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Bui DT, Ton ANV, Nguyen CTD, Nguyen SH, Tran HK, Nguyen XT, Nguyen HT, Pham GLT, Tran DS, Harrington J, Pham HN, Pham TNV, Cao TA. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations identified in Vietnamese children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder using high-resolution SNP genotyping platform. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2360. [PMID: 38287090 PMCID: PMC10825208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52777-y] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is highly diverse showing a broad phenotypic spectrum. ASD also couples with a broad range of mutations, both de novo and inherited. In this study, we used a proprietary SNP genotyping chip to analyze the genomic DNA of 250 Vietnamese children diagnosed with ASD. Our Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping chip directly targets more than 800 thousand SNPs in the genome. Our primary focus was to identify pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations that are potentially linked to more severe symptoms of autism. We identified and validated 23 pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in this initial study. The data shows that these mutations were detected in several cases spanning multiple biological pathways. Among the confirmed SNPs, mutations were identified in genes previously known to be strongly associated with ASD such as SLCO1B1, ACADSB, TCF4, HCP5, MOCOS, SRD5A2, MCCC2, DCC, and PRKN while several other mutations are known to associate with autistic traits or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Some mutations were found in multiple patients and some patients carried multiple pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations. These findings contribute to the identification of potential targets for therapeutic solutions in what is considered a genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duyen T Bui
- Genetica Research Foundation, National Innovation Center, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Gene Friend Way Inc, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Anh N V Ton
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
- Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Chi T D Nguyen
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Son H Nguyen
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Hao K Tran
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Xuan T Nguyen
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Hang T Nguyen
- Genetica Research Foundation, National Innovation Center, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Gene Friend Way Inc, San Francisco, USA
| | - Giang L T Pham
- Genetica Research Foundation, National Innovation Center, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Gene Friend Way Inc, San Francisco, USA
| | - Dong S Tran
- Genetica Research Foundation, National Innovation Center, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Gene Friend Way Inc, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jillian Harrington
- Genetica Research Foundation, National Innovation Center, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Gene Friend Way Inc, San Francisco, USA
| | - Hiep N Pham
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen N V Pham
- Pediatric Center Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
| | - Tuan A Cao
- Genetica Research Foundation, National Innovation Center, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Gene Friend Way Inc, San Francisco, USA
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Matrone C, Ferretti G. Semaphorin 3A influences neuronal processes that are altered in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105338. [PMID: 37524141 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive disorder that most frequently manifests in early childhood and lasts for their entire lifespan. Several behavioural traits characterise the phenotype of patients with ASD, including difficulties in reciprocal social communication as well as compulsive/repetitive stereotyped verbal and non-verbal behaviours. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain the aetiology of ASD and many resources have been used to improve our understanding of ASD, several aspects remain largely unexplored. Class 3 semaphorins (SEMA3) are secreted proteins involved in the organisation of structural and functional connectivity in the brain that regulate synaptic and dendritic development. Alterations in brain connectivity and aberrant neuronal development have been described in some patients with ASD. Mutations and polymorphisms in SEMA3A and alterations in its receptors and signalling have been associated with some neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and epilepsy, which are comorbidities in ASD, but also with ASD itself. In addition, SEMA3A is a key regulator of the immune response and neuroinflammatory processes, which have been found to be dysregulated in mothers of children who develop ASD and in affected patients. In this review, we highlight neurodevelopmental-related processes in which SEMA3A is involved, which are altered in ASD, and provide a viewpoint emphasising the development of strategies targeting changes in the SEMA3A signal to identify patterns of anomalies distinctive of ASD or to predict the prognosis of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Matrone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Ferretti
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Zhu J, Meng H, Zhang L, Li Y. Exploring the molecular mechanism of comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder and inflammatory bowel disease by combining multiple data sets. J Transl Med 2023; 21:372. [PMID: 37291580 PMCID: PMC10249282 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is difficult to diagnose. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic digestive disease. Previous studies have shown a potential correlation between ASD and IBD, but the pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to examine the biological mechanisms underlying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ASD and IBD using bioinformatics tools. METHODS Limma software was used to evaluate the DEGs between ASD and IBD. The GSE3365, GSE18123, and GSE150115 microarray data sets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We then performed 6 analyses, namely, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional annotation; weighted gene coexpression network analysis; correlation analysis of hub genes with autophagy, ferroptosis and immunity; transcriptional regulation analysis of hub genes; single-cell sequencing analysis; and potential therapeutic drug prediction. RESULTS A total of 505 DEGs associated with ASD and 616 DEGs associated with IBD were identified, and 7 genes overlapped between these sets. GO and KEGG analyses revealed several pathways enriched in both diseases. A total of 98 common genes related to ASD and IBD were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), and 4 hub genes were obtained by intersection with the 7 intersecting DEGs, which were PDGFC, CA2, GUCY1B3 and SDPR. We also found that 4 hub genes in the two diseases were related to autophagy, ferroptosis or immune factors. In addition, motif-TF annotation analysis showed that cisbp__M0080 was the most relevant motif. We also used the Connectivity Map (CMap) database to identify 4 potential therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION This research reveals the shared pathogenesis of ASD and IBD. In the future, these common hub genes may provide new targets for further mechanistic research as well as new therapies for patients with ASD and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Zhu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Haoran Meng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250014, China.
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Maurya SK, Gupta S, Mishra R. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of microglia in maintenance of brain homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1072046. [PMID: 36698776 PMCID: PMC9870594 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1072046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging role of microglia in brain homeostasis, neurodegeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders has attracted considerable interest. In addition, recent developments in microglial functions and associated pathways have shed new light on their fundamental role in the immunological surveillance of the brain. Understanding the interconnections between microglia, neurons, and non-neuronal cells have opened up additional avenues for research in this evolving field. Furthermore, the study of microglia at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels has enhanced our knowledge of these native brain immune cells. Moreover, exploring various facets of microglia biology will facilitate the early detection, treatment, and management of neurological disorders. Consequently, the present review aimed to provide comprehensive insight on microglia biology and its influence on brain development, homeostasis, management of disease, and highlights microglia as potential therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Kumar Maurya
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India,*Correspondence: Shashank Kumar Maurya, ;
| | - Suchi Gupta
- Tech Cell Innovations Private Limited, Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CMIE), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajnikant Mishra
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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The role of maternal immune activation in the immunological and neurological pathogenesis of autism. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Terpenoid Backbone Biosynthesis among Pig Hippocampal Pathways Impacted by Stressors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050814. [PMID: 35627199 PMCID: PMC9141200 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenomic changes induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation and the social stress of weaning can alter brain plasticity in the hippocampus of offspring. The present study furthers the understanding of how these stressors impact hippocampus gene networks. The hippocampus transcriptome was profiled in pigs that were either exposed to MIA or not and were weaned or nursed. Overall, 1576 genes were differentially expressed (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05 and |log2 (fold change between pig groups)| > 1.2) in response to the main and interacting effects of MIA, weaning, and sex. Functional analysis identified 17 enriched immunological and neurological pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. The enrichment of the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway was characterized by genes under-expressed in MIA relative to non-MIA exposed, males relative to females, and weaned relative to nursed pigs. On the other hand, the enrichment of drug addiction pathways was characterized by gene over-expression in MIA relative to non-exposed pigs. Our results indicate that weaning and sex can modify the effects of MIA on the offspring hippocampus. This knowledge can aid in precise identification of molecular targets to reduce the prolonged effects of pre- and postnatal stressors.
