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Antón-Galindo E, Adel MR, García-González J, Leggieri A, López-Blanch L, Irimia M, Norton WHJ, Brennan CH, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Cormand B. Pleiotropic contribution of rbfox1 to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental phenotypes in two zebrafish models. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:99. [PMID: 38374212 PMCID: PMC10876957 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02801-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
RBFOX1 is a highly pleiotropic gene that contributes to several psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Both rare and common variants in RBFOX1 have been associated with several psychiatric conditions, but the mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic effects of RBFOX1 are not yet understood. Here we found that, in zebrafish, rbfox1 is expressed in spinal cord, mid- and hindbrain during developmental stages. In adults, expression is restricted to specific areas of the brain, including telencephalic and diencephalic regions with an important role in receiving and processing sensory information and in directing behaviour. To investigate the contribution of rbfox1 to behaviour, we used rbfox1sa15940, a zebrafish mutant line with TL background. We found that rbfox1sa15940 mutants present hyperactivity, thigmotaxis, decreased freezing behaviour and altered social behaviour. We repeated these behavioural tests in a second rbfox1 mutant line with a different genetic background (TU), rbfox1del19, and found that rbfox1 deficiency affects behaviour similarly in this line, although there were some differences. rbfox1del19 mutants present similar thigmotaxis, but stronger alterations in social behaviour and lower levels of hyperactivity than rbfox1sa15940 fish. Taken together, these results suggest that mutations in rbfox1 lead to multiple behavioural changes in zebrafish that might be modulated by environmental, epigenetic and genetic background effects, and that resemble phenotypic alterations present in Rbfox1-deficient mice and in patients with different psychiatric conditions. Our study, thus, highlights the evolutionary conservation of rbfox1 function in behaviour and paves the way to further investigate the mechanisms underlying rbfox1 pleiotropy on the onset of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Antón-Galindo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Maja R Adel
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Judit García-González
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, NYC 10029, USA
| | - Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Laura López-Blanch
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Manuel Irimia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalunya, Spain.
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalunya, Spain.
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Usui N. Possible roles of deep cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes in the neural basis of human sociality. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:34-47. [PMID: 38010534 PMCID: PMC10771383 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00747-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sociality is an instinctive property of organisms that live in relation to others and is a complex characteristic of higher order brain functions. However, the evolution of the human brain to acquire higher order brain functions, such as sociality, and the neural basis for executing these functions and their control mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have attempted to evaluate how human sociality was acquired during the course of evolution and the mechanisms controlling sociality from a neurodevelopment viewpoint. This review discusses these findings in the context of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comparative genomic studies of postmortem primate brains have demonstrated human-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying higher order brain functions, providing evidence for the contribution of oligodendrocytes to human brain function. Functional analyses of the causative genes of ASD in animal models have demonstrated that the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes. These findings demonstrate that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to the neural basis and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution and social functioning. This review provides novel insights into sociability and the corresponding neural bases of brain disorders and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Omics Center, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
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3
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Malachowski T, Chandradoss KR, Boya R, Zhou L, Cook AL, Su C, Pham K, Haws SA, Kim JH, Ryu HS, Ge C, Luppino JM, Nguyen SC, Titus KR, Gong W, Wallace O, Joyce EF, Wu H, Rojas LA, Phillips-Cremins JE. Spatially coordinated heterochromatinization of long synaptic genes in fragile X syndrome. Cell 2023; 186:5840-5858.e36. [PMID: 38134876 PMCID: PMC10794044 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Short tandem repeat (STR) instability causes transcriptional silencing in several repeat expansion disorders. In fragile X syndrome (FXS), mutation-length expansion of a CGG STR represses FMR1 via local DNA methylation. Here, we find megabase-scale H3K9me3 domains on autosomes and encompassing FMR1 on the X chromosome in FXS patient-derived iPSCs, iPSC-derived neural progenitors, EBV-transformed lymphoblasts, and brain tissue with mutation-length CGG expansion. H3K9me3 domains connect via inter-chromosomal interactions and demarcate severe misfolding of TADs and loops. They harbor long synaptic genes replicating at the end of S phase, replication-stress-induced double-strand breaks, and STRs prone to stepwise somatic instability. CRISPR engineering of the mutation-length CGG to premutation length reverses H3K9me3 on the X chromosome and multiple autosomes, refolds TADs, and restores gene expression. H3K9me3 domains can also arise in normal-length iPSCs created with perturbations linked to genome instability, suggesting their relevance beyond FXS. Our results reveal Mb-scale heterochromatinization and trans interactions among loci susceptible to instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Malachowski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keerthivasan Raanin Chandradoss
