), week 1 (15 m/20 min), week 2 (20 m/min), week 3 (25 m/min), and week 4 (30 m/min). Mice experiencing early signs of fatigue (i.e., remaining still) were allowed to rest and were eventually reintroduced to the platform to continue the remaining treadmill exercise period.

Y-maze

Separate groups of mice (THRSP OE, KO, WT) (n=12) were maintained in a SE (6 per cage) or EE (6 per cage) and subjected to Y-maze tests at a frequency of four tests conducted on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of rearing enrichment (Figure 7a). The experimental protocols used were the same as those employed in Experiment 1 unless otherwise indicated.

Brain extraction

For mice (n=12) exposed to either SE or EE (Figure 7), brains were extracted and randomly assigned to two sets. The first set of six HPC samples was divided into left and right sections for subsequent use in qRT-PCR (left) and western blotting (right), whereas the last sets of brain samples were used for immunofluorescence (Figure 8-9).

RNA extraction and qRT-PCR

The left HPC isolated from the first set of mice exposed to either SE or EE was used for further RNA extraction and subsequent qRT-PCR analysis, using the same protocols as those in Experiment 1, unless otherwise indicated. In this experiment, we only measured and analyzed genes that were found to be altered during Experiment 1 or those showing up/downward trends. However, some genes were measured considering representation for each target belonging to ligands, inhibitors, receptors, co-receptors, and multiprotein complexes involved in canonical/non-canonical Wnt signaling. The gene targets, including Wnt3, Wnt6, Wnt7a, Cer1, Igfbp5, Wif1, Apcdd1, Fzd1, Fzd3, Lrp5, Lrp6, Ror1, Dvl1, Axin2, Csnk1ɛ, Gsk3β, and Ctnnβ1 were normalized to Actb as the housekeeping gene.

Western blotting

Western blotting was performed on the right HPC isolated from the first set of mice exposed to the SE or EE to examine specific Wnt signaling targets (i.e., p-GSK3B, GSK3B, CSNK1E) (Figure 8i) and neuronal markers (i.e., NEU-N, GFAP) (Figure 9b) in the mouse hippocampal region using the same protocols as those used in Experiment 1.

5-BrdU injection

Mice were injected with 50 mg/kg 5-BrdU for 6 days during the last week of environmental enrichment and treadmill exercises (days 22−27), followed by a 100 mg/kg injection on day 28 after the behavioral experiments, or 3 h prior to brain extraction. This labeling technique targets proliferating cells in response to combined EE and treadmill exercise.

Immunofluorescence

Mice were sacrificed immediately after the last behavioral experiment and 5-BrdU injection. The protocols were the same as those used in Experiment 1, primarily targeting BrdU immunoreactivity (Figure 9a) in the hippocampal DG region.

Statistics and reproducibility

Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism v9.4 (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). For graphical purposes, data are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean, and all statistical analyses were conducted on raw data tested for normal (Gaussian) distribution using the D'Agostino-Pearson omnibus. The animal numbers and recorded data points are indicated in all figures. The results were analyzed using either one-way or two-way analysis of variance with or without repeated measures, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. A level of probability of p ≤ 0.05 was defined as the threshold for statistical significance. Experiments were replicated at least three times.

Hippocampal proteomic analysis in an ADHD-PI mouse model.

The inheritance of ADHD is deemed a complex phenomenon involving polygenic factors, accompanied by the development of distinct behavioral characteristics. Studies have shown that targeting a specific gene through genetic manipulation, as observed in transgenic models, intrinsically alters alternate genes by either upregulating or downregulating their expression levels, potentially inducing symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Previously, we have reported that THRSP overexpression in mice can produce attention and memory impairment related to dopaminergic ⁵³ and thyroid hormones ⁵² aberrations, although other signaling mechanisms may also play a potential role. We conducted a proteomics analysis to provide a comprehensive representation of structural and functional data of the HPC, which plays a predominant role in cognitive functions, as well as the response mechanisms concerning genetic manipulations of THRSP in THRSP OE and KO mice.

