1
|
Duncan BW, Murphy KE, Maness PF. Molecular Mechanisms of L1 and NCAM Adhesion Molecules in Synaptic Pruning, Plasticity, and Stabilization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:625340. [PMID: 33585481 PMCID: PMC7876315 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.625340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian brain circuits are wired by dynamic formation and remodeling during development to produce a balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Synaptic regulation is mediated by a complex network of proteins including immunoglobulin (Ig)- class cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), structural and signal-transducing components at the pre- and post-synaptic membranes, and the extracellular protein matrix. This review explores the current understanding of developmental synapse regulation mediated by L1 and NCAM family CAMs. Excitatory and inhibitory synapses undergo formation and remodeling through neuronal CAMs and receptor-ligand interactions. These responses result in pruning inactive dendritic spines and perisomatic contacts, or synaptic strengthening during critical periods of plasticity. Ankyrins engage neural adhesion molecules of the L1 family (L1-CAMs) to promote synaptic stability. Chondroitin sulfates, hyaluronic acid, tenascin-R, and linker proteins comprising the perineuronal net interact with L1-CAMs and NCAM, stabilizing synaptic contacts and limiting plasticity as critical periods close. Understanding neuronal adhesion signaling and synaptic targeting provides insight into normal development as well as synaptic connectivity disorders including autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryce W Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Neuroscience Research Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kelsey E Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Neuroscience Research Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Patricia F Maness
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Neuroscience Research Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zheng Y, Verhoeff TA, Perez Pardo P, Garssen J, Kraneveld AD. The Gut-Brain Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Focus on the Metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010118. [PMID: 33374371 PMCID: PMC7796333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spectrum of disorders that are characterized by problems in social interaction and repetitive behavior. The disease is thought to develop from changes in brain development at an early age, although the exact mechanisms are not known yet. In addition, a significant number of people with ASD develop problems in the intestinal tract. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAMs) include a group of enzymes that are able to cleave membrane-bound proteins. ADAM10 and ADAM17 are two members of this family that are able to cleave protein substrates involved in ASD pathogenesis, such as specific proteins important for synapse formation, axon signaling and neuroinflammation. All these pathological mechanisms are involved in ASD. Besides the brain, ADAM10 and ADAM17 are also highly expressed in the intestines. ADAM10 and ADAM17 have implications in pathways that regulate gut permeability, homeostasis and inflammation. These metalloproteases might be involved in microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions in ASD through the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in the intestinal tract. In this review, the potential roles of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the pathology of ASD and as targets for new therapies will be discussed, with a focus on the gut-brain axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpeng Zheng
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Tessa A. Verhoeff
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Paula Perez Pardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
- Global Centre of Excellence Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research B.V., 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aletta D. Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)3-02534509
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dong Z, Chen W, Chen C, Wang H, Cui W, Tan Z, Robinson H, Gao N, Luo B, Zhang L, Zhao K, Xiong WC, Mei L. CUL3 Deficiency Causes Social Deficits and Anxiety-like Behaviors by Impairing Excitation-Inhibition Balance through the Promotion of Cap-Dependent Translation. Neuron 2020; 105:475-490.e6. [PMID: 31780330 PMCID: PMC7007399 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with symptoms including social deficits, anxiety, and communication difficulties. However, ASD pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. Mutations of CUL3, which encodes Cullin 3 (CUL3), a component of an E3 ligase complex, are thought of as risk factors for ASD and schizophrenia (SCZ). CUL3 is abundant in the brain, yet little is known of its function. Here, we show that CUL3 is critical for neurodevelopment. CUL3-deficient mice exhibited social deficits and anxiety-like behaviors with enhanced glutamatergic transmission and neuronal excitability. Proteomic analysis revealed eIF4G1, a protein for Cap-dependent translation, as a potential target of CUL3. ASD-associated cellular and behavioral deficits could be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of the eIF4G1 function and chemogenetic inhibition of neuronal activity. Thus, CUL3 is critical to neural development, neurotransmission, and excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance. Our study provides novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD and SCZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Dong
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wenbing Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- The Laboratory of Vector Biology and Control, College of Engineering, Beijing Normal University (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519085, China
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wanpeng Cui
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Zhibing Tan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Heath Robinson
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nannan Gao
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wen-Cheng Xiong
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Friedrich J, Strandberg E, Arvelius P, Sánchez-Molano E, Pong-Wong R, Hickey JM, Haskell MJ, Wiener P. Genetic dissection of complex behaviour traits in German Shepherd dogs. Heredity (Edinb) 2019; 123:746-758. [PMID: 31611599 PMCID: PMC6834583 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-019-0275-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A favourable genetic structure and diversity of behavioural features highlights the potential of dogs for studying the genetic architecture of behaviour traits. However, behaviours are complex traits, which have been shown to be influenced by numerous genetic and non-genetic factors, complicating their analysis. In this study, the genetic contribution to behaviour variation in German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) was analysed using genomic approaches. GSDs were phenotyped for behaviour traits using the established Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and regional heritability mapping (RHM) approaches were employed to identify associations between behaviour traits and genetic variants, while accounting for relevant non-genetic factors. By combining these complementary methods we endeavoured to increase the power to detect loci with small effects. Several behavioural traits exhibited moderate heritabilities, with the highest identified for Human-directed playfulness, a trait characterised by positive interactions with humans. We identified several genomic regions associated with one or more of the analysed behaviour traits. Some candidate genes located in these regions were previously linked to behavioural disorders in humans, suggesting a new context for their influence on behaviour characteristics. Overall, the results support dogs as a valuable resource to dissect the genetic architecture of behaviour traits and also highlight the value of focusing on a single breed in order to control for background genetic effects and thus avoid limitations of between-breed analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Friedrich
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Erling Strandberg
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Arvelius
- Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Centre, PO Box 194, 195 24, Märsta, Sweden
| | - E Sánchez-Molano
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ricardo Pong-Wong
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - John M Hickey
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Marie J Haskell
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Pamela Wiener
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Genes and Pathways Regulated by Androgens in Human Neural Cells, Potential Candidates for the Male Excess in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:239-252. [PMID: 29428674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to androgens during brain development in male individuals may participate to increase their susceptibility to develop neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. However, little is known about the action of androgens in human neural cells. METHODS We used human neural stem cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells to investigate targets of androgens. RESULTS RNA sequencing revealed that treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) leads to subtle but significant changes in the expression of about 200 genes, encoding proteins of extracellular matrix or involved in signal transduction of growth factors (e.g., insulin/insulin growth factor 1). We showed that the most differentially expressed genes (DEGs), RGCC, RNF144B, NRCAM, TRIM22, FAM107A, IGFBP5, and LAMA2, are reproducibly regulated by different androgens in different genetic backgrounds. We showed, by overexpressing the androgen receptor in neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y or knocking it down in human neural stem cells, that this regulation involves the androgen receptor. A chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with direct sequencing analysis identified androgen receptor-bound sequences in nearly half of the DHT-DEGs and in numerous other genes. DHT-DEGs appear enriched in genes involved in ASD (ASXL3, NLGN4X, etc.), associated with ASD (NRCAM), or differentially expressed in patients with ASD (FAM107A, IGFBP5). Androgens increase human neural stem cell proliferation and survival in nutrient-deprived culture conditions, with no detectable effect on regulation of neurite outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS We characterized androgen action in neural progenitor cells, identifying DHT-DEGs that appear to be enriched in genes related to ASD. We also showed that androgens increase proliferation of neuronal precursors and protect them from death during their differentiation in nutrient-deprived conditions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Shen L, Zhang K, Feng C, Chen Y, Li S, Iqbal J, Liao L, Zhao Y, Zhai J. iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals Protein Profile in Plasma from Children with Autism. