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Jüppner H. Pseudohypoparathyroidism: complex disease variants with unfortunate names. J Mol Endocrinol 2024; 72:e230104. [PMID: 37965945 PMCID: PMC10843601 DOI: 10.1530/jme-23-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Several human disorders are caused by genetic or epigenetic changes involving the GNAS locus on chromosome 20q13.3 that encodes the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) and several splice variants thereof. Thus, pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP1A) is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations involving the maternal GNAS exons 1-13 resulting in characteristic abnormalities referred to as Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) that are associated with resistance to several agonist ligands, particularly to parathyroid hormone (PTH), thereby leading to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. GNAS mutations involving the paternal Gsα exons also cause most of these AHO features, but without evidence for hormonal resistance, hence the term pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP). Autosomal dominant pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP1B) due to maternal GNAS or STX16 mutations (deletions, duplications, insertions, and inversions) is associated with epigenetic changes at one or several differentially methylated regions (DMRs) within GNAS. Unlike the inactivating Gsα mutations that cause PHP1A and PPHP, hormonal resistance is caused in all PHP1B variants by impaired Gsα expression due to loss of methylation at GNAS exon A/B, which can be associated in some familial cases with epigenetic changes at the other maternal GNAS DMRs. The genetic defect(s) responsible for sporadic PHP1B, the most frequent variant of this disorder, remain(s) unknown for the majority of patients. However, characteristic epigenetic GNAS changes can be readily detected that include a gain of methylation at the neuroendocrine secretory protein (NESP) DMR. Multiple genetic or epigenetic GNAS abnormalities can thus impair Gsα function or expression, consequently leading to inadequate cAMP-dependent signaling events downstream of various Gsα-coupled receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Jüppner
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abbas A, Hammad AS, Al-Shafai M. The role of genetic and epigenetic GNAS alterations in the development of early-onset obesity. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2024; 793:108487. [PMID: 38103632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GNAS (guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha stimulating) is an imprinted gene that encodes Gsα, the α subunit of the heterotrimeric stimulatory G protein. This subunit mediates the signalling of a diverse array of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) that serves a pivotal role in regulating food intake, energy homoeostasis, and body weight. Genetic or epigenetic alterations in GNAS are known to cause pseudohypoparathyroidism in its different subtypes and have been recently associated with isolated, early-onset, severe obesity. Given the diverse biological functions that Gsα serves, multiple molecular mechanisms involving various GPCRs, such as MC4R, β2- and β3-adrenoceptors, and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of severe, early-onset obesity that results from genetic or epigenetic GNAS changes. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review examines the structure and function of GNAS and provides an overview of the disorders that are caused by defects in this gene and may feature early-onset obesity. Moreover, it elucidates the potential molecular mechanisms underlying Gsα deficiency-induced early-onset obesity, highlighting some of their implications for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of this complex condition. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Gsα deficiency is an underappreciated cause of early-onset, severe obesity. Therefore, screening children with unexplained, severe obesity for GNAS defects is recommended, to enhance the molecular diagnosis and management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abbas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayat S Hammad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mashael Al-Shafai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Miller DE, Hanna P, Galey M, Reyes M, Linglart A, Eichler EE, Jüppner H. Targeted Long-Read Sequencing Identifies a Retrotransposon Insertion as a Cause of Altered GNAS Exon A/B Methylation in a Family With Autosomal Dominant Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1b (PHP1B). J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:1711-1719. [PMID: 35811283 PMCID: PMC9474630 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP1B) is characterized predominantly by resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. These laboratory abnormalities are caused by maternal loss-of-methylation (LOM) at GNAS exon A/B, which reduces in cis expression of the stimulatory G protein α-subunit (Gsα). Paternal Gsα expression in proximal renal tubules is silenced through unknown mechanisms, hence LOM at exon A/B reduces further Gsα protein in this kidney portion, leading to PTH resistance. In a previously reported PHP1B family, affected members showed variable LOM at exon A/B, yet no genetic defect was found by whole-genome sequencing despite linkage to GNAS. Using targeted long-read sequencing (T-LRS), we discovered an approximately 2800-bp maternally inherited retrotransposon insertion nearly 1200 bp downstream of exon XL not found in public databases or in 13,675 DNA samples analyzed by short-read whole-genome sequencing. T-LRS data furthermore confirmed normal methylation at exons XL, AS, and NESP and showed that LOM comprising exon A/B is broader than previously thought. The retrotransposon most likely causes the observed epigenetic defect by impairing function of a maternally derived NESP transcript, consistent with findings in mice lacking full-length NESP mRNA and in PHP1B patients with deletion of exon NESP and adjacent intronic sequences. In addition to demonstrating that T-LRS is an effective strategy for identifying a small disease-causing variant that abolishes or severely reduces exon A/B methylation, our data demonstrate that this sequencing technology has major advantages for simultaneously identifying structural defects and altered methylation. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny E. Miller
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Patrick Hanna
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miranda Galey
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Monica Reyes
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Agnès Linglart
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et physiopathologie endocrinienne; AP-HP, Department of molecular genetics, Bicêtre Paris-Saclay hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Harald Jüppner
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Huang TC, Chang KC, Chang JY, Tsai YS, Yang YJ, Chang WC, Mo CF, Yu PH, Chiang CT, Lin SP, Kuo PL. Variants in Maternal Effect Genes and Relaxed Imprinting Control in a Special Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia Case with Mild Trophoblast Hyperplasia. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050544. [PMID: 34068021 PMCID: PMC8152467 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) and partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) placentas share similar characteristics, such as placental overgrowth and grape-like placental tissues. Distinguishing PMD from PHM is critical because the former can result in normal birth, while the latter diagnosis will lead to artificial abortion. Aneuploidy and altered dosage of imprinted gene expression are implicated in the pathogenesis of PHM and also some of the PMD cases. Diandric triploidy is the main cause of PHM, whereas mosaic diploid androgenetic cells in the placental tissue have been associated with the formation of PMD. Here, we report a very special PMD case also presenting with trophoblast hyperplasia phenotype, which is a hallmark of PHM. This PMD placenta has a normal biparental diploid karyotype and is functionally sufficient to support normal fetal growth. We took advantage of this unique case to further dissected the potential common etiology between these two diseases. We show that the differentially methylated region (DMR) at NESP55, a secondary DMR residing in the GNAS locus, is significantly hypermethylated in the PMD placenta. Furthermore, we found heterozygous mutations in NLRP2 and homozygous variants in NLRP7 in the mother’s genome. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are known maternal effect genes, and their mutation in pregnant females affects fetal development. The variants/mutations in both genes have been associated with imprinting defects in mole formation and potentially contributed to the mild abnormal imprinting observed in this case. Finally, we identified heterozygous mutations in the X-linked ATRX gene, a known maternal–zygotic imprinting regulator in the patient. Overall, our study demonstrates that PMD and PHM may share overlapping etiologies with the defective/relaxed dosage control of imprinted genes, representing two extreme ends of a spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Chi Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Kung-Chao Chang
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Yun Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Yi-Shan Tsai
- Department of Radiology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Yao-Jong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chun Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Chu-Fan Mo
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Pei-Hsiu Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan 700, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ting Chiang
- Department and Graduated Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
| | - Shau-Ping Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Center for Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-P.L.); (P.-L.K.)
| | - Pao-Lin Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (S.-P.L.); (P.-L.K.)
