1
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Heim F, Scharff C, Fisher SE, Riebel K, Ten Cate C. Auditory discrimination learning and acoustic cue weighing in female zebra finches with localized FoxP1 knockdowns. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:950-963. [PMID: 38629163 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00228.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare disruptions of the transcription factor FOXP1 are implicated in a human neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by autism and/or intellectual disability with prominent problems in speech and language abilities. Avian orthologues of this transcription factor are evolutionarily conserved and highly expressed in specific regions of songbird brains, including areas associated with vocal production learning and auditory perception. Here, we investigated possible contributions of FoxP1 to song discrimination and auditory perception in juvenile and adult female zebra finches. They received lentiviral knockdowns of FoxP1 in one of two brain areas involved in auditory stimulus processing, HVC (proper name) or CMM (caudomedial mesopallium). Ninety-six females, distributed over different experimental and control groups were trained to discriminate between two stimulus songs in an operant Go/Nogo paradigm and subsequently tested with an array of stimuli. This made it possible to assess how well they recognized and categorized altered versions of training stimuli and whether localized FoxP1 knockdowns affected the role of different features during discrimination and categorization of song. Although FoxP1 expression was significantly reduced by the knockdowns, neither discrimination of the stimulus songs nor categorization of songs modified in pitch, sequential order of syllables or by reversed playback were affected. Subsequently, we analyzed the full dataset to assess the impact of the different stimulus manipulations for cue weighing in song discrimination. Our findings show that zebra finches rely on multiple parameters for song discrimination, but with relatively more prominent roles for spectral parameters and syllable sequencing as cues for song discrimination.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In humans, mutations of the transcription factor FoxP1 are implicated in speech and language problems. In songbirds, FoxP1 has been linked to male song learning and female preference strength. We found that FoxP1 knockdowns in female HVC and caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) did not alter song discrimination or categorization based on spectral and temporal information. However, this large dataset allowed to validate different cue weights for spectral over temporal information for song recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heim
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics,Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics,Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carel Ten Cate
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Usui N. Possible roles of deep cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes in the neural basis of human sociality. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:34-47. [PMID: 38010534 PMCID: PMC10771383 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00747-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sociality is an instinctive property of organisms that live in relation to others and is a complex characteristic of higher order brain functions. However, the evolution of the human brain to acquire higher order brain functions, such as sociality, and the neural basis for executing these functions and their control mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have attempted to evaluate how human sociality was acquired during the course of evolution and the mechanisms controlling sociality from a neurodevelopment viewpoint. This review discusses these findings in the context of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comparative genomic studies of postmortem primate brains have demonstrated human-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying higher order brain functions, providing evidence for the contribution of oligodendrocytes to human brain function. Functional analyses of the causative genes of ASD in animal models have demonstrated that the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes. These findings demonstrate that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to the neural basis and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution and social functioning. This review provides novel insights into sociability and the corresponding neural bases of brain disorders and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Omics Center, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
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3
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Kubota N, Takeda R, Kobayashi J, Hidaka E, Nishi E, Takano K, Wakui K. Reanalysis of Chromosomal Microarray Data Using a Smaller Copy Number Variant Call Threshold Identifies Four Cases with Heterozygous Multiexon Deletions of ARID1B, EHMT1, and FOXP1 Genes. Mol Syndromol 2023; 14:394-404. [PMID: 37901861 PMCID: PMC10601822 DOI: 10.1159/000530252] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is a highly accurate and established method for detecting copy number variations (CNVs) in clinical genetic testing. CNVs are important etiological factors for disorders such as intellectual disability, developmental delay, and multiple congenital anomalies. Recently developed analytical methods have facilitated the identification of smaller CNVs. Therefore, reanalyzing CMA data using a smaller CNV calling threshold may yield useful information. However, this method was left to the discretion of each institution. Methods We reanalyzed the CMA data of 131 patients using a smaller CNV call threshold: 50 kb 50 probes for gain and 25 kb 25 probes for loss. We interpreted the reanalyzed CNVs based on the most recently available information. In the reanalysis, we filtered the data using the Clinical Genome Resource dosage sensitivity gene list as an index to quickly and efficiently check morbid genes. Results The number of copy number loss was approximately 20 times greater, and copy number gain was approximately three times greater compared to those in the previous analysis. We detected new likely pathogenic CNVs in four participants: a 236.5 kb loss within ARID1B, a 50.6 kb loss including EHMT1, a 46.5 kb loss including EHMT1, and an 89.1 kb loss within the FOXP1 gene. Conclusion The method employed in this study is simple and effective for CMA data reanalysis using a smaller CNV call threshold. Thus, this method is efficient for both ongoing and repeated analyses. This study may stimulate further discussion of reanalysis methodology in clinical laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Kubota
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Ryojun Takeda
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
- Division of Medical Genetics, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Jun Kobayashi
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Eiko Hidaka
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Eriko Nishi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Kyoko Takano
- Division of Medical Genetics, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Keiko Wakui
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children’s Hospital, Azumino, Japan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
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4
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Cesaroni CA, Pollazzon M, Mancini C, Rizzi S, Cappelletti C, Pizzi S, Frattini D, Spagnoli C, Caraffi SG, Zuntini R, Trimarchi G, Niceta M, Radio FC, Tartaglia M, Garavelli L, Fusco C. Case report: Expanding the phenotype of FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome and hyperkinetic movement disorder in differential diagnosis with epileptic seizures. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1207176. [PMID: 37521304 PMCID: PMC10382204 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1207176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to report on previously unappreciated clinical features associated with FOXP1-related intellectual disability (ID) syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and language delay, with or without autistic features. Methods We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to molecularly characterize an individual presenting with ID, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral problems, and facial dysmorphisms as major features. Results WES allowed us to identify a previously unreported de novo splice site variant, c.1429-1G>T (NM_032682.6), in the FOXP1 gene (OMIM*605515) as the causative event underlying the phenotype. Clinical reassessment of the patient and revision of the literature allowed us to refine the phenotype associated with FOXP1 haploinsufficiency, including hyperkinetic movement disorder and flat angiomas as associated features. Interestingly, the patient also has an asymmetric face and choanal atresia and a novel de novo variant of the CHD7 gene. Conclusion We suggest that FOXP1-related ID syndrome may also predispose to the development of hyperkinetic movement disorders and flat angiomas. These features could therefore require specific management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Cesaroni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marzia Pollazzon
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mancini
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Rizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Camilla Cappelletti
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pizzi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Frattini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giuseppe Caraffi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberta Zuntini
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Trimarchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marcello Niceta
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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5
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Lee CC, Ye R, Tubbs JD, Baum L, Zhong Y, Leung SYJ, Chan SC, Wu KYK, Cheng PKJ, Chow LP, Leung PWL, Sham PC. Third-generation genome sequencing implicates medium-sized structural variants in chronic schizophrenia. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1058359. [PMID: 36711134 PMCID: PMC9874699 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1058359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder, with significant contribution from genetic factors particularly for chronic cases with negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. To date, Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and exome sequencing have associated SCZ with a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs), but there is still missing heritability. Medium-sized structural variants (SVs) are difficult to detect using SNP arrays or second generation sequencing, and may account for part of the missing heritability of SCZ. Aims and objectives To identify SVs associated with severe chronic SCZ across the whole genome. Study design 10 multiplex families with probands suffering from chronic SCZ with negative symptoms and cognitive deficits were recruited, with all their affected members demonstrating uni-lineal inheritance. Control subjects comprised one affected member from the affected lineage, and unaffected members from each paternal and maternal lineage. Methods Third generation sequencing was applied to peripheral blood samples from 10 probands and 5 unaffected controls. Bioinformatic tools were used to identify SVs from the long sequencing reads, with confirmation of findings in probands by short-read Illumina sequencing, Sanger sequencing and visual manual validation with Integrated Genome Browser. Results In the 10 probands, we identified and validated 88 SVs (mostly in introns and medium-sized), within 79 genes, which were absent in the 5 unaffected control subjects. These 79 genes were enriched in 20 biological pathways which were related to brain development, neuronal migration, neurogenesis, neuronal/synaptic function, learning/memory, and hearing. These identified SVs also showed evidence for enrichment of genes that are highly expressed in the adolescent striatum. Conclusion A substantial part of the missing heritability in SCZ may be explained by medium-sized SVs detectable only by third generation sequencing. We have identified a number of such SVs potentially conferring risk for SCZ, which implicate multiple brain-related genes and pathways. In addition to previously-identified pathways involved in SCZ such as neurodevelopment and neuronal/synaptic functioning, we also found novel evidence for enrichment in hearing-related pathways and genes expressed in the adolescent striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Chi Chiu Lee,