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 12:e1700085. [PMID: 29274201 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201700085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autism is a childhood neurological disorder with poorly understood etiology and pathology. This study is designed to identify differentially expressed proteins that might serve as potential biomarkers for autism. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We perform iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) analysis for normal and autistic children's plasma of the same age group. RESULTS The results show that 24 differentially expressed proteins were identified between autistic subjects and controls. For the first time, differential expression of complement C5 (C5) and fermitin family homolog 3 (FERMT3) are related to autism. Five proteins, that is, complement C3 (C3), C5, integrin alpha-IIb (ITGA2B), talin-1 (TLN1), and vitamin D-binding protein (GC) were validated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis, combinations of these five proteins C3, C5, GC, ITGA2B, and TLN1 distinguished autistic children from healthy controls with a high AUC (area under the ROC curve) value (0.982, 95% CI, 0.957-1.000, p < 0.000). CONCLUSION These above described proteins are found involved in different pathways that have previously been linked to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The results strongly support that focal adhesions, acting cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, motility and migration, synaptogenesis, and complement system are involved in the pathogenesis of autism, and highlight the important role of platelet function in the pathophysiology of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Kaoyuan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Youjiao Chen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China.,Xiang Ya Changde Hospital, Changde City, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Shuiming Li
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Javed Iqbal
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Liping Liao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhai
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xenopus laevis neuronal cell adhesion molecule (nrcam): plasticity of a CAM in the developing nervous system. Dev Genes Evol 2016; 227:61-67. [PMID: 27942869 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-016-0569-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuron-glial-related cell adhesion molecule (NRCAM) is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule of the L1 immunoglobulin superfamily, which plays diverse roles during nervous system development including axon growth and guidance, synapse formation, and formation of the myelinated nerve. Perturbations in NRCAM function cause a wide variety of disorders, which can affect wiring and targeting of neurons, or cause psychiatric disorders as well as cancers through abnormal modulation of signaling events. In the present study, we characterize the Xenopus laevis homolog of nrcam. Expression of Xenopus nrcam is most abundant along the dorsal midline throughout the developing brain and in the outer nuclear layer of the retina.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hicks SD, Middleton FA. A Comparative Review of microRNA Expression Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:176. [PMID: 27867363 PMCID: PMC5095455 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of deficits in social interaction, communication, and behavior. There is a significant genetic component to ASD, yet no single gene variant accounts for >1% of incidence. Posttranscriptional mechanisms such as microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression without altering the genetic code. They are abundant in the developing brain and are dysregulated in children with ASD. Patterns of miRNA expression are altered in the brain, blood, saliva, and olfactory precursor cells of ASD subjects. The ability of miRNAs to regulate broad molecular pathways in response to environmental stimuli makes them an intriguing player in ASD, a disorder characterized by genetic predisposition with ill-defined environmental triggers. In addition, the availability and extracellular stability of miRNAs make them an ideal candidate for biomarker discovery. Here, we discuss 27 miRNAs with overlap across ASD studies, including 3 miRNAs identified in 3 or more studies (miR-23a, miR-146a, and miR-106b). Together, these 27 miRNAs have 1245 high-confidence mRNA targets, a significant number of which are expressed in the brain. Furthermore, these mRNA targets demonstrate over-representation of autism-related genes with enrichment of neurotrophic signaling molecules. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a molecule involved in hippocampal neurogenesis and altered in ASD, is targeted by 6 of the 27 miRNAs of interest. This neurotrophic pathway represents one intriguing mechanism by which perturbations in miRNA signaling might influence central nervous system development in children with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Hicks
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Frank A. Middleton
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Impairments in dendrite morphogenesis as etiology for neurodevelopmental disorders and implications for therapeutic treatments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:946-978. [PMID: 27143622 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dendrite morphology is pivotal for neural circuitry functioning. While the causative relationship between small-scale dendrite morphological abnormalities (shape, density of dendritic spines) and neurodevelopmental disorders is well established, such relationship remains elusive for larger-scale dendrite morphological impairments (size, shape, branching pattern of dendritic trees). Here, we summarize published data on dendrite morphological irregularities in human patients and animal models for neurodevelopmental disorders, with focus on autism and schizophrenia. We next discuss high-risk genes for these disorders and their role in dendrite morphogenesis. We finally overview recent developments in therapeutic attempts and we discuss how they relate to dendrite morphology. We find that both autism and schizophrenia are accompanied by dendritic arbor morphological irregularities, and that majority of their high-risk genes regulate dendrite morphogenesis. Thus, we present a compelling argument that, along with smaller-scale morphological impairments in dendrites (spines and synapse), irregularities in larger-scale dendrite morphology (arbor shape, size) may be an important part of neurodevelopmental disorders' etiology. We suggest that this should not be ignored when developing future therapeutic treatments.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim YJ, Park JK, Kang WS, Kim SK, Park HJ, Nam M, Kim JW. LAMB1 polymorphism is associated with autism symptom severity in Korean autism spectrum disorder patients. Nord J Psychiatry 2015; 69:594-8. [PMID: 25774865 DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2015.1022597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LAMB1 encodes laminin beta-1, which is expressed during early development of the human nervous system, and could be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. AIMS In our study, we aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LAMB1 were associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and with related clinical severities of ASD. METHODS Two coding SNPs (rs20556 and rs25659) and two intronic SNPs (rs2158836 and rs2237659) were compared between 180 patients with ASD and 147 healthy control subjects using direct sequencing. The Korean version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K-CARS) was used to assess clinical severities. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to analyze genetic data, and associations with symptom severity were tested with the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS None of the four examined SNPs was associated with ASD risk. However, the GG genotype of rs2158836 was associated with more severe symptoms for the "object use" and "non-verbal communication" measures. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest the association between rs2158836 polymorphisms and symptom severity in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Jong Kim
- a Young Jong Kim, Department of Neuropsychiatry , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Park
- b Jin Kyung Park, Department of Neuropsychiatry , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sub Kang
- c Won Sub Kang, Department of Neuropsychiatry , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Republic of Korea
| | - Su Kang Kim
- d Su Kang Kim, Kohwang Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jeong Park
- e Hae Jeong Park, Kohwang Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Republic of Korea
| | - Min Nam
- f Min Nam, Seoul Metropolitan Eunpyeong Hospital , 90 Baeknyeonsan-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul 122-913, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Woo Kim
- g Jong Woo Kim, Department of Neuropsychiatry , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Neural cell adhesion molecule NrCAM is expressed in the mammalian inner ear and modulates spiral ganglion neurite outgrowth in an in vitro alternate choice assay. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 55:836-44. [PMID: 25407819 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuron-glial-related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule involved in neuron-neuron and neuron-glial adhesion as well as directional signaling during axonal cone growth. NrCAM has been shown to be involved in several cellular processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including neurite outgrowth, axonal pathfinding and myelination, fasciculation of nerve fibers, and cell migration. This includes sensory systems such as the eye and olfactory system. However, there are no reports on the expression/function of NrCAM in the auditory system. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the occurrence of NrCAM in the mammalian cochlea and its role in innervation of the auditory end organ. Our work indicates that NrCAM is highly expressed in the developing mammalian cochlea (position consistent with innervation). Moreover, we found that NrCAM, presented in stripe micropatterns, provide directional cues to neonatal rat inner ear spiral ganglion neurites in vitro. Our results are consistent with a role for NrCAM in the pathfinding of spiral ganglion dendrites toward their hair cell targets in the sensory epithelium.