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Luo D, Qi X, Liu L, Su Y, Fang L, Guan Q. Genetic and Epigenetic Characteristics of Autosomal Dominant Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1B: Case Reports and Literature Review. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:225-235. [PMID: 33513624 DOI: 10.1055/a-1341-9891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant pseudohypoparathyroidism 1B (AD-PHP1B) is a rare endocrine and imprinted disorder. The objective of this study is to clarify the imprinted regulation of the guanine nucleotide binding-protein α-stimulating activity polypeptide 1 (GNAS) cluster in the occurrence and development of AD-PHP1B based on animal and clinical patient studies. The methylation-specific multiples ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) was conducted to detect the copy number variation in syntaxin-16 (STX16) gene and methylation status of the GNAS differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Long-range PCR was used to confirm deletion at STX16 gene. In the first family, DNA analysis of the proband and proband's mother revealed an isolated loss of methylation (LOM) at exon A/B and a 3.0 kb STX16 deletion. The patient's healthy grandmother had the 3.0 kb STX16 deletion but no epigenetic abnormality. The patient's healthy maternal aunt showed no genetic or epigenetic abnormality. In the second family, the analysis of long-range PCR revealed the 3.0 kb STX16 deletion for the proband but not her children. In this study, 3.0 kb STX16 deletion causes isolated LOM at exon A/B in two families, which is the most common genetic mutation of AD-PHP1B. The deletion involving NESP55 or AS or genomic rearrangements of GNAS can also result in AD-PHP1B, but it's rare. LOM at exon A/B DMR is prerequisite methylation defect of AD-PHP1B. STX16 and NESP55 directly control the imprinting at exon A/B, while AS controls the imprinting at exon A/B by regulating the transcriptional level of NESP55.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangyu Qi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Luna Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Su
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Fang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qingbo Guan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Keshavarz M, Tautz D. The imprinted lncRNA Peg13 regulates sexual preference and the sex-specific brain transcriptome in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2022172118. [PMID: 33658376 PMCID: PMC7958240 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022172118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genomes include many maternally and paternally imprinted genes. Most of these are also expressed in the brain, and several have been implicated in regulating specific behavioral traits. Here, we have used a knockout approach to study the function of Peg13, a gene that codes for a fast-evolving lncRNA (long noncoding RNA) and is part of a complex of imprinted genes on chromosome 15 in mice and chromosome 8 in humans. Mice lacking the 3' half of the transcript look morphologically wild-type but show distinct behavioral differences. They lose interest in the opposite sex, instead displaying a preference for wild-type animals of the same sex. Further, they show a higher level of anxiety, lowered activity and curiosity, and a deficiency in pup retrieval behavior. Brain RNA expression analysis reveals that genes involved in the serotonergic system, formation of glutamatergic synapses, olfactory processing, and estrogen signaling-as well as more than half of the other known imprinted genes-show significant expression changes in Peg13-deficient mice. Intriguingly, these pathways are differentially affected in the sexes, resulting in male and female brains of Peg13-deficient mice differing more from each other than those of wild-type mice. We conclude that Peg13 is part of a developmental pathway that regulates the neurobiology of social and sexual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Keshavarz
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Diethard Tautz
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
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Dent CL, Rienecker KDA, Ward A, Wilkins JF, Humby T, Isles AR. Mice lacking paternal expression of imprinted Grb10 are risk-takers. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12679. [PMID: 32488937 PMCID: PMC9393934 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The imprinted genes Grb10 and Nesp influence impulsive behavior on a delay discounting task in an opposite manner. A recently developed theory suggests that this pattern of behavior may be representative of predicted effects of imprinted genes on tolerance to risk. Here we examine whether mice lacking paternal expression of Grb10 show abnormal behavior across a number of measures indicative of risk‐taking. Although Grb10+/p mice show no difference from wild type (WT) littermates in their willingness to explore a novel environment, their behavior on an explicit test of risk‐taking, namely the Predator Odor Risk‐Taking task, is indicative of an increased willingness to take risks. Follow‐up tests suggest that this risk‐taking is not simply because of a general decrease in fear, or a general increase in motivation for a food reward, but reflects a change in the trade‐off between cost and reward. These data, coupled with previous work on the impulsive behavior of Grb10+/p mice in the delayed reinforcement task, and taken together with our work on mice lacking maternal Nesp, suggest that maternally and paternally expressed imprinted genes oppositely influence risk‐taking behavior as predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Dent
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kira D A Rienecker
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Ward
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Trevor Humby
- Behavioural Genetics Group, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anthony R Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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9
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Wilkins JF, Bhattacharya T. Intragenomic conflict over bet-hedging. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 374:20180142. [PMID: 30966914 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting, where an allele's expression pattern depends on its parental origin, is thought to result primarily from an intragenomic evolutionary conflict. Imprinted genes are widely expressed in the brain and have been linked to various phenotypes, including behaviours related to risk tolerance. In this paper, we analyse a model of evolutionary bet-hedging in a system with imprinted gene expression. Previous analyses of bet-hedging have shown that natural selection may favour alleles and traits that reduce reproductive variance, even at the expense of reducing mean reproductive success, with the trade-off between mean and variance depending on the population size. In species where the sexes have different reproductive variances, this bet-hedging trade-off differs between maternally and paternally inherited alleles. Where males have the higher reproductive variance, alleles are more strongly selected to reduce variance when paternally inherited than when maternally inherited. We connect this result to phenotypes connected with specific imprinted genes, including delay discounting and social dominance. The empirical patterns are consistent with paternally expressed imprinted genes promoting risk-averse behaviours that reduce reproductive variance. Conversely, maternally expressed imprinted genes promote risk-tolerant, variance-increasing behaviours. We indicate how future research might further test the hypotheses suggested by our analysis. This article is part of the theme issue 'Risk taking and impulsive behaviour: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon F Wilkins
- 1 Ronin Institute , Montclair, NJ 07043 , USA.,2 Santa Fe Institute , 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501 , USA
| | - Tanmoy Bhattacharya
- 2 Santa Fe Institute , 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501 , USA.,3 Group T2, Los Alamos National Laboratory , PO Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545 , USA
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Fonin AV, Darling AL, Kuznetsova IM, Turoverov KK, Uversky VN. Multi-functionality of proteins involved in GPCR and G protein signaling: making sense of structure-function continuum with intrinsic disorder-based proteoforms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4461-4492. [PMID: 31428838 PMCID: PMC11105632 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03276-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
GPCR-G protein signaling system recognizes a multitude of extracellular ligands and triggers a variety of intracellular signaling cascades in response. In humans, this system includes more than 800 various GPCRs and a large set of heterotrimeric G proteins. Complexity of this system goes far beyond a multitude of pair-wise ligand-GPCR and GPCR-G protein interactions. In fact, one GPCR can recognize more than one extracellular signal and interact with more than one G protein. Furthermore, one ligand can activate more than one GPCR, and multiple GPCRs can couple to the same G protein. This defines an intricate multifunctionality of this important signaling system. Here, we show that the multifunctionality of GPCR-G protein system represents an illustrative example of the protein structure-function continuum, where structures of the involved proteins represent a complex mosaic of differently folded regions (foldons, non-foldons, unfoldons, semi-foldons, and inducible foldons). The functionality of resulting highly dynamic conformational ensembles is fine-tuned by various post-translational modifications and alternative splicing, and such ensembles can undergo dramatic changes at interaction with their specific partners. In other words, GPCRs and G proteins exist as sets of conformational/basic, inducible/modified, and functioning proteoforms characterized by a broad spectrum of structural features and possessing various functional potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Fonin
- Laboratory of structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russian Federation
| | - April L Darling
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Irina M Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russian Federation
| | - Konstantin K Turoverov
- Laboratory of structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russian Federation
- Department of Biophysics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya av. 29, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Tucci V, Isles AR, Kelsey G, Ferguson-Smith AC. Genomic Imprinting and Physiological Processes in Mammals. Cell 2019; 176:952-965. [PMID: 30794780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Complex multicellular organisms, such as mammals, express two complete sets of chromosomes per nucleus, combining the genetic material of both parents. However, epigenetic studies have demonstrated violations to this rule that are necessary for mammalian physiology; the most notable parental allele expression phenomenon is genomic imprinting. With the identification of endogenous imprinted genes, genomic imprinting became well-established as an epigenetic mechanism in which the expression pattern of a parental allele influences phenotypic expression. The expanding study of genomic imprinting is revealing a significant impact on brain functions and associated diseases. Here, we review key milestones in the field of imprinting and discuss mechanisms and systems in which imprinted genes exert a significant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter Tucci
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies - Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.