| | - Rui Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Justin D. Tubbs
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Larry Baum
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk Yan Joey Leung
- Department of Psychiatry, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheung Chun Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kit Ying Kitty Wu
- Kowloon West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Po Kwan Jamie Cheng
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yan Chai Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lai Ping Chow
- Department of Psychiatry, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick W. L. Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pak Chung Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Pak Chung Sham,
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6
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Vernes SC, Devanna P, Hörpel SG, Alvarez van Tussenbroek I, Firzlaff U, Hagoort P, Hiller M, Hoeksema N, Hughes GM, Lavrichenko K, Mengede J, Morales AE, Wiesmann M. The pale spear-nosed bat: A neuromolecular and transgenic model for vocal learning. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1517:125-142. [PMID: 36069117 PMCID: PMC9826251 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Vocal learning, the ability to produce modified vocalizations via learning from acoustic signals, is a key trait in the evolution of speech. While extensively studied in songbirds, mammalian models for vocal learning are rare. Bats present a promising study system given their gregarious natures, small size, and the ability of some species to be maintained in captive colonies. We utilize the pale spear-nosed bat (Phyllostomus discolor) and report advances in establishing this species as a tractable model for understanding vocal learning. We have taken an interdisciplinary approach, aiming to provide an integrated understanding across genomics (Part I), neurobiology (Part II), and transgenics (Part III). In Part I, we generated new, high-quality genome annotations of coding genes and noncoding microRNAs to facilitate functional and evolutionary studies. In Part II, we traced connections between auditory-related brain regions and reported neuroimaging to explore the structure of the brain and gene expression patterns to highlight brain regions. In Part III, we created the first successful transgenic bats by manipulating the expression of FoxP2, a speech-related gene. These interdisciplinary approaches are facilitating a mechanistic and evolutionary understanding of mammalian vocal learning and can also contribute to other areas of investigation that utilize P. discolor or bats as study species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja C. Vernes
- School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK,Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK,Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Stephen Gareth Hörpel
- School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK,Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands,TUM School of Life SciencesTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Ine Alvarez van Tussenbroek
- School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK,Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Uwe Firzlaff
- TUM School of Life SciencesTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Peter Hagoort
- Neurobiology of Language DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Michael Hiller
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Faculty of Biosciences, Senckenberg Research Institute, Goethe‐UniversityFrankfurtGermany
| | - Nienke Hoeksema
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands,Neurobiology of Language DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Graham M. Hughes
- School of Biology and Environmental ScienceUniversity College DublinBelfieldIreland
| | - Ksenia Lavrichenko
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Janine Mengede
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication GroupMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Ariadna E. Morales
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Faculty of Biosciences, Senckenberg Research Institute, Goethe‐UniversityFrankfurtGermany
| | - Maximilian Wiesmann
- Department of Medical ImagingAnatomyRadboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
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7
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Kaminskiy Y, Kuznetsova V, Kudriaeva A, Zmievskaya E, Bulatov E. Neglected, yet significant role of FOXP1 in T-cell quiescence, differentiation and exhaustion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:971045. [PMID: 36268015 PMCID: PMC9576946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.971045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 is ubiquitously expressed in the human body and is implicated in both physiological and pathological processes including cancer. However, despite its importance the role of FOXP1 in T-cells has not been extensively studied. Although relatively few phenotypic and mechanistic details are available, FOXP1 role in T-cell quiescence and differentiation of CD4+ subsets has recently been established. FOXP1 prevents spontaneous T-cell activation, preserves memory potential, and regulates the development of follicular helper and regulatory T-cells. Moreover, there is growing evidence that FOXP1 also regulates T-cell exhaustion. Altogether this makes FOXP1 a crucial and highly undervalued regulator of T-cell homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the biology of FOXP1 with a focus on discoveries made in T-cells in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaroslav Kaminskiy
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SciLifeLab, Solna, Sweden
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Centre for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Varvara Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Centre for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kudriaeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zmievskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Emil Bulatov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- *Correspondence: Emil Bulatov,
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8
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Krishnan S, Cler GJ, Smith HJ, Willis HE, Asaridou SS, Healy MP, Papp D, Watkins KE. Quantitative MRI reveals differences in striatal myelin in children with DLD. eLife 2022; 11:e74242. [PMID: 36164824 PMCID: PMC9514847 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by receptive or expressive language difficulties or both. While theoretical frameworks and empirical studies support the idea that there may be neural correlates of DLD in frontostriatal loops, findings are inconsistent across studies. Here, we use a novel semiquantitative imaging protocol - multi-parameter mapping (MPM) - to investigate microstructural neural differences in children with DLD. The MPM protocol allows us to reproducibly map specific indices of tissue microstructure. In 56 typically developing children and 33 children with DLD, we derived maps of (1) longitudinal relaxation rate R1 (1/T1), (2) transverse relaxation rate R2* (1/T2*), and (3) Magnetization Transfer saturation (MTsat). R1 and MTsat predominantly index myelin, while R2* is sensitive to iron content. Children with DLD showed reductions in MTsat values in the caudate nucleus bilaterally, as well as in the left ventral sensorimotor cortex and Heschl's gyrus. They also had globally lower R1 values. No group differences were noted in R2* maps. Differences in MTsat and R1 were coincident in the caudate nucleus bilaterally. These findings support our hypothesis of corticostriatal abnormalities in DLD and indicate abnormal levels of myelin in the dorsal striatum in children with DLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Krishnan
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham HillLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Gabriel J Cler
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Harriet J Smith
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Hanna E Willis
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Salomi S Asaridou
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Máiréad P Healy
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel Papp
- NeuroPoly Lab, Biomedical Engineering Department, Polytechnique MontrealMontrealCanada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Kate E Watkins
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Dept of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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9
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Mountford HS, Braden R, Newbury DF, Morgan AT. The Genetic and Molecular Basis of Developmental Language Disorder: A Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9050586. [PMID: 35626763 PMCID: PMC9139417 DOI: 10.3390/children9050586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Language disorders are highly heritable and are influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Despite more than twenty years of research, we still lack critical understanding of the biological underpinnings of language. This review provides an overview of the genetic landscape of developmental language disorders (DLD), with an emphasis on the importance of defining the specific features (the phenotype) of DLD to inform gene discovery. We review the specific phenotype of DLD in the genetic literature, and the influence of historic variation in diagnostic inclusion criteria on researchers' ability to compare and replicate genotype-phenotype studies. This review provides an overview of the recently identified gene pathways in populations with DLD and explores current state-of-the-art approaches to genetic analysis based on the hypothesised architecture of DLD. We will show how recent global efforts to unify diagnostic criteria have vastly increased sample size and allow for large multi-cohort metanalyses, leading the identification of a growing number of contributory loci. We emphasise the important role of estimating the genetic architecture of DLD to decipher underlying genetic associations. Finally, we explore the potential for epigenetics and environmental interactions to further unravel the biological basis of language disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley S. Mountford
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (H.S.M.); (D.F.N.)
| | - Ruth Braden
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
| | - Dianne F. Newbury
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (H.S.M.); (D.F.N.)
| | - Angela T. Morgan
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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10
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Postsynaptic autism spectrum disorder genes and synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105564. [PMID: 34838666 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the synaptic dysfunction of neuronal circuits and the ensuing behavioral alterations caused by mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-linked genes directly or indirectly affecting the postsynaptic neuronal compartment. There are plenty of ASD risk genes, that may be broadly grouped into those involved in gene expression regulation (epigenetic regulation and transcription) and genes regulating synaptic activity (neural communication and neurotransmission). Notably, the effects mediated by ASD-associated genes can vary extensively depending on the developmental time and/or subcellular site of expression. Therefore, in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of disruptions in postsynaptic function, an effort to better model ASD in experimental animals is required to improve standardization and increase reproducibility within and among studies. Such an effort holds promise to provide deeper insight into the development of these disorders and to improve the translational value of preclinical studies.