Collapse
|
12
|
Noriega DB, Savelkoul HFJ. Immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Pediatr 2014; 173:33-43. [PMID: 24297668 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-013-2183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and severe neuro-developmental disorder in early childhood which is defined by social and communication deficits and repetitive and stereotypic behaviours. The aetiology of ASD remains poorly understood. Susceptibility to development of ASD has significant environmental components, in addition to the profound genetic heritability. Few genes have been associated to the risk for ASD development. There is substantial evidence implicating chronic neurological inflammation and immune dysregulation leading to upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the ASD brain, probably due to altered blood-brain barrier function. The immune system is characterized by excessive and skewed cytokine responses, modulated T cell reactivity, decreased regulation and production of immunosuppressive cytokines, modified NK function and increased autoantibody production. CONCLUSION The perinatal environment generates vulnerability to chronic neuro-inflammation in the brain associated with profound modulation and dysregulation in the immune system leading to the rapid development of ASD in genetically susceptible children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Briceno Noriega
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dai J, Buhusi M, Demyanenko GP, Brennaman LH, Hruska M, Dalva MB, Maness PF. Neuron glia-related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) promotes topographic retinocollicular mapping. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73000. [PMID: 24023801 PMCID: PMC3759449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
NrCAM (Neuron-glial related cell adhesion molecule), a member of the L1 family of cell adhesion molecules, reversibly binds ankyrin and regulates axon growth, but it has not been studied for a role in retinotopic mapping. During development of retino-collicular topography, NrCAM was expressed uniformly in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) along both mediolateral and anteroposterior retinal axes, and was localized on RGC axons within the optic tract and superior colliculus (SC). Anterograde tracing of RGC axons in NrCAM null mutant mice at P10, when the map resembles its mature form, revealed laterally displaced ectopic termination zones (eTZs) of axons from the temporal retina, indicating defective mediolateral topography, which is governed by ephrinB/EphBs. Axon tracing at P2 revealed that interstitial branch orientation of ventral-temporal RGC axons in NrCAM null mice was compromised in the medial direction, likely accounting for displacement of eTZs. A similar retinocollicular targeting defect in EphB mutant mice suggested that NrCAM and EphB interact to regulate mediolateral retino-collicular targeting. We found that EphB2 tyrosine kinase but not an EphB2 kinase dead mutant, phosphorylated NrCAM at a conserved tyrosine residue in the FIGQY ankyrin binding motif, perturbing ankyrin recruitment in NrCAM transfected HEK293 cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of NrCAM at FIGQY in SC was decreased in EphB1/3 and EphB1/2/3 null mice compared to WT, while phospho-FIGQY of NrCAM in SC was increased in EphB2 constitutively active (F620D/F620D) mice. These results demonstrate that NrCAM contributes to mediolateral retinocollicular axon targeting by regulating RGC branch orientation through a likely mechanism in which ephrinB/EphB phosphorylates NrCAM to modulate linkage to the actin cytoskeleton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mona Buhusi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Galina P. Demyanenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Leann H. Brennaman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Martin Hruska
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Dalva
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Patricia F. Maness
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kochunov P, Charlesworth J, Winkler A, Hong LE, Nichols TE, Curran JE, Sprooten E, Jahanshad N, Thompson PM, Johnson MP, Kent JW, Landman BA, Mitchell B, Cole SA, Dyer TD, Moses EK, Goring HHH, Almasy L, Duggirala R, Olvera RL, Glahn DC, Blangero J. Transcriptomics of cortical gray matter thickness decline during normal aging. Neuroimage 2013; 82:273-83. [PMID: 23707588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We performed a whole-transcriptome correlation analysis, followed by the pathway enrichment and testing of innate immune response pathway analyses to evaluate the hypothesis that transcriptional activity can predict cortical gray matter thickness (GMT) variability during normal cerebral aging. METHODS Transcriptome and GMT data were available for 379 individuals (age range=28-85) community-dwelling members of large extended Mexican American families. Collection of transcriptome data preceded that of neuroimaging data by 17 years. Genome-wide gene transcriptome data consisted of 20,413 heritable lymphocytes-based transcripts. GMT measurements were performed from high-resolution (isotropic 800 μm) T1-weighted MRI. Transcriptome-wide and pathway enrichment analysis was used to classify genes correlated with GMT. Transcripts for sixty genes from seven innate immune pathways were tested as specific predictors of GMT variability. RESULTS Transcripts for eight genes (IGFBP3, LRRN3, CRIP2, SCD, IDS, TCF4, GATA3, and HN1) passed the transcriptome-wide significance threshold. Four orthogonal factors extracted from this set predicted 31.9% of the variability in the whole-brain and between 23.4 and 35% of regional GMT measurements. Pathway enrichment analysis identified six functional categories including cellular proliferation, aggregation, differentiation, viral infection, and metabolism. The integrin signaling pathway was significantly (p<10(-6)) enriched with GMT. Finally, three innate immune pathways (complement signaling, toll-receptors and scavenger and immunoglobulins) were significantly associated with GMT. CONCLUSION Expression activity for the genes that regulate cellular proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and inflammation can explain a significant proportion of individual variability in cortical GMT. Our findings suggest that normal cerebral aging is the product of a progressive decline in regenerative capacity and increased neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Kochunov
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen CP, Chang SJ, Chern SR, Wu PS, Chen YT, Su JW, Chen WL, Wang W. Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of a de novo interstitial deletion of 7q (7q22.1→q31.1). Gene 2013; 521:311-5. [PMID: 23545313 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.03.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We present prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of de novo interstitial deletion of 7q (7q22.1→q31.1) by aCGH, FISH and QF-PCR in a fetus with an abnormal maternal serum screening result and ultrasound findings of facial cleft and hypogenitalism. We discuss the genotype-phenotype correlation and the consequence of haploinsufficiency of ZKSCAN5, ARPC1A, CYP3A43, RELN, LAMB1, IMMP2L and DOCK4 in this case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
McClure M, Kim E, Bickhart D, Null D, Cooper T, Cole J, Wiggans G, Ajmone-Marsan P, Colli L, Santus E, Liu GE, Schroeder S, Matukumalli L, Van Tassell C, Sonstegard T. Fine mapping for Weaver syndrome in Brown Swiss cattle and the identification of 41 concordant mutations across NRCAM, PNPLA8 and CTTNBP2. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59251. [PMID: 23527149 PMCID: PMC3603989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine Progressive Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy (Weaver Syndrome) is a recessive neurological disease that has been observed in the Brown Swiss cattle breed since the 1970's in North America and Europe. Bilateral hind leg weakness and ataxia appear in afflicted animals at 6 to 18 months of age, and slowly progresses to total loss of hind limb control by 3 to 4 years of age. While Weaver has previously been mapped to Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 4∶46-56 Mb and a diagnostic test based on the 6 microsatellite (MS) markers is commercially available, neither the causative gene nor mutation has been identified; therefore misdiagnosis can occur due to recombination between the diagnostic MS markers and the causative mutation. Analysis of 34,980 BTA 4 SNPs genotypes derived from the Illumina BovineHD assay for 20 Brown Swiss Weaver carriers and 49 homozygous normal bulls refined the Weaver locus to 48-53 Mb. Genotyping of 153 SNPs, identified from whole genome sequencing of 10 normal and 10 carrier animals, across a validation set of 841 animals resulted in the identification of 41 diagnostic SNPs that were concordant with the disease. Except for one intergenic SNP all are associated with genes expressed in nervous tissues: 37 distal to NRCAM, one non-synonymous (serine to asparagine) in PNPLA8, one synonymous and one non-synonymous (lysine to glutamic acid) in CTTNBP2. Haplotype and imputation analyses of 7,458 Brown Swiss animals with Illumina BovineSNP50 data and the 41 diagnostic SNPs resulted in the identification of only one haplotype concordant with the Weaver phenotype. Use of this haplotype and the diagnostic SNPs more accurately identifies Weaver carriers in both Brown Swiss purebred and influenced herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McClure