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Immune Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do We Know about It? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063033. [PMID: 35328471 PMCID: PMC8955336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a wide and variable set of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including deficits in social communication, narrow and restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. The immune hypothesis is considered to be a major factor contributing to autism pathogenesis, as well as a way to explain the differences of the clinical phenotypes and comorbidities influencing disease course and severity. Evidence highlights a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits in autism from several types of evidence found in both cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood and their utility to identify autistic subgroups with specific immunophenotypes; underlying behavioral symptoms are also shown. This review summarizes current insights into immune dysfunction in ASD, with particular reference to the impact of immunological factors related to the maternal influence of autism development; comorbidities influencing autism disease course and severity; and others factors with particular relevance, including obesity. Finally, we described main elements of similarities between immunopathology overlapping neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, taking as examples autism and Parkinson Disease, respectively.
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Maternal mid-gestational and child cord blood immune signatures are strongly associated with offspring risk of ASD. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1527-1541. [PMID: 34987169 PMCID: PMC9106807 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies and work in animal models indicate that immune activation may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We measured levels of 60 cytokines and growth factors in 869 maternal mid-gestational (MMG) and 807 child cord blood (CB) plasma samples from 457 ASD (385 boys, 72 girls) and 497 control children (418 boys, 79 girls) from the Norwegian Autism Birth Cohort. We analyzed associations first using sex-stratified unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models, and then employed machine learning strategies (LASSO + interactions, Random Forests, XGBoost classifiers) with cross-validation and randomly sampled test set evaluation to assess the utility of immune signatures as ASD biomarkers. We found prominent case-control differences in both boys and girls with alterations in a wide range of analytes in MMG and CB plasma including but not limited to IL1RA, TNFα, Serpin E1, VCAM1, VEGFD, EGF, CSF1, and CSF2. MMG findings were most striking, with particularly strong effect sizes in girls. Models did not change appreciably upon adjustment for maternal conditions, medication use, or emotional distress ratings. Findings were corroborated using machine learning approaches, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values in the test sets ranging from 0.771 to 0.965. Our results are consistent with gestational immunopathology in ASD, may provide insights into sex-specific differences, and have the potential to lead to biomarkers for early diagnosis.
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9
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Increased Monocyte Production of IL-6 after Toll-like Receptor Activation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Is Associated with Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020220. [PMID: 35203983 PMCID: PMC8870658 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has starkly increased, instigating research into risk factors for ASD. This research has identified immune risk factors for ASD, along with evidence of immune dysfunction and excess inflammation frequently experienced by autistic individuals. Increased innate inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, are seen repeatedly in ASD; however, the origin of excess IL-6 in ASD has not been identified. Here we explore specific responses of circulating monocytes from autistic children. We isolated CD14+ monocytes from whole blood and stimulated them for 24 h under three conditions: media alone, lipoteichoic acid to activate TLR2, and lipopolysaccharide to activate TLR4. We then measured secreted cytokine concentrations in cellular supernatant using a human multiplex bead immunoassay. We found that after TLR4 activation, CD14+ monocytes from autistic children produce increased IL-6 compared to monocytes from children with typical development. IL-6 concentration also correlated with worsening restrictive and repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest dysfunctional activation of myeloid cells, and may indicate that other cells of this lineage, including macrophages, and microglia in the brain, might have a similar dysfunction. Further research on myeloid cells in ASD is warranted.
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10
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Popova G, Soliman SS, Kim CN, Keefe MG, Hennick KM, Jain S, Li T, Tejera D, Shin D, Chhun BB, McGinnis CS, Speir M, Gartner ZJ, Mehta SB, Haeussler M, Hengen KB, Ransohoff RR, Piao X, Nowakowski TJ. Human microglia states are conserved across experimental models and regulate neural stem cell responses in chimeric organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:2153-2166.e6. [PMID: 34536354 PMCID: PMC8642295 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are resident macrophages in the brain that emerge in early development and respond to the local environment by altering their molecular and phenotypic states. Fundamental questions about microglia diversity and function during development remain unanswered because we lack experimental strategies to interrogate their interactions with other cell types and responses to perturbations ex vivo. We compared human microglia states across culture models, including cultured primary and pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia. We developed a "report card" of gene expression signatures across these distinct models to facilitate characterization of their responses across experimental models, perturbations, and disease conditions. Xenotransplantation of human microglia into cerebral organoids allowed us to characterize key transcriptional programs of developing microglia in vitro and reveal that microglia induce transcriptional changes in neural stem cells and decrease interferon signaling response genes. Microglia additionally accelerate the emergence of synchronized oscillatory network activity in brain organoids by modulating synaptic density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Popova
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah S Soliman
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chang N Kim
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew G Keefe
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey M Hennick
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samhita Jain
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tao Li
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dario Tejera
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Shin
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Christopher S McGinnis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Matthew Speir
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Zev J Gartner
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA; Center for Cellular Construction, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Keith B Hengen
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Xianhua Piao
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Newborn Brain Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Meng HR, Suenaga T, Edamura M, Fukuda A, Ishida Y, Nakahara D, Murakami G. Functional MHCI deficiency induces ADHD-like symptoms with increased dopamine D1 receptor expression. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:22-31. [PMID: 34022373 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate synaptic development has been proposed as a potential mechanism of neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI), an immunity-associated molecule expressed by neurons in the brain, regulates synaptic development; however, the involvement of MHCI in these disorders remains elusive. We evaluated whether functional MHCI deficiency induced by β2m-/-Tap1-/- double-knockout in mice leads to abnormalities akin to those seen in neurodevelopmental disorders. We found that functional MHCI deficiency induced locomotor hyperactivity, motor impulsivity, and attention deficits, three major symptoms of ADHD. In contrast, these mice showed normal spatial learning, behavioral flexibility, social behavior, and sensorimotor integration. In the analysis of the dopamine system, upregulation of dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) expression in the nucleus accumbens and a greater locomotor response to D1R agonist SKF 81297 were found in the functional MHCI-deficient mice. Low-dose methylphenidate, used for the treatment of ADHD patients, alleviated the three behavioral symptoms and suppressed c-Fos expression in the D1R-expressing medium spiny neurons of the mice. These findings reveal an unexpected role of MHCI in three major symptoms of ADHD and may provide a novel landmark in the pathogenesis of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Rui Meng
- Division of Psychology, Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Toshiko Suenaga
- Division of Psychology, Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; School of Psychology, Tokyo University of Social Welfare, Tokyo 114-0004, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Edamura
- Division of Psychology, Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ishida
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-16, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Nakahara
- Division of Psychology, Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-16, Japan.
| | - Gen Murakami
- Division of Psychology, Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; Department of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan.