| | - Anthony R Isles
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 44H, UK
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Anne C Ferguson-Smith
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
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Impulsive Choice in Mice Lacking Paternal Expression of Grb10 Suggests Intragenomic Conflict in Behavior. Genetics 2018; 209:233-239. [PMID: 29563147 PMCID: PMC5937175 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The imprinted gene Grb10 is expressed in the brain from the paternal copy only. Here, Dent et al. show that paternal Grb10 regulates impulsive choices, i.e. whether an animal chooses a smaller food reward... Imprinted genes are expressed from one parental allele only as a consequence of epigenetic events that take place in the mammalian germ line and are thought to have evolved through intragenomic conflict between parental alleles. We demonstrate, for the first time, oppositional effects of imprinted genes on brain and behavior. Specifically, we show that mice lacking paternal Grb10 make fewer impulsive choices, with no dissociable effects on a separate measure of impulsive action. Taken together with previous work showing that mice lacking maternal Nesp55 make more impulsive choices, this suggests that impulsive choice behavior is a substrate for the action of genomic imprinting. Moreover, the contrasting effect of these two genes suggests that impulsive choices are subject to intragenomic conflict and that maternal and paternal interests pull this behavior in opposite directions. Finally, these data may also indicate that an imbalance in expression of imprinted genes contributes to pathological conditions such as gambling and drug addiction, where impulsive behavior becomes maladaptive.
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13
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Schoenrock SA, Oreper D, Farrington J, McMullan RC, Ervin R, Miller DR, Pardo-Manuel de Villena F, Valdar W, Tarantino LM. Perinatal nutrition interacts with genetic background to alter behavior in a parent-of-origin-dependent manner in adult Collaborative Cross mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:e12438. [PMID: 29125223 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in animal models and humans have shown that exposure to nutritional deficiencies in the perinatal period increases the risk of psychiatric disease. Less well understood is how such effects are modulated by the combination of genetic background and parent-of-origin (PO). To explore this, we exposed female mice from 20 Collaborative Cross (CC) strains to protein deficient, vitamin D deficient, methyl donor enriched or standard diet during the perinatal period. These CC females were then crossed to a male from a different CC strain to produce reciprocal F1 hybrid females comprising 10 distinct genetic backgrounds. The adult F1 females were then tested in the open field, light/dark, stress-induced hyperthermia, forced swim and restraint stress assays. Our experimental design allowed us to estimate effects of genetic background, perinatal diet, PO and their interactions on behavior. Genetic background significantly affected all assessed phenotypes. Perinatal diet exposure interacted with genetic background to affect body weight, basal body temperature, anxiety-like behavior and stress response. In 8 of 9 genetic backgrounds, PO effects were observed on multiple phenotypes. Additionally, we identified a small number of diet-by-PO effects on body weight, stress response, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Our data show that rodent behaviors that model psychiatric disorders are affected by genetic background, PO and perinatal diet, as well as interactions among these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Schoenrock
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Neuroscience Curriculum, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - D Oreper
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Curriculum, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - J Farrington
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - R C McMullan
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - R Ervin
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - D R Miller
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - F Pardo-Manuel de Villena
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - W Valdar
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - L M Tarantino
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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14
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Fuemmeler BF, Lee CT, Soubry A, Iversen ES, Huang Z, Murtha AP, Schildkraut JM, Jirtle RL, Murphy SK, Hoyo C. DNA Methylation of Regulatory Regions of Imprinted Genes at Birth and Its Relation to Infant Temperament. GENETICS & EPIGENETICS 2016; 8:59-67. [PMID: 27920589 PMCID: PMC5127604 DOI: 10.4137/geg.s40538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes is relevant to neurodevelopment. METHODS DNA methylation status of the DMRs of nine imprinted genes in umbilical cord blood leukocytes was analyzed in relation to infant behaviors and temperament (n = 158). RESULTS MEG3 DMR levels were positively associated with internalizing (β = 0.15, P = 0.044) and surgency (β = 0.19, P = 0.018) behaviors, after adjusting for birth weight, gender, gestational age at birth, maternal age at delivery, race/ethnicity, education level, smoking status, parity, and a history of anxiety or depression. Higher methylation levels at the intergenic MEG3-IG methylation regions were associated with surgency (β = 0.28, P = 0.0003) and PEG3 was positively related to externalizing (β = 0.20, P = 0.01) and negative affectivity (β = 0.18, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION While the small sample size limits inference, these pilot data support gene-specific associations between epigenetic differences in regulatory regions of imprinted domains at birth and later infant temperament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard F Fuemmeler
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Chien-Ti Lee
- Department of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Adelheid Soubry
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Edwin S Iversen
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy P Murtha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joellen M Schildkraut
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Randy L Jirtle
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.; Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton, UK
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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15
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Dent CL, Humby T, Lewis K, Plagge A, Fischer-Colbrie R, Wilkins JF, Wilkinson LS, Isles AR. Impulsive choices in mice lacking imprinted Nesp55. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:693-701. [PMID: 27509352 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is the process whereby germline epigenetic events lead to parent-of-origin specific monallelic expression of a number of key mammalian genes. The imprinted gene Nesp is expressed from the maternal allele only and encodes for Nesp55 protein. In the brain, Nesp55 is found predominately in discrete areas of the hypothalamus and midbrain. Previously, we have shown that loss of Nesp55 gives rise to alterations in novelty-related behaviour. Here, we extend these findings and demonstrate, using the Nespm/+ mouse model, that loss of Nesp55 leads to impulsive choices as measured by a delayed-reinforcement task, whereby Nespm/+ mice were less willing to wait for a delayed, larger reward, preferring instead to choose an immediate, smaller reward. These effects were highly specific as performance in another component of impulsive behaviour, the ability to stop a response once started as assayed in the stop-signal reaction time task, was equivalent to controls. We also showed changes in the serotonin system, a key neurotransmitter pathway mediating impulsive behaviour. First, we demonstrated that Nesp55 is co-localized with serotonin and then went on to show that in midbrain regions there were reductions in mRNA expression of the serotonin-specific genes Tph2 and Slc6a4, but not the dopamine-specific gene Th in Nespm/+ mice; suggesting an altered serotonergic system could contribute, in part, to the changes in impulsive behaviour. These data provide a novel mode of action for genomic imprinting in the brain and may have implications for pathological conditions characterized by maladaptive response control.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Dent
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute
| | - T Humby
- Behavioural Genetics Group, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Lewis
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute
| | - A Plagge
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Fischer-Colbrie
- Department of Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - L S Wilkinson
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute.,Behavioural Genetics Group, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - A R Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute
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16
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Rienecker KDA, Hill MJ, Isles AR. Methods of epigenome editing for probing the function of genomic imprinting. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1389-1398. [PMID: 27625199 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The curious patterns of imprinted gene expression draw interest from several scientific disciplines to the functional consequences of genomic imprinting. Methods of probing the function of imprinting itself have largely been indirect and correlational, relying heavily on conventional transgenics. Recently, the burgeoning field of epigenome editing has provided new tools and suggested strategies for asking causal questions with site specificity. This perspective article aims to outline how these new methods may be applied to questions of functional imprinting and, with this aim in mind, to suggest new dimensions for the expansion of these epigenome-editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira DA Rienecker
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Department of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Matthew J Hill
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Department of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Anthony R Isles
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Department of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
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17