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Euisoo Kim
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Derek Bickhart
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel Null
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tabatha Cooper
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John Cole
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George Wiggans
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Paolo Ajmone-Marsan
- Istituto di Zootecnica e BioDNA Centro di Ricerca sulla Biodiversità e il DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Licia Colli
- Istituto di Zootecnica e BioDNA Centro di Ricerca sulla Biodiversità e il DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Enrico Santus
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori bovini della Razza Bruna, Italian Brown Swiss Association, Bussolengo, Italy
| | - George E. Liu
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Steve Schroeder
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lakshmi Matukumalli
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Curt Van Tassell
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tad Sonstegard
- USDA, ARS, ANRI, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li X, Zou H, Brown WT. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:543-52. [PMID: 22688012 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous grouping of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairment in social interaction, verbal communication and repetitive/stereotypic behaviors. Much evidence suggests that ASD is multifactorial with a strong genetic basis, but the underlying mechanisms are far from clear. Recent advances in genetic technologies are beginning to shed light on possible etiologies of ASD. This review discusses current evidence for several widely studied candidate ASD genes, as well as various rare genes that supports their relationship to the etiology of ASD. The majority of the data are based on molecular, cytogenetic, linkage and association studies of autistic subjects, but newer methods, including whole-exome sequencing, are also beginning to make significant contributions to our understanding of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY 10314, United States.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Russo AJ, Bazin AP, Bigega R, Carlson RS, Cole MG, Contreras DC, Galvin MB, Gaydorus SS, Holik SD, Jenkins GP, Jones BM, Languell PA, Lyman PJ, March KP, Meuer KA, Peterson SR, Piedmonte MT, Quinn MG, Smaranda NC, Steves PL, Taylor HP, Waddingham TE, Warren JS. Plasma copper and zinc concentration in individuals with autism correlate with selected symptom severity. Nutr Metab Insights 2012; 5:41-7. [PMID: 23882147 PMCID: PMC3698472 DOI: 10.4137/nmi.s8761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism and correlate these levels with symptom severity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Plasma from 102 autistic individuals, and 18 neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn were analyzed for possible correlation with severity of 19 symptoms. RESULTS Autistic individuals had elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. There was a correlation between Cu/Zn and expressive language, receptive language, focus attention, hyperactivity, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and Tip Toeing. There was a negative correlation between plasma zinc concentration and hyperactivity, and fine motor skills severity. DISCUSSION These results suggest an association between plasma Cu/Zn and severity of symptoms associated with autism.
Collapse
|
19
|
Freitag CM, Asherson P, Hebebrand J. Behavioural genetics of childhood disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2012; 12:395-428. [PMID: 22382729 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2011_178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
After a general introduction into genetic risk factors for child psychiatric disorders, four specific child psychiatric disorders with a strong genetic component, namely, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, Nocturnal Enuresis, and obesity, are discussed in detail. Recent evidence of linkage, candidate gene, and genome-wide association studies are presented. This chapter ends with a prospectus on further research needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Deutschordenstraße 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sakurai T. The role of NrCAM in neural development and disorders--beyond a simple glue in the brain. Mol Cell Neurosci 2011; 49:351-63. [PMID: 22182708 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
NrCAM is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule of the L1 family of immunoglobulin super family. It plays a wide variety of roles in neural development, including cell proliferation and differentiation, axon growth and guidance, synapse formation, and the formation of the myelinated nerve structure. NrCAM functions in cell adhesion and modulates signaling pathways in neural development through multiple molecular interactions with guidance and other factors. Alterations in NrCAM structure/expression are associated with psychiatric disorders such as autism and drug addiction and with tumor progression. The mechanisms of NrCAM participation in development and how these might be perturbed in disorders are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Sakurai
- Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Russo A, deVito R. Analysis of Copper and Zinc Plasma Concentration and the Efficacy of Zinc Therapy in Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Autism. Biomark Insights 2011; 6:127-33. [PMID: 22174567 PMCID: PMC3235993 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s7286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and autistic disorder, and to analyze the efficacy of zinc therapy on the normalization of zinc and copper levels and symptom severity in these disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Plasma from 79 autistic individuals, 52 individuals with PDD-NOS, 21 individuals with Asperger's Syndrome (all meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria), and 18 age and gender similar neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Autistic and PDD-NOS individuals had significantly elevated plasma levels of copper. None of the groups (autism, Asperger's or PDD-NOS) had significantly lower plasma zinc concentrations. Post zinc and B-6 therapy, individuals with autism and PDD-NOS had significantly lower levels of copper, but individuals with Asperger's did not have significantly lower copper. Individuals with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger's all had significantly higher zinc levels. Severity of symptoms decreased in autistic individuals following zinc and B-6 therapy with respect to awareness, receptive language, focus and attention, hyperactivity, tip toeing, eye contact, sound sensitivity, tactile sensitivity and seizures. None of the measured symptoms worsened after therapy. None of the symptoms in the Asperger's patients improved after therapy. DISCUSSION These results suggest an association between copper and zinc plasma levels and individuals with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger's Syndrome. The data also indicates that copper levels normalize (decrease to levels of controls) in individuals with autism and PDD-NOS, but not in individuals with Asperger's. These same Asperger's patients do not improve with respect to symptoms after therapy, whereas many symptoms improved in the autism group. This may indicate an association between copper levels and symptom severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A.J. Russo
- Health Research Institute, Warrenville, Illinois
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Russo AJ. Increased Copper in Individuals with Autism Normalizes Post Zinc Therapy More Efficiently in Individuals with Concurrent GI Disease. Nutr Metab Insights 2011; 4:49-54. [PMID: 23946661 PMCID: PMC3738468 DOI: 10.4137/nmi.s6827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Plasma from 79 autistic individuals, and 18 age and gender similar neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Autistic individuals had significantly elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. Zn levels increased significantly in autistic individuals with and without GI disease after zinc therapy. Cu decreased significantly after zinc therapy in the GI disease group but not in the autistic group without GI disease. Autistic children significantly improved with respect to hyperactivity and stimming after zinc therapy in autistic children with GI disease. Autistic children without GI disease did not improve in these symptoms after the same therapy. DISCUSSION These results suggest an association between zinc and copper plasma levels and autism, and they suggest that zinc therapy may be most effective at lowering copper levels in autistic children with GI disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Russo
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY 13820. Research Director Health Research Institute/Pfeiffer Treatment Center 4575 Weaver Parkway Warrenville, Illinois 60555
