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Meyer U, Penner IK. Endogenous retroviruses in neurodevelopmental, psychotic and cognitive disorders. Microbes Infect 2025:105479. [PMID: 39914656 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2025.105479] [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: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/12/2025]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are inherited retroviral genomic elements that integrated into the mammalian genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. Human ERVs (HERVs) comprise approximately 8 % of the human genome and are increasingly recognized to be involved in the etiology and pathophysiology of numerous brain disorders. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing evidence linking abnormal HERV expression to neurodevelopmental and psychosis-related disorders and discuss how these retroviral elements may contribute to the heterogeneity in clinical outcomes. We also review the findings suggesting that aberrant HERV expression contribute to late-onset cognitive disorders with neurodegenerative components, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. The evidence implicating abnormal HERV expression in neurodevelopmental, psychotic, and cognitive disorders is manifold and stems from diverse research fields, including human post-mortem brain studies, serological investigations, gene expression analyses, and clinical trials with HERV-specific pharmacological compounds. The recent establishment and use of animal models offer a complementary experimental platform that will help establish causal relationships and identify specific disease pathways affected by abnormal HERV expression. Yet, significant gaps persist in understanding the role of HERVs in neurodevelopmental, psychotic, and cognitive disorders, particularly concerning the specificity and stability of abnormal HERV expression in these conditions. Addressing these questions appears crucial for optimizing the potential benefits of therapeutic interventions aimed at targeting abnormal HERV expression across the broad spectrum of HERV-associated disorders of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Iris Katharina Penner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Pivetti M, Di Battista S, Agatolio F, Simaku B, Moro M, Menegatti E. Educational Robotics for children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05160. [PMID: 33072917 PMCID: PMC7548442 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to provide a critical review of the studies dealing with Educational Robotics for children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. We aimed to investigate whether in the literature there is a sound evidence that activities with robots improve the abilities and performances of children with special needs. This paper explores the methodological aspects as well as the outcomes of the selected studies to provide a clear picture of the state-of-the-art on this topic. After a systematic search in the online database via keyword searches, 15 scientific papers were included in this review. We applied strict selection criteria limiting our review only to papers reporting educational robotics activities with children (from 3 up to 19 years old) with a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, in which the children had the opportunity to somehow program the behaviours of real robots. The majority of experiences showed improvements in the participants' performance or abilities, their engagement and involvement, communication/interaction with peers, during robotics sessions. Some studies reported mixed results, calling for the need to carefully design the objective and the related activities of each experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pivetti
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Battista
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Brunilda Simaku
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michele Moro
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Italy
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Is Dyslexia a Brain Disorder? Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8040061. [PMID: 29621138 PMCID: PMC5924397 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific word reading difficulty, commonly termed ‘developmental dyslexia’, refers to the low end of the word reading skill distribution but is frequently considered to be a neurodevelopmental disorder. This term implies that brain development is thought to be disrupted, resulting in an abnormal and dysfunctional brain. We take issue with this view, pointing out that there is no evidence of any obvious neurological abnormality in the vast majority of cases of word reading difficulty cases. The available relevant evidence from neuroimaging studies consists almost entirely of correlational and group-differences studies. However, differences in brains are certain to exist whenever differences in behavior exist, including differences in ability and performance. Therefore, findings of brain differences do not constitute evidence for abnormality; rather, they simply document the neural substrate of the behavioral differences. We suggest that dyslexia is best viewed as one of many expressions of ordinary ubiquitous individual differences in normal developmental outcomes. Thus, terms such as “dysfunctional” or “abnormal” are not justified when referring to the brains of persons with dyslexia.