The results revealed a total of 1780 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (Fig. 1c, Supplementary Table 1, 2) between THRSP KO and WT mice, with 681 and 1099 proteins upregulated and downregulated by 0.8-fold, respectively. Moreover, 1432 DEPs were observed between THRSP OE and WT (Fig. 1c, Supplementary Table 3, 4), where 600 proteins were upregulated by at least 0.8-fold and 832 were downregulated by 0.5-fold. Using this information, we applied the GENEONTOLOGY/PANTHER classification system to identify the GO biological processes involved in upregulated and downregulated proteins, and the total DEPs were analyzed to determine enriched pathways. GO analyses of DEPs in THRSP KO and OE mice identified variations in cellular processes, including localization, adhesion, and response to stimuli, as well as in metabolic and developmental processes (Fig. 2a-b; 3a-b). These biological processes may indicate the participation of NSC activity, which could be associated with hippocampal-dependent behaviors of these mice in the Y-maze test (Fig. 1a). Our previous and present data demonstrate that THRSP KO mice exhibit a high percentage of spontaneous alternations ⁵², whereas THRSP OE mice (the ADHD-PI model) exhibited a low percentage of spontaneous alternations ^{52, 53}, indicating a significant difference in their behavior probably attributed to functional deletion and overexpression of THRSP, respectively. However, whether NSCs are activated in response to their transgenic nature needs to be examined. Therefore, we conducted GO enrichment analysis and identified an enriched Wnt signaling pathway (Fig. 2c, 3c), where 36 genes from THRSP KO mice (Table 1) and 31 genes from THRSP OE mice (Table 2) demonstrated direct involvement in this signaling pathway. The data demonstrated the involvement of NSC activity in these THRSP transgenic mice, revealing that alterations in THRSP gene expression induce an inherent change in the expression of hippocampal Wnt-related proteins. Furthermore, we identified the enrichment of a pathway related to Rho-GTPase cytoskeletal regulation (Fig. 2c; 3c), previously identified as a key mediator of Wnt signaling ⁷⁷. Interestingly, THRSP OE mice presented variations in genes enriched in dopamine receptor signaling, supporting our previous findings that dopaminergic signaling is a factor underlying inattentive behavior ⁵³.

The total DEPs used to produce GO biological processes were analyzed using STRING, presenting protein-protein interaction networks restricted to high-confidence (0.9) interaction thresholds (Fig. 2c; 3c) only. The protein network of DEPs from THRSP KO mice revealed the high interaction of catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) (Fig. 2c; highlighted in red). In contrast, DEPs in THRSP OE mice showed catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) (Fig. 3c; highlighted in blue) to be among the most highly interacting proteins in the network. These critical findings provide evidence of differences between the two transgenic mice. However, THRSP OE mice are of particular interest, given the differential expression of CTNNB1 (upregulated), the key regulatory protein primarily involved in the formation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling ⁷⁸, in this inattentive and memory-impaired transgenic ADHD-PI model. It should be noted that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is speculated to control the balance of NSC proliferation and differentiation during brain development and adult neurogenesis ^{45, 46}. Disruption of Wnt signaling may result in developmental defects and neurological disorders ⁴⁷, such as ADHD ^{10, 34, 48}. These observations showed an association between the upregulated expression of CTNNB1 and the ADHD-PI endophenotype in THRSP OE mice. Other important regulatory proteins were also found to be directly involved in canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, including adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and casein kinase 1 alpha 1 (CSNK1A1), which are innately dysregulated in THRSP OE mice (Table 3). The current focus is on understanding how the upregulation of CTNNB1 affects the regulation of Wnt signaling and its targets and evaluating its contributory effects on hippocampal-dependent behavioral impairment in attention and memory in THRSP OE mice.