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Briassoulis G, Keil MF, Naved B, Liu S, Starost MF, Nesterova M, Gokarn N, Batistatos A, Wu TJ, Stratakis CA. Studies of mice with cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) defects reveal the critical role of PKA's catalytic subunits in anxiety. Behav Brain Res 2016; 307:1-10. [PMID: 26992826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine mono-phosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is critically involved in the regulation of behavioral responses. Previous studies showed that PKA's main regulatory subunit, R1α, is involved in anxiety-like behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine how the catalytic subunit, Cα, might affect R1α's function and determine its effects on anxiety-related behaviors. The marble bury (MB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were used to assess anxiety-like behavior and the hotplate test to assess nociception in wild type (WT) mouse, a Prkar1a heterozygote (Prkar1a(+/-)) mouse with haploinsufficiency for the regulatory subunit (R1α), a Prkaca heterozygote (Prkaca(+/-)) mouse with haploinsufficiency for the catalytic subunit (Cα), and a double heterozygote mouse (Prkar1a(+/-)/Prkaca(+/-)) with haploinsufficiency for both R1α and Cα. We then examined specific brain nuclei involved in anxiety. Results of MB test showed a genotype effect, with increased anxiety-like behavior in Prkar1a(+/-) and Prkar1a(+/-)/Prkaca(+/-) compared to WT mice. In the EPM, Prkar1a(+/-) spent significantly less time in the open arms, while Prkaca(+/-) and Prkar1a(+/-)/Prkaca(+/-) mice displayed less exploratory behavior compared to WT mice. The loss of one Prkar1a allele was associated with a significant increase in PKA activity in the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) amygdala and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) in both Prkar1a(+/-) and Prkar1a(+/-)/Prkaca(+/-) mice. Alterations of PKA activity induced by haploinsufficiency of its main regulatory or most important catalytic subunits result in anxiety-like behaviors. The BLA, CeA, and VMH are implicated in mediating these PKA effects in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Briassoulis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Margaret F Keil
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Bilal Naved
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Sophie Liu
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Matthew F Starost
- Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of Research Services (ORS), Office of the Director (OD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Maria Nesterova
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Nirmal Gokarn
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Anna Batistatos
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - T John Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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18
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Marty V, Labialle S, Bortolin-Cavaillé ML, Ferreira De Medeiros G, Moisan MP, Florian C, Cavaillé J. Deletion of the miR-379/miR-410 gene cluster at the imprintedDlk1-Dio3locus enhances anxiety-related behaviour. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:728-39. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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19
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20
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Furness AI, Morrison KR, Orr TJ, Arendt JD, Reznick DN. Reproductive mode and the shifting arenas of evolutionary conflict. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015; 1360:75-100. [PMID: 26284738 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, the genetic interests of individuals are not perfectly aligned. Conflicts among family members are prevalent since interactions involve the transfer of limited resources between interdependent players. Intrafamilial conflict has traditionally been considered along three major axes: between the sexes, between parents and offspring, and between siblings. In these interactions, conflict is expected over traits in which the resulting phenotypic value is determined by multiple family members who have only partially overlapping fitness optima. We focus on four major categories of animal reproductive mode (broadcast spawning, egg laying, live bearing, and live bearing with matrotrophy) and identify the shared phenotypes or traits over which conflict is expected, and then review the empirical literature for evidence of their occurrence. Major transitions among reproductive mode, such as a shift from external to internal fertilization, an increase in egg-retention time, modifications of embryos and mothers for nutrient transfer, the evolution of postnatal parental care, and increased interaction with the kin network, mark key shifts that both change and expand the arenas in which conflict is played out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Furness
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Keenan R Morrison
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Teri J Orr
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California.,Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Jeff D Arendt
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - David N Reznick
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California
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21
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Pignolo RJ, Ramaswamy G, Fong JT, Shore EM, Kaplan FS. Progressive osseous heteroplasia: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2015; 8:37-48. [PMID: 25674011 PMCID: PMC4321643 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s51064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is an ultrarare genetic condition of progressive ectopic ossification. Most cases of POH are caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations of GNAS, the gene encoding the alpha subunit of the G-stimulatory protein of adenylyl cyclase. POH is part of a spectrum of related genetic disorders, including Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and primary osteoma cutis, that share common features of superficial ossification and association with inactivating mutations of GNAS. The genetics, diagnostic criteria, supporting clinical features, current management, and prognosis of POH are reviewed here, and emerging therapeutic strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Pignolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Girish Ramaswamy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John T Fong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eileen M Shore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frederick S Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Cleaton MA, Edwards CA, Ferguson-Smith AC. Phenotypic Outcomes of Imprinted Gene Models in Mice: Elucidation of Pre- and Postnatal Functions of Imprinted Genes. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2014; 15:93-126. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-091212-153441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol A. Edwards
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom;
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23
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Peters J. The role of genomic imprinting in biology and disease: an expanding view. Nat Rev Genet 2014; 15:517-30. [PMID: 24958438 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that results in monoallelic gene expression according to parental origin. It has long been established that imprinted genes have major effects on development and placental biology before birth. More recently, it has become evident that imprinted genes also have important roles after birth. In this Review, I bring together studies of the effects of imprinted genes from the prenatal period onwards. Recent work on postnatal stages shows that imprinted genes influence an extraordinarily wide-ranging array of biological processes, the effects of which extend into adulthood, and play important parts in common diseases that range from obesity to psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Peters
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
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24
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Abstract
Impulsive behavior is a key constituent of many psychiatric illnesses, with maladaptive response control being a feature of disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, mania, and addiction. In order to understand the neurological underpinnings of impulsivity, a number of behavioral tasks have been developed for use with animal models. Data from studies with rats and other animals have led to the idea of the existence of dissociable components of impulsivity, which in turn informs studies of human disorders and potentially the development of specific therapies. Increasingly, mouse models are being used to investigate the known genetic contribution to psychiatric disorders in which abnormal response control leads to altered impulsive behaviors. In order to maximize the potential of these mouse models, it is important that researchers take into account the non-unitary nature of response control and impulsivity. In this article, we briefly review the tasks available to behavioral neuroscientists and how these can be used in order to tease apart the contribution of a specific genetic lesion into the discrete aspects of impulsive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Dent
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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25
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Li X, Wu Z, Fu X, Han W. lncRNAs: insights into their function and mechanics in underlying disorders. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2014; 762:1-21. [PMID: 25485593 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genomes of complex organisms are characterized by the pervasive expression of different types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). lncRNAs constitute a large family of long—arbitrarily defined as being longer than 200 nucleotides—ncRNAs that are expressed throughout the cell and that include thousands of different species. While these new and enigmatic players in the complex transcriptional milieu are encoded by a significant proportion of the genome, their functions are mostly unknown at present. Existing examples suggest that lncRNAs have fulfilled a wide variety of regulatory roles at almost every stage of gene expression. These roles, which encompass signal, decoy, scaffold and guide capacities, derive from folded modular domains in lncRNAs. Early discoveries support a paradigm in which lncRNAs regulate transcription networks via chromatin modulation, but new functions are steadily emerging. Given the biochemical versatility of RNA, lncRNAs may be used for various tasks, including posttranscriptional processing. In addition, long intergenic ncRNAs (lincRNAs) are strongly enriched for trait-associated SNPs, which suggest a new mechanism by which intergenic trait-associated regions might function. Moreover, multiple lines of evidence increasingly link mutations and dysregulations of lncRNAs to diverse human diseases, especially disorders related to aging. In this article, we review the current state of the knowledge of the lncRNA field, discussing what is known about the genomic contexts, biological functions and mechanisms of action of these molecules. We highlight the growing evidence for the importance of lncRNAs in diverse human disorders and the indications that their dysregulations and mutations underlie some aging-related disorders. Finally, we consider the potential medical implications, and future potential in the application of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; Key Laboratory of Wound Healing and Cell Biology, Institute of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital to the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Trauma Center of Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing 100037, China.
