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Willinger Y, Friedland Cohen DR, Turgeman G. Exogenous IL-17A Alleviates Social Behavior Deficits and Increases Neurogenesis in a Murine Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:432. [PMID: 38203599 PMCID: PMC10779042 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010432] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the proposed mechanisms for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is immune dysregulation. The proinflammatory cytokine Interleukine-17A (IL-17A) was shown to play a key role in mediating immune-related neurodevelopmental impairment of social behavior. Nevertheless, post-developmental administration of IL-17A was found to increase social behavior. In the present study, we explored the effect of post-developmental administration of IL-17A on ASD-like behaviors induced by developmental exposure to valproic acid (VPA) at postnatal day 4. At the age of seven weeks, VPA-exposed mice were intravenously injected twice with recombinant murine IL-17A (8 μg), and a week later, they were assessed for ASD-like behavior. IL-17A administration increased social behavior and alleviated the ASD-like phenotype. Behavioral changes were associated with increased serum levels of IL-17 and Th17-related cytokines. Exogenous IL-17A also increased neuritogenesis in the dendritic tree of doublecortin-expressing newly formed neurons in the dentate gyrus. Interestingly, the effect of IL-17A on neuritogenesis was more noticeable in females than in males, suggesting a sex-dependent effect of IL-17A. In conclusion, our study suggests a complex role for IL-17A in ASD. While contributing to its pathology at the developmental stage, IL-17 may also promote the alleviation of behavioral deficits post-developmentally by promoting neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoshua Willinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (Y.W.); (D.R.F.C.)
| | - Daniella R. Friedland Cohen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (Y.W.); (D.R.F.C.)
| | - Gadi Turgeman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (Y.W.); (D.R.F.C.)
- The Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
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Gonzales S, Zhao JZ, Choi NY, Acharya P, Jeong S, Lee MY. SOX7: Novel Autistic Gene Identified by Analysis of Multi-Omics Data. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3346245. [PMID: 37790478 PMCID: PMC10543249 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3346245/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite thousands of variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is unclear which mutations are causal because most are noncoding. Consequently, reliable diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. RNA-seq analysis captures biomolecular complexity that GWAS cannot by considering transcriptomic patterns. Therefore, integrating DNA and RNA testing may reveal causal genes and useful biomarkers for ASD. Methods We performed gene-based association studies using an adaptive test method with GWAS summary statistics from two large Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) datasets (ASD2019: 18,382 cases and 27,969 controls; ASD2017: 6,197 cases and 7,377 controls). We also investigated differential expression for genes identified with the adaptive test using an RNA-seq dataset (GSE30573: 3 cases and 3 controls) and DESeq2. Results We identified 5 genes significantly associated with ASD in ASD2019 (KIZ-AS1, p = 8.67×10- 10; KIZ, p = 1.16×10- 9; XRN2, p = 7.73×10- 9; SOX7, p = 2.22×10- 7; LOC101929229 (also known as PINX1-DT), p = 2.14×10- 6). Two of the five genes were replicated in ASD2017: SOX7 (p = 0.00087) and LOC101929229 (p = 0.009), and KIZ was close to the replication boundary of replication (p = 0.06). We identified significant expression differences for SOX7 (p = 0.0017, adjusted p = 0.0085), LOC101929229 (p = 5.83×10- 7, adjusted p = 1.18×10- 5), and KIZ (p = 0.00099, adjusted p = 0.0055). SOX7 encodes a transcription factor that regulates developmental pathways, alterations in which may contribute to ASD. Limitations The limitation of the gene-based analysis is the reliance on a reference population for estimating linkage disequilibrium between variants. The similarity of this reference population to the population of study is crucial to the accuracy of many gene-based analyses, including those performed in this study. As a result, the extent of our findings is limited to European populations, as this was our reference of choice. Future work includes a tighter integration of DNA and RNA information as well as extensions to non-European populations that have been under-researched. Conclusions These findings suggest that SOX7 and its related SOX family genes encode transcription factors that are critical to the downregulation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an important developmental signaling pathway, providing credence to the biologic plausibility of the association between gene SOX7 and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Zizhen Zhao
- Miami Dade College Kendall Campus and School for Advanced Studies
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Porter M, Sugden-Lingard S, Brunsdon R, Benson S. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children with an Early History of Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4361. [PMID: 37445396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134361] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that arises from a combination of both genetic and environmental risk factors. There is a lack of research investigating whether early acquired brain injury (ABI) may be a risk factor for ASD. The current study comprehensively reviewed all hospital records at The Brain Injury Service, Kids Rehab at the Children's Hospital at Westmead (Australia) from January 2000 to January 2020. Of the approximately 528 cases, 14 children with paediatric ABI were subsequently given an ASD diagnosis (2.7%). For this ASD sample, the mean age at the time of the ABI was 1.55 years, indicating a high prevalence of early ABI in this diagnostic group. The mean age of ASD diagnosis was, on average, 5 years later than the average ASD diagnosis in the general population. Furthermore, 100% of children had at least one medical comorbidity and 73% had three or more co-occurring DSM-5 diagnoses. Although based on a small data set, results highlight early paediatric ABI as a potential risk factor for ASD and the potential for a delayed ASD diagnosis following early ABI, with comorbidities possibly masking symptoms. This study was limited by its exploratory case series design and small sample size. Nonetheless, this study highlights the need for longitudinal investigation into the efficacy of early screening for ASD symptomatology in children who have sustained an early ABI to maximise potential intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Porter
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Sindella Sugden-Lingard
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ruth Brunsdon
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, SCHN, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Suzanne Benson
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, SCHN, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Gonzales S, Zhao JZ, Choi NY, Acharya P, Jeong S, Lee MY. SOX7: Novel Autistic Gene Identified by Analysis of Multi-Omics Data. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542456. [PMID: 37292933 PMCID: PMC10245991 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Genome-wide association studies and next generation sequencing data analyses based on DNA information have identified thousands of mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, more than 99% of identified mutations are non-coding. Thus, it is unclear which of these mutations might be functional and thus potentially causal variants. Transcriptomic profiling using total RNA-sequencing has been one of the most utilized approaches to link protein levels to genetic information at the molecular level. The transcriptome captures molecular genomic complexity that the DNA sequence solely does not. Some mutations alter a gene's DNA sequence but do not necessarily change expression and/or protein function. To date, few common variants reliably associated with the diagnosis status of ASD despite consistently high estimates of heritability. In addition, reliable biomarkers used to diagnose ASD or molecular mechanisms to define the severity of ASD do not exist. Objectives It is necessary to integrate DNA and RNA testing together to identify true causal genes and propose useful biomarkers for ASD. Methods We performed gene-based association studies with adaptive test using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics with two large GWAS datasets (ASD 2019 data: 18,382 ASD cases and 27,969 controls [discovery data]; ASD 2017 data: 6,197 ASD cases and 7,377 controls [replication data]) which were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC). In addition, we investigated differential expression for genes identified in gene-based GWAS with a RNA-seq dataset (GSE30573: 3 cases and 3 controls) using the DESeq2 package. Results We identified 5 genes significantly associated with ASD in ASD 2019 data (KIZ-AS1, p=8.67×10-10; KIZ, p=1.16×10-9; XRN2, p=7.73×10-9; SOX7, p=2.22×10-7; PINX1-DT, p=2.14×10-6). Among these 5 genes, gene SOX7 (p=0.00087), LOC101929229 (p=0.009), and KIZ-AS1 (p=0.059) were replicated in ASD 2017 data. KIZ (p=0.06) was close to the boundary of replication in ASD 2017 data. Genes SOX7 (p=0.0017, adjusted p=0.0085), LOC101929229 (also known as PINX1-DT, p=5.83×10-7, adjusted p=1.18×10-5), and KIZ (p=0.00099, adjusted p=0.0055) indicated significant expression differences between cases and controls in the RNA-seq data. SOX7 encodes a member of the SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors pivotally contributing to determining of the cell fate and identity in many lineages. The encoded protein may act as a transcriptional regulator after forming a protein complex with other proteins leading to autism. Conclusion Gene SOX7 in the transcription factor family could be associated with ASD. This finding may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gonzales
- Department of Biostatistics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Jane Zizhen Zhao
- Miami Dade College Kendall Campus and School for Advanced Studies, Miami, FL 33176
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207
| | - Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207
| | - Sehoon Jeong
- Department of Healthcare Information Technology Inje University, Gimhae, South Korea, 50834
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207
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Li K, Liang X, Xie X, Tian L, Yan J, Lin B, Liu H, Lai W, Liu X, Xi Z. Role of SHANK3 in concentrated ambient PM2. 5 exposure induced autism-like phenotype. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14328. [PMID: 36938421 PMCID: PMC10018567 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14328] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal air pollution plays an important role in the development of autism. However, research on the pathogenic mechanism remains limited. In this study, the model of systemic inhalation of concentrated approximately 8-fold the level (mean concentration was 224 μg/m3) reported in ambient outdoor air of PM2.5 (particulate matters that are 2.5 μm or less in diameter)in early-postnatal male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established. Through a series of autism-related behavioral tests, it was identified that young rats (postnatal day 1-day21, named PND1-PND21) exposed to PM2.5 exhibited typical autistic phenotypes, such as impaired language communication, abnormal repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and impaired social skills. Moreover, synaptic abnormalities have been found in the brain tissues of young rats exposed to PM2.5. In terms of the molecular mechanism, we found that the levels of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3) expression and key molecular proteins in the downstream signaling pathways were decreased in the brain tissues of the exposed rats. Finally, at the epigenetic level, SHANK3 methylation levels were increased in young rats exposed to PM2.5. In conclusion, the study revealed that PM2.5 exposure might induce the early postnatal autism through the SHANK3 signaling pathway by affecting the SHANK3 methylation levels and reducing the SHANK3 expression levels. The study could provide new ideas for autism etiology and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of autism in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xie
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Wenqin Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
- Corresponding author. Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1, Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, PR China.