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dufour-Rainfray D, Vourc’h P, Tourlet S, Guilloteau D, Chalon S, Andres CR. Fetal exposure to teratogens: Evidence of genes involved in autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:1254-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
24
|
Ye H, Liu J, Wu JY. Cell adhesion molecules and their involvement in autism spectrum disorder. Neurosignals 2011; 18:62-71. [PMID: 21212702 DOI: 10.1159/000322543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by abnormalities in social interaction, language development and behavior. Recent genetic studies demonstrate that alterations in synaptic genes including those encoding cell adhesion molecules and their interaction partners play important roles in the pathogenesis of ASD. Systematic analyses of different cell adhesion molecule genes will help elucidate their normal functions and regulatory mechanisms in the establishment and maintenance of normal neural circuits and uncover genetic aberrations contributing to ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Ye
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pagnamenta AT, Bacchelli E, de Jonge MV, Mirza G, Scerri TS, Minopoli F, Chiocchetti A, Ludwig KU, Hoffmann P, Paracchini S, Lowy E, Harold DH, Chapman JA, Klauck SM, Poustka F, Houben RH, Staal WG, Ophoff RA, O'Donovan MC, Williams J, Nöthen MM, Schulte-Körne G, Deloukas P, Ragoussis J, Bailey AJ, Maestrini E, Monaco AP. Characterization of a family with rare deletions in CNTNAP5 and DOCK4 suggests novel risk loci for autism and dyslexia. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 68:320-8. [PMID: 20346443 PMCID: PMC2941017 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by social, communication, and behavioral deficits and complex genetic etiology. A recent study of 517 ASD families implicated DOCK4 by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association and a microdeletion in an affected sibling pair. METHODS The DOCK4 microdeletion on 7q31.1 was further characterized in this family using QuantiSNP analysis of 1M SNP array data and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Extended family members were tested by polymerase chain reaction amplification of junction fragments. DOCK4 dosage was measured in additional samples using SNP arrays. Since QuantiSNP analysis identified a novel CNTNAP5 microdeletion in the same affected sibling pair, this gene was sequenced in 143 additional ASD families. Further polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis included 380 ASD cases and suitable control subjects. RESULTS The maternally inherited microdeletion encompassed chr7:110,663,978-111,257,682 and led to a DOCK4-IMMP2L fusion transcript. It was also detected in five extended family members with no ASD. However, six of nine individuals with this microdeletion had poor reading ability, which prompted us to screen 606 other dyslexia cases. This led to the identification of a second DOCK4 microdeletion co-segregating with dyslexia. Assessment of genomic background in the original ASD family detected a paternal 2q14.3 microdeletion disrupting CNTNAP5 that was also transmitted to both affected siblings. Analysis of other ASD cohorts revealed four additional rare missense changes in CNTNAP5. No exonic deletions of DOCK4 or CNTNAP5 were seen in 2091 control subjects. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights two new risk factors for ASD and dyslexia and demonstrates the importance of performing a high-resolution assessment of genomic background, even after detection of a rare and likely damaging microdeletion using a targeted approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair T. Pagnamenta
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Bacchelli
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maretha V. de Jonge
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ghazala Mirza
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S. Scerri
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andreas Chiocchetti
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin U. Ludwig
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Silvia Paracchini
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ernesto Lowy
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Denise H. Harold
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jade A. Chapman
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine M. Klauck
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fritz Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Renske H. Houben
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter G. Staal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel A. Ophoff
- Department of Medical Genetics and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of California Los Angeles Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Julie Williams
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Markus M. Nöthen
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerd Schulte-Körne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Panos Deloukas
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Jiannis Ragoussis
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Bailey
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Maestrini
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anthony P. Monaco
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Llaneza DC, DeLuke SV, Batista M, Crawley JN, Christodulu KV, Frye CA. Communication, interventions, and scientific advances in autism: a commentary. Physiol Behav 2010; 100:268-76. [PMID: 20093134 PMCID: PMC2860058 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect approximately 1 in 150 children across the U.S., and are characterized by abnormal social actions, language difficulties, repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and special interests. ASD include autism (autistic disorder), Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS or atypical autism). High-functioning individuals may communicate with moderate-to-high language skills, although difficulties in social skills may result in communication deficits. Low-functioning individuals may have severe deficiencies in language, resulting in poor communication between the individual and others. Behavioral intervention programs have been developed for ASD, and are frequently adjusted to accommodate specific individual needs. Many of these programs are school-based and aim to support the child in the development of their skills, for use outside the classroom with family and friends. Strides are being made in understanding the factors contributing to the development of ASD, particularly the genetic contributions that may underlie these disorders. Mutant mouse models provide powerful research tools to investigate the genetic factors associated with ASD and its co-morbid disorders. In support, the BTBR T+tf/J mouse strain incorporates ASD-like social and communication deficits and high levels of repetitive behaviors. This commentary briefly reviews the reciprocal relationship between observations made during evidence-based behavioral interventions of high- versus low-functioning children with ASD and the accumulating body of research in autism, including animal studies and basic research models. This reciprocity is one of the hallmarks of the scientific method, such that research may inform behavioral treatments, and observations made during treatment may inform subsequent research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle C. Llaneza
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
| | - Susan V. DeLuke
- Department of Literacy and Special Education, College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY
| | - Myra Batista
- Kevin G. Langan School, Center for Disability Services, Albany, NY
| | - Jacqueline N. Crawley
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kristin V. Christodulu
- Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
| | - Cheryl A. Frye
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
- Department of Biology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
- Centers for Life Science, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
- Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sousa I, Clark TG, Holt R, Pagnamenta AT, Mulder EJ, Minderaa RB, Bailey AJ, Battaglia A, Klauck SM, Poustka F, Monaco AP. Polymorphisms in leucine-rich repeat genes are associated with autism spectrum disorder susceptibility in populations of European ancestry. Mol Autism 2010; 1:7. [PMID: 20678249 PMCID: PMC2913944 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-1-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders which are characteristically comprised of impairments in social interaction, communication and restricted interests/behaviours. Several cell adhesion transmembrane leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system and are thought to be key regulators of its development. Here we present an association study analysing the roles of four promising candidate genes - LRRTM1 (2p), LRRTM3 (10q), LRRN1 (3p) and LRRN3 (7q) - in order to identify common genetic risk factors underlying ASDs. METHODS In order to gain a better understanding of how the genetic variation within these four gene regions may influence susceptibility to ASDs, a family-based association study was undertaken in 661 families of European ancestry selected from four different ASD cohorts. In addition, a case-control study was undertaken across the four LRR genes, using logistic regression in probands with ASD of each population against 295 ECACC controls. RESULTS Significant results were found for LRRN3 and LRRTM3 (P < 0.005), using both single locus and haplotype approaches. These results were further supported by a case-control analysis, which also highlighted additional SNPs in LRRTM3. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings implicate the neuronal leucine-rich genes LRRN3 and LRRTM3 in ASD susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Sousa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Docherty SJ, Davis OSP, Kovas Y, Meaburn EL, Dale PS, Petrill SA, Schalkwyk LC, Plomin R. A genome-wide association study identifies multiple loci associated with mathematics ability and disability. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2010; 9:234-47. [PMID: 20039944 PMCID: PMC2855870 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2009.00553.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 09/08/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Numeracy is as important as literacy and exhibits a similar frequency of disability. Although its etiology is relatively poorly understood, quantitative genetic research has demonstrated mathematical ability to be moderately heritable. In this first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of mathematical ability and disability, 10 out of 43 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations nominated from two high- vs. low-ability (n = 600 10-year-olds each) scans of pooled DNA were validated (P < 0.05) in an individually genotyped sample of (*)2356 individuals spanning the entire distribution of mathematical ability, as assessed by teacher reports and online tests. Although the effects are of the modest sizes now expected for complex traits and require further replication, interesting candidate genes are implicated such as NRCAM which encodes a neuronal cell adhesion molecule. When combined into a set, the 10 SNPs account for 2.9% (F = 56.85; df = 1 and 1881; P = 7.277e-14) of the phenotypic variance. The association is linear across the distribution consistent with a quantitative trait locus (QTL) hypothesis; the third of children in our sample who harbour 10 or more of the 20 risk alleles identified are nearly twice as likely (OR = 1.96; df = 1; P = 3.696e-07) to be in the lowest performing 15% of the distribution. Our results correspond with those of quantitative genetic research in indicating that mathematical ability and disability are influenced by many genes generating small effects across the entire spectrum of ability, implying that more highly powered studies will be needed to detect and replicate these QTL associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Docherty
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cukier HN, Skaar DA, Rayner-Evans MY, Konidari I, Whitehead PL, Jaworski JM, Cuccaro ML, Pericak-Vance MA, Gilbert JR. Identification of chromosome 7 inversion breakpoints in an autistic family narrows candidate region for autism susceptibility. Autism Res 2010; 2:258-66. [PMID: 19877165 DOI: 10.1002/aur.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal breaks and rearrangements have been observed in conjunction with autism and autistic spectrum disorders. A chromosomal inversion has been previously reported in autistic siblings, spanning the region from approximately 7q22.1 to 7q31. This family is distinguished by having multiple individuals with autism and associated disabilities. The region containing the inversion has been strongly implicated in autism by multiple linkage studies, and has been particularly associated with language defects in autism as well as in other disorders with language components. Mapping of the inversion breakpoints by FISH has localized the inversion to the region spanning approximately 99-108.75 Mb of chromosome 7. The proximal breakpoint has the potential to disrupt either the coding sequence or regulatory regions of a number of cytochrome P450 genes while the distal region falls in a relative gene desert. Copy number variant analysis of the breakpoint regions detected no duplication or deletion that could clearly be associated with disease status. Association analysis in our autism data set using single nucleotide polymorphisms located near the breakpoints showed no significant association with proximal breakpoint markers, but has identified markers near the distal breakpoint ( approximately 108-110 Mb) with significant associations to autism. The chromosomal abnormality in this family strengthens the case for an autism susceptibility gene in the chromosome 7q22-31 region and targets a candidate region for further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly N Cukier
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Genetics of autistic disorders: review and clinical implications. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2010; 19:169-78. [PMID: 19941018 PMCID: PMC2839494 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-009-0076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Twin and family studies in autistic disorders (AD) have elucidated a high heritability of AD. In this literature review, we will present an overview on molecular genetic studies in AD and highlight the most recent findings of an increased rate of copy number variations in AD. An extensive literature search in the PubMed database was performed to obtain English published articles on genetic findings in autism. Results of linkage, (genome wide) association and cytogenetic studies are presented, and putative aetiopathological pathways are discussed. Implications of the different genetic findings for genetic counselling and genetic testing at present will be described. The article ends with a prospectus on future directions.
Collapse
|
31
|
Russo AJ, Krigsman A, Jepson B, Wakefield A. Decreased Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in Autistic Children with Severe Gastrointestinal Disease. Biomark Insights 2009; 4:181-90. [PMID: 20029653 PMCID: PMC2796865 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s3656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) levels in autistic children with severe gastrointestinal (GI) disease and to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between GI pathology and HGF concentration. Subjects and Methods: Serum from 29 autistic children with chronic digestive disease (symptoms for a minimum of 6–12 months), most with ileo-colonic lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH—markedly enlarged lymphoid nodules) and inflammation of the colorectum, small bowel and/or stomach), and 31 controls (11 age matched autistic children with no GI disease, 11 age matched non autistic children without GI disease and 9 age matched non autistic children with GI disease) were tested for HGF using ELISAs. HGF concentration of autistic children with GI disease was compared to GI disease severity. Results: Autistic children with GI disease had significantly lower serum levels of HGF compared to controls (autistic without GI disease; p = 0.0005, non autistic with no GI disease; p = 0.0001, and non autistic with GI disease; p = 0.001). Collectively, all autistic children had significantly lower HGF levels when compared to non autistic children (p < 0.0001). We did not find any relationship between severity of GI disease and HGF concentration in autistic children with GI disease. Discussion: These results suggest an association between HGF serum levels and the presence of GI disease in autistic children and explain a potential functional connection between the Met gene and autism. The concentration of serum HGF may be a useful biomarker for autistic children, especially those with severe GI disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Russo
- Research Director, Health Research Institute/Pfeiffer Treatment Center, 4575 Weaver Parkway, Warrenville, Illinois 60555, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder of early childhood. Genetic factors play an important role in the aetiology of the disorder. In this study, we considered the NRCAM gene as a candidate gene of autism. This gene is expressed in the central nervous system and located in the 7q region, a susceptibility locus of autism. We conducted a case-control study of 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the NRCAM gene for possible association with autism in 170 autistic patients and 214 normal controls in a Japanese population. Seven SNPs in the NRCAM gene were significantly associated with autism, among which rs2300045 indicated the most prominent result (p=0.0009 uncorrected, p=0.017 corrected). In haplotype analyses, several individual haplotypes, including a common NRCAM haplotype C-T-T-C-T-T-G-C for rs3763463, rs1859767, rs1034825, rs2300045, rs2300043, rs2300039, rs722519, and rs2216259, showed a significant association after Bonferroni correction (p=0.0035 uncorrected, p=0.028 corrected). These haplotypes were located in the 5' intron-2 region of the gene. In addition, we also assessed the above mentioned SNPs and haplotypes using the transmission disequilibrium test with 148 trios of autistic families. Haplotype G-T-T-T-T-C-G-C in the same eight SNPs was also associated with autism. In summary, our findings provide evidence for a significant association of NRCAM with autism. Considering the important role of the NRCAM gene in brain development, our results therefore indicated that the NRCAM gene is one of the strong candidate genes for autism.
