1
|
Chen CP. Prenatal diagnosis of familial 266-kb 2q13 microquadruplication encompassing MALL and NPHP1 in a pregnancy associated with asymptomatic carrier parent. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:424-425. [PMID: 38802213 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smolen C, Jensen M, Dyer L, Pizzo L, Tyryshkina A, Banerjee D, Rohan L, Huber E, El Khattabi L, Prontera P, Caberg JH, Van Dijck A, Schwartz C, Faivre L, Callier P, Mosca-Boidron AL, Lefebvre M, Pope K, Snell P, Lockhart PJ, Castiglia L, Galesi O, Avola E, Mattina T, Fichera M, Luana Mandarà GM, Bruccheri MG, Pichon O, Le Caignec C, Stoeva R, Cuinat S, Mercier S, Bénéteau C, Blesson S, Nordsletten A, Martin-Coignard D, Sistermans E, Kooy RF, Amor DJ, Romano C, Isidor B, Juusola J, Girirajan S. Assortative mating and parental genetic relatedness contribute to the pathogenicity of variably expressive variants. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:2015-2028. [PMID: 37979581 PMCID: PMC10716518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined more than 97,000 families from four neurodevelopmental disease cohorts and the UK Biobank to identify phenotypic and genetic patterns in parents contributing to neurodevelopmental disease risk in children. We identified within- and cross-disorder correlations between six phenotypes in parents and children, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (R = 0.32-0.38, p < 10-126). We also found that measures of sub-clinical autism features in parents are associated with several autism severity measures in children, including biparental mean Social Responsiveness Scale scores and proband Repetitive Behaviors Scale scores (regression coefficient = 0.14, p = 3.38 × 10-4). We further describe patterns of phenotypic similarity between spouses, where spouses show correlations for six neurological and psychiatric phenotypes, including a within-disorder correlation for depression (R = 0.24-0.68, p < 0.001) and a cross-disorder correlation between anxiety and bipolar disorder (R = 0.09-0.22, p < 10-92). Using a simulated population, we also found that assortative mating can lead to increases in disease liability over generations and the appearance of "genetic anticipation" in families carrying rare variants. We identified several families in a neurodevelopmental disease cohort where the proband inherited multiple rare variants in disease-associated genes from each of their affected parents. We further identified parental relatedness as a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders through its inverse relationship with variant pathogenicity and propose that parental relatedness modulates disease risk by increasing genome-wide homozygosity in children (R = 0.05-0.26, p < 0.05). Our results highlight the utility of assessing parent phenotypes and genotypes toward predicting features in children who carry rare variably expressive variants and implicate assortative mating as a risk factor for increased disease severity in these families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrine Smolen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Matthew Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Lucilla Pizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anastasia Tyryshkina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deepro Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Laura Rohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Emily Huber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Laila El Khattabi
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Medical Genetics, Armand Trousseau and Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospitals, Paris, France
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Perugia, Italy
| | - Jean-Hubert Caberg
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège. Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anke Van Dijck
- Department of Medical Genetics, University and University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Genetique et Cenre de Référence Anomalies du développement et syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France; GAD INSERM UMR1231, FHU TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Patrick Callier
- Centre de Genetique et Cenre de Référence Anomalies du développement et syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France; GAD INSERM UMR1231, FHU TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | | | - Mathilde Lefebvre
- GAD INSERM UMR1231, FHU TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Kate Pope
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Penny Snell
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul J Lockhart
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Bruce Lefroy Center, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lucia Castiglia
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Ornella Galesi
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Avola
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Teresa Mattina
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Fichera
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Bruccheri
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Olivier Pichon
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, Nantes, France
| | - Cedric Le Caignec
- CHU Toulouse, Department of Medical Genetics, Toulouse, France; ToNIC, Toulouse Neuro Imaging, Center, Inserm, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Radka Stoeva
- Service de Cytogenetique, CHU de Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | | | - Sandra Mercier
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, Nantes, France
| | | | - Sophie Blesson
- Department of Genetics, Bretonneau University Hospital, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Erik Sistermans
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University and University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David J Amor
- Bruce Lefroy Center, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Corrado Romano
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; Medical Genetics, ASP Ragusa, Ragusa, Italy
| | | | | | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smolen C, Jensen M, Dyer L, Pizzo L, Tyryshkina A, Banerjee D, Rohan L, Huber E, El Khattabi L, Prontera P, Caberg JH, Van Dijck A, Schwartz C, Faivre L, Callier P, Mosca-Boidron AL, Lefebvre M, Pope K, Snell P, Lockhart PJ, Castiglia L, Galesi O, Avola E, Mattina T, Fichera M, Mandarà GML, Bruccheri MG, Pichon O, Le Caignec C, Stoeva R, Cuinat S, Mercier S, Bénéteau C, Blesson S, Nordsletten A, Martin-Coignard D, Sistermans E, Kooy RF, Amor DJ, Romano C, Isidor B, Juusola J, Girirajan S. Assortative mating and parental genetic relatedness drive the pathogenicity of variably expressive variants. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.18.23290169. [PMID: 37292616 PMCID: PMC10246151 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.23290169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We examined more than 38,000 spouse pairs from four neurodevelopmental disease cohorts and the UK Biobank to identify phenotypic and genetic patterns in parents associated with neurodevelopmental disease risk in children. We identified correlations between six phenotypes in parents and children, including correlations of clinical diagnoses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (R=0.31-0.49, p<0.001), and two measures of sub-clinical autism features in parents affecting several autism severity measures in children, such as bi-parental mean Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores affecting proband SRS scores (regression coefficient=0.11, p=0.003). We further describe patterns of phenotypic and genetic similarity between spouses, where spouses show both within- and cross-disorder correlations for seven neurological and psychiatric phenotypes, including a within-disorder correlation for depression (R=0.25-0.72, p<0.001) and a cross-disorder correlation between schizophrenia and personality disorder (R=0.20-0.57, p<0.001). Further, these spouses with similar phenotypes were significantly correlated for rare variant burden (R=0.07-0.57, p<0.0001). We propose that assortative mating on these features may drive the increases in genetic risk over generations and the appearance of "genetic anticipation" associated with many variably expressive variants. We further identified parental relatedness as a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders through its inverse correlations with burden and pathogenicity of rare variants and propose that parental relatedness drives disease risk by increasing genome-wide homozygosity in children (R=0.09-0.30, p<0.001). Our results highlight the utility of assessing parent phenotypes and genotypes in predicting features in children carrying variably expressive variants and counseling families carrying these variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrine Smolen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Matthew Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Lucilla Pizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anastasia Tyryshkina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Deepro Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Laura Rohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Emily Huber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Laila El Khattabi
- Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Medical Genetics, Armand Trousseau and Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospitals, Paris, France
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jean-Hubert Caberg
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège. Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anke Van Dijck
- Department of Medical Genetics, University and University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Genetique et Cenre de Référence Anomalies du développement et syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d’Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- GAD INSERM UMR1231, FHU TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Patrick Callier
- Centre de Genetique et Cenre de Référence Anomalies du développement et syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d’Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- GAD INSERM UMR1231, FHU TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | | | - Mathilde Lefebvre
- GAD INSERM UMR1231, FHU TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Kate Pope
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Penny Snell
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul J. Lockhart
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Center, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lucia Castiglia
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Ornella Galesi
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Avola
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Teresa Mattina
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Fichera
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Bruccheri
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Olivier Pichon
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, Nantes, France
| | - Cedric Le Caignec
- CHU Toulouse, Department of Medical Genetics, Toulouse, France
- ToNIC, Toulouse Neuro Imaging, Center, Inserm, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Radka Stoeva
- Service de Cytogenetique, CHU de Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | | | - Sandra Mercier
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, Nantes, France
| | | | - Sophie Blesson
- Department of Genetics, Bretonneau University Hospital, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Erik Sistermans
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University and University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David J. Amor
- Bruce Lefroy Center, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Corrado Romano
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Medical Genetics, ASP Ragusa, Ragusa, Italy
| | | | | | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Copy number variations on chromosome 2: impact on human phenotype, a cross-sectional study. Porto Biomed J 2023; 8:e198. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
|
5
|
Chen CP, Chen SW, Chern SR, Wu PS, Wu FT, Pan YT, Pan CW, Wang W. Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of a de novo duplication of 2q12.2→q13 encompassing MALL, NPHP1, RGPD6 and BUB1. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:1044-1047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
6
|
Chromosome 2q12.3-q13 copy number variants in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders: genotype-phenotype correlation and new hotspots. Psychiatr Genet 2022; 32:171-177. [PMID: 35837682 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The complex structure of the chromosome 2q12.3-q13 region provides a high chance of recombination events between various low copy repeats (LCRs). Copy number variants (CNV) in this region are present in both healthy populations and individuals affected with developmental delay, autism and congenital anomalies. Variable expressivity, reduced penetrance and limited characterization of the affected genes have complicated the classification of the CNVs clinical significance. METHODS Chromosomal microarray analysis data were reviewed for 10 298 patients with neurodevelopmental disorders referred to the UPMC Medical Genetics and Genomics Laboratories. A genotype-phenotype correlation was performed among the patients harboring the 2q12.3-q13 CNVs with overlapping genomic intervals. RESULTS We identified 17 (1 in ~600) individuals with rare CNVs in the 2q12.3-q13 region, including nine patients with deletions, seven individuals with duplications and one patient who had both a deletion and a duplication. Likely pathogenic CNVs with the breakpoints between LCRs encompassing the potential dosage-sensitive genes BCL2L11, BUB1, FBLN7 and TMEM87B were the most common. CNVs were also observed between LCRs surrounding the RANBP2 and LIMS1 genes. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence for pathogenic CNV hotspots within the chromosome 2q12.3-q13 region. We suggest CNV classification based on the affected interval and the involvement of potential dosage-sensitive genes in these patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Schizophrenia: Complement Cleaning or Killing. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020259. [PMID: 33670154 PMCID: PMC7916832 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder with a typical onset occurring during adolescence or young adulthood. The heterogeneity of the disorder complicates our understanding of the pathophysiology. Reduced cortical synaptic densities are commonly observed in schizophrenia and suggest a role for excessive synaptic elimination. A major pathway hypothesised to eliminate synapses during postnatal development is the complement system. This review provides an overview of genetic and functional evidence found for the individual players of the classical complement pathway. In addition, the consequences of the absence of complement proteins, in the form of complement protein deficiencies in humans, are taken into consideration. The collective data provide strong evidence for excessive pruning by the classical complement pathway, contributing to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. In future studies, it will be important to assess the magnitude of the contribution of complement overactivity to the occurrence and prevalence of phenotypic features in schizophrenia. In addition, more insight is required for the exact mechanisms by which the complement system causes excessive pruning, such as the suggested involvement of microglial engulfment and degradation of synapses. Ultimately, this knowledge is a prerequisite for the development of therapeutic interventions for selective groups of schizophrenia patients.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gu S, Cui F, Yin J, Fang C, Liu L. Altered mRNA expression levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related genes in the FOXO pathway in schizophrenia patients treated with olanzapine. Neurosci Lett 2021; 746:135669. [PMID: 33485989 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study attempted to analyze the alterations in the mRNA expression levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related genes in the forkhead box transcription factor O (FOXO) pathway in schizophrenia patients before and after olanzapine treatment. For a total of 32 acute schizophrenic inpatients, clinical data with PANSS were obtained before and after four weeks of olanzapine treatment (mean dose 14.24 ± 4.35 mg/d) along with data from 32 healthy volunteers. The mRNA expression levels of the FOXO pathway genes were measured by real-time qPCR after fasting venous blood was collected and analyzed. The mRNA expression levels of FOXO1, FOXO3A, FASLG, and BCL2L11 were observed to be significantly decreased in acute schizophrenia patients. After four weeks of olanzapine treatment, the expression levels of the first three genes were further reduced, but BCL2L11 expression levels were not significantly changed. The pairwise correlations between the mRNA expression level of FASLG and those of the other three genes were not observed in acute schizophrenia patients, while these relationships were observed in healthy controls. After olanzapine treatment, the FASLG mRNA expression level was restored and exhibited a pairwise correlation with the FOXO3A and BCL2L11 mRNA expression levels but not with the FOXO1 mRNA expression level, and FASLG mRNA expression was also correlated with the duration of the disease. The statuses and correlations of the mRNA expression levels of FOXO pathway-related genes were altered in schizophrenia patients and were affected by olanzapine treatment and the duration of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Gu
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
| | - Fengwei Cui
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
| | - Jiajun Yin
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
| | - Chunxia Fang
- Combined TCM & Western Medicine Department, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bellil H, Molina-Gomes D, Quibel T, Roy S, Dard R, Vialard F, Herve B. Prenatal diagnosis of 2q13 duplications: The crucial role of the family survey in genetic counseling on novel copy number variations. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103956. [PMID: 32439619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.103956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the introduction of novel genome analysis technologies (such as array comparative genomic hybridization) has enabled the prenatal diagnosis of various recurrent copy number variations (CNVs). Some of these CNVs have been linked to a greater susceptibility of developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders; for example, recurrent duplication at the 2q13 locus is associated with developmental delay, dysmorphism and intellectual disability. However, this CNV has low penetrance and variable clinical expressivity. It also can be observed in healthy controls and can be transmitted by unaffected parents, making genetic counseling especially challenging. Here, we report on the inheritance of a 2q13 duplication in an asymptomatic family; the case highlights the role of the family survey in genetic counseling with regard to novel CNVs diagnosed before birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hela Bellil
- Genetics Department, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France; UFR Simone Veil-Santé, RHuMA, UVSQ, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Denise Molina-Gomes
- Genetics Department, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France; UFR Simone Veil-Santé, RHuMA, UVSQ, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Thibaud Quibel
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHI de Poissy St Germain an Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France
| | - Sophie Roy
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHI de Poissy St Germain an Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France
| | - Rodolphe Dard
- Genetics Department, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France; UFR Simone Veil-Santé, RHuMA, UVSQ, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - François Vialard
- Genetics Department, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France; UFR Simone Veil-Santé, RHuMA, UVSQ, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bérénice Herve