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Arosa FA, Esgalhado AJ, Reste-Ferreira D, Cardoso EM. Open MHC Class I Conformers: A Look through the Looking Glass. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189738. [PMID: 34575902 PMCID: PMC8470049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies carried out during the last few decades have consistently shown that cell surface MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules are endowed with functions unrelated with antigen presentation. These include cis–trans-interactions with inhibitory and activating KIR and LILR, and cis-interactions with receptors for hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and neurotransmitters. The mounting body of evidence indicates that these non-immunological MHC-I functions impact clinical and biomedical settings, including autoimmune responses, tumor escape, transplantation, and neuronal development. Notably, most of these functions appear to rely on the presence in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells of heavy chains not associated with β2m and the peptide at the plasma membrane; these are known as open MHC-I conformers. Nowadays, open conformers are viewed as functional cis-trans structures capable of establishing physical associations with themselves, with other surface receptors, and being shed into the extracellular milieu. We review past and recent developments, strengthening the view that open conformers are multifunctional structures capable of fine-tuning cell signaling, growth, differentiation, and cell communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A Arosa
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André J Esgalhado
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Débora Reste-Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elsa M Cardoso
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Health School, Guarda Polytechnic Institute, 6300-749 Guarda, Portugal
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13
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Sarovic D. A Unifying Theory for Autism: The Pathogenetic Triad as a Theoretical Framework. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:767075. [PMID: 34867553 PMCID: PMC8637925 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.767075] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a unifying theory for autism by applying the framework of a pathogenetic triad to the scientific literature. It proposes a deconstruction of autism into three contributing features (an autistic personality dimension, cognitive compensation, and neuropathological risk factors), and delineates how they interact to cause a maladaptive behavioral phenotype that may require a clinical diagnosis. The autistic personality represents a common core condition, which induces a set of behavioral issues when pronounced. These issues are compensated for by cognitive mechanisms, allowing the individual to remain adaptive and functional. Risk factors, both exogenous and endogenous ones, show pathophysiological convergence through their negative effects on neurodevelopment. This secondarily affects cognitive compensation, which disinhibits a maladaptive behavioral phenotype. The triad is operationalized and methods for quantification are presented. With respect to the breadth of findings in the literature that it can incorporate, it is the most comprehensive model yet for autism. Its main implications are that (1) it presents the broader autism phenotype as a non-pathological core personality domain, which is shared across the population and uncoupled from associated features such as low cognitive ability and immune dysfunction, (2) it proposes that common genetic variants underly the personality domain, and that rare variants act as risk factors through negative effects on neurodevelopment, (3) it outlines a common pathophysiological mechanism, through inhibition of neurodevelopment and cognitive dysfunction, by which a wide range of endogenous and exogenous risk factors lead to autism, and (4) it suggests that contributing risk factors, and findings of immune and autonomic dysfunction are clinically ascertained rather than part of the core autism construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Sarovic
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,MedTech West, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Autism and Williams syndrome: Dissimilar socio-cognitive profiles with similar patterns of abnormal gene expression in the blood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:464-489. [PMID: 33143449 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320965074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome are complex cognitive conditions exhibiting quite opposite features in the social domain: whereas people with autism spectrum disorders are mostly hyposocial, subjects with Williams syndrome are usually reported as hypersocial. At the same time, autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome share some common underlying behavioral and cognitive deficits. It is not clear, however, which genes account for the attested differences (and similarities) in the socio-cognitive domain. In this article, we adopted a comparative molecular approach and looked for genes that might be differentially (or similarly) regulated in the blood of people with these conditions. We found a significant overlap between genes dysregulated in the blood of patients compared to neurotypical controls, with most of them being upregulated or, in some cases, downregulated. Still, genes with similar expression trends can exhibit quantitative differences between conditions, with most of them being more dysregulated in Williams syndrome than in autism spectrum disorders. Differentially expressed genes are involved in aspects of brain development and function (particularly dendritogenesis) and are expressed in brain areas (particularly the cerebellum, the thalamus, and the striatum) of relevance for the autism spectrum disorder and the Williams syndrome etiopathogenesis. Overall, these genes emerge as promising candidates for the similarities and differences between the autism spectrum disorder and the Williams syndrome socio-cognitive profiles.
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15
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Zhu Z, Chen B, Na R, Fang W, Zhang W, Zhou Q, Zhou S, Lei H, Huang A, Chen T, Ni D, Gu Y, Liu J, Rao Y, Fang F. A genome-wide association study reveals a substantial genetic basis underlying the Ebbinghaus illusion. J Hum Genet 2020; 66:261-271. [PMID: 32939015 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-020-00827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Ebbinghaus illusion (EI) is an optical illusion of relative size perception that reflects the contextual integration ability in the visual modality. The current study investigated the genetic basis of two subtypes of EI, EI overestimation, and EI underestimation in humans, using quantitative genomic analyses. A total of 2825 Chinese adults were tested on their magnitudes of EI overestimation and underestimation using the method of adjustment, a standard psychophysical protocol. Heritability estimation based on common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed a moderate heritability (34.3%) of EI overestimation but a nonsignificant heritability of EI underestimation. A meta-analysis of two phases (phase 1: n = 1986, phase 2: n = 839) of genome-wide association study (GWAS) discovered 1969 and 58 SNPs reaching genome-wide significance for EI overestimation and EI underestimation, respectively. Among these SNPs, 55 linkage-disequilibrium-independent SNPs were associated with EI overestimation in phase 1 with genome-wide significance and their associations could be confirmed in phase 2 cohort. Gene-based analyses found seven genes to be associated with EI overestimation at the genome-wide level, two from meta-analysis, and five from classical two-stage analysis. Overall, this study provided consistent evidence for a substantial genetic basis of the Ebbinghaus illusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Zhu
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, 710062, Xi'an, China
| | - Biqing Chen
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.,Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Ren Na
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Fang
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.,Beijing Innovative Center for Genomics, Peking University School of Life Sciences, and National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxia Zhang
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanbi Zhou
- University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 401331, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Lei
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingmei Chen
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongsheng Ni
- Division of Molecular Nephrology and Creative Training Center for Undergraduates, M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Medical Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuping Gu
- Division of Molecular Nephrology and Creative Training Center for Undergraduates, M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Medical Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianing Liu
- Division of Molecular Nephrology and Creative Training Center for Undergraduates, M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Medical Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Rao
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Innovative Center for Genomics, Peking University School of Life Sciences, and National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China.
| | - Fang Fang
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China. .,School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
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16
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Sun MW, Moretti S, Paskov KM, Stockham NT, Varma M, Chrisman BS, Washington PY, Jung JY, Wall DP. Game theoretic centrality: a novel approach to prioritize disease candidate genes by combining biological networks with the Shapley value. BMC Bioinformatics 2020; 21:356. [PMID: 32787845 PMCID: PMC7430867 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-020-03693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complex human health conditions with etiological heterogeneity like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often pose a challenge for traditional genome-wide association study approaches in defining a clear genotype to phenotype model. Coalitional game theory (CGT) is an exciting method that can consider the combinatorial effect of groups of variants working in concert to produce a phenotype. CGT has been applied to associate likely-gene-disrupting variants encoded from whole genome sequence data to ASD; however, this previous approach cannot take into account for prior biological knowledge. Here we extend CGT to incorporate a priori knowledge from biological networks through a game theoretic centrality measure based on Shapley value to rank genes by their relevance–the individual gene’s synergistic influence in a gene-to-gene interaction network. Game theoretic centrality extends the notion of Shapley value to the evaluation of a gene’s contribution to the overall connectivity of its corresponding node in a biological network. Results We implemented and applied game theoretic centrality to rank genes on whole genomes from 756 multiplex autism families. Top ranking genes with the highest game theoretic centrality in both the weighted and unweighted approaches were enriched for pathways previously associated with autism, including pathways of the immune system. Four of the selected genes HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-G, and HLA-DRB1–have also been implicated in ASD and further support the link between ASD and the human leukocyte antigen complex. Conclusions Game theoretic centrality can prioritize influential, disease-associated genes within biological networks, and assist in the decoding of polygenic associations to complex disorders like autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Woo Sun
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Stefano Moretti
- LAMSADE, CNRS, Université Paris-Dauphine, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Kelley M Paskov
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Nate T Stockham
- Department of Neuroscience, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Maya Varma
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | | | | | - Jae-Yoon Jung
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Dennis P Wall
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.