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6
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Zhang Y, Yao S, Schmitt H, Becker B, Kendrick KM, Montag C. Molecular genetic associations between a prominent serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) and individual differences in tendencies toward autistic traits and generalized internet use disorder in China and Germany. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2747. [PMID: 36106519 PMCID: PMC9575603 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonin transporter polymorphism 5-HTTLPR is an extensively investigated genetic marker of autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder, and recently has also been studied in the realm of internet use disorder (IUD), yet the findings remain controversial. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore associations between 5-HTTLPR (also including SNP rs25531) and autistic traits/IUD tendencies and to assess whether the relationship between autistic traits and IUD tendencies varies by this genetic marker in participants from China and Germany. METHODS A total of 540 Chinese and 563 German subjects were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and completed the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire and the short version of the Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS Carriers of the low expressing S'S' genotype (S, LG ) showed significantly higher levels of autistic traits than the high expressing allele (e.g. LA ) carriers in both samples. There was no significant effect of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 on IUD either in the Chinese or Germany samples, whereas positive correlations between autistic traits and IUD varied by 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes and also differed between Chinese and German samples. In the Chinese sample, positive correlations were mainly driven by S'S' and S'L' carriers, while they were mainly determined by S'L' and L'L' carriers in the German sample. Further analyses revealed that the associations between autistic traits and IUD tended in parts to be more strongly pronounced in the complete German sample compared to the complete Chinese sample, and also varied depending on 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes (in S'S' carriers: China > Germany; in S'L' and L'L' carriers: China < Germany; both in terms of more positive associations). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest carriers of low expressing alleles (S, LG ) are more likely to show higher autistic traits in both Chinese and German samples. Furthermore, the present work shows that both 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and cultural differences might be of relevance to understand associations between autistic traits and IUD tendencies, but this needs to be further backed up.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingYing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Shuxia Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Helena Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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7
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Egawa J, Arta RK, Lemmon VP, Muños-Barrero M, Shi Y, Igarashi M, Someya T. The cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) inhibitor SGC-GAK-1 inhibits neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Mol Brain 2022; 15:68. [PMID: 35883152 PMCID: PMC9327206 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are responsible for protein phosphorylation and are involved in important signal transduction pathways; however, a considerable number of poorly characterized kinases may be involved in neuronal development. Here, we considered cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) as a candidate regulator of neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis by examining the effects of the selective GAK inhibitor SGC-GAK-1. SGC-GAK-1 treatment of cultured neurons reduced neurite length and decreased synapse number and phosphorylation of neurofilament 200-kDa subunits relative to the control. In addition, the related kinase inhibitor erlotinib, which has distinct specificity and potency from SGC-GAK-1, had no effect on neurite growth, unlike SGC-GAK-1. These results suggest that GAK may be physiologically involved in normal neuronal development, and that decreased GAK function and the resultant impaired neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis may be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Egawa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Asahimachi Dori-Ichibancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan. .,Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Asahimachi Dori-Ichibancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Reza K Arta
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Asahimachi Dori-Ichibancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Vance P Lemmon
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Institute for Data Science and Computing, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Melissa Muños-Barrero
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yan Shi
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michihiro Igarashi
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Asahimachi Dori-Ichibancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Someya
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 757 Asahimachi Dori-Ichibancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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Mehta R, Kuhad A, Bhandari R. Nitric oxide pathway as a plausible therapeutic target in autism spectrum disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:659-679. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Mehta
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
| | - Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
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Alhazmi S, Alzahrani M, Farsi R, Alharbi M, Algothmi K, Alburae N, Ganash M, Azhari S, Basingab F, Almuhammadi A, Alqosaibi A, Alkhatabi H, Elaimi A, Jan M, Aldhalaan HM, Alrafiah A, Alrofaidi A. Multiple Recurrent Copy Number Variations (CNVs) in Chromosome 22 Including 22q11.2 Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2022; 15:705-720. [PMID: 35898556 PMCID: PMC9309317 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s366826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can cause substantial social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Genetic factors play a significant role in ASD, where the risk of ASD has been increased for unclear reasons. Twin studies have shown important evidence of both genetic and environmental contributions in ASD, where the level of contribution of these factors has not been proven yet. It has been suggested that copy number variation (CNV) duplication and the deletion of many genes in chromosome 22 (Ch22) may have a strong association with ASD. This study screened the CNVs in Ch22 in autistic Saudi children and assessed the candidate gene in the CNVs region of Ch22 that is most associated with ASD. Methods This study included 15 autistic Saudi children as well as 4 healthy children as controls; DNA was extracted from samples and analyzed using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and DNA sequencing. Results The aCGH detected (in only 6 autistic samples) deletion and duplication in many regions of Ch22, including some critical genes. Moreover, DNA sequencing determined a genetic mutation in the TBX1 gene sequence in autistic samples. This study, carried out using aCGH, found that six autistic patients had CNVs in Ch22, and DNA sequencing revealed mutations in the TBX1 gene in autistic samples but none in the control. Conclusion CNV deletion and the duplication of the TBX1 gene could be related to ASD; therefore, this gene needs more analysis in terms of expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiah Alhazmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Alzahrani
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Farsi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khloud Algothmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najla Alburae
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdah Ganash
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheren Azhari
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatemah Basingab
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Almuhammadi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany Alqosaibi
- Department of Biology, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba Alkhatabi
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Elaimi
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Jan
- College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M Aldhalaan
- Center for Autism Research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aziza Alrafiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Aziza Alrafiah, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O Box 80200, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 126401000 Ext. 23495, Fax +966 126401000 Ext. 21686, Email
| | - Aisha Alrofaidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Uddin MG, Siddiqui SA, Uddin MS, Aziz MA, Hussain MS, Furhatun-Noor, Millat MS, Sen N, Muhuri B, Islam MS. Genetic variants of ZNF385B and COMT are associated with autism spectrum disorder in the Bangladeshi children. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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11
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Kerry RG, Das G, Golla U, Del Pilar Rodriguez-Torres M, Shin H, Patra JK. Engineered probiotic and prebiotic nutraceutical supplementations in combating non-communicable disorders: A review. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 23:72-97. [PMID: 33050862 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666201013153142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional supplementations are a form of nutrition sources that may help in improving health complexities throughout the life span of a person. Under the umbrella of food supplementations, nutraceuticals are products extracted from edible sources that provide medical benefits along with primary nutritional value, these can be considered as functional foods. These nutraceutical supplementations are also evidenced in altering the commensal gut microbiota and help to prevent or fight against chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases in adults including neurological disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD], Parkinson's disease [PD] and Multiple sclerosis [MS]) and metabolic disorder (Type-II Diabetes, Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Even the complexities of preterm babies like extra-uterine growth restriction, necrotizing enterocolitis, infant eczema and allergy (during pregnancy) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, etc. could also be lessened up by providing proper nutrition. Molecular perceptive of inflammatory and apoptotic modulators regulating the pathogenesis of these health risks, their control and management by probiotics and prebiotics could further emphasize the scientific overview of their utility. The pivotal role of nutraceutical supplementations in regulating or modulating molecular pathways coupled with the above mentioned non-communicable diseases are briefly described. Lastly, an overall introduction to the sophisticated genome-editing techniques and advanced delivery systems in therapeutic activities applicable under these health risks are also emphasized in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gitishree Das
- Research Institute of Biotechnology & Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi 10326. Korea
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033. United States
| | - Maria Del Pilar Rodriguez-Torres
- Laboratorio de Ondas de Choque (LOCH), Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada (CFATA), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM Juriquilla Boulevard Juriquilla no. 3001, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., C.P. 76230. Mexico
| | - HanSeung Shin
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi 10326. Korea
| | - Jayanta Kumar Patra
- Research Institute of Biotechnology & Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi 10326. Korea
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12
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Sacai H, Sakoori K, Konno K, Nagahama K, Suzuki H, Watanabe T, Watanabe M, Uesaka N, Kano M. Autism spectrum disorder-like behavior caused by reduced excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of mouse prefrontal cortex. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5140. [PMID: 33046712 PMCID: PMC7552417 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is thought to result from deviation from normal development of neural circuits and synaptic function. Many genes with mutation in ASD patients have been identified. Here we report that two molecules associated with ASD susceptibility, contactin associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) and Abelson helper integration site-1 (AHI1), are required for synaptic function and ASD-related behavior in mice. Knockdown of CNTNAP2 or AHI1 in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the developing mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC) reduced excitatory synaptic transmission, impaired social interaction and induced mild vocalization abnormality. Although the causes of reduced excitatory transmission were different, pharmacological enhancement of AMPA receptor function effectively restored impaired social behavior in both CNTNAP2- and AHI1-knockdown mice. We conclude that reduced excitatory synaptic transmission in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the PFC leads to impaired social interaction and mild vocalization abnormality in mice. CNTNAP2 or AHI1 are autism-associated genes. Here the authors show using knockdown of the genes that this results in reduced excitatory synaptic transmission in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and is associated with impaired social interaction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Sacai
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuto Sakoori
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kohtarou Konno
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Nagahama
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Honoka Suzuki
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takaki Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Naofumi Uesaka
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| | - Masanobu Kano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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13
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O'Leary H, Vanderlinden L, Southard L, Castano A, Saba LM, Benke TA. Transcriptome analysis of rat dorsal hippocampal CA1 after an early life seizure induced by kainic acid. Epilepsy Res 2020; 161:106283. [PMID: 32062370 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Seizures that occur during early development are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Causation and mechanisms are currently under investigation. Induction of an early life seizure by kainic acid (KA) in immature rats on post-natal day (P) 7 results in behavioral changes in the adult rat that reflect social and intellectual deficits without overt cellular damage. Our previous work also demonstrated increased expression of CA1 hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and reduced desensitization of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPA-R) one week following a kainic acid induced seizure (KA-ELS). Here we used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of mRNA from dorsal hippocampal CA1 to probe changes in mRNA levels one week following KA-ELS as a means to investigate the mechanisms for these functional changes. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) confirmed our previous results by predicting an up-regulation of the synaptic LTP pathway. Differential gene expression results revealed significant differences in 7 gene isoforms. Additional assessments included AMPA-R splice variants and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) editing sites as a means to determine the mechanism for reduced AMPA-R desensitization. Splice variant analysis demonstrated that KA-ELS result in a small, but significant decrease in the "flop" isoform of Gria3, and editing site analysis revealed significant changes in the editing of a kainate receptor subunit, Grik2, and a serotonin receptor, Htr2c. While these specific changes may not account for altered AMPA-R desensitization, the differences indicate that KA-ELS alters gene expression in the hippocampal CA1 one week after the insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather O'Leary
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States.