- Genetics Department, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France; UFR Simone Veil-Santé, RHuMA, UVSQ, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Foley C, Heron EA, Harold D, Walters J, Owen M, O'Donovan M, Sebat J, Kelleher E, Mooney C, Durand A, Pinto C, Cormican P, Morris D, Donohoe G, Gill M, Gallagher L, Corvin A. Identifying schizophrenia patients who carry pathogenic genetic copy number variants using standard clinical assessment: retrospective cohort study. Br J Psychiatry 2020; 216:275-279. [PMID: 31964429 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copy number variants (CNVs) play a significant role in disease pathogenesis in a small subset of individuals with schizophrenia (~2.5%). Chromosomal microarray testing is a first-tier genetic test for many neurodevelopmental disorders. Similar testing could be useful in schizophrenia. AIMS To determine whether clinically identifiable phenotypic features could be used to successfully model schizophrenia-associated (SCZ-associated) CNV carrier status in a large schizophrenia cohort. METHOD Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves tested the accuracy of readily identifiable phenotypic features in modelling SCZ-associated CNV status in a discovery data-set of 1215 individuals with psychosis. A replication analysis was undertaken in a second psychosis data-set (n = 479). RESULTS In the discovery cohort, specific learning disorder (OR = 8.12; 95% CI 1.16-34.88, P = 0.012), developmental delay (OR = 5.19; 95% CI 1.58-14.76, P = 0.003) and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder (OR = 5.87; 95% CI 1.28-19.69, P = 0.009) were significant independent variables in modelling positive carrier status for a SCZ-associated CNV, with an area under the ROC (AUROC) of 74.2% (95% CI 61.9-86.4%). A model constructed from the discovery cohort including developmental delay and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder variables resulted in an AUROC of 83% (95% CI 52.0-100.0%) for the replication cohort. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that careful clinical history taking to document specific neurodevelopmental features may be informative in screening for individuals with schizophrenia who are at higher risk of carrying known SCZ-associated CNVs. Identification of genomic disorders in these individuals is likely to have clinical benefits similar to those demonstrated for other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Foley
- Clinical Research Fellow, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth A Heron
- Assistant Professor, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denise Harold
- Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Ireland
| | - James Walters
- Professor, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Michael Owen
- Director, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Michael O'Donovan
- Professor, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Jonathan Sebat
- Chief, Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, Departments of Psychiatry, Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego; and Professor, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego; and Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Eric Kelleher
- Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork; and Visiting Research Fellow, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina Mooney
- HDip in Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Research Nurse, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy Durand
- Medical Student, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Texas, USA; and Research Assistant, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carlos Pinto
- Research Fellow, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Cormican
- Lecturer, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Derek Morris
- Lecturer, Cognitive Genetics and Cognitive Therapy Group, Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG) Centre, School of Psychology and Discipline of Biochemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Gary Donohoe
- Professor, Cognitive Genetics and Cognitive Therapy Group, Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG) Centre, School of Psychology and Discipline of Biochemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael Gill
- Professor, Head of School of Medicine, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Director of Research, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin; and Professor, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aiden Corvin
- Professor, Head of Discipline, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Moslem M, Olive J, Falk A. Stem cell models of schizophrenia, what have we learned and what is the potential? Schizophr Res 2019; 210:3-12. [PMID: 30587427 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with clinical manifestations in early adulthood. However, it may start with disruption of brain development caused by genetic or environmental factors, or both. Early deteriorating effects of genetic/environmental factors on neural development might be key to described disease causing mechanisms. Establishing cellular models with cells from affected individual using the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technology could be used to mimic early neurodevelopment alterations caused by risk genes or environmental stressors. Indeed, cellular models have allowed identification and further study of risk factors and the biological pathways in which they are involved. New advancements in differentiation methods such as defined and robust monolayer protocols and cerebral 3D organoids have made it possible to faithfully mimic neural development and neuronal functionality while CRISPR-editing tools assist to engineer isogenic cell lines to precisely explore genetic variation in polygenic diseases such as schizophrenia. Here we review the current field of iPSC models of schizophrenia and how risk factors can be modelled as well as discussing the common biological pathways involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Moslem
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jessica Olive
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wolfe K, McQuillin A, Alesi V, Boudry Labis E, Cutajar P, Dallapiccola B, Dentici ML, Dieux‐Coeslier A, Duban‐Bedu B, Duelund Hjortshøj T, Goel H, Loddo S, Morrogh D, Mosca‐Boidron A, Novelli A, Olivier‐Faivre L, Parker J, Parker MJ, Patch C, Pelling AL, Smol T, Tümer Z, Vanakker O, van Haeringen A, Vanlerberghe C, Strydom A, Skuse D, Bass N. Delineating the psychiatric and behavioral phenotype of recurrent 2q13 deletions and duplications. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:397-405. [PMID: 29603867 PMCID: PMC6001478 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent deletions and duplications at the 2q13 locus have been associated with developmental delay (DD) and dysmorphisms. We aimed to undertake detailed clinical characterization of individuals with 2q13 copy number variations (CNVs), with a focus on behavioral and psychiatric phenotypes. Participants were recruited via the Unique chromosomal disorder support group, U.K. National Health Service Regional Genetics Centres, and the DatabasE of genomiC varIation and Phenotype in Humans using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER) database. A review of published 2q13 patient case reports was undertaken to enable combined phenotypic analysis. We present a new case series of 2q13 CNV carriers (21 deletion, 4 duplication) and the largest ever combined analysis with data from published studies, making a total of 54 deletion and 23 duplication carriers. DD/intellectual disabilities was identified in the majority of carriers (79% deletion, 70% duplication), although in the new cases 52% had an IQ in the borderline or normal range. Despite the median age of the new cases being only 9 years, 64% had a clinical psychiatric diagnosis. Combined analysis found attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to be the most frequent diagnosis (48% deletion, 60% duplication), followed by autism spectrum disorders (33% deletion, 17% duplication). Aggressive (33%) and self-injurious behaviors (33%) were also identified in the new cases. CNVs at 2q13 are typically associated with DD with mildly impaired intelligence, and a high rate of childhood psychiatric diagnoses-particularly ADHD. We have further characterized the clinical phenotype related to imbalances of the 2q13 region and identified it as a region of interest for the neurobiological investigation of ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Wolfe
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of PsychiatryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew McQuillin
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of PsychiatryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Viola Alesi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics LaboratoryBambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | | | - Peter Cutajar
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Medical Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics LaboratoryBambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Maria Lisa Dentici
- Medical Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics LaboratoryBambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Anne Dieux‐Coeslier
- Service de génétique clinique, CHU LilleLilleFrance
- EA7364, RADEME, Université de LilleLilleFrance
| | | | - Tina Duelund Hjortshøj
- Kennedy Center, Department of Clinical GeneticsCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Himanshu Goel
- Hunter GeneticsWaratahNew South WalesAustralia
- University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sara Loddo
- Medical Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics LaboratoryBambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Deborah Morrogh
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Service LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Antonio Novelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics LaboratoryBambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Laurence Olivier‐Faivre
- Centre de référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs, FHU TRANSLADCHU DijonFrance
| | - Jennifer Parker
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Service LaboratoryLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Parker
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western BankSheffieldUnited Kingdom
| | - Christine Patch
- King's College London, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and MidwiferyLondonUnited Kingdom
- Genomics England, Dawson Hall, Charterhouse SquareLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Pelling
- Information Officer, Unique – The Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group (www.rarechromo.org), The Stables, Station Road WestOxted, SurreyUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas Smol
- Institut de génétique médicale, CHU LilleLilleFrance
- EA7364, RADEME, Université de LilleLilleFrance
| | - Zeynep Tümer
- Kennedy Center, Department of Clinical GeneticsCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Olivier Vanakker
- Center for Medical GeneticsGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | - Arie van Haeringen
- Department of Clinical GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Clémence Vanlerberghe
- Service de génétique clinique, CHU LilleLilleFrance
- EA7364, RADEME, Université de LilleLilleFrance
| | - Andre Strydom
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of PsychiatryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental ScienceInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - David Skuse
- Behavioural and Brain Sciences UnitInstitute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nick Bass
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of PsychiatryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
DNA sequence-level analyses reveal potential phenotypic modifiers in a large family with psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:2254-2265. [PMID: 29880880 PMCID: PMC6294736 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are a group of genetically related diseases with highly polygenic architectures. Genome-wide association analyses have made substantial progress towards understanding the genetic architecture of these disorders. More recently, exome- and whole-genome sequencing of cases and families have identified rare, high penetrant variants that provide direct functional insight. There remains, however, a gap in the heritability explained by these complementary approaches. To understand how multiple genetic variants combine to modify both severity and penetrance of a highly penetrant variant, we sequenced 48 whole genomes from a family with a high loading of psychiatric disorder linked to a balanced chromosomal translocation. The (1;11)(q42;q14.3) translocation directly disrupts three genes: DISC1, DISC2, DISC1FP and has been linked to multiple brain imaging and neurocognitive outcomes in the family. Using DNA sequence-level linkage analysis, functional annotation and population-based association, we identified common and rare variants in GRM5 (minor allele frequency (MAF) > 0.05), PDE4D (MAF > 0.2) and CNTN5 (MAF < 0.01) that may help explain the individual differences in phenotypic expression in the family. We suggest that whole-genome sequencing in large families will improve the understanding of the combined effects of the rare and common sequence variation underlying psychiatric phenotypes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Dale B, Modi BM, Jilderda S, McConnell B, Hoang N, Swaroop P, Falcon J, Thiruvahindrapuram B, Walker S, Scherer SW, Stavropoulos DJ, Drmic IE, Carter MT. Atypical autism in a boy with double duplication of 22q11.2: implications of increasing dosage. NPJ Genom Med 2017; 2:28. [PMID: 29263838 PMCID: PMC5677976 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-017-0031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Duplication of chromosome 22q11.2 (LCR A-D) has been reported at higher frequencies in clinical samples than the general population, but phenotypes vary widely. Triplication (4 copies) is rare, but studying the associated phenotype may provide insight into dosage-sensitivity of the genes in this chromosomal interval. We describe a proband with a triplication, specifically a “double duplication” (two copies per chromosome) of the 22q11.2 region, while his parents and two siblings each have a single duplication (3 copies). The proband had a heart malformation, dysmorphic features, and learning and socialization deficits, whereas the other family members did not. This family illustrates that while duplication of the 22q11.2 may not be sufficient to cause clinically significant neurodevelopmental or health-related phenotypes, triplication of the same region may result in a phenotype characterized by a mild neurodevelopmental disorder, facial dysmorphism, and possibly cardiac anomalies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breanne Dale