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
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26
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Abstract
Genes that are subject to genomic imprinting in mammals are preferentially expressed from a single parental allele. This imprinted expression of a small number of genes is crucial for normal development, as these genes often directly regulate fetal growth. Recent work has also demonstrated intricate roles for imprinted genes in the brain, with important consequences on behavior and neuronal function. Finally, new studies have revealed the importance of proper expression of specific imprinted genes in induced pluripotent stem cells and in adult stem cells. As we review here, these findings highlight the complex nature and developmental importance of imprinted genes.
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27
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Endogenously imprinted genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Genet Genomics 2014; 289:653-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00438-014-0840-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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28
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Dosage-sensitivity of imprinted genes expressed in the brain: 15q11-q13 and neuropsychiatric illness. Biochem Soc Trans 2013; 41:721-6. [PMID: 23697931 DOI: 10.1042/bst20130008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Imprinted genes, those genes subject to parent-of-origin-specific epigenetic marking resulting in monoallelic parent-specific expression, are sensitive to subtle changes in expression dosage. This has been illustrated in a number of experimental models and the fact that both decreased (or complete loss) and increased imprinted gene expression can lead to human diseases. In the present paper, we discuss the consequence of increased dosage of imprinted genes for brain function, focusing on the PWS (Prader-Willi syndrome) locus on human chromosome 15q11-q13 and how predicted increases in dosage of maternally expressed imprinted genes from this interval are associated with a higher risk of developing psychotic illness. The evidence for this comes from individuals with PWS itself and also non-syndromic cases of psychosis in carriers of a maternally derived copy number variant spanning this locus. Of the known imprinted genes in this region, the prime candidate is maternally expressed UBE3A, which encodes E6-AP (E6-associated protein) ubiquitin ligase and has an influence on a number of important neurotransmitter systems. Furthermore, these findings point to the fact that brain function is exquisitely sensitive to both decreases and increases in the expression of imprinted genes.
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Prickett AR, Barkas N, McCole RB, Hughes S, Amante SM, Schulz R, Oakey RJ. Genome-wide and parental allele-specific analysis of CTCF and cohesin DNA binding in mouse brain reveals a tissue-specific binding pattern and an association with imprinted differentially methylated regions. Genome Res 2013; 23:1624-35. [PMID: 23804403 PMCID: PMC3787260 DOI: 10.1101/gr.150136.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA binding factors are essential for regulating gene expression. CTCF and cohesin are DNA binding factors with central roles in chromatin organization and gene expression. We determined the sites of CTCF and cohesin binding to DNA in mouse brain, genome wide and in an allele-specific manner with high read-depth ChIP-seq. By comparing our results with existing data for mouse liver and embryonic stem (ES) cells, we investigated the tissue specificity of CTCF binding sites. ES cells have fewer unique CTCF binding sites occupied than liver and brain, consistent with a ground-state pattern of CTCF binding that is elaborated during differentiation. CTCF binding sites without the canonical consensus motif were highly tissue specific. In brain, a third of CTCF and cohesin binding sites coincide, consistent with the potential for many interactions between cohesin and CTCF but also many instances of independent action. In the context of genomic imprinting, CTCF and/or cohesin bind to a majority but not all differentially methylated regions, with preferential binding to the unmethylated parental allele. Whether the parental allele-specific methylation was established in the parental germlines or post-fertilization in the embryo is not a determinant in CTCF or cohesin binding. These findings link CTCF and cohesin with the control regions of a subset of imprinted genes, supporting the notion that imprinting control is mechanistically diverse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R. Prickett
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Barkas
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth B. McCole
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Hughes
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Samuele M. Amante
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Reiner Schulz
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Oakey
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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Oczkowicz M, Ropka-Molik K, Tyra M. Analysis of the associations between polymorphisms in GNAS complex locus and growth, carcass and meat quality traits in pigs. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 40:6419-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Brain-expressed imprinted genes and adult behaviour: the example of Nesp and Grb10. Mamm Genome 2013; 25:87-93. [PMID: 23974804 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-013-9472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Imprinted genes are defined by their parent-of-origin-specific monoallelic expression. Although the epigenetic mechanisms regulating imprinted gene expression have been widely studied, their functional importance is still unclear. Imprinted genes are associated with a number of physiologies, including placental function and foetal growth, energy homeostasis, and brain and behaviour. This review focuses on genomic imprinting in the brain and on two imprinted genes in particular, Nesp and paternal Grb10, which, when manipulated in animals, have been shown to influence adult behaviour. These two genes are of particular interest as they are expressed in discrete and overlapping neural regions, recognised as key "imprinting hot spots" in the brain. Furthermore, these two genes do not appear to influence placental function and/or maternal provisioning of offspring. Consequently, by understanding their behavioural function we may begin to shed light on the evolutionary significance of imprinted genes in the adult brain, independent of the recognised role in maternal care. In addition, we discuss the potential future directions of research investigating the function of these two genes and the behavioural role of imprinted genes more generally.