| | - Lauren Vanderlinden
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, 80045, United States.
| | - Lara Southard
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, United States.
| | - Anna Castano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States.
| | - Laura M Saba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, 80045, United States.
| | - Tim A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, 80045, United States.
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14
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Yadama AP, Kelly RS, Lee-Sarwar K, Mirzakhani H, Chu SH, Kachroo P, Litonjua AA, Lasky-Su J, Weiss ST. Allergic disease and low ASQ communication score in children. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 83:293-297. [PMID: 31606476 PMCID: PMC6906237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex and multifactorial. Previous investigations have revealed associations between allergic disease and ASD, which are characterized by impaired communication skills. In this study we observed an association between allergic disease and communication skills development as assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) communication score, as a proxy for ASD, among children who participated in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART). In particular, we observed significant associations between both a diagnosis of eczema at age 3 years (OR = 1.87; confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-3.47; p = 0.054) and a diagnosis of food allergy at age 6 years (OR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.18-9.85; p = 0.015) with ASQ communication score. Plasma metabolomics analyses suggest that dysregulated tryptophan metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of these co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya P. Yadama
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Rachel S. Kelly
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Kathleen Lee-Sarwar
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115,Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Hooman Mirzakhani
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Su H. Chu
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Priyadarshini Kachroo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Augusto A. Litonjua
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jessica Lasky-Su
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Scott T. Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
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15
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Alagoz M, Kherad N, Gavaz M, Yuksel A. New Genetic Approaches for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-019-00167-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Almandil NB, Alkuroud DN, AbdulAzeez S, AlSulaiman A, Elaissari A, Borgio JF. Environmental and Genetic Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Special Emphasis on Data from Arabian Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040658. [PMID: 30813406 PMCID: PMC6406800 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide is autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by language delay, impaired communication interactions, and repetitive patterns of behavior caused by environmental and genetic factors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of recently published literature on ASD and especially novel insights into excitatory synaptic transmission. Even though numerous genes have been discovered that play roles in ASD, a good understanding of the pathophysiologic process of ASD is still lacking. The protein⁻protein interactions between the products of NLGN, SHANK, and NRXN synaptic genes indicate that the dysfunction in synaptic plasticity could be one reason for the development of ASD. Designing more accurate diagnostic tests for the early diagnosis of ASD would improve treatment strategies and could enhance the appropriate monitoring of prognosis. This comprehensive review describes the psychotropic and antiepileptic drugs that are currently available as effective pharmacological treatments and provides in-depth knowledge on the concepts related to clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and genetic perspectives of ASD. An increase in the prevalence of ASD in Gulf Cooperation Council countries is also addressed in the review. Further, the review emphasizes the need for international networking and multidimensional studies to design novel and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor B Almandil
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Deem N Alkuroud
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sayed AbdulAzeez
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulla AlSulaiman
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdelhamid Elaissari
- Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, LAGEP-UMR 5007, F-69622 Lyon, France.
| | - J Francis Borgio
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
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17
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Braam W, Ehrhart F, Maas APHM, Smits MG, Curfs L. Low maternal melatonin level increases autism spectrum disorder risk in children. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 82:79-89. [PMID: 29501372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is assumed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is caused by a combination of de novo inherited variation and common variation as well as environmental factors. It often co-occurs with intellectual disability (ID). Almost eight hundred potential causative genetic variations have been found in ASD patients. However, not one of them is responsible for more than 1% of ASD cases. Low melatonin levels are a frequent finding in ASD patients. Melatonin levels are negatively correlated with severity of autistic impairments, it is important for normal neurodevelopment and is highly effective in protecting DNA from oxidative damage. Melatonin deficiency could be a major factor, and well a common heritable variation, that increases the susceptibility to environmental risk factors for ASD. ASD is already present at birth. As the fetus does not produce melatonin, low maternal melatonin levels may be involved. METHODS We measured 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in urine of 60 mothers of a child with ASD and controls. RESULTS 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels were significantly lower in mothers with an ASD child than in controls (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Low parental melatonin levels could be one of the contributors to ASD and possibly ID etiology. Our findings need to be duplicated on a larger scale. If our hypothesis is correct, this could lead to policies to detect future parents who are at risk and to treatment strategies to ASD and intellectual disability risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebe Braam
- 's Heeren Loo, Department Advisium, Wekerom, The Netherlands; Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
| | - Friederike Ehrhart
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke P H M Maas
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Department of Special Education, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel G Smits
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Multidisciplinary expert centre for sleep-wake disturbances and chronobiology, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Leopold Curfs
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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18
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Daghsni M, Rima M, Fajloun Z, Ronjat M, Brusés JL, M'rad R, De Waard M. Autism throughout genetics: Perusal of the implication of ion channels. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00978. [PMID: 29934975 PMCID: PMC6085908 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social interactions, interpersonal communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and may be associated with intellectual disabilities. The description of ASD as a synaptopathology highlights the importance of the synapse and the implication of ion channels in the etiology of these disorders. METHODS A narrative and critical review of the relevant papers from 1982 to 2017 known by the authors was conducted. RESULTS Genome-wide linkages, association studies, and genetic analyses of patients with ASD have led to the identification of several candidate genes and mutations linked to ASD. Many of the candidate genes encode for proteins involved in neuronal development and regulation of synaptic function including ion channels and actors implicated in synapse formation. The involvement of ion channels in ASD is of great interest as they represent attractive therapeutic targets. In agreement with this view, recent findings have shown that drugs modulating ion channel function are effective for the treatment of certain types of patients with ASD. CONCLUSION This review describes the genetic aspects of ASD with a focus on genes encoding ion channels and highlights the therapeutic implications of ion channels in the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Daghsni
- L'institut du Thorax, INSERM UMR1087/CNRS UMR6291, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, 1007, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Mohamad Rima
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Biology Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Application, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Michel Ronjat
- L'institut du Thorax, INSERM UMR1087/CNRS UMR6291, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
| | - Juan L Brusés
- Department of Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA
| | - Ridha M'rad
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, 1007, Tunis, Tunisie.,Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Michel De Waard
- L'institut du Thorax, INSERM UMR1087/CNRS UMR6291, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
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19
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Rao AR, Nelson SF. Calculating the statistical significance of rare variants causal for Mendelian and complex disorders. BMC Med Genomics 2018; 11:53. [PMID: 29898714 PMCID: PMC6001062 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-018-0371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the expanding use of next-gen sequencing (NGS) to diagnose the thousands of rare Mendelian genetic diseases, it is critical to be able to interpret individual DNA variation. To calculate the significance of finding a rare protein-altering variant in a given gene, one must know the frequency of seeing a variant in the general population that is at least as damaging as the variant in question. METHODS We developed a general method to better interpret the likelihood that a rare variant is disease causing if observed in a given gene or genic region mapping to a described protein domain, using genome-wide information from a large control sample. Based on data from 2504 individuals in the 1000 Genomes Project dataset, we calculated the number of individuals who have a rare variant in a given gene for numerous filtering threshold scenarios, which may be used for calculating the significance of an observed rare variant being causal for disease. Additionally, we calculated mutational burden data on the number of individuals with rare variants in genic regions mapping to protein domains. RESULTS We describe methods to use the mutational burden data for calculating the significance of observing rare variants in a given proportion of sequenced individuals. We present SORVA, an implementation of these methods as a web tool, and we demonstrate application to 20 relevant but diverse next-gen sequencing studies. Specifically, we calculate the statistical significance of findings involving multi-family studies with rare Mendelian disease and a large-scale study of a complex disorder, autism spectrum disorder. If we use the frequency counts to rank genes based on intolerance for variation, the ranking correlates well with pLI scores derived from the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) dataset (ρ = 0.515), with the benefit that the scores are directly interpretable. CONCLUSIONS We have presented a strategy that is useful for vetting candidate genes from NGS studies and allows researchers to calculate the significance of seeing a variant in a given gene or protein domain. This approach is an important step towards developing a quantitative, statistics-based approach for presenting clinical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliz R Rao
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Stanley F Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA
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20
