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Woods S, Basco J, Clemens S. Effects of iron-deficient diet on sleep onset and spinal reflexes in a rodent model of Restless Legs Syndrome. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1160028. [PMID: 37273717 PMCID: PMC10234126 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1160028] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor and a sleep disorder that affects 2.5-10% of the European and North American populations. RLS is also often associated with periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS). Despite ample evidence of genetic contributions, the underlying mechanisms that elicit the sensory and motor symptoms remain unidentified. Clinically, RLS has been correlated with an altered central iron metabolism, particularly in the brain. While several animal models have been developed to determine the outcome of an altered iron homeostasis on brain function, the potential role of an altered iron homeostasis on sleep and sensorimotor circuits has not yet been investigated. Here, we utilize a mouse model to assess the effects of an iron-deficient (ID) but non-anemic state on sleep time and episodes, and sensorimotor reflexes in male and female mice. We found that animals on the ID diet displayed an increased expression of the transferrin receptor in the spinal cord, confirming the results of previous studies that focused only on the impact of ID in the brain. We also demonstrate that the ID diet reduced hematocrit levels compared to controls but not into the anemic range, and that animals on the ID diet exhibited RLS-like symptoms with regard to sleep onset and spinal cord reflex excitability. Interestingly, the effects on the spinal cord were stronger in females than in males, and the ID diet-induced behaviors were rescued by the return of the animals to the control diet. Taken together, these results demonstrate that diet-induced ID changes to CNS function are both inducible and reversible, and that they mimic the sleep and sensorimotor RLS symptoms experienced in the clinic. We therefore propose replacing the commonly used phrase "brain iron deficiency" (BID) hypothesis in the RLS research field with the term "iron deficiency in the central nervous system" (ID-CNS), to include possible effects of altered iron levels on spinal cord function.
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Wong SG, Vorakunthada Y, Lee-Iannotti J, Johnson KG. Sleep-related motor disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:383-397. [PMID: 37562879 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Sleep-related motor disorders include non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep parasomnias, rapid-eye movement (REM), sleep parasomnias including REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), isolated motor phenomena in sleep, and periodic limb movement disorder. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurs while awake but is closely related to sleep and has a circadian pattern. The pontine sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus has an important role in aligning motor control with sleep states, and dysfunction in this region can explain motor activities including cataplexy and loss of REM atonia seen in REM sleep behavior disorder. This chapter begins with a review of motor control in sleep. The rest of the chapter summarizes the clinical presentation, epidemiology, differential and treatment of NREM, REM, and isolated sleep-related motor disorders as well as restless legs syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie G Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Yuttiwat Vorakunthada
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Joyce Lee-Iannotti
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Karin G Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine-Baystate, Springfield, MA, United States; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine-Baystate, Springfield, MA, United States.
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Salminen AV, Clemens S, García-Borreguero D, Ghorayeb I, Li Y, Manconi M, Ondo W, Rye D, Siegel JM, Silvani A, Winkelman JW, Allen RP, Ferré S. Consensus guidelines on the construct validity of rodent models of restless legs syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049615. [PMID: 35946581 PMCID: PMC9393041 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the causes and natural course of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is incomplete. The lack of objective diagnostic biomarkers remains a challenge for clinical research and for the development of valid animal models. As a task force of preclinical and clinical scientists, we have previously defined face validity parameters for rodent models of RLS. In this article, we establish new guidelines for the construct validity of RLS rodent models. To do so, we first determined and agreed on the risk, and triggering factors and pathophysiological mechanisms that influence RLS expressivity. We then selected 20 items considered to have sufficient support in the literature, which we grouped by sex and genetic factors, iron-related mechanisms, electrophysiological mechanisms, dopaminergic mechanisms, exposure to medications active in the central nervous system, and others. These factors and biological mechanisms were then translated into rodent bioequivalents deemed to be most appropriate for a rodent model of RLS. We also identified parameters by which to assess and quantify these bioequivalents. Investigating these factors, both individually and in combination, will help to identify their specific roles in the expression of rodent RLS-like phenotypes, which should provide significant translational implications for the diagnosis and treatment of RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaro V. Salminen