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Placental programming of anxiety in adulthood revealed by Igf2-null models. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2311. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Abstract
The heritability of specific phenotypical traits relevant for physical performance has been extensively investigated and discussed by experts from various research fields. By deciphering the complete human DNA sequence, the human genome project has provided impressive insights into the genomic landscape. The hope that this information would reveal the origin of phenotypical traits relevant for physical performance or disease risks has proven overly optimistic, and it is still premature to refer to a 'post-genomic' era of biological science. Linking genomic regions with functions, phenotypical traits and variation in disease risk is now a major experimental bottleneck. The recent deluge of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) generates extensive lists of sequence variants and genes potentially linked to phenotypical traits, but functional insight is at best sparse. The focus of this review is on the complex mechanisms that modulate gene expression. A large fraction of these mechanisms is integrated into the field of epigenetics, mainly DNA methylation and histone modifications, which lead to persistent effects on the availability of DNA for transcription. With the exceptions of genomic imprinting and very rare cases of epigenetic inheritance, epigenetic modifications are not inherited transgenerationally. Along with their susceptibility to external influences, epigenetic patterns are highly specific to the individual and may represent pivotal control centers predisposing towards higher or lower physical performance capacities. In that context, we specifically review how epigenetics combined with classical genetics could broaden our knowledge of genotype-phenotype interactions. We discuss some of the shortcomings of GWAS and explain how epigenetic influences can mask the outcome of quantitative genetic studies. We consider epigenetic influences, such as genomic imprinting and epigenetic inheritance, as well as the life-long variability of epigenetic modification patterns and their potential impact on phenotype with special emphasis on traits related to physical performance. We suggest that epigenetic effects may also play a considerable role in the determination of athletic potential and these effects will need to be studied using more sophisticated quantitative genetic models. In the future, epigenetic status and its potential influence on athletic performance will have to be considered, explored and validated using well controlled model systems before we can begin to extrapolate new findings to complex and heterogeneous human populations. A combination of the fields of genomics, epigenomics and transcriptomics along with improved bioinformatics tools and precise phenotyping, as well as a precise classification of the test populations is required for future research to better understand the inter-relations of exercise physiology, performance traits and also susceptibility towards diseases. Only this combined input can provide the overall outlook necessary to decode the molecular foundation of physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Ehlert
- Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Department of Sports Medicine, Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, Mainz, Germany
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Eaton SA, Hough T, Fischer-Colbrie R, Peters J. Maternal inheritance of the Gnas cluster mutation Ex1A-T affects size, implicating NESP55 in growth. Mamm Genome 2013; 24:276-85. [PMID: 23839232 PMCID: PMC3745623 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-013-9462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genes subjected to genomic imprinting are often associated with prenatal and postnatal growth. Furthermore, it has been observed that maternally silenced/paternally expressed genes tend to favour offspring growth, whilst paternally silenced/maternally expressed genes will restrict growth. One imprinted cluster in which this has been shown to hold true is the Gnas cluster; of the three proteins expressed from this cluster, two, Gsα and XLαs, have been found to affect postnatal growth in a number of different mouse models. The remaining protein in this cluster, NESP55, has not yet been shown to be involved in growth. We previously described a new mutation, Ex1A-T, which upon paternal transmission resulted in postnatal growth retardation due to loss of imprinting of Gsα and loss of expression of the paternally expressed XLαs. Here we describe maternal inheritance of Ex1A-T which gives rise to a small but highly significant overgrowth phenotype which we attribute to reduction of maternally expressed NESP55.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Eaton
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.
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Ball ST, Kelly ML, Robson JE, Turner MD, Harrison J, Jones L, Napper D, Beechey CV, Hough T, Plagge A, Cattanach BM, Cox RD, Peters J. Gene Dosage Effects at the Imprinted Gnas Cluster. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65639. [PMID: 23822972 PMCID: PMC3688811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting results in parent-of-origin-dependent monoallelic gene expression. Early work showed that distal mouse chromosome 2 is imprinted, as maternal and paternal duplications of the region (with corresponding paternal and maternal deficiencies) give rise to different anomalous phenotypes with early postnatal lethalities. Newborns with maternal duplication (MatDp(dist2)) are long, thin and hypoactive whereas those with paternal duplication (PatDp(dist2)) are chunky, oedematous, and hyperactive. Here we focus on PatDp(dist2). Loss of expression of the maternally expressed Gnas transcript at the Gnas cluster has been thought to account for the PatDp(dist2) phenotype. But PatDp(dist2) also have two expressed doses of the paternally expressed Gnasxl transcript. Through the use of targeted mutations, we have generated PatDp(dist2) mice predicted to have 1 or 2 expressed doses of Gnasxl, and 0, 1 or 2 expressed doses of Gnas. We confirm that oedema is due to lack of expression of imprinted Gnas alone. We show that it is the combination of a double dose of Gnasxl, with no dose of imprinted Gnas, that gives rise to the characteristic hyperactive, chunky, oedematous, lethal PatDp(dist2) phenotype, which is also hypoglycaemic. However PatDp(dist2) mice in which the dosage of the Gnasxl and Gnas is balanced (either 2∶2 or 1∶1) are neither dysmorphic nor hyperactive, have normal glucose levels, and are fully viable. But PatDp(dist2) with biallelic expression of both Gnasxl and Gnas show a marked postnatal growth retardation. Our results show that most of the PatDp(dist2) phenotype is due to overexpression of Gnasxl combined with loss of expression of Gnas, and suggest that Gnasxl and Gnas may act antagonistically in a number of tissues and to cause a wide range of phenotypic effects. It can be concluded that monoallelic expression of both Gnasxl and Gnas is a requirement for normal postnatal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon T. Ball
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle L. Kelly
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Joan E. Robson
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Martin D. Turner
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie Harrison
- Medical Research Council Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lynn Jones
- Medical Research Council Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Napper
- Medical Research Council Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Colin V. Beechey
- Medical Research Council Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Tertius Hough
- Medical Research Council Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Antonius Plagge
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce M. Cattanach
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Roger D. Cox
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Peters
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Turan S, Bastepe M. The GNAS complex locus and human diseases associated with loss-of-function mutations or epimutations within this imprinted gene. Horm Res Paediatr 2013; 80:229-41. [PMID: 24107509 PMCID: PMC3874326 DOI: 10.1159/000355384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
GNAS is a complex imprinted locus leading to several different gene products that show exclusive monoallelic expression. GNAS also encodes the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα), a ubiquitously expressed signaling protein that is essential for the actions of many hormones and other endogenous molecules. Gsα is expressed biallelically in most tissues but its expression is silenced from the paternal allele in a small number of tissues. The tissue-specific paternal silencing of Gsα results in different parent-of-origin-specific phenotypes in patients who carry inactivating GNAS mutations. In this paper, we review the GNAS complex locus and discuss how disruption of Gsα expression and the expression of other GNAS products shape the phenotypes of human disorders caused by mutations in this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Turan
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Marmara University School of Medicine Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Bastepe
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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37
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Wilkins JF. Phenotypic Plasticity, Pleiotropy, and the Growth-First Theory of Imprinting. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENOMICS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-36827-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Essex MJ, Boyce WT, Hertzman C, Lam LL, Armstrong JM, Neumann SMA, Kobor MS. Epigenetic vestiges of early developmental adversity: childhood stress exposure and DNA methylation in adolescence. Child Dev 2013; 84:58-75. [PMID: 21883162 PMCID: PMC3235257 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01641.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen-year-old adolescents (N = 109) in a longitudinal study of child development were recruited to examine differences in DNA methylation in relation to parent reports of adversity during the adolescents' infancy and preschool periods. Microarray technology applied to 28,000 cytosine-guanine dinucleotide sites within DNA derived from buccal epithelial cells showed differential methylation among adolescents whose parents reported high levels of stress during their children's early lives. Maternal stressors in infancy and paternal stressors in the preschool years were most strongly predictive of differential methylation, and the patterning of such epigenetic marks varied by children's gender. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of prospective associations between adversities in early childhood and the epigenetic conformation of adolescents' genomic DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn J Essex
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
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39
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Cheeseman MT, Vowell K, Hough TA, Jones L, Pathak P, Tyrer HE, Kelly M, Cox R, Warren MV, Peters J. A mouse model for osseous heteroplasia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51835. [PMID: 23284784 PMCID: PMC3526487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
GNAS/Gnas encodes Gsα that is mainly biallelically expressed but shows imprinted expression in some tissues. In Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy (AHO) heterozygous loss of function mutations of GNAS can result in ectopic ossification that tends to be superficial and attributable to haploinsufficiency of biallelically expressed Gsα. Oed-Sml is a point missense mutation in exon 6 of the orthologous mouse locus Gnas. We report here both the late onset ossification and occurrence of benign cutaneous fibroepithelial polyps in Oed-Sml. These phenotypes are seen on both maternal and paternal inheritance of the mutant allele and are therefore due to an effect on biallelically expressed Gsα. The ossification is confined to subcutaneous tissues and so resembles the ossification observed with AHO. Our mouse model is the first with both subcutaneous ossification and fibroepithelial polyps related to Gsα deficiency. It is also the first mouse model described with a clinically relevant phenotype associated with a point mutation in Gsα and may be useful in investigations of the mechanisms of heterotopic bone formation. Together with earlier results, our findings indicate that Gsα signalling pathways play a vital role in repressing ectopic bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Cheeseman
- Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK.