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11
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Freeth M, Al-Jawahiri R, Smith H, Stokes L. Speech, language and communication phenotyping in rare genetic syndromes: Commentary on Speech and language deficits are central to SETBP1 haploinsufficiency disorder. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1166-1167. [PMID: 34413496 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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12
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Lin SZ, Zhou XY, Wang WQ, Jiang K. Autism with dysphasia accompanied by mental retardation caused by FOXP1 exon deletion: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:6858-6866. [PMID: 34447835 PMCID: PMC8362507 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) (OMIM: 605515) at chromosomal region 3p14.1 plays an important regulatory role in cell development and functions by regulating genetic expression. Earlier studies have suggested that FOXP1, an oncogene, is capable of initiating tumorigenicity depending on the cell type. FOXP1 also plays an important role in regulating the cell development and functions of the immune system, e.g., regulating B-cell maturation and mononuclear phagocyte differentiation, and in the occurrence and development of various immune diseases. The mRNA of this gene is widely expressed in humans, and its differential expression is related to numerous diseases.
CASE SUMMARY A 5-year-old boy mainly presented with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and developmental retardation accompanied by gait instability and abnormal facial features (low-set ears). DNA samples were extracted from the child’s and his parents’ peripheral blood to detect whole-exome sequences and whole-genome copy number variations. Results revealed heterozygous deletions of exon 6-21 of FOXP1 gene in the child. Physical examination upon admission showed that the child was generally in good condition, had a moderate nutritional status, a slightly slow response to external stimuli, equally large and equally round bilateral pupils, was sensitive to light reflection, and had poor eye contact and joint attention. He had no meaningful utterance and could not pronounce words properly. He was able to use gestures to simply express his thoughts, to perform simple actions, and to listen to instructions. He had no rash, cafe-au-lait macules, or depigmentation spots. He had thick black hair and low-set ears. He had highly sensitive skin, especially on his face and palms. He had no abnormal palm fingerprint. Cardiopulmonary and abdominal examinations revealed no abnormalities. He had normal limb muscle strength and tension. He showed normal tendon reflexes of both knees. His bilateral Babinski and meningeal irritation signs were negative. He had a normal male vulva.
CONCLUSION We report the characteristic features of autism with dysphasia accompanied by mental retardation caused by FOXP1 exon deletion. This study provides a molecular basis for etiological diagnosis and treatment of the child, as well as for genetic counseling for the pedigree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Zhu Lin
- Department of Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Children, First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhou
- Department of Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Children, First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wan-Qi Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Children, First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
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13
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den Hoed J, Devaraju K, Fisher SE. Molecular networks of the FOXP2 transcription factor in the brain. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52803. [PMID: 34260143 PMCID: PMC8339667 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the FOXP2 transcription factor, and its implication in a rare severe human speech and language disorder, has led to two decades of empirical studies focused on uncovering its roles in the brain using a range of in vitro and in vivo methods. Here, we discuss what we have learned about the regulation of FOXP2, its downstream effectors, and its modes of action as a transcription factor in brain development and function, providing an integrated overview of what is currently known about the critical molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joery den Hoed
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- International Max Planck Research School for Language SciencesMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Karthikeyan Devaraju
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
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14
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Lozano R, Gbekie C, Siper PM, Srivastava S, Saland JM, Sethuram S, Tang L, Drapeau E, Frank Y, Buxbaum JD, Kolevzon A. FOXP1 syndrome: a review of the literature and practice parameters for medical assessment and monitoring. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:18. [PMID: 33892622 PMCID: PMC8066957 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations or deletions that disrupt the forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) gene, which encodes a transcription factor important for the early development of many organ systems, including the brain. Numerous clinical studies have elucidated the role of FOXP1 in neurodevelopment and have characterized a phenotype. FOXP1 syndrome is associated with intellectual disability, language deficits, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonia, and congenital anomalies, including mild dysmorphic features, and brain, cardiac, and urogenital abnormalities. Here, we present a review of human studies summarizing the clinical features of individuals with FOXP1 syndrome and enlist a multidisciplinary group of clinicians (pediatrics, genetics, psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, and psychology) to provide recommendations for the assessment of FOXP1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reymundo Lozano
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine Gbekie
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paige M Siper
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shubhika Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Saland
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Children's Heart Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swathi Sethuram
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lara Tang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yitzchak Frank
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Li X, Han X, Tu X, Zhu D, Feng Y, Jiang T, Yang Y, Qu J, Chen JG. An Autism-Related, Nonsense Foxp1 Mutant Induces Autophagy and Delays Radial Migration of the Cortical Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:3193-3208. [PMID: 30124790 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that has a strong genetic component. Disruptions of FOXP1, a transcription factor expressed in the developing cerebral cortex, were associated with ASD. FOXP1(R525X) is a de novo heterozygous mutation found in patients with autism and severe mental retardation. To explore the neuronal basis of FOXP1(R525X) in ASD, we created Foxp1(R521X), a mouse homolog of the human variant. Ectopic expression of Foxp1(R521X) led to cytoplasmic aggregates and activated macroautophagy in neuroblastoma N2a cells and the developing neuronal cells. Cortical neurons expressing Foxp1(R521X) exhibited delayed migration and altered dendritic morphology. As a control, mutant Y435X that was expressed diffusively in the cytoplasm did not induce autophagy and migration delay in the cortex. The embryonic cortical cells had a minimal activity of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as assayed by a splicing-dependent NMD reporter. We hypothesize that the developing neuronal cells use autophagy but not NMD as a safeguard mechanism against nonsense mutant aggregates, resulting in impairment of the cortical development. This study suggests a novel mechanism other than heterozygous loss of FOXP1 for the development of ASD and may advance our understanding of the complex relationships between gene mutation and the related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Dan Zhu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Youping Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
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16
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Ayhan F, Konopka G. Regulatory genes and pathways disrupted in autism spectrum disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:57-64. [PMID: 30165121 PMCID: PMC6249101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent and complex genetic disorder. The complex genetic make-up of ASD has been extensively studied and both common and rare genetic variants in up to 1000 genes have been linked to increased ASD risk. While these studies highlight the genetic complexity and begin to provide a window for delineating pathways at risk in ASD, the pathogenicity and specific contribution of many mutations to the disorder are poorly understood. Defining the convergent pathways disrupted by this large number of ASD-associated genetic variants will help to understand disease pathogenesis and direct future therapeutic efforts for the groups of patients with distinct etiologies. Here, we review some of the common regulatory pathways including chromatin remodeling, transcription, and alternative splicing that have emerged as common features from genetic and transcriptomic profiling of ASD. For each category, we focus on one gene (CHD8, FOXP1, and RBFOX1) that is significantly linked to ASD and functionally characterized in recent years. Finally, we discuss genetic and transcriptomic overlap between ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Ayhan
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9111, USA.