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17
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Price J. Cell therapy approaches to autism: a review of clinical trial data. Mol Autism 2020; 11:37. [PMID: 32448347 PMCID: PMC7245880 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00348-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of clinical trials of cell therapies for autism spectrum disorder have been conducted, and some have published their outcomes. This review considers the data that have emerged from this small set of published trials, evaluates their success, and proposes further steps that could be taken if this field of endeavour is to be pursued further. A number of reservations arise from this tranche of studies, specifically the absence of identified therapeutic targets, and deficiencies in the therapeutic approach that is being employed. If this therapeutic direction is to be pursued further, then additional pre-clinical studies are recommended that might lead to improvements in patient stratification, biomarkers, the defined mode of action, and the preparation and identification of the therapeutic cells themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Price
- Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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18
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Persistent Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Alzheimer's Disease-A Call to Study How Variability in Both Virus and Host may Impact Disease. Viruses 2019; 11:v11100966. [PMID: 31635156 PMCID: PMC6833100 DOI: 10.3390/v11100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing attention has focused on the contributions of persistent microbial infections with the manifestation of disease later in life, including neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current data has shown the presence of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in regions of the brain that are impacted by AD in elderly individuals. Additionally, neuronal infection with HSV-1 triggers the accumulation of amyloid beta deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau, and results in oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction. All of these factors are implicated in the development of AD. These data highlight the fact that persistent viral infection is likely a contributing factor, rather than a sole cause of disease. Details of the correlations between HSV-1 infection and AD development are still just beginning to emerge. Future research should investigate the relative impacts of virus strain- and host-specific factors on the induction of neurodegenerative processes over time, using models such as infected neurons in vitro, and animal models in vivo, to begin to understand their relationship with cognitive dysfunction.
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19
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Sun Y, Yao X, March ME, Meng X, Li J, Wei Z, Sleiman PMA, Hakonarson H, Xia Q, Li J. Target Genes of Autism Risk Loci in Brain Frontal Cortex. Front Genet 2019; 10:707. [PMID: 31447881 PMCID: PMC6696877 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder. A number of genetic risk loci have been identified for ASD from genome-wide association studies (GWAS); however, their target genes in relevant tissues and cell types remain to be investigated. The frontal cortex is a key region in the human brain for communication and cognitive function. To identify risk genes contributing to potential dysfunction in the frontal cortex of ASD patients, we took an in silico approach integrating multi-omics data. We first found genes with expression in frontal cortex tissue that correlates with ASD risk loci by leveraging expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) information. Among these genes, we then identified 76 genes showing significant differential expression in the frontal cortex between ASD cases and controls in microarray datasets and further replicated four genes with RNA-seq data. Among the ASD GWAS single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlating with the 76 genes, 20 overlap with histone marks and 40 are associated with gene methylation level. Thus, through multi-omics data analyses, we identified genes that may work as target genes of ASD risk loci in the brain frontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueming Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Michael E March
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xinyi Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Li
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Wei
- College of Computing Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Patrick M A Sleiman
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
| | - Qianghua Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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20
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Wong CCY, Smith RG, Hannon E, Ramaswami G, Parikshak NN, Assary E, Troakes C, Poschmann J, Schalkwyk LC, Sun W, Prabhakar S, Geschwind DH, Mill J. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling identifies convergent molecular signatures associated with idiopathic and syndromic autism in post-mortem human brain tissue. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:2201-2211. [PMID: 31220268 PMCID: PMC6602383 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a collection of complex neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social functioning, communication and repetitive behaviour. Building on recent studies supporting a role for developmentally moderated regulatory genomic variation in the molecular aetiology of ASD, we quantified genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation in 223 post-mortem tissues samples isolated from three brain regions [prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum (CB)] dissected from 43 ASD patients and 38 non-psychiatric control donors. We identified widespread differences in DNA methylation associated with idiopathic ASD (iASD), with consistent signals in both cortical regions that were distinct to those observed in the CB. Individuals carrying a duplication on chromosome 15q (dup15q), representing a genetically defined subtype of ASD, were characterized by striking differences in DNA methylationacross a discrete domain spanning an imprinted gene cluster within the duplicated region. In addition to the dramatic cis-effects on DNA methylation observed in dup15q carriers, we identified convergent methylomic signatures associated with both iASD and dup15q, reflecting the findings from previous studies of gene expression and H3K27ac. Cortical co-methylation network analysis identified a number of co-methylated modules significantly associated with ASD that are enriched for genomic regions annotated to genes involved in the immune system, synaptic signalling and neuronal regulation. Our study represents the first systematic analysis of DNA methylation associated with ASD across multiple brain regions, providing novel evidence for convergent molecular signatures associated with both idiopathic and syndromic autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe C Y Wong
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Rebecca G Smith
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Eilis Hannon
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Gokul Ramaswami
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, and Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neelroop N Parikshak
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, and Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elham Assary
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Claire Troakes
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Jeremie Poschmann
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CHU Nantes, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Wenjie Sun
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shyam Prabhakar
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, and Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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21
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Rodriguez N, Morer A, González-Navarro EA, Gassó P, Boloc D, Serra-Pagès C, Lafuente A, Lazaro L, Mas S. Human-leukocyte antigen class II genes in early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2019; 20:352-358. [PMID: 28562177 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2017.1327669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The exact aetiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is unknown, although there is evidence to suggest a gene-environment interaction model. Several lines of evidence support a possible role of the immune system in this model. Methods: The present study explores the allele variability in HLA genes of class II (HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1) in a sample of 144 early-onset OCD compared with reference samples of general population in the same geographical area. Results: None of the 39 alleles identified (allele frequency >1%) showed significant differences between OCD and reference populations. Pooling the different alleles that comprised HLA-DR4 (including DRB1*04:01, DRB1*04:04 and DRB1*04:05 alleles) we observed a significantly higher frequency (X21 = 5.53, P = 0.018; OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.08-2.48) of these alleles in the early-onset OCD sample (10.8%) than in the reference population (6.8%). Conclusions: Taking into account the role of HLA class II genes in the central nervous system, the results presented here support a role of the immune system in the pathophysiological model of OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rodriguez
- a Dept. Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) , Barcelona , Spain.,c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Astrid Morer
- b Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) , Barcelona , Spain.,c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.,d Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences , Hospital Clinic de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - E Azucena González-Navarro
- c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.,e Immunology Service , Centre de Diagnostic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic Dept , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Patricia Gassó
- a Dept. Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Daniel Boloc
- a Dept. Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Carles Serra-Pagès
- c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.,e Immunology Service , Centre de Diagnostic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic Dept , Barcelona , Spain.,f Dept. Biomedicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Amalia Lafuente
- a Dept. Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) , Barcelona , Spain.,c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Luisa Lazaro
- b Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) , Barcelona , Spain.,c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.,d Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences , Hospital Clinic de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,g Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Sergi Mas
- a Dept. Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) , Barcelona , Spain.,c Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain
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22
