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Deslauriers JC, Ghotkar RP, Russ LA, Jarman JA, Martin RM, Tippett RG, Sumathipala SH, Burton DF, Cole DC, Marsden KC. Cyfip2 controls the acoustic startle threshold through FMRP, actin polymerization, and GABA B receptor function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.22.573054. [PMID: 38187577 PMCID: PMC10769380 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Animals process a constant stream of sensory input, and to survive they must detect and respond to dangerous stimuli while ignoring innocuous or irrelevant ones. Behavioral responses are elicited when certain properties of a stimulus such as its intensity or size reach a critical value, and such behavioral thresholds can be a simple and effective mechanism to filter sensory information. For example, the acoustic startle response is a conserved and stereotyped defensive behavior induced by sudden loud sounds, but dysregulation of the threshold to initiate this behavior can result in startle hypersensitivity that is associated with sensory processing disorders including schizophrenia and autism. Through a previous forward genetic screen for regulators of the startle threshold a nonsense mutation in Cytoplasmic Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP)-interacting protein 2 (cyfip2) was found that causes startle hypersensitivity in zebrafish larvae, but the molecular mechanisms by which Cyfip2 establishes the acoustic startle threshold are unknown. Here we used conditional transgenic rescue and CRISPR/Cas9 to determine that Cyfip2 acts though both Rac1 and FMRP pathways, but not the closely related FXR1 or FXR2, to establish the acoustic startle threshold during early neurodevelopment. To identify proteins and pathways that may be downstream effectors of Rac1 and FMRP, we performed a candidate-based drug screen that indicated that Cyfip2 can also act acutely to maintain the startle threshold branched actin polymerization and N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). To complement this approach, we used unbiased discovery proteomics to determine that loss of Cyfip2 alters cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix components while also disrupting oxidative phosphorylation and GABA receptor signaling. Finally, we functionally validated our proteomics findings by showing that activating GABAB receptors, which like NMDARs are also FMRP targets, restores normal startle sensitivity in cyfip2 mutants. Together, these data reveal multiple mechanisms by which Cyfip2 regulates excitatory/inhibitory balance in the startle circuit to control the processing of acoustic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Deslauriers
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rohit P. Ghotkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: Putnam Associates, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsey A. Russ
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Jordan A. Jarman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rubia M. Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel G. Tippett
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sureni H. Sumathipala
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derek F. Burton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - D. Chris Cole
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kurt C. Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Aishworiya R, Tak Y, Ponzini MD, Biag HMB, Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Kim K, Tassone F, Schneider A, Thurman AJ, Abbeduto L, Hessl D, Randol JL, Bolduc FV, Lippe S, Hagerman P, Hagerman R. Adaptive, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes in individuals with fragile X syndrome with varying autism severity. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:715-727. [PMID: 37724826 PMCID: PMC10868665 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10299] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the association between severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive, behavioral, and molecular measures in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Study inclusion criteria included individuals with FXS and (1) age 6-40 years, (2) full-scale IQ < 84, and (3) language ≥3-word phrases. ASD symptom severity was determined by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). Other measures identified non-verbal IQ, adaptive skills, and aberrant behaviors. Molecular measures included blood FMR1 and CYFIP1 mRNA levels, FMRP and MMP9 levels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman's correlations were used to compare ASD severity groups. Data from 54 individuals was included with no/mild (N = 7), moderate (N = 18), and severe (N = 29) ASD. Individuals with high ASD severity had lower adaptive behavior scores (47.48 ± 17.49) than the no/mild group (69.00 ± 20.45, p = 0.0366); they also had more challenging behaviors, lethargy, and stereotypic behaviors. CYFIP1 mRNA expression levels positively correlated with the ADOS-2 comparison score(r2 = 0.33, p = 0.0349), with no significant correlations with other molecular markers. In conclusion, autism symptom severity is associated with more adverse cognitive and adaptive skills and specific behaviors in FXS, whereas CYFIP1 mRNA expression levels may be a potential biomarker for severity of ASD in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Aishworiya
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - YeEun Tak
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew Dominic Ponzini
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Hazel Maridith Barlahan Biag
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Flora Tassone
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Andrea Schneider
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Angela John Thurman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - David Hessl
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Jamie Leah Randol
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, United States of America
- UC Davis Biotechnology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