Collapse
|
33
|
Kim HJ, Kim HG, Kim MH, Kwack KB, Park JK, Kim T, Kim JW, Ban JY, Chung JH. Association between neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NRCAM) single nucleotide polymorphisms and schizophrenia in a Korean population. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 63:123-4. [PMID: 19154219 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2008.01893.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
34
|
Abstract
Twin and family studies in autistic disorders (AD) have elucidated a high heritability of the narrow and broad phenotype of AD. In this review on the genetics of AD, we will initially delineate the phenotype of AD and discuss aspects of differential diagnosis, which are particularly relevant with regard to the genetics of autism. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies will be presented in detail, and the possibly involved aetiopathological pathways will be described. Implications of the different genetic findings for genetic counselling will be mentioned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yang MS, Gill M. A review of gene linkage, association and expression studies in autism and an assessment of convergent evidence. Int J Dev Neurosci 2006; 25:69-85. [PMID: 17236739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2006.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2006] [Revised: 12/05/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with high heritability and a likely complex genetic architecture. Much genetic evidence has accumulated in the last 20 years but no gene has been unequivocally identified as containing risk variants for autism. In this article we review the past and present literature on neuro-pathological, genetic linkage, genetic association, and gene expression studies in this disorder. We sought convergent evidence to support particular genes or chromosomal regions that might be likely to contain risk DNA variants. The convergent evidence from these studies supports the current hypotheses that there are multiple genetic loci predisposing to autism, and that genes involved in neurodevelopment are especially important for future genetic studies. Convergent evidence suggests the chromosome regions 7q21.2-q36.2, 16p12.1-p13.3, 6q14.3-q23.2, 2q24.1-q33.1, 17q11.1-q21.2, 1q21-q44 and 3q21.3-q29, are likely to contain risk genes for autism. Taken together with results from neuro-pathological studies, genes involved in brain development located at the above regions should be prioritized for future genetic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Sheng Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sakurai T, Ramoz N, Reichert JG, Corwin TE, Kryzak L, Smith CJ, Silverman JM, Hollander E, Buxbaum JD. Association analysis of the NrCAM gene in autism and in subsets of families with severe obsessive–compulsive or self-stimulatory behaviors. Psychiatr Genet 2006; 16:251-7. [PMID: 17106428 DOI: 10.1097/01.ypg.0000242196.81891.c9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An autism susceptibility locus (AUTS1, MIM#608636) has been identified in chromosome 7q31. NrCAM is a candidate gene for AUTS1 because it is expressed in the brain and encodes a receptor involved in nervous system development. Polymorphisms in NrCAM have been reported to be associated with autism susceptibility and with substance abuse, implicating NrCAM in reward circuitry. Self-stimulatory, perseverative behavior in autism might be due to defects in reward circuitry. In addition, models of drug addiction have also borrowed from models of obsessive-compulsive behavior designed to reduce anxiety. Thus, our goals were to replicate previous associations of NrCAM with autism, making use of a large cohort, and to clarify whether NrCAM was associated with a specific endophenotype of autism in the repetitive behaviors and stereotyped interests domains. METHODS We genotyped six NrCAM single nucleotide polymorphisms in 352 families and we tested for association between these polymorphisms and autism in the entire cohort and in two subsets, one with severe obsessive-compulsive behaviors and one with pronounced self-stimulatory behaviors. RESULTS We found no association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of NrCAM and autism in our large cohort, or in the severe obsessive-compulsive behavior and self-stimulatory behavior subsets. However, we observed a significant overtransmission (21 transmitted vs 6 nontransmitted, chi2=12.054, P=0.0005) of the haplotype G-G-A-G-C-A of rs722519-rs1269622-rs405945-rs6958498-rs401433-rs439587 in the severe obsessive-compulsive behavior subset, likely driven by the G-C haplotype of rs6958498-rs401433, which itself showed significant overtransmission (31 transmitted vs 13 nontransmitted, chi2=8.844, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS Overtransmission of particular haplotypes of NrCAM, that may relate to the expression level of NrCAM in the brain, appeared to be associated with autism in the severe obsessive-compulsive behavior subset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Sakurai
- Departments of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Campbell DB, Sutcliffe JS, Ebert PJ, Militerni R, Bravaccio C, Trillo S, Elia M, Schneider C, Melmed R, Sacco R, Persico AM, Levitt P. A genetic variant that disrupts MET transcription is associated with autism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:16834-9. [PMID: 17053076 PMCID: PMC1838551 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0605296103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence for a genetic predisposition to autism and an intense interest in discovering heritable risk factors that disrupt gene function. Based on neurobiological findings and location within a chromosome 7q31 autism candidate gene region, we analyzed the gene encoding the pleiotropic MET receptor tyrosine kinase in a family based study of autism including 1,231 cases. MET signaling participates in neocortical and cerebellar growth and maturation, immune function, and gastrointestinal repair, consistent with reported medical complications in some children with autism. Here, we show genetic association (P = 0.0005) of a common C allele in the promoter region of the MET gene in 204 autism families. The allelic association at this MET variant was confirmed in a replication sample of 539 autism families (P = 0.001) and in the combined sample (P = 0.000005). Multiplex families, in which more than one child has autism, exhibited the strongest allelic association (P = 0.000007). In case-control analyses, the autism diagnosis relative risk was 2.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.41-3.65; P = 0.0006) for the CC genotype and 1.67 (95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.49; P = 0.012) for the CG genotype compared with the GG genotype. Functional assays showed that the C allele results in a 2-fold decrease in MET promoter activity and altered binding of specific transcription factor complexes. These data implicate reduced MET gene expression in autism susceptibility, providing evidence of a previously undescribed pathophysiological basis for this behaviorally and medically complex disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - James S. Sutcliffe
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203
| | | | - Roberto Militerni
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Il University of Naples, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Il University of Naples, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Elia
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Oasi Maria SS, 94018 Troina, EN, Italy
| | - Cindy Schneider
- **Center for Autism Research and Education, Phoenix, AZ 85012
| | - Raun Melmed
- Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ 85006
| | - Roberto Sacco
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, I-00155 Rome, Italy; and
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, I-00155 Rome, Italy; and
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Pat Levitt
- *Departments of Pharmacology and
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Petek E, Schwarzbraun T, Noor A, Patel M, Nakabayashi K, Choufani S, Windpassinger C, Stamenkovic M, Robertson MM, Aschauer HN, Gurling HMD, Kroisel PM, Wagner K, Scherer SW, Vincent JB. Molecular and genomic studies of IMMP2L and mutation screening in autism and Tourette syndrome. Mol Genet Genomics 2006; 277:71-81. [PMID: 17043892 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-006-0173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 09/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported the disruption of the inner mitochondrial membrane peptidase 2-like (IMMP2L) gene by a chromosomal breakpoint in a patient with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). In the present study we sought to identify genetic variation in IMMP2L, which, through alteration of protein function or level of expression might contribute to the manifestation of GTS. We screened 39 GTS patients, and, due to the localization of IMMP2L in the critical region for the autistic disorder (AD) locus on chromosome 7q (AUTS1), 95 multiplex AD families; however, no coding mutations were found in either GTS or AD patients. In addition, no parental-specific expression of IMMP2L was detected in somatic cell hybrids containing human chromosome 7 and human cell lines carrying a maternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 (mUPD7). Despite the fact that no deleterious mutations in IMMPL2 (other than the inverted duplication identified previously) were identified in either GTS or AD, this gene cannot be excluded as a possible rare cause of either disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Petek