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Barrie ES, Pinsonneault JK, Sadee W, Hollway JA, Handen BL, Smith T, Arnold LE, Butter E, Hansen-Kiss E, Herman GE, Aman MG. Testing genetic modifiers of behavior and response to atomoxetine in autism spectrum disorder with ADHD. JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES 2018; 30:355-371. [PMID: 30197492 PMCID: PMC6128165 DOI: 10.1007/s10882-018-9590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent non-pathogenic genetic variants may act as moderators of phenotypic severity for complex disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously identified polymorphisms affecting mRNA expression of candidate genes, including tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH), and dopamine transporter (DAT, SLC6A3). METHOD We compare genotypes and (1) clinical response to atomoxetine, (2) scores from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and (3) severity of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a cohort of patients with ASD from multiple study sites. RESULTS There was no association between CYP2D6 metabolizer status and atomoxetine response. TPH2 rs7305115 genotype was associated with ADI-R Restrictive/Repetitive Behavior score (p=0.03). DBH rs1611115 genotype was associated with ADI-R Social score (p=0.002) and Restrictive/Repetitive Behavior score (p=0.04). The DAT intron 8 5/6 repeat was associated with ADHD symptoms (ABC Hyperactivity p=0.01 and SNAP ADHD p=0.03), replicating a previous finding. CONCLUSIONS We find associations between ASD phenotypes and regulatory variants in catecholamine biosynthesis genes. This work may help guide future genetics studies related to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Barrie
- The Ohio State University
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | | | | | | | - Benjamin L. Handen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Tristram Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | | | - Eric Butter
- The Ohio State University
- Department of Psychology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | | | - Gail E. Herman
- The Ohio State University
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
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21
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Mahdavi M, Kheirollahi M, Riahi R, Khorvash F, Khorrami M, Mirsafaie M. Meta-Analysis of the Association between GABA Receptor Polymorphisms and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:1-9. [PMID: 29725984 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1073-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the association of GABA receptor subunits B3, A5, and G3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chromosome 15q11-q13 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the currently available results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between ASD and the GABA receptor SNPs in chromosomal region 15q11-q13. The association was calculated by the overall odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used sensitivity analyses and the assessment of publication bias in our meta-analysis. Eight independent case-control studies involving 1408 cases and 2846 healthy controls were analyzed, namely, 8 studies for GABRB3 SNPs as well as 4 studies for GABRA5 and GABRG3 polymorphisms. The meta-analysis showed that GABRB3 polymorphisms in general are not significantly associated with autism [OR = 0.846 (95% CI): 0.595-1.201, I2 = 79.1%]. Further analysis indicated that no associations were found between GABRB3 SNPs and autism on rs2081648 [OR = 0.84 (95% CI) = 0.41-1.72, I2 = 89.2%] and rs1426217 [OR = 1.13 (95% CI) = 0.64-2.0, I2 = 83%]. An OR of 0.95 (95% CI) = 0.77-1.17 was reported (I2 = 0.0%) for GABRA5 SNPs and an OR of 0.96 (95% CI) = 0.24-3.81 was obtained from GABRG3 SNPs (I2 = 97.8%). This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that different SNPs of GABA receptor B3, A5, and G3 subunit genes located on chromosome 15q11-q13 are not associated with the development of autism spectrum diseases in different ethnic populations. However, in future research, large-scale and high-quality studies are necessary to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manijeh Mahdavi
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease and Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Kheirollahi
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease and Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran. .,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Roya Riahi
- Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fariborz Khorvash
- Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khorrami
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease and Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mirsafaie
- Mohkam-kar Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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22
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Bryzgalov LO, Korbolina EE, Brusentsov II, Leberfarb EY, Bondar NP, Merkulova TI. Novel functional variants at the GWAS-implicated loci might confer risk to major depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:22. [PMID: 29745862 PMCID: PMC5998904 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A challenge of understanding the mechanisms underlying cognition including neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders is mainly given by the potential severity of cognitive disorders for the quality of life and their prevalence. However, the field has been focused predominantly on protein coding variation until recently. Given the importance of tightly controlled gene expression for normal brain function, the goal of the study was to assess the functional variation including non-coding variation in human genome that is likely to play an important role in cognitive functions. To this end, we organized and utilized available genome-wide datasets from genomic, transcriptomic and association studies into a comprehensive data corpus. We focused on genomic regions that are enriched in regulatory activity-overlapping transcriptional factor binding regions and repurpose our data collection especially for identification of the regulatory SNPs (rSNPs) that showed associations both with allele-specific binding and allele-specific expression. We matched these rSNPs to the nearby and distant targeted genes and then selected the variants that could implicate the etiology of cognitive disorders according to Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Next, we use DeSeq 2.0 package to test the differences in the expression of the certain targeted genes between the controls and the patients that were diagnosed bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia. Finally, we assess the potential biological role for identified drivers of cognition using DAVID and GeneMANIA. RESULTS As a result, we selected fourteen regulatory SNPs locating within the loci, implicated from GWAS for cognitive disorders with six of the variants unreported previously. Grouping of the targeted genes according to biological functions revealed the involvement of processes such as 'posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression', 'neuron differentiation', 'neuron projection development', 'regulation of cell cycle process' and 'protein catabolic processes'. We identified four rSNP-targeted genes that showed differential expression between patient and control groups depending on brain region: NRAS-in schizophrenia cohort, CDC25B, DDX21 and NUCKS1-in bipolar disorder cohort. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings are likely to provide the keys for unraveling the mechanisms that underlie cognitive functions including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid O. Bryzgalov
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 10 Lavrentyeva Prospekt, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
| | - Elena E. Korbolina
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 10 Lavrentyeva Prospekt, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
- The Novosibirsk State University, 1 Pirogova st., Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
| | - Ilja I. Brusentsov
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 10 Lavrentyeva Prospekt, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
| | - Elena Y. Leberfarb
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 10 Lavrentyeva Prospekt, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
| | - Natalia P. Bondar
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 10 Lavrentyeva Prospekt, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
- The Novosibirsk State University, 1 Pirogova st., Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
| | - Tatiana I. Merkulova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 10 Lavrentyeva Prospekt, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
- The Novosibirsk State University, 1 Pirogova st., Novosibirsk, Russian Federation 630090
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Özyurt G, Beşiroğlu L. Autism Spectrum Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Their Mothers. NORO PSIKIYATRI ARSIVI 2018; 55:40-48. [PMID: 30042640 DOI: 10.29399/npa.18138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 1-3% of children and adolescents. Although a close relation between OCD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been pointed out, the relation between maternal ASD symptoms and subclinical ASD symptoms in OCD have not been evaluated adequately. In this study, children and adolescents with OCD diagnosis, and OSB indications in their mothers were investigated. The relationship between the clinical severity of these indications in children and adolescents with OCD, and maternal OSB indications will be examined. Method The study group consisted of 38 cases (8-18 years old) diagnosed with OCD. The control group (n=39) comprised patients of other clinics at hospital, and was matched for gender and age to the OCD patients. The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) was used to diagnose OCD and accompanying comorbidities. Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) was used to evaluate children's ASD symptoms while Autism Spectrum Quotient (ASQ) was used to evaluate maternal broad autism phenotype. OCD symptoms in children were evaluated with Children Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-(C-Y-BOCS), and OCD symptoms in mothers were evaluated with Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-(Y-BOCS). Results There was no significant difference between sociodemographic data of two groups. When cases and controls were compared with SCQ; all subscales' scores and total score of SCQ were statistically significant higher in OCD group and also mothers of OCD group had statistically significant higher scores in total score of ASQ and subscales except "imagination". Also in comparing the groups with Y-BOCS and C-Y-BOCS; OCD group had statistically significant higher scores in these scales. Conclusion ASD symptoms are prevalent in cases diagnosed with OCD and ASD symptoms increases with OCD severity. Further studies are needed to examine genetic and environmental common risk factors between OCD and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Özyurt
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Nevşehir State Hospital, Nevşehir, Turkey
| | - Lütfullah Beşiroğlu
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Çelebi University Medical Faculty, İzmir, Turkey
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Autism spectrum disorder-associated genes and the development of dentate granule cells. Med Mol Morphol 2017; 50:123-129. [PMID: 28534217 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-017-0161-z] [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: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe clinical symptoms such as the deficiency of the social communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. Although complex genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of ASD, the precise etiologies are largely unknown. Neuroanatomical observations have been made of developmental abnormalities in different brain regions, including dentate gyrus of hippocampus, which is widely accepted as the center for learning and memory. However, little is known about what roles ASD-associated genes play in the development of hippocampal dentate granule cells. In this article, we summarized functions and pathophysiological significance of 6 representative ASD-associated genes, SEMA5A, PTEN, NLGN, EN-2, FMR1, and MECP2, by focusing on the development of dentate gyrus. We then introduced a recently developed gene transfer method directed to neonatal dentate granule cells. This new method will be useful for elucidating physiological as well as pathophysiological significance of ASD-associated genes in the development of hippocampal formation.
