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Yahia A, Li D, Lejerkrans S, Rajagopalan S, Kalnak N, Tammimies K. Whole exome sequencing and polygenic assessment of a Swedish cohort with severe developmental language disorder. Hum Genet 2024; 143:169-183. [PMID: 38300321 PMCID: PMC10881898 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Developmental language disorder (DLD) overlaps clinically, genetically, and pathologically with other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), corroborating the concept of the NDD continuum. There is a lack of studies to understand the whole genetic spectrum in individuals with DLD. Previously, we recruited 61 probands with severe DLD from 59 families and examined 59 of them and their families using microarray genotyping with a 6.8% diagnostic yield. Herein, we investigated 53 of those probands using whole exome sequencing (WES). Additionally, we used polygenic risk scores (PRS) to understand the within family enrichment of neurodevelopmental difficulties and examine the associations between the results of language-related tests in the probands and language-related PRS. We identified clinically significant variants in four probands, resulting in a 7.5% (4/53) molecular diagnostic yield. Those variants were in PAK2, MED13, PLCB4, and TNRC6B. We also prioritized additional variants for future studies for their role in DLD, including high-impact variants in PARD3 and DIP2C. PRS did not explain the aggregation of neurodevelopmental difficulties in these families. We did not detect significant associations between the language-related tests and language-related PRS. Our results support using WES as the first-tier genetic test for DLD as it can identify monogenic DLD forms. Large-scale sequencing studies for DLD are needed to identify new genes and investigate the polygenic contribution to the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Yahia
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Danyang Li
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sanna Lejerkrans
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shyam Rajagopalan
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Nelli Kalnak
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Kristiina Tammimies
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Guadagnolo D, Mastromoro G, Torres B, Marchionni E, di Palma F, Goldoni M, Cocciadiferro D, Novelli A, Bernardini L, Pizzuti A. Duplication at 19q13.32q13.33 Segregating with Neuropsychiatric Phenotype in a Three-Generation Family: Towards the Definition of a Critical Region. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2157. [PMID: 38136979 PMCID: PMC10742575 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122157] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal submicroscopic imbalances represent well-known causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. In some cases, these can cause specific autosomal dominant syndromes, with high-to-complete penetrance and de novo occurrence of the variant. In other cases, they result in non-syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders, often acting as moderate-penetrance risk factors, possibly inherited from unaffected parents. We describe a three-generation family with non-syndromic neuropsychiatric features segregating with a novel 19q13.32q13.33 microduplication. The propositus was a 28-month-old male ascertained for psychomotor delay, with no dysmorphic features or malformations. His mother had Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and a learning disability. The maternal uncle had an intellectual disability. Chromosomal microarray analysis identified a 969 kb 19q13.32q13.33 microduplication in the proband. The variant segregated in the mother, the uncle, and the maternal grandmother of the proband, who also presented neuropsychiatric disorders. Fragile-X Syndrome testing was negative. Exome Sequencing did not identify Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic variants. Imbalances involving 19q13.32 and 19q13.33 are associated with neurodevelopmental delay. A review of the reported microduplications allowed to propose BICRA (MIM *605690) and KPTN (MIM *615620) as candidates for the neurodevelopmental delay susceptibility in 19q13.32q13.33 copy number gains. The peculiarities of this case are the small extension of the duplication, the three-generation segregation, and the full penetrance of the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Guadagnolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Mastromoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Torres
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Diagnosis, Treatment and Transfusional Medicine Services, Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Enrica Marchionni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca di Palma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Goldoni
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Diagnosis, Treatment and Transfusional Medicine Services, Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Dario Cocciadiferro
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bernardini
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Diagnosis, Treatment and Transfusional Medicine Services, Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Antonio Pizzuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Diagnosis, Treatment and Transfusional Medicine Services, Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
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Terada N, Saitoh Y, Saito M, Yamada T, Kamijo A, Yoshizawa T, Sakamoto T. Recent Progress on Genetically Modified Animal Models for Membrane Skeletal Proteins: The 4.1 and MPP Families. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1942. [PMID: 37895291 PMCID: PMC10606877 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein 4.1 and membrane palmitoylated protein (MPP) families were originally found as components in the erythrocyte membrane skeletal protein complex, which helps maintain the stability of erythrocyte membranes by linking intramembranous proteins and meshwork structures composed of actin and spectrin under the membranes. Recently, it has been recognized that cells and tissues ubiquitously use this membrane skeletal system. Various intramembranous proteins, including adhesion molecules, ion channels, and receptors, have been shown to interact with the 4.1 and MPP families, regulating cellular and tissue dynamics by binding to intracellular signal transduction proteins. In this review, we focus on our previous studies regarding genetically modified animal models, especially on 4.1G, MPP6, and MPP2, to describe their functional roles in the peripheral nervous system, the central nervous system, the testis, and bone formation. As the membrane skeletal proteins are located at sites that receive signals from outside the cell and transduce signals inside the cell, it is necessary to elucidate their molecular interrelationships, which may broaden the understanding of cell and tissue functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuo Terada