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17
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Zhang XC, Shu LQ, Zhao XS, Li XK. Autism spectrum disorders: autistic phenotypes and complicated mechanisms. World J Pediatr 2019; 15:17-25. [PMID: 30607884 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-018-0210-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a pervasive developmental neurological disorder, is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and stereotyped, repetitive patterns of interests or behaviors. The mechanism of ASDs is complex, and genetic components and epigenetic modifications play important roles. In this review, we summarized the recent progresses of ASDs focusing on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. We also briefly discussed current animal models of ASD and the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies in studying ASD. DATA SOURCES Original research articles and literature reviews published in PubMed-indexed journals. RESULTS Individuals with ASDs exhibit a set of phenotypes including neurological alteration. Genetic components including gene mutation, copy-number variations, and epigenetic modifications play important and diverse roles in ASDs. The establishment of animal models and development of new-generation sequencing technologies have contributed to reveal the complicated mechanisms underlying autistic phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Dramatic progress has been made for understanding the roles of genetic and epigenetic components in ASD. Future basic and translational studies should be carried out towards those candidate therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Cheng Zhang
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Li-Qi Shu
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xing-Sen Zhao
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Xue-Kun Li
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
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18
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Estruch SB, Graham SA, Quevedo M, Vino A, Dekkers DHW, Deriziotis P, Sollis E, Demmers J, Poot RA, Fisher SE. Proteomic analysis of FOXP proteins reveals interactions between cortical transcription factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1212-1227. [PMID: 29365100 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP transcription factors play important roles in neurodevelopment, but little is known about how their transcriptional activity is regulated. FOXP proteins cooperatively regulate gene expression by forming homo- and hetero-dimers with each other. Physical associations with other transcription factors might also modulate the functions of FOXP proteins. However, few FOXP-interacting transcription factors have been identified so far. Therefore, we sought to discover additional transcription factors that interact with the brain-expressed FOXP proteins, FOXP1, FOXP2 and FOXP4, through affinity-purifications of protein complexes followed by mass spectrometry. We identified seven novel FOXP-interacting transcription factors (NR2F1, NR2F2, SATB1, SATB2, SOX5, YY1 and ZMYM2), five of which have well-estabslished roles in cortical development. Accordingly, we found that these transcription factors are co-expressed with FoxP2 in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and also in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, suggesting that they may cooperate with the FoxPs to regulate neural gene expression in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that etiological mutations of FOXP1 and FOXP2, known to cause neurodevelopmental disorders, severely disrupted the interactions with FOXP-interacting transcription factors. Additionally, we pinpointed specific regions within FOXP2 sequence involved in mediating these interactions. Thus, by expanding the FOXP interactome we have uncovered part of a broader neural transcription factor network involved in cortical development, providing novel molecular insights into the transcriptional architecture underlying brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Estruch
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Graham
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Martí Quevedo
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Arianna Vino
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H W Dekkers
- Center for Proteomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Pelagia Deriziotis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Elliot Sollis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Demmers
- Center for Proteomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond A Poot
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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19
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Characterization of a recurrent missense mutation in the forkhead DNA-binding domain of FOXP1. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16161. [PMID: 30385778 PMCID: PMC6212433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of Forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1), a highly conserved transcription factor, leads to developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, speech delay, and dysmorphic features. Most of the reported FOXP1 mutations occur on the C-terminus of the protein and cluster around to the forkhead domain. All reported FOXP1 pathogenic variants result in abnormal cellular localization and loss of transcriptional repression activity of the protein product. Here we present three patients with the same FOXP1 mutation, c.1574G>A (p.R525Q), that results in the characteristic loss of transcription repression activity. This mutation, however, represents the first reported FOXP1 mutation that does not result in cytoplasmic or nuclear aggregation of the protein but maintains normal nuclear localization.
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20
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Braccioli L, Vervoort SJ, Adolfs Y, Heijnen CJ, Basak O, Pasterkamp RJ, Nijboer CH, Coffer PJ. FOXP1 Promotes Embryonic Neural Stem Cell Differentiation by Repressing Jagged1 Expression. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 9:1530-1545. [PMID: 29141232 PMCID: PMC5688236 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in FOXP1 have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disability and autism; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate with RNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing that FOXP1 directly regulates genes controlling neurogenesis. We show that FOXP1 is expressed in embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs), and modulation of FOXP1 expression affects both neuron and astrocyte differentiation. Using a murine model of cortical development, FOXP1-knockdown in utero was found to reduce NSC differentiation and migration during corticogenesis. Furthermore, transplantation of FOXP1-knockdown NSCs in neonatal mice after hypoxia-ischemia challenge demonstrated that FOXP1 is also required for neuronal differentiation and functionality in vivo. FOXP1 was found to repress the expression of Notch pathway genes including the Notch-ligand Jagged1, resulting in inhibition of Notch signaling. Finally, blockade of Jagged1 in FOXP1-knockdown NSCs rescued neuronal differentiation in vitro. Together, these data support a role for FOXP1 in regulating embryonic NSC differentiation by modulating Notch signaling. FOXP1 promotes astrocyte and neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vitro FOXP1 promotes neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vivo FOXP1 transcriptionally regulates pro-neural genes and represses Notch pathway genes FOXP1 promotes neuronal differentiation by limiting Jagged1 expression
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Braccioli
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, the Netherlands; Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Onur Basak
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Cora H Nijboer
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands.
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21
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Vuillaume ML, Cogné B, Jeanne M, Boland A, Ung DC, Quinquis D, Besnard T, Deleuze JF, Redon R, Bézieau S, Laumonnier F, Toutain A. Whole genome sequencing identifies a de novo 2.1 Mb balanced paracentric inversion disrupting FOXP1 and leading to severe intellectual disability. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 485:218-223. [PMID: 29969624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The FOXP1 gene, located on chromosome 3p13, encodes the Forkhead-box protein P1, one of the four forkhead transcription factors which repress transcription by forming active homo- and heterodimers and regulate distinct patterns of gene expression crucial for embryogenesis and normal development. FOXP1 mutations, mostly truncating, have been described in patients with mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and speech and language impairment (MIM #613670). Here, we report a small de novo heterozygous balanced inversion of 2.1 Mb located at 3p14.1p13 identified by Whole Genomic Sequencing (WGS) and disrupting the genes FAM19A4 and FOXP1. This inversion was found in a patient with severe ID, ASD, seizures and very unusual vascular anomalies which were never described in the clinical spectrum of FOXP1 mutations. We show that the neurodevelopmental phenotype observed in the patient most likely results from FOXP1 haploinsufficiency as this heterozygous inversion leads to a 60 to 85% decrease of FOXP1 mRNA levels and to the complete absence of FOXP1 full-length protein. These findings, in addition to expanding the molecular spectrum of FOXP1 mutations, emphasize the emerging role of WGS in identifying small balanced chromosomal rearrangements responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders and not detected by conventional cytogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-L Vuillaume
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - B Cogné
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France; INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - M Jeanne
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - A Boland
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine (CNRGH), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale, CEA, Evry, France
| | - D-C Ung
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - D Quinquis
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France
| | - T Besnard
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France
| | - J-F Deleuze
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine (CNRGH), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale, CEA, Evry, France
| | - R Redon
- INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - S Bézieau
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France; INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - F Laumonnier
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - A Toutain
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
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22