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Liu Q, Chen MX, Sun L, Wallis CU, Zhou JS, Ao LJ, Li Q, Sham PC. Rational use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:55-72. [PMID: 30842805 PMCID: PMC6397804 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i2.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refer to a range of conditions characterized by impaired social and communication skills and repetitive behaviors caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. Although the pathophysiology underlying ASD is still unclear, recent evidence suggests that immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation play a role in the etiology of ASD. In particular, there is direct evidence supporting a role for maternal immune activation during prenatal life in neurodevelopmental conditions. Currently, the available options of behavioral therapies and pharmacological and supportive nutritional treatments in ASD are only symptomatic. Given the disturbing rise in the incidence of ASD, and the fact that there is no effective pharmacological therapy for ASD, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties that make them relevant to several diseases associated with inflammation and tissue damage. The paracrine regenerative mechanisms of MSCs are also suggested to be therapeutically beneficial for ASD. Thus the underlying pathology in ASD, including immune system dysregulation and inflammation, represent potential targets for MSC therapy. This review will focus on immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ASD and will further discuss the therapeutic potential for MSCs in mediating ASD-related immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mo-Xian Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chloe U Wallis
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Jian-Song Zhou
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Ao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pak C Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Center for Genomic Sciences, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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23
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Abstract
Synapse formation is mediated by a surprisingly large number and wide variety of genes encoding many different protein classes. One of the families increasingly implicated in synapse wiring is the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF). IgSF molecules are by definition any protein containing at least one Ig-like domain, making this family one of the most common protein classes encoded by the genome. Here, we review the emerging roles for IgSF molecules in synapse formation specifically in the vertebrate brain, focusing on examples from three classes of IgSF members: ( a) cell adhesion molecules, ( b) signaling molecules, and ( c) immune molecules expressed in the brain. The critical roles for IgSF members in regulating synapse formation may explain their extensive involvement in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Solving the IgSF code for synapse formation may reveal multiple new targets for rescuing IgSF-mediated deficits in synapse formation and, eventually, new treatments for psychiatric disorders caused by altered IgSF-induced synapse wiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Cameron
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618, USA; ,
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Bitarello BD, de Filippo C, Teixeira JC, Schmidt JM, Kleinert P, Meyer D, Andrés AM. Signatures of Long-Term Balancing Selection in Human Genomes. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:939-955. [PMID: 29608730 PMCID: PMC5952967 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Balancing selection maintains advantageous diversity in populations through various mechanisms. Although extensively explored from a theoretical perspective, an empirical understanding of its prevalence and targets lags behind our knowledge of positive selection. Here, we describe the Non-central Deviation (NCD), a simple yet powerful statistic to detect long-term balancing selection (LTBS) that quantifies how close frequencies are to expectations under LTBS, and provides the basis for a neutrality test. NCD can be applied to a single locus or genomic data, and can be implemented considering only polymorphisms (NCD1) or also considering fixed differences with respect to an outgroup (NCD2) species. Incorporating fixed differences improves power, and NCD2 has higher power to detect LTBS in humans under different frequencies of the balanced allele(s) than other available methods. Applied to genome-wide data from African and European human populations, in both cases using chimpanzee as an outgroup, NCD2 shows that, albeit not prevalent, LTBS affects a sizable portion of the genome: ∼0.6% of analyzed genomic windows and 0.8% of analyzed positions. Significant windows (P < 0.0001) contain 1.6% of SNPs in the genome, which disproportionally fall within exons and change protein sequence, but are not enriched in putatively regulatory sites. These windows overlap ∼8% of the protein-coding genes, and these have larger number of transcripts than expected by chance even after controlling for gene length. Our catalog includes known targets of LTBS but a majority of them (90%) are novel. As expected, immune-related genes are among those with the strongest signatures, although most candidates are involved in other biological functions, suggesting that LTBS potentially influences diverse human phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara D Bitarello
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cesare de Filippo
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - João C Teixeira
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Unit of Human Evolutionary Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Joshua M Schmidt
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philip Kleinert
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Computational Molecular Biology Department, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diogo Meyer
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aida M Andrés
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Murakami G, Edamura M, Furukawa T, Kawasaki H, Kosugi I, Fukuda A, Iwashita T, Nakahara D. MHC class I in dopaminergic neurons suppresses relapse to reward seeking. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaap7388. [PMID: 29546241 PMCID: PMC5851664 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aap7388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) is an important immune protein that is expressed in various brain regions, with its deficiency leading to extensive synaptic transmission that results in learning and memory deficits. Although MHCI is highly expressed in dopaminergic neurons, its role in these neurons has not been examined. We show that MHCI expressed in dopaminergic neurons plays a key role in suppressing reward-seeking behavior. In wild-type mice, cocaine self-administration caused persistent reduction of MHCI specifically in dopaminergic neurons, which was accompanied by enhanced glutamatergic synaptic transmission and relapse to cocaine seeking. Functional MHCI knockout promoted this addictive phenotype for cocaine and a natural reward, namely, sucrose. In contrast, wild-type mice overexpressing a major MHCI gene (H2D) in dopaminergic neurons showed suppressed cocaine seeking. These results show that persistent cocaine-induced reduction of MHCI in dopaminergic neurons is necessary for relapse to cocaine seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Murakami
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Edamura
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tomonori Furukawa
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hideya Kawasaki
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Isao Kosugi
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Toshihide Iwashita
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Nakahara
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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26
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Ciernia AV, Careaga M, Ashwood P, LaSalle J. Microglia from offspring of dams with allergic asthma exhibit epigenomic alterations in genes dysregulated in autism. Glia 2018; 66:505-521. [PMID: 29134693 PMCID: PMC5767155 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation in immune responses during pregnancy increases the risk of a having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among pregnant women, and symptoms often worsen during pregnancy. We recently developed a mouse model of maternal allergic asthma (MAA) that induces changes in sociability, repetitive, and perseverative behaviors in the offspring. Since epigenetic changes help a static genome adapt to the maternal environment, activation of the immune system may epigenetically alter fetal microglia, the brain's resident immune cells. We therefore tested the hypothesis that epigenomic alterations to microglia may be involved in behavioral abnormalities observed in MAA offspring. We used the genome-wide approaches of whole genome bisulfite sequencing to examine DNA methylation and RNA sequencing to examine gene expression in microglia from juvenile MAA offspring. Differentially methylated regions were enriched for immune signaling pathways and important microglial developmental transcription factor binding motifs. Differential expression analysis identified genes involved in controlling microglial sensitivity to the environment and shaping neuronal connections in the developing brain. Differentially expressed genes significantly overlapped genes with altered expression in human ASD cortex, supporting a role for microglia in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Milo Careaga
- MIND Institute, 2825 50 Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, University of California, Davis
| | - Paul Ashwood
- MIND Institute, 2825 50 Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, University of California, Davis
| | - Janine LaSalle
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
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27
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Sayad A, Akbari MT, Noroozi R, Omrani MD, Inoko H, Taheri M, Ghafouri-Fard S. Association of HLA alleles with autism. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:3259-3265. [PMID: 30568448 PMCID: PMC6267725 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s186673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders known by impaired social interaction and activities and abnormal repetitive behavior. As a multifactorial disorder, several genetic and immunological factors have been shown to be implicated in its pathogenesis. METHODS Among them are certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. In the current study, we genotyped HLA-A, -B & DRB alleles in 103 Iranian ASD patients and 180 age, gender, and ethnic-matched healthy controls. RESULTS After Boferroni correction no allele or haplotype was associated with genetic susceptibility to ASD in Iranian population. CONCLUSION Future studies are needed to assess contribution of immunological factors such as HLA alleles in ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezou Sayad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Mohammad Taghi Akbari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvan Noroozi
- Photochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, .,Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hidetoshi Inoko
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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28