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH - German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Clemens
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | | | - Imad Ghorayeb
- Département de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Pôle Neurosciences Cliniques, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Mauro Manconi
- Sleep Medicine Unit, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - William Ondo
- Houston Methodist Hospital Neurological Institute, Weill Cornell Medical School, Houston, TX 77070, USA
| | - David Rye
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jerome M. Siegel
- Neuropsychiatric Institute and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurobiology Research, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, CA 91343, USA
| | - Alessandro Silvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 48121 Ravenna Campus, Ravenna, Italy
| | - John W. Winkelman
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Richard P. Allen
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Sergi Ferré
- Integrative Neurobiology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Khachatryan SG, Ferri R, Fulda S, Garcia‐Borreguero D, Manconi M, Muntean M, Stefani A. Restless legs syndrome: Over 50 years of European contribution. J Sleep Res 2022; 31:e13632. [PMID: 35808955 PMCID: PMC9542244 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterised by an urge to move the limbs with a circadian pattern (occurring in the evening/at night), more prominent at rest, and relieved with movements. RLS is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, occurring in 5%-10% of the European population. Thomas Willis first described RLS clinical cases already in the 17th century, and Karl-Axel Ekbom described the disease as a modern clinical entity in the 20th century. Despite variable severity, RLS can markedly affect sleep (partly through the presence of periodic leg movements) and quality of life, with a relevant socio-economic impact. Thus, its recognition and treatment are essential. However, screening methods present limitations and should be improved. Moreover, available RLS treatment options albeit providing sustained relief to many patients are limited in number. Additionally, the development of augmentation with dopamine agonists represents a major treatment problem. A better understanding of RLS pathomechanisms can bring to light novel treatment possibilities. With emerging new avenues of research in pharmacology, imaging, genetics, and animal models of RLS, this is an interesting and constantly growing field of research. This review will update the reader on the current state of RLS clinical practice and research, with a special focus on the contribution of European researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson G. Khachatryan
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryNational Institute of HealthYerevanArmenia
- Sleep Disorders CenterSomnus Neurology ClinicYerevanArmenia
| | | | - Stephany Fulda
- Sleep Medicine UnitNeurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale CivicoLuganoSwitzerland
| | | | - Mauro Manconi
- Sleep Medicine UnitNeurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale CivicoLuganoSwitzerland
- Department of NeurologyUniversity HospitalInselspitalBernSwitzerland
| | - Maria‐Lucia Muntean
- Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement DisordersParacelsus‐Elena KlinikKasselGermany
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Sleep Disorders Clinic, Department of NeurologyMedical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
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Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: an overview. SOMNOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-021-00337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder characterized by an urge to move that appears during rest or is exacerbated by rest, that occurs in the evening or night and that disappears during movement or is improved by movement. Symptoms vary considerably in age at onset, frequency and severity, with severe forms affecting sleep, quality of life and mood. Patients with RLS often display periodic leg movements during sleep or resting wakefulness. RLS is considered to be a complex condition in which predisposing genetic factors, environmental factors and comorbidities contribute to the expression of the disorder. RLS occurs alone or with comorbidities, for example, iron deficiency and kidney disease, but also with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and neurological, rheumatological and respiratory disorders. The pathophysiology is still unclear, with the involvement of brain iron deficiency, dysfunction in the dopaminergic and nociceptive systems and altered adenosine and glutamatergic pathways as hypotheses being investigated. RLS is poorly recognized by physicians and it is accordingly often incorrectly diagnosed and managed. Treatment guidelines recommend initiation of therapy with low doses of dopamine agonists or α2δ ligands in severe forms. Although dopaminergic treatment is initially highly effective, its long-term use can result in a serious worsening of symptoms known as augmentation. Other treatments include opioids and iron preparations.