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Schatton A, Mendoza E, Grube K, Scharff C. FoxP in bees: A comparative study on the developmental and adult expression pattern in three bee species considering isoforms and circuitry. J Comp Neurol 2018. [PMID: 29536541 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factors FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXP4 affect human cognition, including language. The FoxP gene locus is evolutionarily ancient and highly conserved in its DNA-binding domain. In Drosophila melanogaster FoxP has been implicated in courtship behavior, decision making, and specific types of motor-learning. Because honeybees (Apis mellifera, Am) excel at navigation and symbolic dance communication, they are a particularly suitable insect species to investigate a potential link between neural FoxP expression and cognition. We characterized two AmFoxP isoforms and mapped their expression in the brain during development and in adult foragers. Using a custom-made antiserum and in situ hybridization, we describe 11 AmFoxP expressing neuron populations. FoxP was expressed in equivalent patterns in two other representatives of Apidae; a closely related dwarf bee and a bumblebee species. Neural tracing revealed that the largest FoxP expressing neuron cluster in honeybees projects into a posterior tract that connects the optic lobe to the posterior lateral protocerebrum, predicting a function in visual processing. Our data provide an entry point for future experiments assessing the function of FoxP in eusocial Hymenoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Schatton
- Institute for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Ezequiel Mendoza
- Institute for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Kathrin Grube
- Institute for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Constance Scharff
- Institute for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
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23
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Rodenas-Cuadrado PM, Mengede J, Baas L, Devanna P, Schmid TA, Yartsev M, Firzlaff U, Vernes SC. Mapping the distribution of language related genes FoxP1, FoxP2, and CntnaP2 in the brains of vocal learning bat species. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:1235-1266. [PMID: 29297931 PMCID: PMC5900884 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Genes including FOXP2, FOXP1, and CNTNAP2, have been implicated in human speech and language phenotypes, pointing to a role in the development of normal language‐related circuitry in the brain. Although speech and language are unique to humans a comparative approach is possible by addressing language‐relevant traits in animal systems. One such trait, vocal learning, represents an essential component of human spoken language, and is shared by cetaceans, pinnipeds, elephants, some birds and bats. Given their vocal learning abilities, gregarious nature, and reliance on vocalizations for social communication and navigation, bats represent an intriguing mammalian system in which to explore language‐relevant genes. We used immunohistochemistry to detail the distribution of FoxP2, FoxP1, and Cntnap2 proteins, accompanied by detailed cytoarchitectural histology in the brains of two vocal learning bat species; Phyllostomus discolor and Rousettus aegyptiacus. We show widespread expression of these genes, similar to what has been previously observed in other species, including humans. A striking difference was observed in the adult P. discolor bat, which showed low levels of FoxP2 expression in the cortex that contrasted with patterns found in rodents and nonhuman primates. We created an online, open‐access database within which all data can be browsed, searched, and high resolution images viewed to single cell resolution. The data presented herein reveal regions of interest in the bat brain and provide new opportunities to address the role of these language‐related genes in complex vocal‐motor and vocal learning behaviors in a mammalian model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodenas-Cuadrado
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Mengede
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Baas
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias A Schmid
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Michael Yartsev
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720.,Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, 306 University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Uwe Firzlaff
- Department Tierwissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Zoologie, TU München, München, 85354, Germany
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands.,Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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24
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Urreizti R, Damanti S, Esteve C, Franco-Valls H, Castilla-Vallmanya L, Tonda R, Cormand B, Vilageliu L, Opitz JM, Neri G, Grinberg D, Balcells S. A De Novo FOXP1 Truncating Mutation in a Patient Originally Diagnosed as C Syndrome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:694. [PMID: 29330474 PMCID: PMC5766530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo FOXP1 mutations have been associated with intellectual disability (ID), motor delay, autistic features and a wide spectrum of speech difficulties. C syndrome (Opitz C trigonocephaly syndrome) is a rare and genetically heterogeneous condition, characterized by trigonocephaly, craniofacial anomalies and ID. Several different chromosome deletions and and point mutations in distinct genes have been associated with the disease in patients originally diagnosed as Opitz C. By whole exome sequencing we identified a de novo splicing mutation in FOXP1 in a patient, initially diagnosed as C syndrome, who suffers from syndromic intellectual disability with trigonocephaly. The mutation (c.1428 + 1 G > A) promotes the skipping of exon 16, a frameshift and a premature STOP codon (p.Ala450GLyfs*13), as assessed by a minigene strategy. The patient reported here shares speech difficulties, intellectual disability and autistic features with other FOXP1 syndrome patients, and thus the diagnosis for this patient should be changed. Finally, since trigonocephaly has not been previously reported in FOXP1 syndrome, it remains to be proved whether it may be associated with the FOXP1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Urreizti
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sarah Damanti
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione Ca'Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Esteve
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Franco-Valls
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Castilla-Vallmanya
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raul Tonda
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bru Cormand
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluïsa Vilageliu
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John M Opitz
- Pediatrics Medical Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Giovanni Neri
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Balcells
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Abstract
This article offers a succinct overview of the hypothesis that the evolution of cognition could benefit from a close examination of brain changes reflected in the shape of the neurocranium. I provide both neurological and genetic evidence in support of this hypothesis, and conclude that the study of language evolution need not be regarded as a mystery.
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26
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Usui N, Araujo DJ, Kulkarni A, Co M, Ellegood J, Harper M, Toriumi K, Lerch JP, Konopka G. Foxp1 regulation of neonatal vocalizations via cortical development. Genes Dev 2017; 31:2039-2055. [PMID: 29138280 PMCID: PMC5733496 DOI: 10.1101/gad.305037.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Usui et al. show that deletion of Foxp1 in the developing forebrain leads to impairments in neonatal vocalizations as well as neocortical cytoarchitectonic alterations via neuronal positioning and migration. Sumoylation of Foxp1 affects neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. The molecular mechanisms driving brain development at risk in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain mostly unknown. Previous studies have implicated the transcription factor FOXP1 in both brain development and ASD pathophysiology. However, the specific molecular pathways both upstream of and downstream from FOXP1 are not fully understood. To elucidate the contribution of FOXP1-mediated signaling to brain development and, in particular, neocortical development, we generated forebrain-specific Foxp1 conditional knockout mice. We show that deletion of Foxp1 in the developing forebrain leads to impairments in neonatal vocalizations as well as neocortical cytoarchitectonic alterations via neuronal positioning and migration. Using a genomics approach, we identified the transcriptional networks regulated by Foxp1 in the developing neocortex and found that such networks are enriched for downstream targets involved in neurogenesis and neuronal migration. We also uncovered mechanistic insight into Foxp1 function by demonstrating that sumoylation of Foxp1 during embryonic brain development is necessary for mediating proper interactions between Foxp1 and the NuRD complex. Furthermore, we demonstrated that sumoylation of Foxp1 affects neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. Together, these data provide critical mechanistic insights into the function of FOXP1 in the developing neocortex and may reveal molecular pathways at risk in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Division of Development of Mental Functions, Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daniel J Araujo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Marissa Co
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Matthew Harper
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kazuya Toriumi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Project for Schizophrenia Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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27
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Siper PM, De Rubeis S, Trelles MDP, Durkin A, Di Marino D, Muratet F, Frank Y, Lozano R, Eichler EE, Kelly M, Beighley J, Gerdts J, Wallace AS, Mefford HC, Bernier RA, Kolevzon A, Buxbaum JD. Prospective investigation of FOXP1 syndrome. Mol Autism 2017; 8:57. [PMID: 29090079 PMCID: PMC5655854 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haploinsufficiency of the forkhead-box protein P1 (FOXP1) gene leads to a neurodevelopmental disorder termed FOXP1 syndrome. Previous studies in individuals carrying FOXP1 mutations and deletions have described the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, intellectual disability, language impairment, and psychiatric features. The goal of the present study was to comprehensively characterize the genetic and clinical spectrum of FOXP1 syndrome. This is the first study to prospectively examine the genotype-phenotype relationship in multiple individuals with FOXP1 syndrome, using a battery of standardized clinical assessments. Methods Genetic and clinical data was obtained and analyzed from nine children and adolescents between the ages of 5–17 with mutations in FOXP1. Phenotypic characterization included gold standard ASD testing and norm-referenced measures of cognition, adaptive behavior, language, motor, and visual-motor integration skills. In addition, psychiatric, medical, neurological, and dysmorphology examinations were completed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians. A comprehensive review of reported cases was also performed. All missense and in-frame mutations were mapped onto the three-dimensional structure of DNA-bound FOXP1. Results We have identified nine de novo mutations, including three frameshift, one nonsense, one mutation in an essential splice site resulting in frameshift and insertion of a premature stop codon, three missense, and one in-frame deletion. Reviewing prior literature, we found seven instances of recurrent mutations and another 34 private mutations. The majority of pathogenic missense and in-frame mutations, including all four missense mutations in our cohort, lie in the DNA-binding domain. Through structural analyses, we show that the mutations perturb amino acids necessary for binding to the DNA or interfere with the domain swapping that mediates FOXP1 dimerization. Individuals with FOXP1 syndrome presented with delays in early motor and language milestones, language impairment (expressive language > receptive language), ASD symptoms, visual-motor integration deficits, and complex psychiatric presentations characterized by anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits, attention deficits, and externalizing symptoms. Medical features included non-specific structural brain abnormalities and dysmorphic features, endocrine and gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, and sinopulmonary infections. Conclusions This study identifies novel FOXP1 mutations associated with FOXP1 syndrome, identifies recurrent mutations, and demonstrates significant clustering of missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain. Clinical findings confirm the role FOXP1 plays in development across multiple domains of functioning. The genetic findings can be incorporated into clinical genetics practice to improve accurate genetic diagnosis of FOXP1 syndrome and the clinical findings can inform monitoring and treatment of individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-017-0172-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Siper