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Hartman CA, Geurts HM, Franke B, Buitelaar JK, Rommelse NNJ. Changing ASD-ADHD symptom co-occurrence across the lifespan with adolescence as crucial time window: Illustrating the need to go beyond childhood. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:529-541. [PMID: 27629802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Literature on the co-occurrence between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is strongly biased by a focus on childhood age. A review of the adolescent and adult literature was made on core and related symptoms of ADHD and ASD. In addition, an empirical approach was used including 17,173 ASD-ADHD symptom ratings from participants aged 0 to 84 years. Results indicate that ASD/ADHD constellations peak during adolescence and are lower in early childhood and old age. We hypothesize that on the border of the expected transition to independent adulthood, ASD and ADHD co-occur most because social adaptation and EF skills matter most. Lower correlations in childhood and older age may be due to more diffuse symptoms reflecting respectively still differentiating and de-differentiating EF functions. We plea for a strong research focus in adolescence which may -after early childhood- be a second crucial time window for catching-up pattern explaining more optimal outcomes. We discuss obstacles and oppportunities of a full lifespan approach into old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina A Hartman
- Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center of Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE) & Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Department of Psychology, Brain and Cognition, d'Arc, & Cognitive Science Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Dr Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Clinic, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda N J Rommelse
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Matthies S, Philipsen A. Comorbidity of Personality Disorders and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)--Review of Recent Findings. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2016; 18:33. [PMID: 26893231 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-016-0675-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may remit until adulthood. But, more than 60-80% have persisting ADHD symptoms. ADHD as an early manifesting neurodevelopmental disorder is considered a major risk factor for the development of comorbid psychiatric disorders in later life. Particularly, personality disorders are oftentimes observed in adult patients suffering from ADHD. If ADHD and personality disorders share common etiological mechanisms and/or if ADHD as a severely impairing condition influences psychological functioning and learning and leads to unfavorable learning histories is unclear. The development of inflexible and dysfunctional beliefs on the basis of real and perceived impairments or otherness due to the core symptoms of ADHD is intuitively plausible. Such beliefs are a known cause for the development of personality disorders. But, why some personality disorders are more frequently found in ADHD patients as for example antisocial and borderline personality disorder remains subject of debate. Because of the high prevalence of ADHD and the high impact of personality disorders on daily functioning, it is important to take them into account when treating patients with ADHD. Research on the developmental trajectories leading to personality disorders in adult ADHD patients might open the door for targeted interventions to prevent impairing comorbid clinical pictures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swantje Matthies
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Hauptstr. 5, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, D-26111, Oldenburg, Germany. .,Psychiatry and Psychotherapy - University Hospital, Karl-Jaspers-Klinik, Hermann-Ehlers-Straße 7, D-26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany.
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Telias M, Ben-Yosef D. Modeling neurodevelopmental disorders using human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2015; 10:494-511. [PMID: 24728983 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-014-9507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) are impairments that affect the development and growth of the brain and the central nervous system during embryonic and early postnatal life. Genetically manipulated animals have contributed greatly to the advancement of ND research, but many of them differ considerably from the human phenotype. Cellular in vitro models are also valuable, but the availability of human neuronal cells is limited and their lifespan in culture is short. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, comprise a powerful tool for studying developmentally regulated diseases, including NDs. We reviewed all recent studies in which hPSCs were used as in vitro models for diseases and syndromes characterized by impairment of neurogenesis or synaptogenesis leading to intellectual disability and delayed neurodevelopment. We analyzed their methodology and results, focusing on the data obtained following in vitro neural differentiation and gene expression and profiling of the derived neurons. Electrophysiological recording of action potentials, synaptic currents and response to neurotransmitters is pivotal for validation of the neuronal fate as well as for assessing phenotypic dysfunctions linked to the disease in question. We therefore focused on the studies which included electrophysiological recordings on the in vitro-derived neurons. Finally, we addressed specific issues that are critical for the advancement of this area of research, specifically in providing a reliable human pre-clinical research model and drug screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- The Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Kim SY, Han YM, Oh M, Kim WK, Oh KJ, Lee SC, Bae KH, Han BS. DUSP4 regulates neuronal differentiation and calcium homeostasis by modulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 24:686-700. [PMID: 25397900 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatases have been recognized as critical components of multiple signaling regulators of fundamental cellular processes, including differentiation, cell death, and migration. In this study, we show that dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) is crucial for neuronal differentiation and functions in the neurogenesis of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The endogenous mRNA and protein expression levels of DUSP4 gradually increased during mouse development from ESCs to postnatal stages. Neurite outgrowth and the expression of neuron-specific markers were markedly reduced by genetic ablation of DUSP4 in differentiated neurons, and these effects were rescued by the reintroduction of DUSP4. In addition, DUSP4 knockdown dramatically enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation during neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, the DUSP4-ERK pathway functioned to balance calcium signaling, not only by regulating Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase I phosphorylation, but also by facilitating Cav1.2 expression and plasma membrane localization. These data are the first to suggest a molecular link between the MAPK-ERK cascade and calcium signaling, which provides insight into the mechanism by which DUSP4 modulates neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Kim
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Differentiation, KAIST , Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Antshel KM, Zhang-James Y, Faraone SV. The comorbidity of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:1117-28. [PMID: 24117274 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2013.840417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are common psychiatric comorbidities to each another. In addition, there is behavioral, biological and neuropsychological overlap between the two disorders. There are also several important differences between autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. Treatment strategies for the comorbid condition will also be reviewed. Future areas of research and clinical need will be discussed.
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