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Silvestri C, Scaini S, Giani L, Ferro M, Nobile M, Caputi M. Theory of Mind: A Brief Review of Candidate Genes. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:717. [PMID: 38927653 PMCID: PMC11203359 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Deficits in theory of mind (ToM), known as the ability to understand the other's mind, have been associated with several psychopathological outcomes. The present systematic review aims to summarize the results of genetic studies that investigated gene polymorphisms associated with mentalization performance tasks in children and adults. The systematic review was carried out following PRISMA guidelines, and the literature search was conducted in PubMed and EBSCOhost using the following keywords: 'theory of mind, mentalizing, mindreading' and 'gene, genetic basis'. Nineteen studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Most of the literature focused on the role of DRD4, DAT1, OXTR, OXT, COMT, ZNF804A, AVP, AVPR, SCL6A4, EFHC2, MAO-A, and the family of GTF2I genes in influencing ToM. However, controversial results emerged in sustaining the link between specific genetic polymorphisms and mentalization abilities in children and adults. Available data show heterogeneous outcomes, with studies reporting an association between the same family genes in subjects of the same age and other studies reporting no correlation. This does not allow us to draw any solid conclusions but paves the way for exploring genes involved in ToM tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Silvestri
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy; (C.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Simona Scaini
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy; (C.S.); (L.G.)
- Child and Adolescent Unit, Italian Psychotherapy Clinics, Corso San Gottardo 5, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Giani
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy; (C.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Nobile
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy;
| | - Marcella Caputi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss, 34128 Trieste, Italy;
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Gnanadesikan GE, Tandon D, Bray EE, Kennedy BS, Tennenbaum SR, MacLean EL, vonHoldt BM. Transposons in the Williams-Beuren Syndrome Critical Region are Associated with Social Behavior in Assistance Dogs. Behav Genet 2024; 54:196-211. [PMID: 38091228 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-023-10166-7] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
A strong signature of selection in the domestic dog genome is found in a five-megabase region of chromosome six in which four structural variants derived from transposons have previously been associated with human-oriented social behavior, such as attentional bias to social stimuli and social interest in strangers. To explore these genetic associations in more phenotypic detail-as well as their role in training success in a specialized assistance dog program-we genotyped 1001 assistance dogs from Canine Companions for Independence®, including both successful graduates and dogs released from the training program for behaviors incompatible with their working role. We collected phenotypes on each dog using puppy-raiser questionnaires, trainer questionnaires, and both cognitive and behavioral tests. Using Bayesian mixed models, we found strong associations (95% credibility intervals excluding zero) between genotypes and certain behavioral measures, including separation-related problems, aggression when challenged or corrected, and reactivity to other dogs. Furthermore, we found moderate differences in the genotypes of dogs who graduated versus those who did not; insertions in GTF2I showed the strongest association with training success (β = 0.23, CI95% = - 0.04, 0.49), translating to an odds-ratio of 1.25 for one insertion. Our results provide insight into the role of each of these four transposons in canine sociability and may inform breeding and training practices for working dog organizations. Furthermore, the observed importance of the gene GTF2I supports the emerging consensus that variation in GTF2I genotypes and expression have important consequences for social behavior broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali E Gnanadesikan
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Dhriti Tandon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Emily E Bray
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, 95402, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, 85737, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Brenda S Kennedy
- Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, 95402, USA
| | - Stavi R Tennenbaum
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Evan L MacLean
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, 85737, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Bridgett M vonHoldt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
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Sepúlveda EM, Resa PL. Pragmatic skills in people with Williams syndrome: the perception of families. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:95. [PMID: 38429809 PMCID: PMC10908058 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most challenging linguistic areas in people with Williams Syndrome throughout their evolutionary stage is the development of pragmatic skills. The research conducted so far highlights specific problems concerning adaptation to the linguistic context and interlocutors, language comprehension, as well as other aspects interfering with verbal communication. However, until now, most scientific evidence has been based on personal assessments of this group. In a complementary manner, the goal of this study was to discover the level of pragmatic skills of people with Williams Syndrome from the point of view of the families. The sample consisted of 34 families belonging to the Williams Syndrome Association of Spain. The assessment instrument was the pragmatic awareness questionnaire, which includes 26 items related to different aspects that are part of the pragmatic area on a Likert-type scale. RESULTS The results indicate that, families consider there to be a regular to low level in all the areas assessed. The strong points seem to lie in the paralinguistic aspects, while the weakest factors are those related to the understanding of figurative language. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, it is necessary to continue insisting on the importance of language intervention in this group throughout its development to improve its level of linguistic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moraleda Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Psychology, University Complutense of Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