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Wongpakaran R, Suansanae T, Tan-Khum T, Kraivichian C, Ongarjsakulman R, Suthisisang C. Impact of providing psychiatry specialty pharmacist intervention on reducing drug-related problems among children with autism spectrum disorder related to disruptive behavioural symptoms: A prospective randomized open-label study. J Clin Pharm Ther 2017; 42:329-336. [PMID: 28317138 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES Psychopharmacologic therapy has so far focused on ameliorating disruptive behaviours to improve patient's function and quality of life. Due to the complicated neurobiological aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a traditional pharmacist intervention may be insufficient to initiate the optimal care for this vulnerable population. We evaluate the impact of providing specialty psychiatry (PS) pharmacist intervention in identifying and resolving drug-related problems (DRPs) among children with ASD associated with disruptive behaviours. METHODS An eight-week-long, prospective, randomized open-label study was conducted. Children between 2.5 and 12 years of age with ASD and showing disruptive behaviours were included. They were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Patients in the intervention group received pharmacist interventions delivered by a PS pharmacist, while those in control group were cared by a hospital pharmacist. The primary outcome was the number of patients who resolved of at least one DRP by the end of the study. The secondary outcome was to compare the mean Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) scores between the two groups. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. At week 8, the total number of patients who resolved of at least one DRP was 13 (52%) in the intervention group and 4 (16%) in the control group, respectively (P=.016). Improper drug selection, medication non-adherence and subtherapeutic dosage were the most common DRPs. Mean ABC-I scores improved in the intervention group more than in the control group (9.8±5.6 vs 17.7±7.9; P<.001). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which demonstrated that PS pharmacist intervention is an effective strategy to resolve DRPs in patient with ASD. The reduction in common DRPs mostly resulted from the PS pharmacist interventions, including selection of antipsychotic agent, adjustment of dosage based on ABC-I scores and provision of individualized drug counselling. Reducing DRPs led to the improvement of any disruptive behaviour. In addition, multidisciplinary team should develop drug therapy protocols to promote the role of pharmacists in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wongpakaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - T Suansanae
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - T Tan-Khum
- Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum Child Psychiatric Hospital, Samutprakarn, Thailand
| | - C Kraivichian
- Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum Child Psychiatric Hospital, Samutprakarn, Thailand
| | - R Ongarjsakulman
- Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum Child Psychiatric Hospital, Samutprakarn, Thailand
| | - C Suthisisang
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Clawson A, South M, Baldwin SA, Larson MJ. Electrophysiological Endophenotypes and the Error-Related Negativity (ERN) in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Family Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1436-1452. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Townsend LB, Smith SL. Genotype- and sex-dependent effects of altered Cntnap2 expression on the function of visual cortical areas. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:2. [PMID: 28115996 PMCID: PMC5244519 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is four times more likely to affect males than females. Despite this overt sex bias, it is unclear how genetic mutations associated with ASD alter cortical circuitry to produce the behavioral phenotypes by which ASD is diagnosed. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) is an ASD-associated gene, and while Cntnap2 knockout (KO) mice recapitulate many of the features of ASD, the effect on cortical circuitry is poorly understood. Moreover, although heterozygous (Het) mice are the more relevant genotype for ASD-linked CNTNAP2 mutations in humans, to our knowledge, no effects in Het mice have been previously reported. Methods Intrinsic signal optical imaging was used to measure functional visual responses in primary and higher visual cortical areas in male and female Cntnap2 KO, Het, and wild-type (WT) mice. Main effect of genotype was assessed with one-way ANOVA. Visual responses were also measured in P17–18 and P30–32 KO and WT mice. Main effects of age and genotype were assessed using two-way ANOVA. Results Visually evoked activity in dorsal stream associated higher visual areas in both KO and Het adult males was decreased relative to WT adult males. This decrease was not observed in adult females. Additionally, no significant difference was observed between WT and KO males at P17–18 with differences beginning to emerge at P30–32. Conclusions The functional responses of cortical circuitry in male mice are more strongly affected by Cntnap2 mutations than females, an effect present even in Hets. The observed differences in males emerge with development beginning at P30–32. These results reveal genotype- and sex-dependent effects of altered Cntnap2 expression and can shed light on the sex-dependent incidence of ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11689-016-9182-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah B Townsend
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Spencer L Smith
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA.,Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Nadim WD, Simion V, Bénédetti H, Pichon C, Baril P, Morisset-Lopez S. MicroRNAs in Neurocognitive Dysfunctions: New Molecular Targets for Pharmacological Treatments? Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:260-275. [PMID: 27396304 PMCID: PMC5412695 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160709001441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders are multifactorial diseases (i.e., involving neurodevelopmental, genetic, age or environmental factors) characterized by an abnormal development that affects neuronal function and integrity. Recently, an increasing number of studies revealed that the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the etiology of cognitive disorders as Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington's diseases, Schizophrenia and Autism spectrum disorders. METHODS From an extensive search in bibliographic databases of peer-reviewed research literature, we identified relevant published studies related to specific key words such as memory, cognition, neurodegenerative disorders, neurogenesis and miRNA. We then analysed, evaluated and summerized scientific evidences derived from these studies. RESULTS We first briefly summarize the basic molecular events involved in memory, a process inherent to cognitive disease, and then describe the role of miRNAs in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity and memory. Secondly, we provide an overview of the impact of miRNA dysregulation in the pathogenesis of different neurocognitive disorders, and lastly discuss the feasibility of miRNA-based therapeutics in the treatment of these disorders. CONCLUSION This review highlights the molecular basis of neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders by focusing on the impact of miRNAs dysregulation in these pathological phenotypes. Altogether, the published reports suggest that miRNAs-based therapy could be a viable therapeutic alternative to current treatment options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissem Deraredj Nadim
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d’Orléans France, 45071 Orléans Cedex, France
| | - Viorel Simion
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d’Orléans France, 45071 Orléans Cedex, France
| | - Hélène Bénédetti
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d’Orléans France, 45071 Orléans Cedex, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d’Orléans France, 45071 Orléans Cedex, France
| | - Patrick Baril
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d’Orléans France, 45071 Orléans Cedex, France
| | - Séverine Morisset-Lopez
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d’Orléans France, 45071 Orléans Cedex, France
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29
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Liu S, Qiu S, Lu Y, Kanu JS, Li R, Bai Y, Zhu X, Lei J, Xu N, Yu Y, Liu Y, Jiang H. The rs251684 Variant of PLA2G4C Is Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Northeast Han Chinese Population. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2016; 20:747-752. [PMID: 27611910 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2016.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the phospholipase A2 group IVC (PLA2G4C) and phospholipase A2 group XIIA (PLA2G12A) polymorphisms in the Northeast Han Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 68 family trios (children diagnosed with ASD and their unaffected parents) were enrolled. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs9226, rs1045376, rs251684, rs2307279, and rs156631) in PLA2G4C and four SNPs (rs6533451, rs2285714, rs2285713, and rs11728699) in PLA2G12A were selected and genotyped. The association between the SNPs and ASD was analyzed using the transmission disequilibrium test. RESULTS Our results showed a significant association between ASD and the rs251684 variant of PLA2G4C (transmitted/nontransmitted = 36/21, χ2 = 3.947, p = 0.047), but no association between ASD and the other eight SNPs investigated (all p > 0.05). Moreover, we found no preference in the transmission of haplotypes constructed for either PLA2G4C or PLA2G12A. CONCLUSION The rs251684 polymorphism of PLA2G4C may be associated with ASD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Liu
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Qiu
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Yuping Lu
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Ri Li
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Ye Bai
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- 3 The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Northeast Normal University , Changchun, China
| | - Jie Lei
- 4 The Second Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Naijun Xu
- 4 The Second Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Yaqin Yu
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Yawen Liu
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University , Changchun, China
| | - Huiyi Jiang
- 4 The Second Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun, China
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In Sickness and in Health: Perineuronal Nets and Synaptic Plasticity in Psychiatric Disorders. Neural Plast 2015; 2016:9847696. [PMID: 26839720 PMCID: PMC4709762 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9847696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly emerging evidence implicates perineuronal nets (PNNs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules that compose or interact with PNNs, in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. Studies on schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy point to the involvement of ECM molecules such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, Reelin, and matrix metalloproteases, as well as their cell surface receptors. In many of these disorders, PNN abnormalities have also been reported. In the context of the “quadripartite” synapse concept, that is, the functional unit composed of the pre- and postsynaptic terminals, glial processes, and ECM, and of the role that PNNs and ECM molecules play in regulating synaptic functions and plasticity, these findings resonate with one of the most well-replicated aspects of the pathology of psychiatric disorders, that is, synaptic abnormalities. Here we review the evidence for PNN/ECM-related pathology in these disorders, with particular emphasis on schizophrenia, and discuss the hypothesis that such pathology may significantly contribute to synaptic dysfunction.