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Lv Q, Wang X, Asakawa T, Wang XP. Pharmacologic Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:372-382. [PMID: 33380302 PMCID: PMC8033969 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666201230150127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)/Willis-Ekbom disease is a neurologic disorder characterized by a strong desire to move when at rest (usually in the evening) and paraesthesia in their lower legs. The most widely used therapies for first-line treatment of RLS are dopaminergic drugs; however, their long-term use can lead to augmentation. α2δ Ligands, opioids, iron, glutamatergic drugs, adenosine, and sleep aids have been investigated as alternatives. The pathogenesis of RLS is not well understood. Despite the efficacy of dopaminergic drugs in the treatment of this disorder, unlike in Parkinson's disease dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra has not been observed in RLS. The etiology of RLS is likely complex, involving multiple neural pathways. RLS-related genes identified in genome-wide association studies can provide insight into the mechanistic basis and pathophysiology of RLS. Here we review the current treatments and knowledge of the mechanisms underlying RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tetsuya Asakawa
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, TongRen Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1111 Xianxia Road, 200336, Shanghai, China; Tel: +86-021-52039999-72223; Fax: +86-021-52039999-72223; E-mail: and Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, 1-20-1, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu-city, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan; Tel: + 81-53-435-2283; Fax: + 81-53-435-2282;, E-mail:
| | - Xiao Ping Wang
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, TongRen Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1111 Xianxia Road, 200336, Shanghai, China; Tel: +86-021-52039999-72223; Fax: +86-021-52039999-72223; E-mail: and Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, 1-20-1, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu-city, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan; Tel: + 81-53-435-2283; Fax: + 81-53-435-2282;, E-mail:
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Chalmers J, Tung YCL, Liu CH, O'Kane CJ, O'Rahilly S, Yeo GSH. A multicomponent screen for feeding behaviour and nutritional status in Drosophila to interrogate mammalian appetite-related genes. Mol Metab 2021; 43:101127. [PMID: 33242659 PMCID: PMC7753202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than 300 genetic variants have been robustly associated with measures of human adiposity. Highly penetrant mutations causing human obesity do so largely by disrupting satiety pathways in the brain and increasing food intake. Most of the common obesity-predisposing variants are in, or near, genes expressed highly in the brain, but little is known of their function. Exploring the biology of these genes at scale in mammalian systems is challenging. We sought to establish and validate the use of a multicomponent screen for feeding behaviour phenotypes, taking advantage of the tractable model organism Drosophila melanogaster. METHODS We validated a screen for feeding behaviour in Drosophila by comparing results after disrupting the expression of centrally expressed genes that influence energy balance in flies to those of 10 control genes. We then used this screen to explore the effects of disrupted expression of genes either a) implicated in energy homeostasis through human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) or b) expressed and nutritionally responsive in specific populations of hypothalamic neurons with a known role in feeding/fasting. RESULTS Using data from the validation study to classify responses, we studied 53 Drosophila orthologues of genes implicated by human GWAS in body mass index and found that 15 significantly influenced feeding behaviour or energy homeostasis in the Drosophila screen. We then studied 50 Drosophila homologues of 47 murine genes reciprocally nutritionally regulated in POMC and agouti-related peptide neurons. Seven of these 50 genes were found by our screen to influence feeding behaviour in flies. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the utility of Drosophila as a tractable model organism in a high-throughput genetic screen for food intake phenotypes. This simple, cost-efficient strategy is ideal for high-throughput interrogation of genes implicated in feeding behaviour and obesity in mammals and will facilitate the process of reaching a functional understanding of obesity pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chalmers
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Y C L Tung
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | - C H Liu
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - C J O'Kane
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.
| | - S O'Rahilly
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | - G S H Yeo
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
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Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), with a lifetime prevalence of up to 10%, is a frequent neurological disease and the most common movement disorder in sleep. A compulsive urge to move the legs with sensory symptoms and sleep disturbances can significantly impair the quality of life. Furthermore, RLS frequently occurs as a comorbidity to various internal and neurological diseases. It is diagnosed clinically based on the five essential diagnostic criteria. For treatment, an iron deficiency should first be excluded. Drugs approved for the treatment of RLS include dopaminergics (L-DOPA/benserazide) and dopamine agonists as well as oxycodone/naloxone, as a second-line treatment in severe cases. Augmentation as a deterioration of symptoms is a clinically defined complication of high-dose dopaminergic treatment, requiring special management strategies. Due to its high prevalence of up to 25%, RLS plays also an important role in the care of pregnant women.
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Restless-legs-Syndrom: ein Update. SOMNOLOGIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-020-00283-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Garcia-Malo C, Peralta SR, Garcia-Borreguero D. Restless Legs Syndrome and Other Common Sleep-Related Movement Disorders. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2020; 26:963-987. [PMID: 32756231 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000000886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this article, the different sleep-related movement disorders are discussed with special attention given to restless legs syndrome (RLS). RECENT FINDINGS The differential diagnosis of sleep-related movement disorders can often be challenging; therefore, it is essential to have accurate information to make a correct diagnosis. This article focuses on RLS, highlighting the change in the paradigm of initial treatment, the role played by iron (pathophysiologic and therapeutic), and how to approach possible complications occurring with long-term treatment. SUMMARY RLS is one of the most common neurologic conditions, and it is common in clinical practice to find patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of RLS. Neurologists must be careful and thorough in the diagnosis, excluding RLS mimics. The decisions regarding which specific sleep-related movement disorder is present and how it should be treated are important because in certain cases, especially in RLS, adverse effects and long-term complications are frequently reported with the use of certain drugs.