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Maria Del Pilar Trelles
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Allison Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Informatics, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - François Muratet
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Yitzchak Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Morgan Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Friedman Brain Institute, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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28
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Foxp1 in Forebrain Pyramidal Neurons Controls Gene Expression Required for Spatial Learning and Synaptic Plasticity. J Neurosci 2017; 37:10917-10931. [PMID: 28978667 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1005-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic perturbations of the transcription factor Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1) are causative for severe forms of autism spectrum disorder that are often comorbid with intellectual disability. Recent work has begun to reveal an important role for FoxP1 in brain development, but the brain-region-specific contributions of Foxp1 to autism and intellectual disability phenotypes have yet to be determined fully. Here, we describe Foxp1 conditional knock-out (Foxp1cKO) male and female mice with loss of Foxp1 in the pyramidal neurons of the neocortex and the CA1/CA2 subfields of the hippocampus. Foxp1cKO mice exhibit behavioral phenotypes that are of potential relevance to autism spectrum disorder, including hyperactivity, increased anxiety, communication impairments, and decreased sociability. In addition, Foxp1cKO mice have gross deficits in learning and memory tasks of relevance to intellectual disability. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus of Foxp1cKO mice associated with synaptic function and development. Furthermore, using magnetic resonance imaging, we uncovered a significant reduction in the volumes of both the entire hippocampus as well as individual hippocampal subfields of Foxp1cKO mice. Finally, we observed reduced maintenance of LTP in area CA1 of the hippocampus in these mutant mice. Together, these data suggest that proper expression of Foxp1 in the pyramidal neurons of the forebrain is important for regulating gene expression pathways that contribute to specific behaviors reminiscent of those seen in autism and intellectual disability. In particular, Foxp1 regulation of gene expression appears to be crucial for normal hippocampal development, CA1 plasticity, and spatial learning.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Loss-of-function mutations in the transcription factor Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1) lead to autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Understanding the potential brain-region-specific contributions of FOXP1 to disease-relevant phenotypes could be a critical first step in the management of patients with these mutations. Here, we report that Foxp1 conditional knock-out (Foxp1cKO) mice with loss of Foxp1 in the neocortex and hippocampus display autism and intellectual-disability-relevant behaviors. We also show that these phenotypes correlate with changes in both the genomic and physiological profiles of the hippocampus in Foxp1cKO mice. Our work demonstrates that brain-region-specific FOXP1 expression may relate to distinct, clinically relevant phenotypes.
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29
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Eriguchi Y, Kuwabara H, Inai A, Kawakubo Y, Nishimura F, Kakiuchi C, Tochigi M, Ohashi J, Aoki N, Kato K, Ishiura H, Mitsui J, Tsuji S, Doi K, Yoshimura J, Morishita S, Shimada T, Furukawa M, Umekage T, Sasaki T, Kasai K, KanoMD PhD Y. Identification of candidate genes involved in the etiology of sporadic Tourette syndrome by exome sequencing. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:712-723. [PMID: 28608572 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by chronic motor and vocal tics. Although there is a large genetic contribution, the genetic architecture of TS remains unclear. Exome sequencing has successfully revealed the contribution of de novo mutations in sporadic cases with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Here, using exome sequencing, we investigated de novo mutations in individuals with sporadic TS to identify novel risk loci and elucidate the genetic background of TS. Exome analysis was conducted for sporadic TS cases: nine trio families and one quartet family with concordant twins were investigated. Missense mutations were evaluated using functional prediction algorithms, and their population frequencies were calculated based on three public databases. Gene expression patterns in the brain were analyzed using the BrainSpan Developmental Transcriptome. Thirty de novo mutations, including four synonymous and four missense mutations, were identified. Among the missense mutations, one in the rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR)-coding gene (rs140964083: G > A, found in one proband) was predicted to be hazardous. In the three public databases analyzed, variants in the same SNP locus were absent, and variants in the same gene were either absent or present at an extremely low frequency (3/5,008), indicating the rarity of hazardous RICTOR mutations in the general population. The de novo variant of RICTOR may be implicated in the development of sporadic TS, and RICTOR is a novel candidate factor for TS etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Eriguchi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sakura Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Disability Services Office, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Inai
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawakubo
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumichika Nishimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Kakiuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tochigi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Ohashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Aoki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sakura Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kayoko Kato
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ishiura
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Mitsui
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Medical Genome Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichiro Doi
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jun Yoshimura
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichi Morishita
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimada
- Division for Counseling and Support, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaomi Furukawa
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Umekage
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Sasaki
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Kasai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko KanoMD PhD
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Myers A, du Souich C, Yang CL, Borovik L, Mwenifumbo J, Rupps R, Study C, Lehman A, Boerkoel CF. FOXP1 haploinsufficiency: Phenotypes beyond behavior and intellectual disability? Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:3172-3181. [PMID: 28884888 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors have roles in development, carcinogenesis, metabolism, and immunity. In humans FOXP1 mutations have been associated with language and speech defects, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, facial dysmorphisms, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. In mice, Foxp1 plays critical roles in development of the spinal motor neurons, lymphocytes, cardiomyocytes, foregut, and skeleton. We hypothesized therefore that mutations of FOXP1 affect additional tissues in some humans. Supporting this hypothesis, we describe two individuals with novel variants of FOXP1 (NM_032682.5:c.975-2A>C and NM_032682.5:c.1574G>A) and additional features. One had a lung disease resembling neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI), and the second had a skeletal disorder with undertubulation of the long bones and relapsing-remitting fevers associated with flushing and edema. Although attribution of these traits to mutation of FOXP1 requires ascertainment of additional patients, we hypothesize that the variable expression of these additional features might arise by means of stochastic developmental variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota and Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Christèle du Souich
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Connie L Yang
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, and Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lior Borovik
- Department of Genetic Counseling, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Jill Mwenifumbo
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rosemarie Rupps
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Causes Study
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cornelius F Boerkoel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota and Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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31
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Deriziotis P, Fisher SE. Speech and Language: Translating the Genome. Trends Genet 2017; 33:642-656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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32