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Sanne Jilderda
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Beth McConnell
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Ny Hoang
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children and McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Pooja Swaroop
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Jhoan Falcon
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Bhooma Thiruvahindrapuram
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children and McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Susan Walker
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children and McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children and McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - D James Stavropoulos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genome Diagnostics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Irene E Drmic
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children and McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Melissa T Carter
- Regional Genetics Program, The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lowther C, Merico D, Costain G, Waserman J, Boyd K, Noor A, Speevak M, Stavropoulos DJ, Wei J, Lionel AC, Marshall CR, Scherer SW, Bassett AS. Impact of IQ on the diagnostic yield of chromosomal microarray in a community sample of adults with schizophrenia. Genome Med 2017; 9:105. [PMID: 29187259 PMCID: PMC5708103 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with IQ deficits. Rare copy number variations (CNVs) have been established to play an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia. Several of the large rare CNVs associated with schizophrenia have been shown to negatively affect IQ in population-based controls where no major neuropsychiatric disorder is reported. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic yield of microarray testing and the functional impact of genome-wide rare CNVs in a community ascertained cohort of adults with schizophrenia and low (< 85) or average (≥ 85) IQ. Methods We recruited 546 adults of European ancestry with schizophrenia from six community psychiatric clinics in Canada. Each individual was assigned to the low or average IQ group based on standardized tests and/or educational attainment. We used rigorous methods to detect genome-wide rare CNVs from high-resolution microarray data. We compared the burden of rare CNVs classified as pathogenic or as a variant of unknown significance (VUS) between each of the IQ groups and the genome-wide burden and functional impact of rare CNVs after excluding individuals with a pathogenic CNV. Results There were 39/546 (7.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.2–9.7%) schizophrenia participants with at least one pathogenic CNV detected, significantly more of whom were from the low IQ group (odds ratio [OR] = 5.01 [2.28–11.03], p = 0.0001). Secondary analyses revealed that individuals with schizophrenia and average IQ had the lowest yield of pathogenic CNVs (n = 9/325; 2.8%), followed by those with borderline intellectual functioning (n = 9/130; 6.9%), non-verbal learning disability (n = 6/29; 20.7%), and co-morbid intellectual disability (n = 15/62; 24.2%). There was no significant difference in the burden of rare CNVs classified as a VUS between any of the IQ subgroups. There was a significantly (p=0.002) increased burden of rare genic duplications in individuals with schizophrenia and low IQ that persisted after excluding individuals with a pathogenic CNV. Conclusions Using high-resolution microarrays we were able to demonstrate for the first time that the burden of pathogenic CNVs in schizophrenia differs significantly between IQ subgroups. The results of this study have implications for clinical practice and may help inform future rare variant studies of schizophrenia using next-generation sequencing technologies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13073-017-0488-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Lowther
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Room 1100, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2S1.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniele Merico
- Deep Genomics Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory Costain
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Room 1100, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2S1.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kerry Boyd
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Abdul Noor
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marsha Speevak
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - John Wei
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anath C Lionel
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christian R Marshall
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne S Bassett
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Room 1100, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2S1. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Cambell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lowther C, Costain G, Baribeau DA, Bassett AS. Genomic Disorders in Psychiatry-What Does the Clinician Need to Know? Curr Psychiatry Rep 2017; 19:82. [PMID: 28929285 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of genomic disorders in various psychiatric conditions and to highlight important recent advances in the field that are of potential clinical relevance. RECENT FINDINGS Genomic disorders are caused by large rare recurrent deletions and duplications at certain chromosomal "hotspots" (e.g., 22q11.2, 16p11.2, 15q11-q13, 1q21.1, 15q13.3) across the genome. Most overlap multiple genes, affect development, and are associated with variable cognitive and other neuropsychiatric expression. Although individually rare, genomic disorders collectively account for a significant minority of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. Genome-wide chromosomal microarray analysis is capable of detecting all genomic disorders in a single test, offering the first opportunity for routine clinical genetic testing in psychiatric practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Lowther
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Room 1100, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory Costain