Aberrant Wnt-related genes in THRSP OE mice

We evaluated Wnt signaling-related markers upstream of CTNNB1, including the gene expression of hippocampal Wnt ligands, inhibitors, receptors, and co-receptors. Although CTNNB1 belongs to the canonical Wnt signaling, we also analyzed genes involved in the non-canonical pathway for an in-depth understanding of genetic changes in our THRSP OE mice, during which we also compared expressions of gene targets with that of THRSP KO and WT mice. Among Wnt ligands measured, a significant reduction in Wnt7a gene expression was observed in THRSP OE mice when compared with both THRSP KO and WT mice (Fig. 4a-b). Other genes, including the canonical Wnt3 and Wnt8b ligands and non-canonical Wnt4, Wnt6, and Wnt11 ligands, demonstrated insignificant expression changes, although upward/downward trends were observed. Interestingly, the expression of Wnt inhibitors Cer1, Shisa9, and Apcdd1 was significantly higher in THRSP KO mice than in WT or THRSP OE mice. However, Wnt inhibitors such as Dkk4 and Igfbp5 were upregulated in THRSP OE mice.

Moreover, Wnt receptors Fzd1 and Fzd3 were increased in THRSP KO mice, whereas an upward trend was observed in THRSP OE mice when compared with WT mice. Wnt co-receptors of canonical signaling were deregulated and showed increased Lrp5 and Lrp10 expression in THRSP KO mice, whereas enhanced Lrp6 expression was observed in THRSP OE mice. Overall, these findings suggested that Wnt ligands, inhibitors, receptors, and co-receptors were deregulated in THRSP KO and THRSP OE mice without significantly enhancing Wnt ligands. In addition, upregulated DKk4 and Igfbp5 Wnt inhibitors present in THRSP OE mice could have affected the imbalance in Wnt receptors and co-receptors. This may also apply to observations from THRSP KO mice, demonstrating that the activation of Wnt ligands triggers altered expression of Wnt inhibitors, receptors, and co-receptors.

THRSP overexpression enhances some genes involved in (Wnt) multiprotein complex

The multiprotein complex in Wnt signaling regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activity by physically displacing complexed GSK3 from its original regulatory binding partners, APC and casein kinase 1 (CSNK1), and more recently, axin (AXIN), in the so-called destruction complex, consequently triggering the phosphorylation or degradation of β-catenin ⁷⁹. β-catenin is phosphorylated by the serine/threonine kinases CSNK1 and GSK3B and targeted for ubiquitination by the β-transducin repeat-containing protein (βTrCP) proteasomal degradation ⁸⁰. Following confirmation, in the absence of significant upregulation of Wnt ligands examined in THRSP OE mice, we subsequently assessed the multiprotein complex or the so-called destruction complex that further initiates either augmentation or degradation of β-catenin, deemed necessary for Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we observed that Axin2, Csnk1ɛ, and Gsk3β were all enhanced in addition to the increased Ctnnβ1 and decreased Dvl1 gene expression levels (Fig. 5a). Moreover, the expression of hippocampal GSK3B and CSNK1E proteins was enhanced, confirming their enhanced gene expression. Additionally, GSK3B is considered to be constitutively inactivated by phosphorylation at Ser9 and activated by autophosphorylation at Tyr216 ⁸¹. This finding indicates that the low phosphorylated GSK3B (Ser9) expression in THRSP OE mice confirms its high activity in the basal form, thereby impacting β-catenin expression.

THRSP OE mice exhibit impaired neurogenic markers

Wnt signaling regulates crucial aspects of NSC activity. Accordingly, we determined whether dysregulation of Wnt signaling in THRSP OE mice can impact the expression of select neurogenic markers in the HPC, particularly in the DG, which participates in the NSC neurogenic process in the adult brain ⁶⁵. Immunofluorescence of HPC in THRSP OE mice presented a reduced percentage of DG cells expressing BrdU, along with decreased NEU-N and GFAP reactivity (Fig. 6a-b) when compared with that in THRSP KO and WT mice. Western blot analysis confirmed the reduced expression of NEU-N and GFAP (Fig. 6c) in THRSP OE mice, suggesting a possible maturational delay in NSCs and radial glial progenitor cells that could affect neuronal and glial formation in the nervous system during adult neurogenesis. In addition, these maturational delays in NSCs could have impacted the hippocampal-dependent behavioral performance of THRSP OE mice, resulting in inattention and memory impairment. Overall, the overexpression of THRSP in mice profoundly impacted the immunoreactivity and expression of neurogenic markers in the DG, implicated by impairments of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in THRSP OE mice.