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Sollis E, Deriziotis P, Saitsu H, Miyake N, Matsumoto N, Hoffer MJV, Ruivenkamp CAL, Alders M, Okamoto N, Bijlsma EK, Plomp AS, Fisher SE. Equivalent missense variant in the FOXP2 and FOXP1 transcription factors causes distinct neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:1542-1554. [PMID: 28741757 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The closely related paralogues FOXP2 and FOXP1 encode transcription factors with shared functions in the development of many tissues, including the brain. However, while mutations in FOXP2 lead to a speech/language disorder characterized by childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), the clinical profile of FOXP1 variants includes a broader neurodevelopmental phenotype with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and speech/language impairment. Using clinical whole-exome sequencing, we report an identical de novo missense FOXP1 variant identified in three unrelated patients. The variant, p.R514H, is located in the forkhead-box DNA-binding domain and is equivalent to the well-studied p.R553H FOXP2 variant that cosegregates with CAS in a large UK family. We present here for the first time a direct comparison of the molecular and clinical consequences of the same mutation affecting the equivalent residue in FOXP1 and FOXP2. Detailed functional characterization of the two variants in cell model systems revealed very similar molecular consequences, including aberrant subcellular localization, disruption of transcription factor activity, and deleterious effects on protein interactions. Nonetheless, clinical manifestations were broader and more severe in the three cases carrying the p.R514H FOXP1 variant than in individuals with the p.R553H variant related to CAS, highlighting divergent roles of FOXP2 and FOXP1 in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Sollis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pelagia Deriziotis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mariëtte J V Hoffer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia A L Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle Alders
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Emilia K Bijlsma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid S Plomp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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33
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Meerschaut I, Rochefort D, Revençu N, Pètre J, Corsello C, Rouleau GA, Hamdan FF, Michaud JL, Morton J, Radley J, Ragge N, García-Miñaúr S, Lapunzina P, Bralo MP, Mori MÁ, Moortgat S, Benoit V, Mary S, Bockaert N, Oostra A, Vanakker O, Velinov M, de Ravel TJ, Mekahli D, Sebat J, Vaux KK, DiDonato N, Hanson-Kahn AK, Hudgins L, Dallapiccola B, Novelli A, Tarani L, Andrieux J, Parker MJ, Neas K, Ceulemans B, Schoonjans AS, Prchalova D, Havlovicova M, Hancarova M, Budisteanu M, Dheedene A, Menten B, Dion PA, Lederer D, Callewaert B. FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome: a recognisable entity. J Med Genet 2017; 54:613-623. [PMID: 28735298 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) cause intellectual disability (ID) and specific language impairment (SLI), with or without autistic features (MIM: 613670). Despite multiple case reports no specific phenotype emerged so far. METHODS We correlate clinical and molecular data of 25 novel and 23 previously reported patients with FOXP1 defects. We evaluated FOXP1 activity by an in vitro luciferase model and assessed protein stability in vitro by western blotting. RESULTS Patients show ID, SLI, neuromotor delay (NMD) and recurrent facial features including a high broad forehead, bent downslanting palpebral fissures, ptosis and/or blepharophimosis and a bulbous nasal tip. Behavioural problems and autistic features are common. Brain, cardiac and urogenital malformations can be associated. More severe ID and NMD, sensorineural hearing loss and feeding difficulties are more common in patients with interstitial 3p deletions (14 patients) versus patients with monogenic FOXP1 defects (34 patients). Mutations result in impaired transcriptional repression and/or reduced protein stability. CONCLUSIONS FOXP1-related ID syndrome is a recognisable entity with a wide clinical spectrum and frequent systemic involvement. Our data will be helpful to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations when interpreting next-generation sequencing data obtained in patients with ID and/or SLI and will guide clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Meerschaut
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel Rochefort
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicole Revençu
- Centre de Génétique humaine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Justine Pètre
- Centre de Génétique humaine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Guy A Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fadi F Hamdan
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jenny Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Jessica Radley
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Nicola Ragge
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Sixto García-Miñaúr
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Palomares Bralo
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Mori
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphanie Moortgat
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Valérie Benoit
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Mary
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Nele Bockaert
- Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Oostra
- Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Vanakker
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Milen Velinov
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Thomy Jl de Ravel
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Djalila Mekahli
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Sebat
- Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Keith K Vaux
- Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Nataliya DiDonato
- Institut für Klinische Genetik, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Andrea K Hanson-Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Louanne Hudgins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Joris Andrieux
- Institut de Génétique Médicale, Hospital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille, France
| | - Michael J Parker
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Neurology-Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Neurology-Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Darina Prchalova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Marketa Havlovicova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Miroslava Hancarova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Psychiatry Research Laboratory, Prof Dr Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bercini, Romania
| | - Annelies Dheedene
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick A Dion
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Damien Lederer
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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34
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Stessman HAF, Xiong B, Coe BP, Wang T, Hoekzema K, Fenckova M, Kvarnung M, Gerdts J, Trinh S, Cosemans N, Vives L, Lin J, Turner TN, Santen G, Ruivenkamp C, Kriek M, van Haeringen A, Aten E, Friend K, Liebelt J, Barnett C, Haan E, Shaw M, Gecz J, Anderlid BM, Nordgren A, Lindstrand A, Schwartz C, Kooy RF, Vandeweyer G, Helsmoortel C, Romano C, Alberti A, Vinci M, Avola E, Giusto S, Courchesne E, Pramparo T, Pierce K, Nalabolu S, Amaral D, Scheffer IE, Delatycki MB, Lockhart PJ, Hormozdiari F, Harich B, Castells-Nobau A, Xia K, Peeters H, Nordenskjöld M, Schenck A, Bernier RA, Eichler EE. Targeted sequencing identifies 91 neurodevelopmental-disorder risk genes with autism and developmental-disability biases. Nat Genet 2017; 49:515-526. [PMID: 28191889 PMCID: PMC5374041 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene-disruptive mutations contribute to the biology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but most of the related pathogenic genes are not known. We sequenced 208 candidate genes from >11,730 cases and >2,867 controls. We identified 91 genes, including 38 new NDD genes, with an excess of de novo mutations or private disruptive mutations in 5.7% of cases. Drosophila functional assays revealed a subset with increased involvement in NDDs. We identified 25 genes showing a bias for autism versus intellectual disability and highlighted a network associated with high-functioning autism (full-scale IQ >100). Clinical follow-up for NAA15, KMT5B, and ASH1L highlighted new syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of forensic medicine and Institute of Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bradley P. Coe
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tianyun Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kendra Hoekzema
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Malin Kvarnung
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sandy Trinh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nele Cosemans
- Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vives
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janice Lin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tychele N. Turner
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gijs Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Kriek
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arie van Haeringen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emmelien Aten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kathryn Friend
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jan Liebelt
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), Adelaide, Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher Barnett
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), Adelaide, Australia, Australia
| | - Eric Haan
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), Adelaide, Australia, Australia
| | - Marie Shaw
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jozef Gecz
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Britt-Marie Anderlid
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Lindstrand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charles Schwartz
- Center for Molecular Studies, J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Vandeweyer
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefania Giusto
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | - Karen Pierce
- UCSD, Autism Center of Excellence, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - David Amaral
- MIND Institute and the University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ingrid E. Scheffer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J. Lockhart
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fereydoun Hormozdiari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Harich
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kun Xia
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hilde Peeters
- Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Magnus Nordenskjöld
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raphael A. Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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35
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Peter S, De Zeeuw CI, Boeckers TM, Schmeisser MJ. Cerebellar and Striatal Pathologies in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 224:103-119. [PMID: 28551753 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic component. To date, several hundred different genetic mutations have been identified to play a role in its aetiology. The heterogeneity of genetic abnormalities combined with the different brain regions where aberrations are found makes the search for causative mechanisms a daunting task. Even within a limited number of brain regions, a myriad of different neural circuit dysfunctions may lead to ASD. Here, we review mouse models that incorporate mutations of ASD risk genes causing pathologies in the cerebellum and striatum and highlight the vulnerability of related circuit dysfunctions within these brain regions in ASD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Peter
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany. .,Division of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.