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Meier SM, Petersen L, Schendel DE, Mattheisen M, Mortensen PB, Mors O. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Longitudinal and Offspring Risk. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141703. [PMID: 26558765 PMCID: PMC4641696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite substantial similarities and overlaps in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and autism spectrum disorders, little is known about the clinical and etiologic cohesion of these two disorders. We therefore aimed to determine the patterns of comorbidity, longitudinal risks, and shared familial risks between these disorders. Methods In a prospective study design we explored the effect of a prior diagnosis of OCD in patients and parents on the susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders and vice versa. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, calendar year, parental age and place at residence at time of birth. As measures of relative risk incidence rate ratios (IRR) and accompanying 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. Results The risk of a comorbid diagnosis of OCD in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and aggregation of autism spectrum disorders in offspring of parents with OCD were increased. Individuals first diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders had a 2-fold higher risk of a later diagnosis of OCD (IRR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.91–2.48), whereas individuals diagnosed with OCD displayed a nearly 4-fold higher risk to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (IRR = 3.91, 95% CI = 3.46–4.40) later in life. The observed associations were somewhat stronger for less severe types of autism spectrum disorders without a comorbid diagnosis of mental disabilities. Conclusions The high comorbidity, sequential risk, and shared familial risks between OCD and autism spectrum disorders are suggestive of partially shared etiological mechanisms. The results have implications for current gene-searching efforts and for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Meier
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, DK
- * E-mail:
| | - Liselotte Petersen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, DK
| | - Diana E Schendel
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, DK
| | - Manuel Mattheisen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, DK
| | - Preben B Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, DK
| | - Ole Mors
- Research Department P, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, DK
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, DK
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Russo AJ. Decreased Phosphorylated Protein Kinase B (Akt) in Individuals with Autism Associated with High Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Low Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). Biomark Insights 2015; 10:89-94. [PMID: 26508828 PMCID: PMC4607071 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s21946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway could contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders. In this study, phosphorylated Akt concentration was measured in 37 autistic children and 12, gender and age similar neurotypical, controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Akt levels were compared to biomarkers known to be associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-Met (hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor) pathways and severity levels of 19 autism-related symptoms. We found phosphorylated Akt levels significantly lower in autistic children and low Akt levels correlated with high EGFR and HGF and low gamma-aminobutyric acid, but not other biomarkers. Low Akt levels also correlated significantly with increased severity of receptive language, conversational language, hypotonia, rocking and pacing, and stimming, These results suggest a relationship between decreased phosphorylated Akt and selected symptom severity in autistic children and support the suggestion that the AKT pathways may be associated with the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Russo
- Department of Biology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY, USA. ; Pfeiffer Medical Center, Health Research Institute, Warrenville, IL, USA
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Kuo PH, Chuang LC, Su MH, Chen CH, Chen CH, Wu JY, Yen CJ, Wu YY, Liu SK, Chou MC, Chou WJ, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. Genome-Wide Association Study for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwanese Han Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138695. [PMID: 26398136 PMCID: PMC4580585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with strong genetic components. Several recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies in Caucasian samples have reported a number of gene regions and loci correlated with the risk of ASD--albeit with very little consensus across studies. METHODS A two-stage GWA study was employed to identify common genetic variants for ASD in the Taiwanese Han population. The discovery stage included 315 patients with ASD and 1,115 healthy controls, using the Affymetrix SNP array 6.0 platform for genotyping. Several gene regions were then selected for fine-mapping and top markers were examined in extended samples. Single marker, haplotype, gene-based, and pathway analyses were conducted for associations. RESULTS Seven SNPs had p-values ranging from 3.4~9.9*10-6, but none reached the genome-wide significant level. Five of them were mapped to three known genes (OR2M4, STYK1, and MNT) with significant empirical gene-based p-values in OR2M4 (p = 3.4*10(-5)) and MNT (p = 0.0008). Results of the fine-mapping study showed single-marker associations in the GLIS1 (rs12082358 and rs12080993) and NAALADL2 (rs3914502 and rs2222447) genes, and gene-based associations for the OR2M3-OR2T5 (olfactory receptor genes, p = 0.02), and GLIPR1/KRR1 gene regions (p = 0.015). Pathway analyses revealed important pathways for ASD, such as olfactory and G protein-coupled receptors signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS We reported Taiwanese Han specific susceptibility genes and variants for ASD. However, further replication in other Asian populations is warranted to validate our findings. Investigation in the biological functions of our reported genetic variants might also allow for better understanding on the underlying pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsiu Kuo
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Genes, Environment and Human Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chung Chuang
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare & Management, I-Lan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsin Su
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Yuarn Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jen Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Kai Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Taoyaun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Chun Chou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jiun Chou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
There is now substantial evidence that autistic-like traits in the general population lie on a continuum, with clinical autism spectrum disorders (ASD) representing the extreme end of this distribution. In this study, we sought to evaluate five independently identified genetic associations with ASD with autistic-like traits in the general population. In the study cohort, clinical phenotype and genomewide association genotype data were obtained from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The outcome measure used was the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a quantitative measure of autistic-like traits of individuals in the cohort. Total AQ scores were calculated for each individual, as well as scores for three subscales. Five candidate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with ASD, reported in previously published genomewide association studies, were selected using a nominal cutoff value of P less than 1.0×10. We tested whether these five SNPs were associated with total AQ and the subscales, after adjustment for possible confounders. SNP rs4141463 located in the macro domain containing 2 (MACROD2) gene was significantly associated with the Communication/Mindreading subscale. No other SNP was significantly associated with total AQ or the subscales. The MACROD2 gene is a strong positional candidate risk factor for autistic-like traits in the general population.
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Liu J, Yang A, Zhang Q, Yang G, Yang W, Lei H, Quan J, Qu F, Wang M, Zhang Z, Yu K. Association between genetic variants in SLC25A12 and risk of autism spectrum disorders: An integrated meta-analysis. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168B:236-46. [PMID: 25921325 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The solute carrier family 25 (aspartate/glutamate carrier), member 12 gene (SLC25A12) has been strongly posed as a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) given its important role in mitochondrial function and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Evidence is mounting for the association between SLC25A12 variants (rs2056202 and rs2292813) and ASD risk, but the results are inconsistent. To clarify the effect of these two variants on ASD, a meta-analysis integrating case-control and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) studies was performed. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese BioMedical Literature (CBM), Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published up to May 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of association. A total of 775 cases, 922 controls, and 1289 families available from 8 studies concerning rs2056202, and 465 cases, 450 controls, and 1516 families available from 7 studies concerning rs2292813 were finally included. In the overall meta-analysis, the rs2056202 T allele and rs2292813 T allele were both significantly associated with a decreased risk of ASD (rs2056202: OR = 0.809, P = 0.001, 95%CI: 0.713-0.917, I(2) = 0.0%, and P(heterogeneity) = 0.526; rs2292813: OR = 0.752, P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.649-0.871, I(2) = 0.0%, P(heterogeneity) = 0.486). Besides, subjects with T-T haplotype of rs2056202-rs2292813 had a significantly reduced risk of ASD (OR = 0.672, P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.564-0.801, I(2) = 0.0%, P(heterogeneity) = 0.631). Sensitivity analysis, cumulative meta-analysis, and publication bias diagnostics confirmed the reliability and stability of our results. Our meta-analysis suggests that rs2056202 and rs2292813 in SLC25A12 may contribute significantly to ASD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aiping Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qunwei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heyue Lei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Quan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics, Xiaoshan No.1 Hospital Affiliated to Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yu
- Zhejiang-California International Nanosystems Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Grinevich V, Desarménien MG, Chini B, Tauber M, Muscatelli F. Ontogenesis of oxytocin pathways in the mammalian brain: late maturation and psychosocial disorders. Front Neuroanat 2015; 8:164. [PMID: 25767437 PMCID: PMC4341354 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), the main neuropeptide of sociality, is expressed in neurons exclusively localized in the hypothalamus. During the last decade, a plethora of neuroendocrine, metabolic, autonomic and behavioral effects of OT has been reported. In the urgency to find treatments to syndromes as invalidating as autism, many clinical trials have been launched in which OT is administered to patients, including adolescents and children. However, the impact of OT on the developing brain and in particular on the embryonic and early postnatal maturation of OT neurons, has been only poorly investigated. In the present review we summarize available (although limited) literature on general features of ontogenetic transformation of the OT system, including determination, migration and differentiation of OT neurons. Next, we discuss trajectories of OT receptors (OTR) in the perinatal period. Furthermore, we provide evidence that early alterations, from birth, in the central OT system lead to severe neurodevelopmental diseases such as feeding deficit in infancy and severe defects in social behavior in adulthood, as described in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Our review intends to propose a hypothesis about developmental dynamics of central OT pathways, which are essential for survival right after birth and for the acquisition of social skills later on. A better understanding of the embryonic and early postnatal maturation of the OT system may lead to better OT-based treatments in PWS or autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides, German Cancer Research Center and CellNetwork Cluster of Excellence of the University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel G Desarménien
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Montpellier 1, Université Montpellier 2 Montpellier, France
| | - Bice Chini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Institute of Neuroscience Milan, Italy
| | - Maithé Tauber
- Reference Centre for Prader-Willi Syndrome - Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hôpital des Enfants Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse 330 Toulouse, France ; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixe de Recherche 1043, Paul Sabatier University Toulouse III Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Muscatelli
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée Unité Mixe de Recherche U901, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Parc Scientifique de Luminy Marseille, France ; Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée Unité Mixe de Recherche 901 Marseille, France
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Mezzelani A, Raggi ME, Marabotti A, Milanesi L. Ochratoxin A as possible factor trigging autism and its male prevalence via epigenetic mechanism. Nutr Neurosci 2015; 19:43-6. [PMID: 25597866 DOI: 10.1179/1476830515z.000000000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The role of dysbiosis causing leaky gut with xenobiotic production and absorption is increasingly demonstrated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathogenesis. Among xenobiotics, we focused on ochratoxin A (one of the major food contaminating mycotoxin), that in vitro and in vivo exerts a male-specific neurotoxicity probably via microRNA modulation of a specific target gene. Among possible targets, we focused on neuroligin4X. Interestingly, this gene carries some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) already correlated with the disease and with illegitimate microRNA binding sites and, being located on X-chromosome, could explain the male prevalence. In conclusion, we propose a possible gene-environment interaction triggering ASD explaining the epigenetic neurotoxic mechanism activated by ochratoxin A in genetically predisposed children. This mechanism offers a clue for male prevalence of the disease and may have an important impact on prevention and cure of ASD.