| | - Patricia López Resa
- Faculty of Psychology, University Complutense of Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
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Serrano-Juárez CA, Prieto-Corona B, Rodríguez-Camacho M, Sandoval-Lira L, Villalva-Sánchez ÁF, Yáñez-Téllez MG, López MFR. Neuropsychological Genotype-Phenotype in Patients with Williams Syndrome with Atypical Deletions: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:891-911. [PMID: 36520254 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a microdeletion in the q11.23 region of chromosome 7. Recent case series reports and clinical case studies have suggested that the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social profile in WS could depend on the genes involved in the deletion. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze and synthesize the variability of the cognitive and behavioral profile of WS with atypical deletion and its probable relationship with the affected genes. The medical subject headings searched were "Williams syndrome," "genotype," "phenotype," "cognitive profile," and "atypical deletion." The studies included were in English or Spanish, with children and adults, and published between January 2000 and October 2022. Twenty-three studies are reported. The characteristics of the participants, the genes involved, the neuropsychological domains and instruments, and the prevalence of the WS cognitive profile criteria were used for the genotype-phenotype analysis. The genes with a major impact on the cognitive profile of WS were (a) LIMK1 and those belonging to the GTF2I family, the former with a greater influence on visuospatial abilities; (b) GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I, which have an impact on intellectual capacity as well as on visuospatial and social skills; (c) FZD9, BAZ1B, STX1A, and CLIP2, which influence the cognitive profile if other genes are also effected; and (d) GTF2IRD2, which is related to the severity of the effect on visuospatial and social skills, producing a behavioral phenotype like that of the autism spectrum. The review revealed four neuropsychological phenotypes, depending on the genes involved, and established the need for more comprehensive study of the neuropsychological profile of these patients. Based on the results found, we propose a model for the investigation of and clinical approach to the WS neuropsychological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Serrano-Juárez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Belén Prieto-Corona
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México.
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Camacho
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Lucero Sandoval-Lira
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ángel Fernando Villalva-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ma Guillermina Yáñez-Téllez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
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Alfieri P, Scibelli F, Casula L, Piga S, Napoli E, Valeri G, Vicari S. Cooperative Parent-Mediated Therapy in Children with Fragile X Syndrome and Williams Beuren Syndrome: A Pilot RCT Study of a Transdiagnostic Intervention-Preliminary Data. Brain Sci 2021; 12:8. [PMID: 35053752 PMCID: PMC8773548 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with fragile X syndrome and William Beuren syndrome share several socio-communicative deficits. In both populations, around 30/35% of individuals meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder on gold standard instruments. Notwithstanding, few studies have explored feasibility and validity of therapy for socio-communicative deficits in individuals with these genetic conditions. In this study, we present preliminary data on a pilot RCT aimed to verify the effectiveness of cooperative parent-mediated therapy for socio-communicative deficits in a transdiagnostic perspective in a small sample of 12 participants. Our preliminary data showed that the experimental group had significant improvement in one socio-communicative skill (responsivity) and in clinical global impression, while the control group in an adaptive measure of socialization and word production. Implications of these results are then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Alfieri
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children′s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (L.C.); (E.N.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Francesco Scibelli
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children′s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (L.C.); (E.N.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Laura Casula
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children′s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (L.C.); (E.N.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Simone Piga
- Clinical Epidemiology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children′s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (L.C.); (E.N.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children′s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (L.C.); (E.N.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children′s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (L.C.); (E.N.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
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