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Kim NS, Ringeling FR, Zhou Y, Nguyen HN, Temme SJ, Lin YT, Eacker S, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Xiao B, Hsu KS, Canzar S, Li W, Worley P, Christian KM, Yoon KJ, Song H, Ming GL. CYFIP1 Dosages Exhibit Divergent Behavioral Impact via Diametric Regulation of NMDA Receptor Complex Translation in Mouse Models of Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:815-826. [PMID: 34247782 PMCID: PMC8568734 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene dosage imbalance caused by copy number variations (CNVs) is a prominent contributor to brain disorders. In particular, 15q11.2 CNV duplications and deletions have been associated with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. The mechanism underlying these diametric contributions remains unclear. METHODS We established both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mouse models of Cyfip1, one of four genes within 15q11.2 CNVs. To assess the functional consequences of altered CYFIP1 levels, we performed systematic investigations on behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical phenotypes in both mouse models. In addition, we utilized RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) analysis to reveal molecular targets of CYFIP1 in vivo. RESULTS Cyfip1 loss-of-function and gain-of function mouse models exhibited distinct and shared behavioral abnormalities related to autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. RIP-seq analysis identified messenger RNA targets of CYFIP1 in vivo, including postsynaptic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) complex components. In addition, these mouse models showed diametric changes in levels of postsynaptic NMDAR complex components at synapses because of dysregulated protein translation, resulting in bidirectional alteration of NMDAR-mediated signaling. Importantly, pharmacological balancing of NMDAR signaling in these mouse models with diametric Cyfip1 dosages rescues behavioral abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS CYFIP1 regulates protein translation of NMDAR and associated complex components at synapses to maintain normal synaptic functions and behaviors. Our integrated analyses provide insight into how gene dosage imbalance caused by CNVs may contribute to divergent neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Shik Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francisca Rojas Ringeling
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ying Zhou
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ha Nam Nguyen
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephanie J Temme
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephen Eacker
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bo Xiao
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kuei-Sen Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Stefan Canzar
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Paul Worley
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kimberly M Christian
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Sheardown E, Mech AM, Petrazzini MEM, Leggieri A, Gidziela A, Hosseinian S, Sealy IM, Torres-Perez JV, Busch-Nentwich EM, Malanchini M, Brennan CH. Translational relevance of forward genetic screens in animal models for the study of psychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104559. [PMID: 35124155 PMCID: PMC9016269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104559] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent a significant burden in our societies. Despite the convincing evidence pointing at gene and gene-environment interaction contributions, the role of genetics in the etiology of psychiatric disease is still poorly understood. Forward genetic screens in animal models have helped elucidate causal links. Here we discuss the application of mutagenesis-based forward genetic approaches in common animal model species: two invertebrates, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila sp.); and two vertebrates, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice (Mus musculus), in relation to psychiatric disease. We also discuss the use of large scale genomic studies in human populations. Despite the advances using data from human populations, animal models coupled with next-generation sequencing strategies are still needed. Although with its own limitations, zebrafish possess characteristics that make them especially well-suited to forward genetic studies exploring the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sheardown
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Aleksandra M Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | | | - Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Agnieszka Gidziela
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Saeedeh Hosseinian
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Ian M Sealy
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jose V Torres-Perez
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Elisabeth M Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK.
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Biembengut ÍV, Silva ILZ, Souza TDACBD, Shigunov P. Cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein (CYFIP) family members and their function in neural development and disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6131-6143. [PMID: 34327661 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06585-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans, the cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein (CYFIP) family is composed of CYFIP1 and CYFIP2. Despite their high similarity and shared interaction with many partners, CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 act at different points in cellular processes. CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 have different expression levels in human tissues, and knockout animals die at different time points of development. CYFIP1, similar to CYFIP2, acts in the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) and plays a role in actin dynamics through the activation of the Arp2/3 complex and in a posttranscriptional regulatory complex with the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Previous reports have shown that CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 may play roles in posttranscriptional regulation in different ways. While CYFIP1 is involved in translation initiation via the 5'UTR, CYFIP2 may regulate mRNA expression via the 3'UTR. In addition, this CYFIP protein family is involved in neural development and maturation as well as in different neural disorders, such as intellectual disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we map diverse studies regarding the functions, regulation, and implications of CYFIP proteins in a series of molecular pathways. We also highlight mutations and their structural effects both in functional studies and in neural diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ísis Venturi Biembengut
- Carlos Chagas Institute-FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CIC, Curitiba, Paraná, 81830-010, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patrícia Shigunov
- Carlos Chagas Institute-FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CIC, Curitiba, Paraná, 81830-010, Brazil.