- Health Science Division, Department of Medical Sciences, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yurika Saitoh
- Health Science Division, Department of Medical Sciences, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
- Center for Medical Education, Teikyo University of Science, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0045, Japan
| | - Masaki Saito
- School of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan;
| | - Tomoki Yamada
- Health Science Division, Department of Medical Sciences, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Akio Kamijo
- Health Science Division, Department of Medical Sciences, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
- Division of Basic & Clinical Medicine, Nagano College of Nursing, Komagane City, Nagano 399-4117, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yoshizawa
- Division of Animal Research, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takeharu Sakamoto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata City, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
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Cullinan MM, Klipp RC, Bankston JR. Regulation of acid-sensing ion channels by protein binding partners. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:635-647. [PMID: 34704535 PMCID: PMC8555555 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2021.1976946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are a family of proton-gated cation channels that contribute to a diverse array of functions including pain sensation, cell death during ischemia, and more broadly to neurotransmission in the central nervous system. There is an increasing interest in understanding the physiological regulatory mechanisms of this family of channels. ASICs have relatively short N- and C-termini, yet a number of proteins have been shown to interact with these domains both in vitro and in vivo. These proteins can impact ASIC gating, localization, cell-surface expression, and regulation. Like all ion channels, it is important to understand the cellular context under which ASICs function in neurons and other cells. Here we will review what is known about a number of these potentially important regulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Cullinan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert C Klipp
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John R Bankston
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Williams PhD MV, Cox B, Lafuse PhD WP, Ariza ME. Epstein-Barr Virus dUTPase Induces Neuroinflammatory Mediators: Implications for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Clin Ther 2019; 41:848-863. [PMID: 31040055 PMCID: PMC6525645 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuroinflammation is a common feature in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), affecting 85%-90% of all patients, yet the underlying mechanism or mechanisms responsible for the initiation and/or promotion of this process is largely unknown. Multiple reports, however, have suggested a role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in particular, in ME/CFS, but its potential role, if any, in the neuroinflammatory process has not been addressed. In support of this premise, studies by our group have found that the EBV protein deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) induces anxiety and sickness behaviors in female mice. We also found that a small subset of patients with ME/CFS exhibited prolonged and significantly elevated neutralizing antibodies against EBV dUTPase protein in serum, which inversely correlated with ME/CFS symptoms. A larger ME/CFS case-control cohort study further confirmed that a significant percentage of patients with ME/CFS (30.91%-52.7%) were simultaneously producing antibodies against multiple human herpesviruses-encoded dUTPases and/or human dUTPase. Altogether, these findings suggest that EBV dUTPase protein may be involved in the neuroinflammatory process observed in ME/CFS. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the EBV dUTPase protein could contribute to neuroinflammation by altering the expression of genes involved with maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and/or modulating synaptic plasticity. METHODS With the use of human immortalized astrocytes, microglia, and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, we conducted time-course (0-24 h) experiments with EBV dUTPase protein (10 μg/mL) to determine what effect(s) it may have on the expression of genes involved with BBB permeability, astrocytes and microglia cell function, tryptophan metabolism, and synaptic plasticity by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In parallel, in vivo studies were conducted in female C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were injected by the intraperitoneal route with EBV dUTPase protein (10 μg) or vehicle daily for 5 days, and the brains were collected and processed for further qRT-PCR analysis of the in vivo effect of the dUTPase on the dopamine/serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid/glutamate pathways, which are important for brain function, using RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays. FINDINGS EBV dUTPase protein altered the expression in vitro (12 of 15 genes and 32 of 1000 proteins examined) and in vivo (34 of 84 genes examined) of targets with central roles in BBB integrity/function, fatigue, pain synapse structure, and function, as well as tryptophan, dopamine, and serotonin metabolism. IMPLICATIONS The data suggest that in a subset of patients with ME/CFS, the EBV dUTPase could initiate a neuroinflammatory reaction, which contributes to the fatigue, excessive pain, and cognitive impairments observed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall V Williams PhD
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brandon Cox
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - William P Lafuse PhD
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maria Eugenia Ariza
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Functions of Rhotekin, an Effector of Rho GTPase, and Its Binding Partners in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072121. [PMID: 30037057 PMCID: PMC6073136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhotekin is an effector protein for small GTPase Rho. This protein consists of a Rho binding domain (RBD), a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, two proline-rich regions and a C-terminal PDZ (PSD-95, Discs-large, and ZO-1)-binding motif. We, and other groups, have identified various binding partners for Rhotekin and carried out biochemical and cell biological characterization. However, the physiological functions of Rhotekin, per se, are as of yet largely unknown. In this review, we summarize known features of Rhotekin and its binding partners in neuronal tissues and cancer cells.