EE and treadmill exercise ameliorate behavioral deficits in THRSP OE mice accompanied by improvements in Wnt signaling and NSC activity

Physiological effects of physical exercise on learning and memory have been demonstrated in human and animal models ^{82, 83}, where regular physical exercise improves cognitive behavior by affording neuroprotective effects ^{84, 85}. Conversely, exposure to physically, mentally, and sensory stimulating (enriched) environments can improve learning and memory impairment ⁸⁶. All mice were exposed to EE combined with physical exercise for four weeks to evaluate these effects (Fig. 7a-b). Each group was exposed to a SE. Subsequently, these mice were exposed to the Y-maze, and the percentage of spontaneous alternations was analyzed, revealing an enhancement in attention and memory in mice, as evidenced by increased spontaneous alternations (Fig. 7c). Early exposure to an EE and physical activity improved cognitive behavior in mice, particularly in THRSP OE mice. This confirmed that ADHD-PI behavior could be improved by combining early environmental enrichment and physical exercise, supporting the use of non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate the signs and symptoms of ADHD ^{87, 88}.

We previously identified the positive effects of combined environmental enrichment and physical exercise on attention and memory in mice, particularly in THRSP OE mice; herein, we aimed to investigate their effects on Wnt signaling and NSC activity. Compared with SE-exposed mice, groups exposed to combined EE and treadmill exercises showed improvement in the genetic markers of Wnt signaling. The expression levels of canonical Wnt3 and Wnt7a ligands were improved (Fig. 8a) in all strains, with accompanying reduction in canonical and non-canonical Cer1 and Igfbp5 Wnt inhibitors (Fig. 8c-d) in THRSP KO and OE, respectively. Interestingly, we noted an increase in Wnt receptors (Fzd3) (Fig. 8e) and co-receptors (Lrp5, Lrp6) (Fig. 8f) and signs of stabilization in the multiprotein complex targets by reducing the Csnk1ɛ, Gsk3β, and Ctnnβ1 gene and protein expression levels (Fig. 8h-i). These results indicated that Wnt signaling activity was enhanced in the hippocampal region of mice exposed to combined EE and physical exercise, which may be related to improved attention and memory in mice during the Y-maze test. Furthermore, we detected the normalization of BrdU immunoreactivity (Fig. 9a) in THRSP OE mice, showing comparable percentages of DG cells expressing BrdU. Interestingly, NEU-N and GFAP expression improved (Fig. 9b), particularly in THRSP OE mice. Collectively, these findings suggested a relationship between the inherent impairment of Wnt signaling, reduced NSC activity, inattention, and memory impairment in THRSP OE mice, which were improved by a combination of EE and treadmill exercises.

Our study provides significant findings that could be valuable in advancing ADHD research. We identified hippocampal molecular signatures in an ADHD-PI mouse model that overexpressed THRSP rather than typical “culprits”, such as the dopaminergic hypothesis in ADHD or thyroid hormone dysfunction, also identified in our previous studies. Our current results converge with the ancient and evolutionary Wnt signaling pathways crucial for cell fate determination, migration, polarity, and neural patterning during neurodevelopment. These findings support the role of Wnt signaling in neurological disorders, particularly ADHD. Moreover, the integration of environmental enrichment with treadmill exercise has proven effective in improving not only behavior but also some altered molecular aspects in the hippocampal DG of THRSP OE mice, supporting the benefits conferred by non-pharmacological interventions, such as environmental modifications and exercise, in improving the signs and symptoms of ADHD.

It is interesting to note how functional overexpression and deletion of a certain gene, in this case, THRSP, would induce global differences not only in the behavior of mice but also in their molecular make-up. However, given that little is known regarding the function of THRSP in behavior, it remains unclear how genetic modifications in THRSP expression, particularly overexpression, but not KO, can induce ADHD-PI behavior. Two factors have been identified in our previous studies, i.e., dopaminergic ⁵³ and thyroid hormone ⁵² aberrations, which are known to trigger ADHD development. The present findings indicating the involvement of impaired Wnt signaling afford a better understanding of the role of THRSP and how it induces ADHD-PI. One distinct functional role of THRSP is lipogenesis, where it acts as a lipogenic activator that eventually regulates the expression of several lipogenic genes ⁸⁹. This finding is of particular interest, given the role of lipogenesis in NSC activity.