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12
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Le syndrome des jambes sans repos. Rev Med Interne 2020; 41:258-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
Sleep is a ubiquitous and complex behavior in both its manifestation and regulation. Despite its essential role in maintaining optimal performance, health, and well-being, the genetic mechanisms underlying sleep remain poorly understood. Here, we review the forward genetic approaches undertaken in the last four years to elucidate the genes and gene pathways affecting sleep and its regulation. Despite an increasing number of studies and mining large databases, a coherent picture on “sleep” genes has yet to emerge. We highlight the results achieved by using unbiased genetic screens mainly in humans, mice, and fruit flies with an emphasis on normal sleep and make reference to lessons learned from the circadian field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Jan
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Bruce F O'Hara
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40515, USA
| | - Paul Franken
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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14
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Conditions of embryo culture from days 5 to 7 of development alter the DNA methylome of the bovine fetus at day 86 of gestation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 37:417-426. [PMID: 31838628 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We tested whether in vitro production (IVP) causes changes in DNA methylation in fetal liver and skeletal muscle and if exposure of cultured embryos to colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) alters DNA methylation. METHODS Female fetuses were produced by artificial insemination or transfer of an IVP embryo. Embryos were treated from days 5 to 7 after fertilization with CSF2 or vehicle. DNA methylation in fetal liver and skeletal muscle was determined by post-bisulfite adaptor tagging-based sequencing. The degree of DNA methylation for CpG sites in 50-bp windows of the promoter region 500 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site was compared between treatments. RESULTS For liver, there were 12 genes (6% of those analyzed) in which DNA methylation was affected by treatment, with one 50-bp window per gene affected by treatment. For muscle, the degree of DNA methylation was affected by treatment for 32 windows (19% of the total windows analyzed) representing 28 distinct genes (23% of analyzed genes). For 19 of the 28 genes in muscle, the greatest deviation in DNA methylation was for the CSF2 group. CONCLUSION Results are consistent with alterations in the methylome being one of the mechanisms by which IVP can result in altered fetal development and postnatal function in the resultant offspring. In addition, results indicate that maternally derived cell-signaling molecules can regulate the pattern of DNA methylation.
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Sarayloo F, Dion PA, Rouleau GA. MEIS1 and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Front Neurol 2019; 10:935. [PMID: 31551905 PMCID: PMC6736557 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related disorder for which the underlying biological pathways and genetic determinants are not well understood. The genetic factors so far identified explain less than 10% of the disease heritability. The first successful genome-wide association study (GWAS) of RLS was reported in 2007. This study identified multiple RLS associated risk variants including some within the non-coding regions of MEIS1. The MEIS1 GWAS signals are some of the strongest genetic associations reported for any common disease. MEIS1 belongs to the homeobox containing transcriptional regulatory network (HOX). Work in C. elegans showed a link between the MEIS1 ortholog and iron homeostasis, which is in line with the fact that central nervous system (CNS) iron insufficiency is thought to be a cause of RLS. Zebrafish and mice have been used to study the MEIS1 gene identifying an RLS-associated-SNP dependent enhancer activity from the highly conserved non-coding regions (HCNR) of MEIS1. Furthermore, this gene shows a lower expression of mRNA and protein in blood and thalamus of individuals with the MEIS1 RLS risk haplotype. Simulating this reduced MEIS1 expression in mouse models resulted in circadian hyperactivity, a phenotype compatible with RLS. While MEIS1 shows a strong association with RLS, the protein's function that is directly linked to an RLS biological pathway remains to be discovered. The links to iron and the enhancer activity of the HCNRs of MEIS1 suggest promising links to RLS pathways, however more in-depth studies on this gene's function are required. One important aspect of MEIS1's role in RLS is the fact that it encodes a homeobox containing transcription factor, which is essential during development. Future studies with more focus on the transcriptional regulatory role of MEIS1 may open novel venues for RLS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Sarayloo
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick A Dion
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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