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Kubota T. Epigenetic Effect of Environmental Factors on Neurodevelopmenal Disorders. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2018; 71:200-207. [PMID: 27725423 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.71.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is an important mechanism of gene regulation that is dependent on the chromatin structure, which is determined by the epigenetic chemical modification of DNA and histone proteins. It is known that the failure of epigenetic mechanisms causes congenital neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), and that early life exposure to mental stress and endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenol A, and tobacco, can change epigenetic mechanism and gene expression in the brain and cause NDs. Moreover, environmentally induced epigenetic changes are not erased during gametogenesis and are transmitted to subsequent generations, leading to changes in behavior phenotypes. However, epigenetics has a reversible nature because it is based on the addition or removal of chemical residues, and thus the original epigenetic status may be restored. Indeed, several drugs used for mental disorders and NDs restore the epigenetic state and gene expression. Improved epigenetic understanding of NDs will provide important clues for the development of new drugs that take advantage of epigenetic reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Kubota
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi
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Autism spectrum disorder-associated genes and the development of dentate granule cells. Med Mol Morphol 2017; 50:123-129. [PMID: 28534217 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-017-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe clinical symptoms such as the deficiency of the social communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. Although complex genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of ASD, the precise etiologies are largely unknown. Neuroanatomical observations have been made of developmental abnormalities in different brain regions, including dentate gyrus of hippocampus, which is widely accepted as the center for learning and memory. However, little is known about what roles ASD-associated genes play in the development of hippocampal dentate granule cells. In this article, we summarized functions and pathophysiological significance of 6 representative ASD-associated genes, SEMA5A, PTEN, NLGN, EN-2, FMR1, and MECP2, by focusing on the development of dentate gyrus. We then introduced a recently developed gene transfer method directed to neonatal dentate granule cells. This new method will be useful for elucidating physiological as well as pathophysiological significance of ASD-associated genes in the development of hippocampal formation.
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Kubota T. Epigenetic alterations induced by environmental stress associated with metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2016; 2:dvw017. [PMID: 29492297 PMCID: PMC5804531 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvw017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is a gene regulation mechanism that does not depend on genomic DNA sequences but depends on chemical modification of genomic DNA and histone proteins around which DNA is wrapped. The failure of epigenetic mechanisms is known to cause various congenital disorders. It is also known that the failures of epigenetic mechanisms causes various acquired disorders since epigenetic modifications of the genome (i.e., "epigenome") are more vulnerable to environmental stress, such as malnutrition, environmental chemicals, and mental stress, than the "genome," especially during the early period of life. However, the epigenome has a reversible property since it is based on removable residues on genomic DNA. Thus, environmentally induced epigenomic alterations can be potentially restored. In fact, some medicines, especially for psychiatric diseases, are known to restore an altered epigenome, resulting in the correction of gene expression. Several lines of evidence suggest that environmentally induced epigenomic alterations are not erased completely during gametogenesis, but are transmitted to subsequent generations with disease phenotypes. In accordance with these understandings, I would like to propose the development of epigenomic-based preemptive medicine that consists of the early detection of the developmental origins of diseases using epigenomic signatures and the early intervention that take advantages of the use of epigenomic reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Kubota
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
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Kubota T, Mochizuki K. Epigenetic Effect of Environmental Factors on Autism Spectrum Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13050504. [PMID: 27187441 PMCID: PMC4881129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13050504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Both environmental factors and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Epigenetics, an essential mechanism for gene regulation based on chemical modifications of DNA and histone proteins, is also involved in congenital ASDs. It was recently demonstrated that environmental factors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals and mental stress in early life, can change epigenetic status and gene expression, and can cause ASDs. Moreover, environmentally induced epigenetic changes are not erased during gametogenesis and are transmitted to subsequent generations, leading to changes in behavior phenotypes. However, epigenetics has a reversible nature since it is based on the addition or removal of chemical residues, and thus the original epigenetic status may be restored. Indeed, several antidepressants and anticonvulsants used for mental disorders including ASDs restore the epigenetic state and gene expression. Therefore, further epigenetic understanding of ASDs is important for the development of new drugs that take advantages of epigenetic reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Kubota
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Mochizuki
- Department of Local Produce and Food Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, 4-4-37 Takeda, Kofu-City, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.