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Liu X, Li Z, Fan C, Zhang D, Chen J. Genetics implicate common mechanisms in autism and schizophrenia: synaptic activity and immunity. J Med Genet 2017; 54:511-520. [PMID: 28314733 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-104487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of debilitating psychiatric disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCHZ) is on the rise. These are severe conditions that lead to social isolation and require lifelong professional care. Improved diagnosis of ASD and SCHZ provides early access to medication and therapy, but the reality is that the mechanisms and the cellular pathology underlying these conditions are mostly unknown at this time. Although both ASD and SCHZ have strong inherited components, genetic risk seems to be distributed in hundreds of variants, each conferring low risk. The poor understanding of the genetics of ASD and SCHZ is a significant hurdle to developing effective treatments for these costly conditions. The recent implementation of next-generation sequencing technologies and the creation of large consortia have started to reveal the genetic bases of ASD and SCHZ. Alterations in gene expression regulation, synaptic architecture and activity and immunity seem to be the main cellular mechanisms contributing to both ASD and SCHZ, a surprising overlap given the distinct phenotypes and onset of these conditions. These diverse pathways seem to converge in aberrant synaptic plasticity and remodelling, which leads to altered connectivity between relevant brain regions. Continuous efforts to understand the genetic basis of ASD and SCHZ will soon lead to significant progress in the mechanistic understanding of these prominent psychiatric disorders and enable the development of disease-modifying therapies for these devastating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengwei Li
- Department of Pediatric surgery, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Conghai Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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29
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Stoka V, Turk V, Turk B. Lysosomal cathepsins and their regulation in aging and neurodegeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2016; 32:22-37. [PMID: 27125852 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomes and lysosomal hydrolases, including the cathepsins, have been shown to change their properties with aging brain a long time ago, although their function was not really understood. The first biochemical and clinical studies were followed by a major expansion in the last 20 years with the development of animal disease models and new approaches leading to a major advancement of understanding of the role of physiological and degenerative processes in the brain at the molecular level. This includes the understanding of the major role of autophagy and the cathepsins in a number of diseases, including its critical role in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Similarly, cathepsins and some other lysosomal proteases were shown to have important roles in processing and/or degradation of several important neuronal proteins, thereby having either neuroprotective or harmful roles. In this review, we discuss lysosomal cathepsins and their regulation with the focus on cysteine cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors, as well as their role in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Stoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; J. Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Vito Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; J. Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Jamova 39, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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30
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Torres A, Westover J, Benson M, Johnson R, Dykes A. A Killer Immunoglobulin - Like Receptor Gene - Content Haplotype and A Cognate Human Leukocyte Antigen Ligand are Associated with Autism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 6. [PMID: 27853655 PMCID: PMC5108574 DOI: 10.4172/2165-7890.1000171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The killing activity of natural killer cells is largely regulated by the binding of class I human leukocyte antigen cognate ligands to killer cell immunoglobulin - like receptor proteins. The killer cell immunoglobulin - like receptor gene - complex contains genes that activate and others that inhibit the killing state of natural killer cells depending on the binding of specific human leukocyte antigen cognate ligands. It has been suggested in previous publications that activating human leukocyte antigen/killer - cell immunoglobulin - like receptor complexes are increased in people with autism. We present data, which suggests that an activating cB01/tA01 killer cell immunoglobulin - like receptor gene - content haplotype and the cognate ligand human leukocyte antigen - C1k that activates this haplotype is significantly increased in autism. This is an important observation suggesting that the interaction between two proteins encoded on different chromosomes increases natural killer cell killing in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Torres
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Jonna Westover
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Michael Benson
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Randall Johnson
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Annelise Dykes
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
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31
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Mangold CA, Masser DR, Stanford DR, Bixler GV, Pisupati A, Giles CB, Wren JD, Ford MM, Sonntag WE, Freeman WM. CNS-wide Sexually Dimorphic Induction of the Major Histocompatibility Complex 1 Pathway With Aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2016; 72:16-29. [PMID: 26786204 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glv232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) pathway, which canonically functions in innate immune viral antigen presentation and detection, is functionally pleiotropic in the central nervous system (CNS). Alternative roles include developmental synapse pruning, regulation of synaptic plasticity, and inhibition of neuronal insulin signaling; all processes altered during brain aging. Upregulation of MHCI components with aging has been reported; however, no systematic examination of MHCI cellular localization, expression, and regulation across CNS regions, life span, and sexes has been reported. In the mouse, MHCI is expressed by neurons and microglia, and MHCI components and receptors (H2-K1, H2-D1, β2M, Lilrb3, Klra2, CD247) display markedly different expression profiles across the hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, and retina. MHCI components, receptors, associated inflammatory transcripts (IL1α, IL1β, IL6, TNFα), and TAP (transporter associated with antigen processing) components are induced with aging and to a greater degree in female than male mice across CNS regions. H2-K1 and H2-D1 expression is associated with differential CG and non-CG promoter methylation across CNS regions, ages, and between sexes, and concomitant increased expression of proinflammatory genes. Meta-analysis of human brain aging data also demonstrates age-related increases in MHCI. Induction of MHCI signaling could contribute to altered synapse regulation and impaired synaptic plasticity with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A Mangold
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey
| | - Dustin R Masser
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey.,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.,Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - David R Stanford
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.,Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Georgina V Bixler
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey
| | - Aditya Pisupati
- MD/PhD Program, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey
| | - Cory B Giles
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Jonathan D Wren
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Matthew M Ford
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton
| | - William E Sonntag
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey. .,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.,Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
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Abstract
The immune system's role in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders has been the subject of research for many decades. Despite suggestive evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and immunologic studies, those findings did not translate into clinical practice. Recent recognition of antibody-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disorders has fueled the search for a subgroup of patients with an antibody-mediated psychiatric illness. This chapter focuses on the current understanding of autoimmune CNS disorders and how they may be relevant to psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and autism. We review the results provided by antibody screening in psychiatric patient groups and discuss future directions to establish whether those findings will be meaningful in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Coutinho
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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33
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Significant Association of HLA-B Alleles and Genotypes in Thai Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case-Control Study. DISEASE MARKERS 2015; 2015:724935. [PMID: 26819491 PMCID: PMC4706891 DOI: 10.1155/2015/724935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Many susceptible causative genes have been identified. Most of the previous reports showed the relationship between the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene and etiology of autism. In order to identify HLA-B alleles associated with autism in Thai population, we compared the frequency of HLA-B allele in 364 autistic subjects with 952 normal subjects by using a two-stage sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe system (PCR-SSOP) method based on flow-cytometry technology. HLA-B (⁎) 13:02 (P = 0.019, OR = 2.229), HLA-B (⁎) 38:02 (P = 0.049, OR = 1.628), HLA-B (⁎) 44:03 (P = 0.016, OR = 1.645), and HLA-B (⁎) 56:01 (P = 1.78 × 10(-4), OR = 4.927) alleles were significantly increased in autistic subjects compared with normal subjects. Moreover, we found that the HLA-B (⁎) 18:02 (P = 0.016, OR = 0.375) and HLA-B (⁎) 46:12 (P = 0.008, OR = 0.147) alleles were negatively associated with autism when compared to normal controls. Both alleles might have a protective role in disease development. In addition, four HLA-B genotypes of autistic patients had statistically significant relationship with control groups, consisting of HLA-B (⁎) 3905/(⁎) 5801 (P = 0.032, OR = 24.697), HLA-B (⁎) 2704/(⁎) 5801 (P = 0.022, OR = 6.872), HLA-B (⁎) 3501/(⁎) 4403 (P = 0.021, OR = 30.269), and HLA-B (⁎) 1801/(⁎) 4402 (P = 0.017, OR = 13.757). This is the first report on HLA-B associated with Thai autism and may serve as a marker for genetic susceptibility to autism in Thai population.
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34
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Immune mediators in the brain and peripheral tissues in autism spectrum disorder. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 16:469-86. [PMID: 26189694 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a central role for immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several ASD risk genes encode components of the immune system and many maternal immune system-related risk factors--including autoimmunity, infection and fetal reactive antibodies--are associated with ASD. In addition, there is evidence of ongoing immune dysregulation in individuals with ASD and in animal models of this disorder. Recently, several molecular signalling pathways--including pathways downstream of cytokines, the receptor MET, major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, microglia and complement factors--have been identified that link immune activation to ASD phenotypes. Together, these findings indicate that the immune system is a point of convergence for multiple ASD-related genetic and environmental risk factors.