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36
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Atsem S, Reichenbach J, Potabattula R, Dittrich M, Nava C, Depienne C, Böhm L, Rost S, Hahn T, Schorsch M, Haaf T, El Hajj N. Paternal age effects on sperm FOXK1 and KCNA7 methylation and transmission into the next generation. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:4996-5005. [PMID: 28171595 PMCID: PMC5418740 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Children of older fathers carry an increased risk for developing autism and other disorders. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the correlation of sperm DNA methylation with paternal age and its impact on the epigenome of the offspring. Methylation levels of nine candidate genes and LINE-1 repeats were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing in sperm DNA of 162 donors and 191 cord blood samples of resulting children (conceived by IVF/ICSI with the same sperm samples). Four genes showed a significant negative correlation between sperm methylation and paternal age. For FOXK1 and KCNA7, the age effect on the sperm epigenome was replicated in an independent cohort of 188 sperm samples. For FOXK1, paternal age also significantly correlated with foetal cord blood (FCB) methylation. Deep bisulfite sequencing and allele-specific pyrosequencing allowed us to distinguish between maternal and paternal alleles in FCB samples with an informative SNP. FCB methylation of the paternal FOXK1 allele was negatively correlated with paternal age, whereas maternal allele was unaffected by maternal age. Since FOXK1 duplication has been associated with autism, we studied blood FOXK1 methylation in 74 children with autism and 41 age-matched controls. The FOXK1 promoter showed a trend for accelerated demethylation in the autism group. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that FOXK1 methylation influences gene expression. Collectively, our study demonstrates that age-related DNA methylation changes in sperm can be transmitted to the next generation and may contribute to the increased disease risk in offspring of older fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Atsem
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Reichenbach
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ramya Potabattula
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Nava
- INSERM, U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Christel Depienne
- INSERM, U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Lena Böhm
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simone Rost
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
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Yin J, Schaaf CP. Autism genetics - an overview. Prenat Diagn 2016; 37:14-30. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Yin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston TX USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital; Houston TX USA
| | - Christian P. Schaaf
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston TX USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital; Houston TX USA
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38
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Sener EF, Canatan H, Ozkul Y. Recent Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Applications of Whole Exome Sequencing Technology. Psychiatry Investig 2016; 13:255-64. [PMID: 27247591 PMCID: PMC4878959 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2016.13.3.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is characterized by three core symptoms with impaired reciprocal social interaction and communication, a pattern of repetitive behavior and/or restricted interests in early childhood. The prevalence is higher in male children than in female children. As a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, the phenotype and severity of autism are extremely heterogeneous with differences from one patient to another. Genetics has a key role in the etiology of autism. Environmental factors are also interacting with the genetic profile and cause abnormal changes in neuronal development, brain growth, and functional connectivity. The term of exome represents less than 1% of the human genome, but contains 85% of known disease-causing variants. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is an application of the next generation sequencing technology to determine the variations of all coding regions, or exons of known genes. For this reason, WES has been extensively used for clinical studies in the recent years. WES has achieved great success in the past years for identifying Mendelian disease genes. This review evaluates the potential of current findings in ASD for application in next generation sequencing technology, particularly WES. WES and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approaches may lead to the discovery of underlying genetic factors for ASD and may thereby identify novel therapeutic targets for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Funda Sener
- Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
- Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Halit Canatan
- Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozkul
- Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
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Cesario JM, Almaidhan AA, Jeong J. Expression of forkhead box transcription factor genes Foxp1 and Foxp2 during jaw development. Gene Expr Patterns 2016; 20:111-9. [PMID: 26969076 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Development of the face is regulated by a large number of genes that are expressed in temporally and spatially specific patterns. While significant progress has been made on characterizing the genes that operate in the oral region of the face, those regulating development of the aboral (lateral) region remain largely unknown. Recently, we discovered that transcription factors LIM homeobox (LHX) 6 and LHX8, which are key regulators of oral development, repressed the expression of the genes encoding forkhead box transcription factors, Foxp1 and Foxp2, in the oral region. To gain insights into the potential role of the Foxp genes in region-specific development of the face, we examined their expression patterns in the first pharyngeal arch (primordium for the jaw) of mouse embryos at a high spatial and temporal resolution. Foxp1 and Foxp2 were preferentially expressed in the aboral and posterior parts of the first pharyngeal arch, including the developing temporomandibular joint. Through double immunofluorescence and double fluorescent RNA in situ hybridization, we found that Foxp1 was expressed in the progenitor cells for the muscle, bone, and connective tissue. Foxp2 was expressed in subsets of bone and connective tissue progenitors but not in the myoblasts. Neither gene was expressed in the dental mesenchyme nor in the oral half of the palatal shelf undergoing extensive growth and morphogenesis. Together, we demonstrated for the first time that Foxp1 and Foxp2 are expressed during craniofacial development. Our data suggest that the Foxp genes may regulate development of the aboral and posterior regions of the jaw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffry M Cesario
- Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010 United States
| | - Asma A Almaidhan
- Department of Orthodontics, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010 United States
| | - Juhee Jeong
- Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010 United States.
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40
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The language-related transcription factor FOXP2 is post-translationally modified with small ubiquitin-like modifiers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20911. [PMID: 26867680 PMCID: PMC4751435 DOI: 10.1038/srep20911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting the transcription factor FOXP2 cause a rare form of severe speech and language disorder. Although it is clear that sufficient FOXP2 expression is crucial for normal brain development, little is known about how this transcription factor is regulated. To investigate post-translational mechanisms for FOXP2 regulation, we searched for protein interaction partners of FOXP2, and identified members of the PIAS family as novel FOXP2 interactors. PIAS proteins mediate post-translational modification of a range of target proteins with small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs). We found that FOXP2 can be modified with all three human SUMO proteins and that PIAS1 promotes this process. An aetiological FOXP2 mutation found in a family with speech and language disorder markedly reduced FOXP2 SUMOylation. We demonstrate that FOXP2 is SUMOylated at a single major site, which is conserved in all FOXP2 vertebrate orthologues and in the paralogues FOXP1 and FOXP4. Abolishing this site did not lead to detectable changes in FOXP2 subcellular localization, stability, dimerization or transcriptional repression in cellular assays, but the conservation of this site suggests a potential role for SUMOylation in regulating FOXP2 activity in vivo.
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41
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Sollis E, Graham SA, Vino A, Froehlich H, Vreeburg M, Dimitropoulou D, Gilissen C, Pfundt R, Rappold GA, Brunner HG, Deriziotis P, Fisher SE. Identification and functional characterization of de novo FOXP1 variants provides novel insights into the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:546-57. [PMID: 26647308 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo disruptions of the neural transcription factor FOXP1 are a recently discovered, rare cause of sporadic intellectual disability (ID). We report three new cases of FOXP1-related disorder identified through clinical whole-exome sequencing. Detailed phenotypic assessment confirmed that global developmental delay, autistic features, speech/language deficits, hypotonia and mild dysmorphic features are core features of the disorder. We expand the phenotypic spectrum to include sensory integration disorder and hypertelorism. Notably, the etiological variants in these cases include two missense variants within the DNA-binding domain of FOXP1. Only one such variant has been reported previously. The third patient carries a stop-gain variant. We performed functional characterization of the three missense variants alongside our stop-gain and two previously described truncating/frameshift variants. All variants severely disrupted multiple aspects of protein function. Strikingly, the missense variants had similarly severe effects on protein function as the truncating/frameshift variants. Our findings indicate that a loss of transcriptional repression activity of FOXP1 underlies the neurodevelopmental phenotype in FOXP1-related disorder. Interestingly, the three novel variants retained the ability to interact with wild-type FOXP1, suggesting these variants could exert a dominant-negative effect by interfering with the normal FOXP1 protein. These variants also retained the ability to interact with FOXP2, a paralogous transcription factor disrupted in rare cases of speech and language disorder. Thus, speech/language deficits in these individuals might be worsened through deleterious effects on FOXP2 function. Our findings highlight that de novo FOXP1 variants are a cause of sporadic ID and emphasize the importance of this transcription factor in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Sollis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Graham
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Arianna Vino
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Henning Froehlich
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Maaike Vreeburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics and School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht UMC, Maastricht 6202 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Danai Dimitropoulou
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany, Interdisciplinary Center of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany and
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Clinical Genetics and School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht UMC, Maastricht 6202 AZ, The Netherlands, Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Pelagia Deriziotis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands,
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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