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Decoding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal migration using in utero electroporation. Med Mol Morphol 2015; 49:63-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00795-015-0127-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Kang J, Park H, Kim E. IRSp53/BAIAP2 in dendritic spine development, NMDA receptor regulation, and psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2015; 100:27-39. [PMID: 26275848 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
IRSp53 (also known as BAIAP2) is a multi-domain scaffolding and adaptor protein that has been implicated in the regulation of membrane and actin dynamics at subcellular structures, including filopodia and lamellipodia. Accumulating evidence indicates that IRSp53 is an abundant component of the postsynaptic density at excitatory synapses and an important regulator of actin-rich dendritic spines. In addition, IRSp53 has been implicated in diverse psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Mice lacking IRSp53 display enhanced NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptor function accompanied by social and cognitive deficits, which are reversed by pharmacological suppression of NMDA receptor function. These results suggest the hypothesis that defective actin/membrane modulation in IRSp53-deficient dendritic spines may lead to social and cognitive deficits through NMDA receptor dysfunction. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Synaptopathy--from Biology to Therapy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, South Korea
| | - Haram Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, South Korea; Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 305-701, South Korea.
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Maschietto M, Tahira AC, Puga R, Lima L, Mariani D, Paulsen BDS, Belmonte-de-Abreu P, Vieira H, Krepischi AC, Carraro DM, Palha JA, Rehen S, Brentani H. Co-expression network of neural-differentiation genes shows specific pattern in schizophrenia. BMC Med Genomics 2015; 8:23. [PMID: 25981335 PMCID: PMC4493810 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-015-0098-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its pathogenesis, although the mechanism is unknown due to the difficulties in accessing diseased tissue during human neurodevelopment. The aim of this study was to find neuronal differentiation genes disrupted in schizophrenia and to evaluate those genes in post-mortem brain tissues from schizophrenia cases and controls. Methods We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEG), copy number variation (CNV) and differential methylation in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived from fibroblasts from one control and one schizophrenia patient and further differentiated into neuron (NPC). Expression of the DEG were analyzed with microarrays of post-mortem brain tissue (frontal cortex) cohort of 29 schizophrenia cases and 30 controls. A Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) using the DEG was used to detect clusters of co-expressed genes that werenon-conserved between adult cases and controls brain samples. Results We identified methylation alterations potentially involved with neuronal differentiation in schizophrenia, which displayed an over-representation of genes related to chromatin remodeling complex (adjP = 0.04). We found 228 DEG associated with neuronal differentiation. These genes were involved with metabolic processes, signal transduction, nervous system development, regulation of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. Between adult brain samples from cases and controls there were 233 DEG, with only four genes overlapping with the 228 DEG, probably because we compared single cell to tissue bulks and more importantly, the cells were at different stages of development. The comparison of the co-expressed network of the 228 genes in adult brain samples between cases and controls revealed a less conserved module enriched for genes associated with oxidative stress and negative regulation of cell differentiation. Conclusion This study supports the relevance of using cellular approaches to dissect molecular aspects of neurogenesis with impact in the schizophrenic brain. We showed that, although generated by different approaches, both sets of DEG associated to schizophrenia were involved with neocortical development. The results add to the hypothesis that critical metabolic changes may be occurring during early neurodevelopment influencing faulty development of the brain and potentially contributing to further vulnerability to the illness. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12920-015-0098-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Maschietto
- LIM23 (Medical Investigation Laboratory 23), University of Sao Paulo Medical School (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Institute of Psychiatry-University of Sao Paulo, Medical School (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana C Tahira
- LIM23 (Medical Investigation Laboratory 23), University of Sao Paulo Medical School (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Institute of Psychiatry-University of Sao Paulo, Medical School (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Renato Puga
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Lima
- Post-graduation Program Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Mariani
- Post-graduation Program Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Henrique Vieira
- Post-graduation Program Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cv Krepischi
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Dirce M Carraro
- International Research Center-AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Joana A Palha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Stevens Rehen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Helena Brentani
- LIM23 (Medical Investigation Laboratory 23), University of Sao Paulo Medical School (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Institute of Psychiatry-University of Sao Paulo, Medical School (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo, Medical School (FMUSP), Rua Dr Ovídio Pires de Campos,785-CEP 05403-010, São Paulo, SP, Caixa Postal n 3671, Brazil. .,National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, CNPq, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Contralateral targeting of the corpus callosum in normal and pathological brain function. Trends Neurosci 2015; 38:264-72. [PMID: 25841797 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The corpus callosum connects the two cortical hemispheres of the mammalian brain and is susceptible to structural defects during development, which often result in significant neuropsychological dysfunction. To date, such individuals have been studied primarily with regards to the integrity of the callosal tract at the midline. However, the mechanisms regulating the contralateral targeting of the corpus callosum, after midline crossing has occurred, are less well understood. Recent evidence suggests that defects in contralateral targeting can occur in isolation from midline-tract malformations, and may have significant functional implications. We propose that contralateral targeting is a crucially important and relatively under-investigated event in callosal development, and that defects in this process may constitute an undiagnosed phenotype in several neurological disorders.
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