In a key study, de novo lipogenesis, particularly fatty acid synthase (FASN) activity, was shown to be specifically elevated in mouse NSCs when compared with differentiated neuronal cells ⁹⁰. Lipogenesis is required for stem cell proliferation and, therefore, for normal neurogenesis to proceed. In contrast, THRSP and Spot14 have been identified as repressors of NSC proliferation ⁹⁰. THRSP decreases FASN activity by dimerizing with Mid1-Interacting G12-Like protein (MIG12), a THRSP homolog and activator of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), thereby inhibiting its function and decreasing ACC-mediated malonyl-CoA production, leading to a reduction in fatty acid synthesis ⁹⁰. Notably, cholesterol biosynthesis, known to occur through an independent pathway, is also required for NSC self-renewal and maintenance in the developing mouse forebrain, given that NSCs with mutations in enzymes involved in this pathway exhibit premature differentiation into neurons, thereby exhausting the stem cell pool ⁹¹.

Using in situ hybridization, THRSP-expressing cells were shown to constitute neural stem progenitor cells, ^{90, 92} confined to the adult brain ⁹³ such as the subgranular zone of the hippocampal DG, which is highly neurogenic. Some progenitor cells are highly restricted to regions of the adult brain, such as the DG, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring lifelong neurogenesis in the mammalian brain, necessary for improved learning, memory, and overall cognitive abilities ^{35, 94}. Indeed, changes in the production, growth, and overall regulation of new neurons in neurogenic brain regions have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD ^{95, 96}. Remarkably, retroviral THRSP overexpression reduced hippocampal neural stem progenitor cell proliferation when compared with that induced by THRSP knockdown, indicating that THRSP plays a role in NSC modulation essential for neurogenesis. Therefore, THRSP overexpression and KO in mice potentially influence the expression of neuronal markers, indicative of the state of NSC activity in these transgenic mice, where THRSP OE mice exhibit reduced BrdU immunoreactivity with low NEU-N and GFAP protein expression when compared with THRSP KO mice with enhanced BrdU + cells and high NEU-N and GFAP expression. These effects might lead to altered or improved inattention or memory, which is evident in THRSP transgenic mice. In addition, THRSP is highly responsive to thyroid hormones, such as the neurogenic hippocampal DG.

Moreover, recent evidence has revealed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling participates in the regulation of thyroid hormone receptors, deiodinases, and transporter expression in target tissues, thereby affecting the transcriptional mechanisms ⁹⁷. Therefore, altered THRSP expression can induce aberrations, such as low thyroid hormone T3 levels. We have previously documented reduced T3 levels due to innately low monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) in these transgenic mice, ⁵² improved by thyroid hormone replacement (i.e., triiodothyronine/T3 [10 mg·kg^− 1], levothyroxine/T4 [10 mg·kg^− 1]), as evidenced by improvements in attention and memory behavior and theta wave normalization. Subsequently, this can alter the regulation of neuronal markers, as detected in the present study.

Our study is not the first to identify the role of impaired signaling in ADHD. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use a specific animal model that could potentially improve our understanding of ADHD-PI. However, caution should be used when interpreting the observed findings, as only the hippocampal proteomes were evaluated, which may result in discrepant findings. Nonetheless, a few findings using in vitro, preclinical, and clinical samples have been previously reported, which can support and corroborate our findings. Among these, enhanced neuronal differentiation in cell models (i.e., murine neural stem, rat PC12, and human SH-SY5Y cells) has been associated with activation of Wnt signal transduction pathways, ³⁴ induced by methylphenidate (Ritalin), a commonly used ADHD medication. We have previously reported that treatment with methylphenidate (5 mg·kg^− 1) could improve inattention during the Y-maze and novel-object recognition inTHRSP OE mice ⁵³ This improved behavior in THRSP OE mice following methylphenidate injection could be attributed to Wnt signaling, as the classical G protein-coupled receptors and canonical Wnt pathways interact with each other by sharing several intermediate signaling components. Recent in vivo studies have revealed that antipsychotic drugs, known to dopamine D2-like receptors, increase cellular levels of downstream signaling components of canonical Wnt pathways, such as Dvl, Gsk3β, and Ctnnβ1, indicating functional interactions between the Wnt pathway and D2-like receptors ⁹⁸. Interestingly, these genetic markers were altered in THRPS-OE mice.