- Institute of Medical Biology and Human Genetics, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/8, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Persico AM, Bourgeron T. Searching for ways out of the autism maze: genetic, epigenetic and environmental clues. Trends Neurosci 2006; 29:349-358. [PMID: 16808981 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2006.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 419] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2006] [Revised: 04/18/2006] [Accepted: 05/26/2006] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of human disorders that affect higher cognitive functions has greatly advanced in recent decades, and over 20 genes associated with non-syndromic mental retardation have been identified during the past 15 years. However, proteins encoded by "cognition genes" have such diverse neurodevelopmental functions that delineating specific pathogenetic pathways still poses a tremendous challenge. In this review, we summarize genetic, epigenetic and environmental contributions to neurodevelopmental alterations that either cause or confer vulnerability to autism, a disease primarily affecting social cognition. Taken together, these results begin to provide a unifying view of complex pathogenetic pathways that are likely to lead to autism spectrum disorders through altered neurite morphology, synaptogenesis and cell migration. This review is part of the INMED/TINS special issue "Nature and nurture in brain development and neurological disorders", based on presentations at the annual INMED/TINS symposium (http://inmednet.com/).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Persico
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University 'Campus Bio-Medico', Via Longoni 83, I-00155, Rome, Italy; IRCCS 'Fondazione Santa Lucia', Department of Experimental Neurosciences, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64/65, I-00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Docteur Roux 75015, Paris, France; University Paris VII, 2 Place Jussieu 75013, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Identification of novel autism candidate regions through analysis of reported cytogenetic abnormalities associated with autism. Mol Psychiatry 2006. [PMID: 16205736 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The identification of the candidate genes for autism through linkage and association studies has proven to be a difficult enterprise. An alternative approach is the analysis of cytogenetic abnormalities associated with autism. We present a review of all studies to date that relate patients with cytogenetic abnormalities to the autism phenotype. A literature survey of the Medline and Pubmed databases was performed, using multiple keyword searches. Additional searches through cited references and abstracts from the major genetic conferences from 2000 onwards completed the search. The quality of the phenotype (i.e. of the autism spectrum diagnosis) was rated for each included case. Available specific probe and marker information was used to define optimally the boundaries of the cytogenetic abnormalities. In case of recurrent deletions or duplications on chromosome 15 and 22, the positions of the low copy repeats that are thought to mediate these rearrangements were used to define the most likely boundaries of the implicated 'Cytogenetic Regions Of Interest' (CROIs). If no molecular data were available, the sequence position of the relevant chromosome bands was used to obtain the approximate molecular boundaries of the CROI. The findings of the current review indicate: (1) several regions of overlap between CROIs and known loci of significant linkage and/or association findings, and (2) additional regions of overlap among multiple CROIs at the same locus. Whereas the first finding confirms previous linkage/association findings, the latter may represent novel, not previously identified regions containing genes that contribute to autism. This analysis not only has confirmed the presence of several known autism risk regions but has also revealed additional previously unidentified loci, including 2q37, 5p15, 11q25, 16q22.3, 17p11.2, 18q21.1, 18q23, 22q11.2, 22q13.3 and Xp22.2-p22.3.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad spectrum of symptoms and varying severity. Currently, no biological diagnosis exists. Although there has been a significant increase in autism genetics research recently, validated susceptibility genes for the most common, sporadic forms of autistic disorder, as well as familial autism, have yet to be identified. The identification of autism-susceptibility genes will not only assist in the identification and/or development of better medications that can help improve the health and neurodevelopment of children with autism, but will also allow for better perinatal diagnosis. The Autism Genome Project (AGP) is a large-scale, collaborative genetics research project initiated by the National Alliance for Autism Research and the National Institutes of Health, and is aimed at sifting through the human genome in search of autism-susceptibility genes. Phase I of the AGP will consist of genome-wide scans utilizing both SNP array and microsatellite technologies. Linkage analysis will subsequently be performed on approximately 1500 pedigrees as will downstream fine-mapping and sequencing of the critical linkage intervals. Ultimately, the vision will be to identify the exact nucleotide variants within genes which give rise to predisposition. The AGP intends to move the field of autism clinical management forward by answering questions about the causal mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of autism. From this knowledge, therapeutic targets for drug treatments, and ultimately, a newborn screening diagnostic that would allow for early intervention, can begin to be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Hu-Lince
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wassink TH, Brzustowicz LM, Bartlett CW, Szatmari P. The search for autism disease genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 10:272-83. [PMID: 15666342 DOI: 10.1002/mrdd.20041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a heritable disorder characterized by phenotypic and genetic complexity. This review begins by surveying current linkage, gene association, and cytogenetic studies performed with the goal of identifying autism disease susceptibility variants. Though numerous linkages and associations have been identified, they tend to diminish upon closer examination or attempted replication. The review therefore explores challenges to current methodologies presented by the complexities of autism that might underlie some of the current difficulties, and finishes by describing emerging phenotypic, statistical, and molecular investigational approaches that offer hope of overcoming those challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Wassink
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bonora E, Lamb JA, Barnby G, Sykes N, Moberly T, Beyer KS, Klauck SM, Poustka F, Bacchelli E, Blasi F, Maestrini E, Battaglia A, Haracopos D, Pedersen L, Isager T, Eriksen G, Viskum B, Sorensen EU, Brondum-Nielsen K, Cotterill R, Engeland HV, Jonge MD, Kemner C, Steggehuis K, Scherpenisse M, Rutter M, Bolton PF, Parr JR, Poustka A, Bailey AJ, Monaco AP. Mutation screening and association analysis of six candidate genes for autism on chromosome 7q. Eur J Hum Genet 2004; 13:198-207. [PMID: 15523497 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have provided evidence for an autism susceptibility locus (AUTS1) on chromosome 7q. Screening for mutations in six genes mapping to 7q, CUTL1, SRPK2, SYPL, LAMB1, NRCAM and PTPRZ1 in 48 unrelated individuals with autism led to the identification of several new coding variants in the genes CUTL1, LAMB1 and PTPRZ1. Analysis of genetic variants provided evidence for association with autism for one of the new missense changes identified in LAMB1; this effect was stronger in a subgroup of affected male sibling pair families, implying a possible specific sex-related effect for this variant. Association was also detected for several polymorphisms in the promoter and untranslated region of NRCAM, suggesting that alterations in expression of this gene may be linked to autism susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bonora
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Haines J, Camarata S. Examination of candidate genes in language disorder: A model of genetic association for treatment studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 10:208-17. [PMID: 15611983 DOI: 10.1002/mrdd.20035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to provide a model for studying genetic association of response to intervention in child language disorders. In addition to a theoretical overview and review of different approaches to studying candidate genes, a specific methodology for completing this type of analysis is presented. The goal of the analysis is to provide detail beyond simple broad phenotyping for affected and nonaffected individuals and to take advantage of data yielded from concise behavioral phenotyping often available in treatment studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Haines
- Kennedy Center Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|