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40
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Plagge A. Non-Coding RNAs at the Gnas and Snrpn-Ube3a Imprinted Gene Loci and Their Involvement in Hereditary Disorders. Front Genet 2012; 3:264. [PMID: 23226156 PMCID: PMC3509947 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have long been recognized at imprinted gene loci and provided early paradigms to investigate their functions and molecular mechanisms of action. The characteristic feature of imprinted genes, their monoallelic, parental-origin-dependent expression, is achieved through complex epigenetic regulation, which is modulated by ncRNAs. This minireview focuses on two imprinted gene clusters, in which changes in ncRNA expression contribute to human disorders. At the GNAS locus loss of NESP RNA can cause autosomal dominant Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (AD-PHP-Ib), while at the SNRPN-UBE3A locus a long ncRNA and processed snoRNAs play a role in Angelman-Syndrome (AS) and Prader–Willi-Syndrome (PWS). The ncRNAs silence overlapping protein-coding transcripts in sense or anti-sense orientation through changes in histone modifications as well as DNA methylation at CpG-rich sequence motifs. Their epigenetic modulatory functions are required in early development in the pre-implantation embryo or already in the parental germ cells. However, it remains unclear whether the sequence homology-carrying ncRNA itself is required, or whether the process of its transcription through other promoters causes the silencing effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonius Plagge
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool Liverpool, UK
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41
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Abstract
Genomic imprinting refers to the process whereby genes are silenced when inherited via sperm or egg. The most widely accepted theory for the evolution of genomic imprinting-the kinship theory-argues that conflict between maternally inherited and paternally inherited genes over phenotypes with asymmetric effects on matrilineal and patrilineal kin results in self-imposed silencing of one of the copies. This theory was originally developed in the context of fitness interactions within nuclear families, to understand intragenomic conflict in the embryo and infant, but it has recently been extended to encompass interactions within wider social groups, to understand intragenomic conflict over the social behavior of juveniles and adults. Here, we complete our model of genomic imprinting in the social brain by considering age-specific levels of expression in a society were generations overlap, to determine how intragenomic conflict plays out in older age. We determine the role of sex bias in juvenile dispersal, reproductive success, and adult mortality in mediating the direction and intensity of conflict over the competing demands of parental and communal care as the individual ages. We discover that sex-specific asymmetries in these demographic parameters result in intragenomic conflict at early age but this conflict gradually decays with age. Although individuals are riven by internal conflict in their youth and middle age, they put their demons to rest in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Úbeda
- School of Biological Sciences, University of London, Royal Holloway, Egham TW20 0EX, United Kingdom.
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Pignolo RJ, Xu M, Russell E, Richardson A, Kaplan J, Billings PC, Kaplan FS, Shore EM. Heterozygous inactivation of Gnas in adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells enhances osteoblast differentiation and promotes heterotopic ossification. J Bone Miner Res 2011; 26:2647-55. [PMID: 21812029 PMCID: PMC3584579 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Human genetic disorders sharing the common feature of subcutaneous heterotopic ossification (HO) are caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS, a gene encoding multiple transcripts including two stimulatory G proteins, the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (G(s)α) of adenylyl cyclase, and the extralong form of G(s)α, XLαs. In one such disorder, progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), bone formation initiates within subcutaneous fat before progressing to deeper tissues, suggesting that osteogenesis may involve abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal precursors that are present in adipose tissues. We determined by immunohistochemical analysis that GNAS protein expression is limited to G(s)α in bone-lining cells and to G(s)α and XLαs in osteocytes. By contrast, the GNAS proteins G(s)α, XLαs, and NESP55 are detected in adipocytes and in adipose stroma. Although Gnas transcripts, as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR, show no significant changes on osteoblast differentiation of bone-derived precursor cells, the abundance of these transcripts is enhanced by osteoblast differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitors. Using a mouse knockout model, we determined that heterozygous inactivation of Gnas (by disruption of the G(s)α-specific exon 1) abrogates upregulation of multiple Gnas transcripts that normally occurs with osteoblast differentiation in wild-type adipose stromal cells. These transcriptional changes in Gnas(+/-) mice are accompanied by accelerated osteoblast differentiation of adipose stromal cells in vitro. In vivo, altered osteoblast differentiation in Gnas(+/-) mice manifests as subcutaneous HO by an intramembranous process. Taken together, these data suggest that Gnas is a key regulator of fate decisions in adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells, specifically those which are involved in bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Pignolo
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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43
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Expression and imprinting analysis of the NESP55 gene in pigs. Gene Expr Patterns 2011; 12:18-23. [PMID: 22067442 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Most imprinted genes play important roles in a mammalian development. One of them is GNAS complex locus which codes for several imprinted or biallelically expressed transcripts. The function of some of them are well understood (for example GSα-guanine nucleotide binding, α -stimulating protein is essential element of cell signaling), whereas the others are little known. The function of NESP55 (Neuroendocrine secretory protein 55) remains elusive, although there are suggestions about its role in brain development. Imprinted genes are currently being studied as potential candidate genes for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in farm animals. In our study, we analyzed tissue distribution of NESP55 mRNA in pigs and established imprinting status of this gene in the brain stem, muscle, kidney and liver at several developmental stages. NESP55 mRNA was most abundant in central nervous system (CNS) and pituitary. Substantial expression was also noticed in the kidney, testis and muscle. Moreover, we identified a 12-nucleotides deletion within the coding region of NESP55 (accession number ss#342570450) which was used in imprinting analysis. The deletion was very rare in the analyzed populations and present only in heterozygous form. The imprinting analysis showed that NESP55 is maternally expressed in young and adult pigs, similar to what was obtained in humans, mice and cattle.