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Medical Genetics Residency Training Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anne S Bassett
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Room 1100, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Dalglish Family 22q Clinic for Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Afshari P, Yao WD, Middleton FA. Reduced Slc1a1 expression is associated with neuroinflammation and impaired sensorimotor gating and cognitive performance in mice: Implications for schizophrenia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183854. [PMID: 28886095 PMCID: PMC5590851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported a 84-Kb hemi-deletion copy number variant at the SLC1A1 gene locus that reduces its expression and appeared causally linked to schizophrenia. In this report, we characterize the in vivo and in vitro consequences of reduced expression of Slc1a1 in mice. Heterozygous (HET) Slc1a1+/- mice, which more closely model the hemi-deletion we found in human subjects, were examined in a series of behavioral, anatomical and biochemical assays. Knockout (KO) mice were also included in the behavioral studies for comparative purposes. Both HET and KO mice exhibited evidence of increased anxiety-like behavior, impaired working memory, decreased exploratory activity and impaired sensorimotor gating, but no changes in overall locomotor activity. The magnitude of changes was approximately equivalent in the HET and KO mice suggesting a dominant effect of the haploinsufficiency. Behavioral changes in the HET mice were accompanied by reduced thickness of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Whole transcriptome RNA-Seq analysis detected expression changes of genes and pathways involved in cytokine signaling and synaptic functions in both brain and blood. Moreover, the brains of Slc1a1+/- mice displayed elevated levels of oxidized glutathione, a trend for increased oxidative DNA damage, and significantly increased levels of cytokines. This latter finding was further supported by SLC1A1 knockdown and overexpression studies in differentiated human neuroblastoma cells, which led to decreased or increased cytokine expression, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest that partial loss of the Slc1a1 gene in mice causes haploinsufficiency associated with behavioral, histological and biochemical changes that reflect an altered redox state and may promote the expression of behavioral features and inflammatory states consistent with those observed in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Afshari
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY United States of America
| | - Wei-Dong Yao
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY United States of America.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Frank A Middleton
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY United States of America.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen CP, Lin SP, Lee CL, Chern SR, Wu PS, Chen YN, Chen SW, Wang W. Recurrent 2q13 microduplication encompassing MALL, NPHP1, RGPD6, and BUB1 associated with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and liver disorder. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 56:98-101. [PMID: 28254236 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present recurrent 2q13 microduplication in a family with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and liver disorder. CASE REPORT A 45-year-old woman and her 52-year-old husband were referred for genetic counseling because of mental and liver disorders in their two sons and their planning for prenatal diagnosis of familial disorders in the future pregnancy. She and her husband were normal and healthy, but their 21-year-old elder son had suffered from ASD, severe intellectual disability, poor motor function, liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices, and their 19-year-old younger son had suffered from ASD, mild intellectual disability, poor balance and coordination, hepatosplenomegaly, fatty liver, and mild liver cirrhosis. The karyotypes of the parents and sons were normal. Array comparative genomic hybridization of the family revealed a 686.5-kb 2q13 microduplication encompassing MALL, NPHP1, RGPD6, and BUB1 in the elder brother, a 658.9-kb 2q13 microduplication encompassing MALL, NPHP1, RGPD6, and BUB1 in the younger brother, and an 83.83-kb 2q13 microduplication encompassing NPHP1 in the asymptomatic father. CONCLUSION Recurrent phenotypic abnormality in the family with normal karyotype should include a differential diagnosis of pathogenic copy-number variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shuan-Pei Lin
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Early Childhood Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Lin Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Schu-Rern Chern
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Yen-Ni Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Wen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wayseen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Bioengineering, Tatung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhao D, Mokhtari R, Pedrosa E, Birnbaum R, Zheng D, Lachman HM. Transcriptome analysis of microglia in a mouse model of Rett syndrome: differential expression of genes associated with microglia/macrophage activation and cellular stress. Mol Autism 2017; 8:17. [PMID: 28367307 PMCID: PMC5372344 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe, neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting girls, characterized by progressive loss of cognitive, social, and motor skills after a relatively brief period of typical development. It is usually due to de novo loss of function mutations in the X-linked gene, MeCP2, which codes for the gene expression and chromatin regulator, methyl-CpG binding protein 2. Although the behavioral phenotype appears to be primarily due to neuronal Mecp2 deficiency in mice, other cell types, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, also appear to contribute to some aspects of the RTT phenotype. In addition, microglia may also play a role. However, the effect of Mecp2 deficiency in microglia on RTT pathogenesis is controversial. METHODS In the current study, we applied whole transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq to gain insight into molecular pathways in microglia that might be dysregulated during the transition, in female mice heterozygous for an Mecp2-null allele (Mecp2+/-; Het), from the pre-phenotypic (5 weeks) to the phenotypic phases (24 weeks). RESULTS We found a significant overlap in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with genes involved in regulating the extracellular matrix, and those that are activated or inhibited when macrophages and microglia are stimulated towards the M1 and M2 activation states. However, the M1- and M2-associated genes were different in the 5- and 24-week samples. In addition, a substantial decrease in the expression of nine members of the heat shock protein (HSP) family was found in the 5-week samples, but not at 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that microglia from pre-phenotypic and phenotypic female mice are activated in a manner different from controls and that pre-phenotypic female mice may have alterations in their capacity to response to heat stress and other stressors that function through the HSP pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dejian Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA
| | - Ryan Mokhtari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA
| | - Erika Pedrosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA
| | - Rayna Birnbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA.,Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA
| | - Herbert M Lachman
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA.,Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Afshari P, Myles-Worsley M, Cohen OS, Tiobech J, Faraone SV, Byerley W, Middleton FA. Characterization of a Novel Mutation in SLC1A1 Associated with Schizophrenia. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2015; 1:125-44. [PMID: 26380821 DOI: 10.1159/000433599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We have recently described a hemi-deletion on chromosome 9p24.2 at the SLC1A1 gene locus and its co-segregation with schizophrenia in an extended Palauan pedigree. This finding represents a point of convergence for several pathophysiological models of schizophrenia. The present report sought to characterize the biological consequences of this hemi-deletion. Dual luciferase assays demonstrated that the partially deleted allele (lacking exon 1 and the native promoter) can drive expression of a 5'-truncated SLC1A1 using sequence upstream of exon 2 as a surrogate promoter. However, confocal microscopy and electrophysiological recordings demonstrate that the 5'-truncated SLC1A1 lacks normal membrane localization and glutamate transport ability. To identify downstream consequences of the hemi-deletion, we first used a themed qRT-PCR array to compare expression of 84 GABA and glutamate genes in RNA from peripheral blood leukocytes in deletion carriers (n = 11) versus noncarriers (n = 8) as well as deletion carriers with psychosis (n = 5) versus those without (n = 3). Then, targeted RNA-Seq (TREx) was used to quantify expression of 375 genes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in HEK293 cells subjected to either knockdown of SLC1A1 or overexpression of full-length or 5'-truncated SLC1A1. Expression changes of several genes strongly implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology were detected (e.g. SLC1A2, SLC1A3, SLC1A6, SLC7A11, GRIN2A, GRIA1 and DLX1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Afshari
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA
| | - Marina Myles-Worsley
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA
| | - Ori S Cohen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA
| | | | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA
| | - William Byerley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif., USA
| | - Frank A Middleton
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zarrei M, MacDonald JR, Merico D, Scherer SW. A copy number variation map of the human genome. Nat Rev Genet 2015; 16:172-83. [DOI: 10.1038/nrg3871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 565] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
23
|
Copy number variable microRNAs in schizophrenia and their neurodevelopmental gene targets. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:158-66. [PMID: 25034949 PMCID: PMC4464826 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in the human genome and may contribute to risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. miRNAs play an acknowledged role in the strongest of genetic risk factors for schizophrenia, 22q11.2 deletions. We hypothesized that in schizophrenia there would be an enrichment of other rare copy number variants (CNVs) that overlap miRNAs. METHODS Using high-resolution genome-wide microarrays and rigorous methods, we compared the miRNA content of rare CNVs in well-characterized cohorts of schizophrenia cases (n = 420) and comparison subjects, excluding 22q11.2 CNVs. We also performed a gene-set enrichment analysis of the predicted miRNA target genes. RESULTS The schizophrenia group was enriched for the proportion of individuals with a rare CNV overlapping a miRNA (3.29-fold increase over comparison subjects, p < .0001). The presence of a rare CNV overlapping a miRNA remained a significant predictor of schizophrenia case status (p = .0072) in a multivariate logistic regression model correcting for total CNV size. In contrast, comparable analyses correcting for CNV size showed no enrichment of rare CNVs overlapping protein-coding genes. A gene-set enrichment analysis indicated that predicted target genes of recurrent CNV-overlapped miRNAs in schizophrenia may be functionally enriched for neurodevelopmental processes, including axonogenesis and neuron projection development. Predicted gene targets driving these results included CAPRIN1, NEDD4, NTRK2, PAK2, RHOA, and SYNGAP1. CONCLUSIONS These data are the first to demonstrate a genome-wide role for CNVs overlapping miRNAs in the genetic risk for schizophrenia. The results provide support for an expanded multihit model of causation, with potential implications for miRNA-based therapeutics.
Collapse
|
24
|
Morris BJ, Pratt JA. Novel treatment strategies for schizophrenia from improved understanding of genetic risk. Clin Genet 2014; 86:401-11. [PMID: 25142969 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen significant advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of schizophrenia. In particular, genome-wide approaches have suggested the involvement of many common genetic variants of small effect, together with a few rare variants exerting relatively large effects. While unequivocal identification of the relevant genes has, for the most part, remained elusive, the genes revealed as potential candidates can in many cases be clustered into functionally related groups which are potentially open to therapeutic intervention. In this review, we summarise this information, focusing on the accumulating evidence that genetic dysfunction at glutamatergic synapses and post-synaptic signalling complexes contributes to the aetiology of the disease. In particular, there is converging support for involvement of post-synaptic JNK pathways in disease aetiology. An expansion of our neurobiological knowledge of the basis of schizophrenia is urgently needed, yet some promising novel pharmacological targets can already be discerned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B J Morris
- Psychiatric Research Institute of Neuroscience in Glasgow (PsyRING), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, School of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|