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35
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Lv D, Shen Y, Peng Y, Liu J, Miao F, Zhang J. Neuronal MHC Class I Expression Is Regulated by Activity Driven Calcium Signaling. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135223. [PMID: 26263390 PMCID: PMC4532511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules are important components of the immune system. Recently MHC-I have been reported to also play important roles in brain development and synaptic plasticity. In this study, we examine the molecular mechanism(s) underlying activity-dependent MHC-I expression using hippocampal neurons. Here we report that neuronal expression level of MHC-I is dynamically regulated during hippocampal development after birth in vivo. Kainic acid (KA) treatment significantly increases the expression of MHC-I in cultured hippocampal neurons in vitro, suggesting that MHC-I expression is regulated by neuronal activity. In addition, KA stimulation decreased the expression of pre- and post-synaptic proteins. This down-regulation is prevented by addition of an MHC-I antibody to KA treated neurons. Further studies demonstrate that calcium-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) is important in relaying KA simulation activation signals to up-regulated MHC-I expression. This signaling cascade relies on activation of the MAPK pathway, which leads to increased phosphorylation of CREB and NF-κB p65 while also enhancing the expression of IRF-1. Together, these results suggest that expression of MHC-I in hippocampal neurons is driven by Ca2+ regulated activation of the MAPK signaling transduction cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yaqin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiane Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fengqin Miao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianqiong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail:
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36
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Port RG, Gandal MJ, Roberts TPL, Siegel SJ, Carlson GC. Convergence of circuit dysfunction in ASD: a common bridge between diverse genetic and environmental risk factors and common clinical electrophysiology. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:414. [PMID: 25538564 PMCID: PMC4259121 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Most recent estimates indicate that 1 in 68 children are affected by an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though decades of research have uncovered much about these disorders, the pathological mechanism remains unknown. Hampering efforts is the seeming inability to integrate findings over the micro to macro scales of study, from changes in molecular, synaptic and cellular function to large-scale brain dysfunction impacting sensory, communicative, motor and cognitive activity. In this review, we describe how studies focusing on neuronal circuit function provide unique context for identifying common neurobiological disease mechanisms of ASD. We discuss how recent EEG and MEG studies in subjects with ASD have repeatedly shown alterations in ensemble population recordings (both in simple evoked related potential latencies and specific frequency subcomponents). Because these disease-associated electrophysiological abnormalities have been recapitulated in rodent models, studying circuit differences in these models may provide access to abnormal circuit function found in ASD. We then identify emerging in vivo and ex vivo techniques, focusing on how these assays can characterize circuit level dysfunction and determine if these abnormalities underlie abnormal clinical electrophysiology. Such circuit level study in animal models may help us understand how diverse genetic and environmental risks can produce a common set of EEG, MEG and anatomical abnormalities found in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell G Port
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Gandal
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Timothy P L Roberts
- Bioengineering Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven J Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory C Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Respiratory viral infection in neonatal piglets causes marked microglia activation in the hippocampus and deficits in spatial learning. J Neurosci 2014; 34:2120-9. [PMID: 24501353 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2180-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental insults during sensitive periods can affect hippocampal development and function, but little is known about peripheral infection, especially in humans and other animals whose brain is gyrencephalic and experiences major perinatal growth. Using a piglet model, the present study showed that inoculation on postnatal day 7 with the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) caused microglial activation within the hippocampus with 82% and 43% of isolated microglia being MHC II(+) 13 and 20 d after inoculation, respectively. In control piglets, <5% of microglia isolated from the hippocampus were MHC II(+). PRRSV piglets were febrile (p < 0.0001), anorectic (p < 0.0001), and weighed less at the end of the study (p = 0.002) compared with control piglets. Increased inflammatory gene expression (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) was seen across multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus, whereas reductions in CD200, NGF, and MBP were evident. In a test of spatial learning, PRRSV piglets took longer to acquire the task, had a longer latency to choice, and had a higher total distance moved. Overall, these data demonstrate that viral respiratory infection is associated with a marked increase in activated microglia in the hippocampus, neuroinflammation, and impaired performance in a spatial cognitive task. As respiratory infections are common in human neonates and infants, approaches to regulate microglial cell activity are likely to be important.
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McAllister AK. Major histocompatibility complex I in brain development and schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:262-8. [PMID: 24199663 PMCID: PMC4354937 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Although the etiology of schizophrenia (SZ) remains unknown, it is increasingly clear that immune dysregulation plays a central role. Genome-wide association studies reproducibly indicate an association of SZ with immune genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Moreover, environmental factors that increase risk for SZ, such as maternal infection, alter peripheral immune responses as well as the expression of immune molecules in the brain. MHC class I (MHCI) molecules might mediate both genetic and environmental contributions to SZ through direct effects on brain development in addition to mediating immunity. MHCI molecules are expressed on neurons in the central nervous system throughout development and into adulthood, where they regulate many aspects of brain development, including neurite outgrowth, synapse formation and function, long-term and homeostatic plasticity, and activity-dependent synaptic refinement. This review summarizes our current understanding of MHCI expression and function in the developing brain as well as its involvement in maternal immune activation, from the perspective of how these roles for MHCI molecules might contribute to the pathogenesis of SZ.
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The Relationship of HLA Class I and II Alleles and Haplotypes with Autism: A Case Control Study. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2014; 2014:242048. [PMID: 24672722 PMCID: PMC3929985 DOI: 10.1155/2014/242048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Earlier reports showed the relationship between autism and immune genes located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA). In this current study, we compared the HLA class I and class II alleles and haplotypes in 35 autistic children with 100 control subjects from Saudi Arabia, using PCR-SSP method and Luminex technology. In class I the HLA-A*01 (P = 0.03, OR 2.68), A*02 (P = 0.001, OR 3.02) and HLA-B*07 (P = 0.01, OR 3.27), were significantly associated with autism. Also, the haplotype A*02-B*07 was significantly higher in autistic patients than in controls (P = 0.007, OR 5.83). In class II, DRB1*1104 was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P = 0.001, OR 8.75). The DQB1*0202 (P = 0.001,
OR 0.24), DQB1*0302 (P = 0.001,
OR 0.14), and DQB1*0501 (P = 0.012, OR 0.25), were negatively associated with disease. While the four-loci genotype study showed that A*01-B*07-DRB1*0701-DQB1*0602 (P = 0.001, OR 41.9) and the A*31-B*51-DRB1*0103-DQB1*0302 (P = 0.012, OR 4.8) are positively associated with autism among Saudi patients. This is the first report on a foreseeable risk of association of HLA-B*07 allele with autism. Thus, HLA-B*07 allele and the closely linked haplotype A*01 B*07 DRB1*0701 DQB1*0602 may serve as a marker for genetic susceptibility to autism in Saudis.