Additionally, the striatal transcriptomic analysis of an ADHD mouse model displaying hyperactivity and motor impulsivity revealed a pattern of synaptic remodeling. Subsequently, multiple genes were predicted to downregulate canonical Wnt pathways ¹⁰. Lastly, an association study and meta-analysis have evaluated the involvement of canonical Wnt signaling LRP5 and LRP6 receptor gene variants in ADHD ⁴⁸. Interestingly, genetic variations in LRP5 intronic rs4988319 and rs3736228 (Ala1330Val) were observed among young females, whereas LRP6 rs2302685 (Val1062Ile) variations were observed in young males, indicating a potential sex-specific link between LRP5 and LRP6 gene variants in ADHD. In general, these recent findings support the hypothesis that genes involved in Wnt signaling might affect the physiology and predispose THRSP OE mice to ADHD-like symptoms.

Previous studies have shown that an active lifestyle involving regular exercise improves brain function, in which both synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis are modulated. In the mature brain, the canonical Wnt signaling pathway has been implicated in neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. Herein, Wnt signaling was enhanced in THRSP OE mice, as evidenced by improvements in the expression of Wnt signaling-related markers that were previously altered. Moreover, long-term environmental enrichment accompanied by treadmill exercise improved the attention and memory of THRSP OE mice, concomitant with an improvement in Wnt signaling. Mice in the SE group showed lower expression levels of canonical Wnt ligands (i.e., Wnt3 and Wnt4) than the EE + treadmill groups, which exhibited higher expression levels. In addition, we noted improvements in the expression of Wnt receptors and co-receptors, particularly Fzd3 and Lrp5 mRNA levels, respectively, with low levels of Wnt inhibitors (i.e., Igfbp5, Apcdd1). Analysis of some components of the multiprotein complex implicated in the phosphorylation of β-catenin, resulting in either its proteasomal degradation or activation, exhibited low levels or reduced trends in Dvl1, Axin2, Csnk1ε, Gsk3β, and Ctnnβ1 mRNA in mice exposed to EE and treadmill exercise when compared with SE-exposed mice. Western blot analyses of p-GSK3B (Ser9) against basal GSK3B confirmed the high activity of the GSK3B basal form in THRSP OE SE-exposed mice; this was reversed by environmental enrichment and treadmill exercises, subsequently affecting the expression of β-catenin. Typically, Wnt ligands bind to cell surface-FZD/LRP5-6 receptor complexes, which then bind to Dvl, causing activation of the multiprotein complex or “destruction complex”; this, in turn, displaces GSK3B, preventing the phosphorylation and degradation of CTNNB1. Thus, our results suggest that activation of the Wnt signaling pathway induced by environmental enrichment and treadmill exercises enhances the behavior of THRSP OE mice, which is corroborated by a previous study ⁹⁹.

Authors’ contributions

RJPC was responsible for the study design. HJK and JHC supervised and funded the study. ECY and B-NK were also involved in the supervision of the studies. JK and ECY conducted the proteomic analysis. RJPC, DMO, LVS, HJL, DB, and MK performed data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. RJPC drafted the manuscript. All the authors contributed to and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Data availability

Datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the Bio & Medical Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) (2016R1D1A1B02010387; 2020M3E5D9080791) and Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare (HI19C0844) of the government of South Korea.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Tables 1-3 are in the supplementary files section.

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Table 2
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Proteomics data reveals Wnt signaling involvement in the hippocampal-dependent behavioral impairment in THRSP-overexpressing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder mouse model

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