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6
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Rahmani Z, Fayyazi Bordbar MR, Dibaj M, Alimardani M, Moghbeli M. Genetic and molecular biology of autism spectrum disorder among Middle East population: a review. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:17. [PMID: 33712060 PMCID: PMC7953769 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease, characterized by impaired social communication, executive dysfunction, and abnormal perceptual processing. It is more frequent among males. All of these clinical manifestations are associated with atypical neural development. Various genetic and environmental risk factors are involved in the etiology of autism. Genetic assessment is essential for the early detection and intervention which can improve social communications and reduce abnormal behaviors. Although, there is a noticeable ASD incidence in Middle East countries, there is still a lack of knowledge about the genetic and molecular biology of ASD among this population to introduce efficient diagnostic and prognostic methods. MAIN BODY In the present review, we have summarized all of the genes which have been associated with ASD progression among Middle East population. We have also categorized the reported genes based on their cell and molecular functions. CONCLUSIONS This review clarifies the genetic and molecular biology of ASD among Middle East population and paves the way of introducing an efficient population based panel of genetic markers for the early detection and management of ASD in Middle East countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rahmani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Dibaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maliheh Alimardani
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Cabal-Herrera AM, Punatar RH, Clark CJ, Romney CA, Hagerman RJ. Overlapping Molecular Pathways Leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, and Targeted Treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:265-283. [PMID: 33215285 PMCID: PMC8116395 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are subdivided into idiopathic (unknown) etiology and secondary, based on known etiology. There are hundreds of causes of ASD and most of them are genetic in origin or related to the interplay of genetic etiology and environmental toxicology. Approximately 30 to 50% of the etiologies can be identified when using a combination of available genetic testing. Many of these gene mutations are either core components of the Wnt signaling pathway or their modulators. The full mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of monogenic origin of ASD, accounting for ~ 2% of the cases. There is an overlap of molecular mechanisms in those with idiopathic ASD and those with FXS, an interaction between various signaling pathways is suggested during the development of the autistic brain. This review summarizes the cross talk between neurobiological pathways found in ASD and FXS. These signaling pathways are currently under evaluation to target specific treatments in search of the reversal of the molecular abnormalities found in both idiopathic ASD and FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 00000, Colombia
| | - Ruchi Harendra Punatar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Courtney Jessica Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher Allen Romney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Rho GTPase Regulators and Effectors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animal Models and Insights for Therapeutics. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040835. [PMID: 32244264 PMCID: PMC7226772 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases are small G proteins that act as molecular switches shuttling between active and inactive forms. Rho GTPases are regulated by two classes of regulatory proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rho GTPases transduce the upstream signals to downstream effectors, thus regulating diverse cellular processes, such as growth, migration, adhesion, and differentiation. In particular, Rho GTPases play essential roles in regulating neuronal morphology and function. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of Rho GTPase signaling contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been found that 20 genes encoding Rho GTPase regulators and effectors are listed as ASD risk genes by Simons foundation autism research initiative (SFARI). This review summarizes the clinical evidence, protein structure, and protein expression pattern of these 20 genes. Moreover, ASD-related behavioral phenotypes in animal models of these genes are reviewed, and the therapeutic approaches that show successful treatment effects in these animal models are discussed.
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Yehia L, Seyfi M, Niestroj LM, Padmanabhan R, Ni Y, Frazier TW, Lal D, Eng C. Copy Number Variation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Germline PTEN Mutations. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e1920415. [PMID: 32003824 PMCID: PMC7042875 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE PTEN is among the most common autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-predisposition genes. Germline PTEN mutation carriers can develop malignant neoplasms and/or neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and developmental delay. Why a single gene contributes to disparate clinical outcomes, even in patients with identical PTEN mutations, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of copy number variations (CNVs), altered numbers of copies of DNA sequences within the genome, with specific phenotypes in patients with germline PTEN mutations. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study examined genome-wide microarrays performed on blood-derived DNA to detect germline CNVs from September 1, 2005, through January 3, 2018. Multicenter accrual occurred from community and academic medical centers throughout North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Participants included patients with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) (n = 481), molecularly defined as carrying germline pathogenic PTEN mutations. Data were analyzed from November 14, 2018, to August 1, 2019. EXPOSURES Detection of CNVs from patient-derived germline DNA. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prevalence of pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic CNVs in patients with PHTS and association with ASD/developmental delay and/or cancer, ascertained through medical records and pathology reports. RESULTS The study included 481 patients with PHTS (mean [SD] age, 33.2 [21.6] years; 268 female [55.7%]). The analytic series consisted of 309 patients with PHTS and genetically determined European ancestry. Patients were divided into 3 phenotypic groups, excluding family members within each group. These include 110 patients with ASD/developmental delay, 194 without ASD/developmental delay, and 121 with cancer (of whom 116 were in the no ASD/developmental delay group). Genome-wide evaluation of autosomal CNVs indicated an increased CNV burden, particularly duplications in genic regions, in patients with ASD/developmental delay compared with those without ASD/developmental delay (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4; P = .03) and those with cancer (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.6; P = .003). Eleven of the 110 patients (10.0%) with ASD/developmental delay carried pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic CNVs associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, compared with 5 of 194 (2.6%) without ASD/developmental delay (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4-13.7; P = .008) and 2 of 121 (1.7%) with cancer (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.6-44.5; P = .007). Evidence of an association between pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic CNVs and PHTS with ASD/developmental delay was further supported in a validation series of 69 patients with PHTS of genetically determined non-European ancestry. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that copy number variations are associated with the ASD/developmental delay clinical phenotype in PHTS, providing proof of principle for similarly heterogeneous disorders lacking outcome-specific associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamis Yehia
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Marilyn Seyfi
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Roshan Padmanabhan
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ying Ni
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Thomas W. Frazier
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Autism Speaks, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio
| | - Dennis Lal
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Germline High Risk Cancer Focus Group, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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Woo YJ, Kanellopoulos AK, Hemati P, Kirschen J, Nebel RA, Wang T, Bagni C, Abrahams BS. Domain-Specific Cognitive Impairments in Humans and Flies With Reduced CYFIP1 Dosage. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:306-314. [PMID: 31202490 PMCID: PMC6679746 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deletions encompassing a four-gene region on chromosome 15 (BP1-BP2 at 15q11.2), seen at a population frequency of 1 in 500, are associated with increased risk for schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other common neurodevelopmental disorders. However, little is known in terms of how these common deletions impact cognition. METHODS We used a Web-based tool to characterize cognitive function in a novel cohort of adult carriers and their noncarrier family members. Results from 31 carrier and 38 noncarrier parents from 40 families were compared with control data from 6530 individuals who self-registered on the Lumosity platform and opted in to participate in research. We then examined aspects of sensory and cognitive function in flies harboring a mutation in Cyfip, the homologue of one of the genes within the deletion. For the fly studies, 10 or more groups of 50 individuals per genotype were included. RESULTS Our human studies revealed profound deficits in grammatical reasoning, arithmetic reasoning, and working memory in BP1-BP2 deletion carriers. No such deficits were observed in noncarrier spouses. Our fly studies revealed deficits in associative and nonassociative learning despite intact sensory perception. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into outcomes associated with BP1-BP2 deletions and call for a discussion on how to appropriately communicate these findings to unaffected carriers. Findings also highlight the utility of an online tool in characterizing cognitive function in a geographically distributed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jae Woo
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | | | - Parisa Hemati
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA.,Human Genetics Program, Sarah Lawrence College, Yonkers, NY 10708 USA
| | - Jill Kirschen
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Rebecca A. Nebel
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Claudia Bagni
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Tor Vergata University, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Rome, Italy
| | - Brett S. Abrahams
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA.,Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Brett Abrahams, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Departments of Genetics & Neuroscience, Jack & Pearl Resnick Campus, Price Center, Room 469, 1301 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, Phone (718) 678-1202,
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11
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Williams Syndrome, Human Self-Domestication, and Language Evolution. Front Psychol 2019; 10:521. [PMID: 30936846 PMCID: PMC6431629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Language evolution resulted from changes in our biology, behavior, and culture. One source of these changes might be human self-domestication. Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition with a clearly defined genetic basis which results in a distinctive behavioral and cognitive profile, including enhanced sociability. In this paper we show evidence that the WS phenotype can be satisfactorily construed as a hyper-domesticated human phenotype, plausibly resulting from the effect of the WS hemideletion on selected candidates for domestication and neural crest (NC) function. Specifically, we show that genes involved in animal domestication and NC development and function are significantly dysregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. We also discuss the consequences of this link between domestication and WS for our current understanding of language evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Humanities, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Expression Analysis of CYFIP1 and CAMKK2 Genes in the Blood of Epileptic and Schizophrenic Patients. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:336-342. [PMID: 29992499 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and epilepsy are two prevalent neurological disorders with high global burden to the society. Genome-wide studies have identified potential underlying causes for these neurological diseases. In the present case-control study, we have assessed expression of CYFIP1 and CAMKK2 genes in the blood samples of epileptic and schizophrenic patients compared with healthy subjects. A total of 180 subjects including 40 epileptic patients, 50 schizophrenic patients, and 90 healthy individuals participated in the study. Expression of the mentioned genes was measured using TaqMan real-time PCR. The results demonstrated a significant upregulation of CYFIP1 gene expression in epileptic patients (P = 0.029). CAMKK2 was downregulated in female schizophrenic patients compared with female healthy individuals (P = 0.048). These results may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of epilepsy and schizophrenia and suggest these genes as potential therapeutic targets for these neurological disorders. Future studies should evaluate these results in larger cohorts of patients.
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