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Edmonson C, Ziats MN, Rennert OM. Altered glial marker expression in autistic post-mortem prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Mol Autism 2014; 5:3. [PMID: 24410870 PMCID: PMC3914711 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cellular mechanism(s) underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are not completely understood, but ASDs are thought to ultimately result from disrupted synaptogenesis. However, studies have also shown that glial cell numbers and function are abnormal in post-mortem brain tissue from autistic patients. Direct assessment of glial cells in post-mortem human brain tissue is technically challenging, limiting glial research in human ASD studies. Therefore, we attempted to determine if glial cell-type specific markers may be altered in autistic brain tissue in a manner that is consistent with known cellular findings, such that they could serve as a proxy for glial cell numbers and/or activation patterns. Methods We assessed the relative expression of five glial-specific markers and two neuron-specific markers via qRT-PCR. We studied tissue samples from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum of nine post-mortem autistic brain samples and nine neurologically-normal controls. Relative fold-change in gene expression was determined using the ΔΔCt method normalized to housekeeping gene β-actin, with a two-tailed Student’s t-test P <0.05 between groups considered as significant. Results Both astrocyte- and microglial-specific markers were significantly more highly expressed in autistic PFC as compared to matched controls, while in the cerebellum only astrocyte markers were elevated in autistic samples. In contrast, neuron-specific markers showed significantly lower expression in both the PFC and cerebellum of autistic patients as compared to controls. Conclusions These results are in line with previous findings showing increased glial cell numbers and up-regulation of glial cell gene expression in autistic post-mortem brain tissue, particularly in the PFC, as well as decreased number of neurons in both the PFC and cerebellum of autistic patients. The concordance of these results with cell-level studies in post-mortem autistic brain tissue suggests that expression of glial cell-type specific markers may serve as a useful alternative to traditional cellular characterization methods, especially when appropriately-preserved post-mortem tissue is lacking. Additionally, these results demonstrate abnormal glial-specific gene expression in autistic brains, supporting previous studies that have observed altered glial cell numbers or activation patterns in ASDs. Future work should directly assess the correlation between cell-type specific marker levels and cell number and activation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Edmonson
- Laboratory of Clinical and Developmental Genomics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Building 49, Room 2C078, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.,University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Mark N Ziats
- Laboratory of Clinical and Developmental Genomics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Building 49, Room 2C078, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.,University of Cambridge, Robinson College, Grange Rd, Cambridgeshire CB3 9AN, UK.,Baylor College of Medicine MSTP, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Owen M Rennert
- Laboratory of Clinical and Developmental Genomics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Building 49, Room 2C078, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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MHCI requires MEF2 transcription factors to negatively regulate synapse density during development and in disease. J Neurosci 2013; 33:13791-804. [PMID: 23966700 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2366-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) molecules negatively regulate cortical connections and are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms that mediate these effects are unknown. Here, we report a novel MHCI signaling pathway that requires the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors. In young rat cortical neurons, MHCI regulates MEF2 in an activity-dependent manner and requires calcineurin-mediated activation of MEF2 to limit synapse density. Manipulating MEF2 alone alters synaptic strength and GluA1 content, but not synapse density, implicating activity-dependent MEF2 activation as critical for MHCI signaling. The MHCI-MEF2 pathway identified here also mediates the effects of a mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA) on connectivity in offspring. MHCI and MEF2 levels are higher, and synapse density is lower, on neurons from MIA offspring. Most important, dysregulation of MHCI and MEF2 is required for the MIA-induced reduction in neural connectivity. These results identify a previously unknown MHCI-calcineurin-MEF2 signaling pathway that regulates the establishment of cortical connections and mediates synaptic defects caused by MIA, a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.
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Immune-mediated animal models of Tourette syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1120-38. [PMID: 23313649 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
An autoimmune diathesis has been proposed in Tourette syndrome (TS) and related neuropsychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and anorexia nervosa. Environmental triggers including infection and xenobiotics are hypothesized to lead to the production of brain-directed autoantibodies in a subset of genetically susceptible individuals. Although much work has focused on Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the role of this common childhood infection remains controversial. Animal model studies based on immune and autoantibody findings in TS have demonstrated immunoglobulin (Ig) deposits and stereotypic movements and related behavioral disturbances reminiscent of TS following exposure to GAS, other activators of host anti-microbial responses, soluble immune mediators and anti-GAS or anti-neuronal antibodies. Demonstration of the ability to recreate these abnormalities through passive transfer of serum IgG from GAS-immunized mice into naïve mice and abrogation of this activity through depletion of IgG has provided compelling evidence in support of the autoimmune hypothesis. Immunologically-based animal models of TS are a potent tool for dissecting the pathogenesis of this serious neuropsychiatric syndrome.
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous disorder diagnosed based on the presence and severity of core abnormalities in social communication and repetitive behavior, yet several studies converge on immune dysregulation as a feature of ASD. Widespread alterations in immune molecules and responses are seen in the brains and periphery of ASD individuals, and early life immune disruptions are associated with ASD. This chapter discusses immune-related environmental and genetic risk factors for ASD, emphasizing population-wide studies and animal research that reveal potential mechanistic pathways involved in the development of ASD-related symptoms. It further reviews immunologic pathologies seen in ASD individuals and how such abnormalities can impact neurodevelopment and behavior. Finally, it evaluates emerging evidence for an immune contribution to the pathogenesis of ASD and a potential role for immunomodulatory effects in current treatments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Y Hsiao
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA.
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Chacon MA, Boulanger LM. MHC class I protein is expressed by neurons and neural progenitors in mid-gestation mouse brain. Mol Cell Neurosci 2012; 52:117-27. [PMID: 23147111 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) are known for their role in the vertebrate adaptive immune response, and are required for normal postnatal brain development and plasticity. However, it remains unknown if MHCI proteins are present in the mammalian brain before birth. Here, we show that MHCI proteins are widely expressed in the developing mouse central nervous system at mid-gestation (E9.5-10.5). MHCI is strongly expressed in several regions of the prenatal brain, including the neuroepithelium and olfactory placode. MHCI is expressed by neural progenitors at these ages, as identified by co-expression in cells positive for neuron-specific class III β-tubulin (Tuj1) or for Pax6, a marker of neural progenitors in the dorsal neuroepithelium. MHCI is also co-expressed with nestin, a marker of neural stem/progenitor cells, in olfactory placode, but the co-localization is less extensive in other regions. MHCI is detected in the small population of post-mitotic neurons that are present at this early stage of brain development, as identified by co-expression in cells positive for neuronal microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2). Thus MHCI protein is expressed during the earliest stages of neuronal differentiation in the mammalian brain. MHCI expression in neurons and neural progenitors at mid-gestation, prior to the maturation of the adaptive immune system, is consistent with MHCI performing non-immune functions in prenatal brain development. These results raise the possibility that disruption of the levels and/or patterns of MHCI expression in the prenatal brain could contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo A Chacon
- Department of Molecular Biology and Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, 123 Lewis Thomas Laboratories, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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Mostafa GA, Shehab AA, Al-Ayadhi LY. The link between some alleles on human leukocyte antigen system and autism in children. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 255:70-4. [PMID: 23110937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 09/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The reason behind the initiation of autoimmunity to brain in some patients with autism is not well understood. There is an association between some autoimmune disorders and specific alleles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. Thus, we examined the frequency of some HLA-DRB1 alleles in 100 autistic children and 100 healthy matched-children by differential hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes. The risk of association between acquisition or absence of these alleles and autism and also a history of autoimmune diseases in autistic relatives was studied. Autistic children had significantly higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*11 allele than controls (P<0.001). In contrast, autistic children had significantly lower frequency of HLA-DRB1*03 allele than controls (P<0.001). Acquisition of HLA-DRB1*011 and absence of HLA-DRB1*3 had significant risk for association with autism (odds ratio: 3.21 and 0.17, respectively; 95% CI: 1.65-6.31 and 0.06-0.45, respectively). HLA-DRB1*11 had a significant risk for association with a family history of autoimmunity in autistic children (odds ratio: 5.67; 95% CI: 2.07-16.3). In conclusions, the link of some HLA alleles to autism and to family history of autoimmunity indicates the possible contributing role of these alleles to autoimmunity in some autistic children. Despite a relatively small sample size, we are the first to report a probable protective association of HLA-DRB1*03 allele with autism. It warrants a replication study of a larger sample to validate the HLA-DRB1 genetic association with autism. This is important to determine whether therapeutic modulations of the immune function are legitimate avenues for novel therapy in selected cases of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehan A Mostafa
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Autism Research and Treatment Center, Al-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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