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Ragsdale G, Foley RA. A maternal influence on Reading the mind in the Eyes mediated by executive function: differential parental influences on full and half-siblings. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23236. [PMID: 21850264 PMCID: PMC3151289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parent-of-origin effects have been found to influence the mammalian brain and cognition and have been specifically implicated in the development of human social cognition and theory of mind. The experimental design in this study was developed to detect parent-of-origin effects on theory of mind, as measured by the ‘Reading the mind in the eyes’ (Eyes) task. Eyes scores were also entered into a principal components analysis with measures of empathy, social skills and executive function, in order to determine what aspect of theory of mind Eyes is measuring. Methodology/Principal Findings Maternal and paternal influences on Eyes scores were compared using correlations between pairs of full (70 pairs), maternal (25 pairs) and paternal siblings (15 pairs). Structural equation modelling supported a maternal influence on Eyes scores over the normal range but not low-scoring outliers, and also a sex-specific influence on males acting to decrease male Eyes scores. It was not possible to differentiate between genetic and environmental influences in this particular sample because maternal siblings tended to be raised together while paternal siblings were raised apart. The principal components analysis found Eyes was associated with measures of executive function, principally behavioural inhibition and attention, rather than empathy or social skills. Conclusions/Significance In conclusion, the results suggest a maternal influence on Eye scores in the normal range and a sex-specific influence acting to reduce scores in males. This influence may act via aspects of executive function such as behavioural inhibition and attention. There may be different influences acting to produce the lowest Eyes scores which implies that the heratibility and/or maternal influence on poor theory of mind skills may be qualitatively different to the influence on the normal range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Ragsdale
- Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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45
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Curley JP. Is there a genomically imprinted social brain? Bioessays 2011; 33:662-8. [PMID: 21805481 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Revised: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Imprinted genes (IGs) are expressed or silenced according to their parent-of-origin. These genes are known to play a role in regulating offspring growth, development and infant behaviors such as suckling and ultrasonic calls. In adults, neurally expressed IGs coordinate several behaviors including maternal care, sex, feeding, emotionality, and cognition. However, despite evidence from human psychiatric disorders and evolutionary theory that maternally and paternally expressed genes should also regulate social behavior, little empirical data from mouse research exists. This paper discusses data from a recent study (Garfield et al., 2011) that the IG Grb10 governs unique aspects of mouse social behavior and interprets the relevance of these findings for the future of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Curley
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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46
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Bastepe M. The GNAS Locus: Quintessential Complex Gene Encoding Gsalpha, XLalphas, and other Imprinted Transcripts. Curr Genomics 2011; 8:398-414. [PMID: 19412439 PMCID: PMC2671723 DOI: 10.2174/138920207783406488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2007] [Revised: 09/22/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The currently estimated number of genes in the human genome is much smaller than previously predicted. As an explanation for this disparity, most individual genes have multiple transcriptional units that represent a variety of biologically important gene products. GNAS exemplifies a gene of such complexity. One of its products is the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein (Gsalpha), a ubiquitous signaling protein essential for numerous different cellular responses. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations within Gsalpha-coding GNAS exons are found in various human disorders, including Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, pseudohypoparathyroidism, fibrous dysplasia of bone, and some tumors of different origin. While Gsalpha expression in most tissues is biallelic, paternal Gsalpha expression is silenced in a small number of tissues, playing an important role in the development of phenotypes associated with GNAS mutations. Additional products derived exclusively from the paternal GNAS allele include XLalphas, a protein partially identical to Gsalpha, and two non-coding RNA molecules, the A/B transcript and the antisense transcript. The maternal GNAS allele leads to NESP55, a chromogranin-like neuroendocrine secretory protein. In vivo animal models have demonstrated the importance of each of the exclusively imprinted GNAS products in normal mammalian physiology. However, although one or more of these products are also disrupted by most naturally occurring GNAS mutations, their roles in disease pathogenesis remain unknown. To further our understanding of the significance of this gene in physiology and pathophysiology, it will be important to elucidate the cellular roles and the mechanisms regulating the expression of each GNAS product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Bastepe
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Brandvain Y, Van Cleve J, Ubeda F, Wilkins JF. Demography, kinship, and the evolving theory of genomic imprinting. Trends Genet 2011; 27:251-7. [PMID: 21683468 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is the differential expression of an allele based on the parent of origin. Recent transcriptome-wide evaluations of the number of imprinted genes reveal complex patterns of imprinted expression among developmental stages and cell types. Such data demand a comprehensive evolutionary framework in which to understand the effect of natural selection on imprinted gene expression. We present such a framework for how asymmetries in demographic parameters and fitness effects can lead to the evolution of genomic imprinting and place recent theoretical advances in this framework. This represents a modern interpretation of the kinship theory, is well suited to studying populations with complex social interactions, and provides predictions which can be tested with forthcoming transcriptomic data. To understand the intricate phenotypic patterns that are emerging from the recent deluge of data, future investigations of genomic imprinting will require integrating evolutionary theory, transcriptomic data, developmental and functional genetics, and natural history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Brandvain
- University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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John RM, Lefebvre L. Developmental regulation of somatic imprints. Differentiation 2011; 81:270-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2011.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Qureshi IA, Mehler MF. Non-coding RNA networks underlying cognitive disorders across the lifespan. Trends Mol Med 2011; 17:337-46. [PMID: 21411369 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their associated regulatory networks are increasingly being implicated in mediating a complex repertoire of neurobiological functions. Cognitive and behavioral processes are proving to be no exception. In this review, we discuss the emergence of many novel, diverse and rapidly expanding classes and subclasses of short and long ncRNAs. We briefly review the life cycles and molecular functions of these ncRNAs. We also examine how ncRNA circuitry mediates brain development, plasticity, stress responses and aging, and highlight its potential roles in the pathophysiology of cognitive disorders, including neural developmental and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, as well as those that manifest throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A Qureshi
- Rosyln and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
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Abstract
What are imprinted genes doing in the adult brain? Genomic imprinting is when a gene's expression depends upon parent of origin. According to the prevailing view, the "kinship theory" of genomic imprinting, this effect is driven by evolutionary conflicts between genes inherited via sperm versus egg. This theory emphasizes conflicts over the allocation of maternal resources, and focuses upon genes that are expressed in the placenta and infant brain. However, there is growing evidence that imprinted genes are also expressed in the juvenile and adult brain, after cessation of parental care. These genes have recently been suggested to underpin neurological disorders of the social brain such as psychosis and autism. Here we advance the kinship theory by developing an evolutionary model of genomic imprinting for social behavior beyond the nuclear family. We consider the role of demography and mating system, emphasizing the importance of sex differences in dispersal and variance in reproductive success. We predict that, in hominids and birds, altruism will be promoted by paternally inherited genes and egoism will be promoted by maternally inherited genes. In nonhominid mammals we predict more diversity, with some mammals showing the same pattern and other showing the reverse. We discuss the implications for the evolution of psychotic and autistic spectrum disorders in human populations with different social structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ubeda
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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