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38
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Kim YS, Leventhal BL. Genetic epidemiology and insights into interactive genetic and environmental effects in autism spectrum disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:66-74. [PMID: 25483344 PMCID: PMC4260177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders has proven to be challenging. Using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a paradigmatic neurodevelopmental disorder, this article reviews the existing literature on the etiological substrates of ASD and explores how genetic epidemiology approaches including gene-environment interactions (G×E) can play a role in identifying factors associated with ASD etiology. New genetic and bioinformatics strategies have yielded important clues to ASD genetic substrates. The next steps for understanding ASD pathogenesis require significant effort to focus on how genes and environment interact with one another in typical development and its perturbations. Along with larger sample sizes, future study designs should include sample ascertainment that is epidemiologic and population-based to capture the entire ASD spectrum with both categorical and dimensional phenotypic characterization; environmental measurements with accuracy, validity, and biomarkers; statistical methods to address population stratification, multiple comparisons, and G×E of rare variants; animal models to test hypotheses; and new methods to broaden the capacity to search for G×E, including genome-wide and environment-wide association studies, precise estimation of heritability using dense genetic markers, and consideration of G×E both as the disease cause and a disease course modifier. Although examination of G×E appears to be a daunting task, tremendous recent progress in gene discovery has opened new horizons for advancing our understanding of the role of G×E in the pathogenesis of ASD and ultimately identifying the causes, treatments, and even preventive measures for ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Shin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California..
| | - Bennett L Leventhal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Dachtler J, Glasper J, Cohen RN, Ivorra JL, Swiffen DJ, Jackson AJ, Harte MK, Rodgers RJ, Clapcote SJ. Deletion of α-neurexin II results in autism-related behaviors in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e484. [PMID: 25423136 PMCID: PMC4259993 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a common and frequently disabling neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic basis. Human genetic studies have discovered mutations disrupting exons of the NRXN2 gene, which encodes the synaptic adhesion protein α-neurexin II (Nrxn2α), in two unrelated individuals with autism, but a causal link between NRXN2 and the disorder remains unclear. To begin to test the hypothesis that Nrxn2α deficiency contributes to the symptoms of autism, we employed Nrxn2α knockout (KO) mice that genetically model Nrxn2α deficiency in vivo. We report that Nrxn2α KO mice displayed deficits in sociability and social memory when exposed to novel conspecifics. In tests of exploratory activity, Nrxn2α KO mice displayed an anxiety-like phenotype in comparison with wild-type littermates, with thigmotaxis in an open field, less time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus maze, more time spent in the enclosure of an emergence test and less time spent exploring novel objects. However, Nrxn2α KO mice did not exhibit any obvious changes in prepulse inhibition or in passive avoidance learning. Real-time PCR analysis of the frontal cortex and hippocampus revealed significant decreases in the mRNA levels of genes encoding proteins involved in both excitatory and inhibitory transmission. Quantification of protein expression revealed that Munc18-1, encoded by Stxbp1, was significantly decreased in the hippocampus of Nrxn2α KO mice, which is suggestive of deficiencies in presynaptic vesicular release. Our findings demonstrate a causal role for the loss of Nrxn2α in the genesis of autism-related behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dachtler
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK,School of Biomedical Sciences, Garstang Building, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. E-mail:
| | - J Glasper
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R N Cohen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - J L Ivorra
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - D J Swiffen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - A J Jackson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - M K Harte
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R J Rodgers
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - S J Clapcote
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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40
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High resolution magnetic resonance imaging for characterization of the neuroligin-3 knock-in mouse model associated with autism spectrum disorder. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109872. [PMID: 25299583 PMCID: PMC4192590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise an etiologically heterogeneous set of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuroligin-3 (NL-3) is a cell adhesion protein that mediates synapse development and has been implicated in ASD. We performed ex-vivo high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and behavioral (social approach and zero maze) tests at 3 different time points (30, 50 and 70 days-of-age) on NL-3 and wild-type littermates to assess developmental brain abnormalities in NL-3 mice. MRI data were segmented in 39 different gray and white matter regions. Volumetric measurements, along with DTI indices from these segmented regions were also performed. After controlling for age and gender, the NL-3 knock-in animals demonstrated significantly reduced sociability and lower anxiety-related behavior in comparison to their wild type littermates. Significantly reduced volume of several white and gray matter regions in the NL-3 knock-in mice were also observed after considering age, gender and time point as covariates. These findings suggest that structural changes in the brain of NL-3 mice are induced by the mutation in the NL-3 gene. No significant differences in DTI indices were observed, which suggests that the NL-3 mutation may not have a profound effect on water diffusion as detected by DTI. The volumetric and DTI studies aid in understanding the biology of disrupting function on an ASD risk model and may assist in the development of imaging biomarkers for ASD.
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Kenkel WM, Yee JR, Carter CS. Is oxytocin a maternal-foetal signalling molecule at birth? Implications for development. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:739-49. [PMID: 25059673 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin was first noted for its capacity to promote uterine contractions and facilitate delivery in mammals. The study of oxytocin has grown to include awareness that this peptide is a neuromodulator with broad effects throughout the body. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxytocin is a powerful signal to the foetus, helping to prepare the offspring for the extrauterine environment. Concurrently, the use of exogenous oxytocin or other drugs to manipulate labour has become common practice. The use of oxytocin to expedite labour and minimise blood loss improves both infant and maternal survival under some conditions. However, further investigations are needed to assess the developmental consequences of changes in oxytocin, such as those associated with pre-eclampsia or obstetric manipulations associated with birth. This review focuses on the role of endogenous and exogenous oxytocin as a neurochemical signal to the foetal nervous system. We also examine the possible developmental consequences, including those associated with autism spectrum disorder, that arise from exogenous oxytocin supplementation during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Kenkel
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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42
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Transcriptomic-anatomic analysis of the mouse habenula uncovers a high molecular heterogeneity among neurons in the lateral complex, while gene expression in the medial complex largely obeys subnuclear boundaries. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 221:39-58. [PMID: 25244943 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0891-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian habenula with its medial and lateral complexes has gained much interest in recent years, while knowledge on the detailed biological functions of these nuclei is still scarce. Novel strategies to differentiate and identify habenular cell types are required. Such attempts have largely failed, most likely due to the lack of appropriate molecular markers. One important tool to approach this dilemma is available in form of the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA), which provides detailed expression patterns of many genes in the mouse brain. In the present report, ABA tools in combination with visual inspection of ISH images were used to detect transcripts, which are strongly expressed in medial (MHb) and lateral (LHb) habenular complexes. Against our expectations, most transcripts were differentially distributed throughout the LHb, disregarding boundaries of subnuclear areas. Nine distinct distribution patterns were recognized. Yet, several transcripts could not be attributed to one of these, suggesting a high diversity of neuron types in the LHb. In the MHb, in contrast, many transcripts tended to obey subnuclear boundaries. The differential distribution of others like Adcyap1, Chrna3, or Trp53i11 suggests the presence of a novel subfield adjacent to the region of the MHbVm, which now is termed intermediate field of the ventral MHb. In addition, the localizations of Amigo2, Adcyap1, and a couple of other transcripts suggest a lateral extension of the MHb, which is here, termed HbX area. Apparently, this area is composed of intermingled MHb and LHb neurons and may allow functional interaction between the both habenular complexes.
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43
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Chen J, Yu S, Fu Y, Li X. Synaptic proteins and receptors defects in autism spectrum disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:276. [PMID: 25309321 PMCID: PMC4161164 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have found that hundreds of genetic variants, including common and rare variants, rare and de novo mutations, and common polymorphisms contribute to the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The mutations in a number of genes such as neurexin, neuroligin, postsynaptic density protein 95, SH3, and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3), synapsin, gephyrin, cadherin, and protocadherin, thousand-and-one-amino acid 2 kinase, and contactin, have been shown to play important roles in the development and function of synapses. In addition, synaptic receptors, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors and glutamate receptors, have also been associated with ASDs. This review will primarily focus on the defects of synaptic proteins and receptors associated with ASDs and their roles in the pathogenesis of ASDs via synaptic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Shunying Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities Staten Island, NY USA
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44
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Epigenomic profiling of men exposed to early-life stress reveals DNA methylation differences in association with current mental state. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e448. [PMID: 25247593 PMCID: PMC4203020 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) is known to be associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric and cardiometabolic disease in later life. One of the potential mechanisms underpinning this is through effects on the epigenome, particularly changes in DNA methylation. Using a well-phenotyped cohort of 83 men from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, who experienced ELS in the form of separation from their parents during childhood, and a group of 83 matched controls, we performed a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in peripheral blood. We found no differences in DNA methylation between men who were separated from their families and non-separated men; however, we did identify differences in DNA methylation in association with the development of at least mild depressive symptoms over the subsequent 5-10 years. Notably, hypomethylation was identified at a number of genes with roles in brain development and/or function in association with depressive symptoms. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of DNA methylation changes in pathways associated with development and morphogenesis, DNA and transcription factor binding and programmed cell death. Our results support the concept that DNA methylation differences may be important in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disease.
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Lambert N, Wermenbol V, Pichon B, Acosta S, van den Ameele J, Perazzolo C, Messina D, Musumeci MF, Dessars B, De Leener A, Abramowicz M, Vilain C. A familial heterozygous null mutation of MET in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2014; 7:617-22. [PMID: 24909855 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) results from interactions of genetic and environmental factors. The MET proto-oncogene has been identified as a candidate gene for autism susceptibility, and is implicated in neurodevelopment and social brain circuitry. Here, we describe the first case of a familial mutation of MET, consisting of an interstitial genomic deletion removing exons 12 through 15, causing a frameshift and premature stop codon, with evidence of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. On the other allele, patients carried the C allele of the MET promoter rs1858830 polymorphism, known to decrease MET expression and previously associated with autism susceptibility. The heterozygous mutation was associated with autism in one patient, and language and social impairment in a sibling. Our observations delineate the phenotypic spectrum associated with a clearly defined, very likely complete loss of function mutation of MET. Incomplete penetrance in this family was consistent with MET as a partial susceptibility gene for ASD. Implication of MET in normal and pathological brain development opens new perspectives for understanding the pathophysiology of autism and for eventual therapeutical clues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelle Lambert
- ULB Center of Human Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
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Han S, Tai C, Jones CJ, Scheuer T, Catterall WA. Enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmission by GABAA receptors having α2,3-subunits ameliorates behavioral deficits in a mouse model of autism. Neuron 2014; 81:1282-1289. [PMID: 24656250 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may arise from increased ratio of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. Many pharmacological treatments have been tested in ASD, but only limited success has been achieved. Here we report that BTBR T(+)Itpr3(tf)/J (BTBR) mice, a model of idiopathic autism, have reduced spontaneous GABAergic neurotransmission. Treatment with low nonsedating/nonanxiolytic doses of benzodiazepines, which increase inhibitory neurotransmission through positive allosteric modulation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors, improved deficits in social interaction, repetitive behavior, and spatial learning. Moreover, negative allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors impaired social behavior in C57BL/6J and 129SvJ wild-type mice, suggesting that reduced inhibitory neurotransmission may contribute to social and cognitive deficits. The dramatic behavioral improvement after low-dose benzodiazepine treatment was subunit specific-the α2,3-subunit-selective positive allosteric modulator L-838,417 was effective, but the α1-subunit-selective drug zolpidem exacerbated social deficits. Impaired GABAergic neurotransmission may contribute to ASD, and α2,3-subunit-selective positive GABAA receptor modulation may be an effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Han
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA
| | - Chao Tai
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA
| | - Christina J Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA
| | - Todd Scheuer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA
| | - William A Catterall
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA.
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Dysregulation of the IGF-I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in autism spectrum disorders. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 35:35-41. [PMID: 24662006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The IGF-I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, motility, survival, metabolism and protein synthesis. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is synthesized in the liver and fibroblasts, and its biological actions are mediated by the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR). The binding of IGF-I to IGF-IR leads to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Activated PI3K stimulates the production of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3]. The PH domain of AKT (protein kinase B, PKB) (v-AKT murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog) binds to PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3, followed by phosphorylation of the Thr308 and Ser473 regulatory sites. Tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) and TSC2 are upstream regulators of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and downstream effectors of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The activation of AKT suppresses the TSC1/TSC2 heterodimer, which is an upstream regulator of mTOR. Dysregulated IGF-I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling has been shown to be associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In this review, we discuss the emerging evidence for a functional relationship between the IGF-I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and ASDs, as well as a possible role of this signaling pathway in the diagnosis and treatment of ASDs.
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Preti A, Melis M, Siddi S, Vellante M, Doneddu G, Fadda R. Oxytocin and autism: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2014; 24:54-68. [PMID: 24679173 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2013.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a systematic review of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oxytocin interventions in autism, made from January 1990 to September 2013. METHOD A search of computerized databases was supplemented by manual search in the bibliographies of key publications. The methodological quality of the studies included in the review was evaluated independently by two researchers, according to a set of formal criteria. Discrepancies in scoring were resolved through discussion. RESULTS The review yielded seven RCTs, including 101 subjects with ASD (males=95) and 8 males with Fragile X syndrome. The main categories of target symptoms tested in the studies were repetitive behaviors, eye gaze, and emotion recognition. The studies had a medium to high risk of bias. Most studies had small samples (median=15). All the studies but one reported statistically significant between-group differences on at least one outcome variable. Most findings were characterized by medium effect size. Only one study had evidence that the improvement in emotion recognition was maintained after 6 weeks of treatment with intranasal oxytocin. Overall, oxytocin was well tolerated and side effects, when present, were generally rated as mild; however, restlessness, increased irritability, and increased energy occurred more often under oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS RCTs of oxytocin interventions in autism yielded potentially promising findings in measures of emotion recognition and eye gaze, which are impaired early in the course of the ASD condition and might disrupt social skills learning in developing children. There is a need for larger, more methodologically rigorous RCTs in this area. Future studies should be better powered to estimate outcomes with medium to low effect size, and should try to enroll female participants, who were rarely considered in previous studies. Risk of bias should be minimized. Human long-term administration studies are necessary before clinical recommendations can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Preti
- 1 Dipartimento di Pedagogia, Psicologia, Filosofia, Università degli Studi di Cagliari , Cagliari, Italy
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Vorstman JAS, Spooren W, Persico AM, Collier DA, Aigner S, Jagasia R, Glennon JC, Buitelaar JK. Using genetic findings in autism for the development of new pharmaceutical compounds. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1063-78. [PMID: 24292384 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The main reason for the current lack of effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism is our limited understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying this heterogeneous group of disorders. A primary value of genetic research is enhancing our insight into the biology of autism through the study of identified autism risk genes. OBJECTIVES In the current review we discuss (1) the genes and loci that are associated with autism, (2) how these provide us with essential cues as to what neurobiological mechanisms may be involved, and (3) how these mechanisms may be used as targets for novel treatments. Next, we provide an overview of currently ongoing clinical trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov with a variety of compounds. Finally, we review current approaches used to translate knowledge derived from gene discovery into novel pharmaceutical compounds and discuss their pitfalls and problems. CONCLUSIONS An increasing number of genetic variants associated with autism have been identified. This will generate new ideas about the biological mechanisms involved in autism, which in turn may provide new leads for the development of novel pharmaceutical compounds. To optimize this pipeline of drug discovery, large-scale international collaborations are needed for gene discovery, functional validation of risk genes, and improvement of clinical outcome measures and clinical trial methodology in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A S Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, A001.468, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3485 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Gerlai R. Zebrafish as an emerging model for studying complex brain disorders. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:63-75. [PMID: 24412421 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 673] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming a popular model organism in pharmacogenetics and neuropharmacology. Both larval and adult zebrafish are currently used to increase our understanding of brain function, dysfunction, and their genetic and pharmacological modulation. Here we review the developing utility of zebrafish in the analysis of complex brain disorders (including, e.g., depression, autism, psychoses, drug abuse, and cognitive deficits), also covering zebrafish applications towards the goal of modeling major human neuropsychiatric and drug-induced syndromes. We argue that zebrafish models of complex brain disorders and drug-induced conditions are a rapidly emerging critical field in translational neuroscience and pharmacology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
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