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ravi Boya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ashley L Cook
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chuanbin Su
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth Pham
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Spencer A Haws
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ji Hun Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Han-Seul Ryu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chunmin Ge
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Luppino
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Son C Nguyen
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katelyn R Titus
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wanfeng Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Owen Wallace
- Fulcrum Therapeutics Incorporated, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eric F Joyce
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Fulcrum Therapeutics Incorporated, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer E Phillips-Cremins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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4
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Nisar S, Haris M. Neuroimaging genetics approaches to identify new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4995-5008. [PMID: 37069342 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities that manifest in early childhood and are characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social behaviors, communication skills, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. To explore the neurobiological mechanisms in ASD, extensive research has been done to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers through a neuroimaging genetics approach. Neuroimaging genetics helps to identify ASD-risk genes that contribute to structural and functional variations in brain circuitry and validate biological changes by elucidating the mechanisms and pathways that confer genetic risk. Integrating artificial intelligence models with neuroimaging data lays the groundwork for accurate diagnosis and facilitates the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. This review discusses the significance of neuroimaging genetics approaches to gaining a better understanding of the perturbed neurochemical system and molecular pathways in ASD and how these approaches can detect structural, functional, and metabolic changes and lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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5
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Strekalova T, Moskvin O, Jain AY, Gorbunov N, Gorlova A, Sadovnik D, Umriukhin A, Cespuglio R, Yu WS, Tse ACK, Kalueff AV, Lesch KP, Lim LW. Molecular signature of excessive female aggression: study of stressed mice with genetic inactivation of neuronal serotonin synthesis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1113-1132. [PMID: 37542675 PMCID: PMC10460733 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is a complex social behavior, critically involving brain serotonin (5-HT) function. The neurobiology of female aggression remains elusive, while the incidence of its manifestations has been increasing. Yet, animal models of female aggression are scarce. We previously proposed a paradigm of female aggression in the context of gene x environment interaction where mice with partial genetic inactivation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (Tph2+/- mice), a key enzyme of neuronal 5-HT synthesis, are subjected to predation stress resulting in pathological aggression. Using deep sequencing and the EBSeq method, we studied the transcriptomic signature of excessive aggression in the prefrontal cortex of female Tph2+/- mice subjected to rat exposure stress and food deprivation. Challenged mutants, but not other groups, displayed marked aggressive behaviors. We found 26 genes with altered expression in the opposite direction between stressed groups of both Tph2 genotypes. We identified several molecular markers, including Dgkh, Arfgef3, Kcnh7, Grin2a, Tenm1 and Epha6, implicated in neurodevelopmental deficits and psychiatric conditions featuring impaired cognition and emotional dysregulation. Moreover, while 17 regulons, including several relevant to neural plasticity and function, were significantly altered in stressed mutants, no alteration in regulons was detected in stressed wildtype mice. An interplay of the uncovered pathways likely mediates partial Tph2 inactivation in interaction with severe stress experience, thus resulting in excessive female aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Strekalova
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Oleg Moskvin
- Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Singapore Medical School, BluMaiden Biosciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aayushi Y Jain
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nikita Gorbunov
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Gorlova
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria Sadovnik
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksei Umriukhin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Raymond Cespuglio
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon, Beliv Plateau, Claude-Bernard Lyon-1 University, Bron, France
| | - Wing Shan Yu
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Chung Kwan Tse
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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6
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Rihar N, Krgovic D, Kokalj-Vokač N, Stangler-Herodez S, Zorc M, Dovc P. Identification of potentially pathogenic variants for autism spectrum disorders using gene-burden analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0273957. [PMID: 37167322 PMCID: PMC10174571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene- burden analyses have lately become a very successful way for the identification of genes carrying risk variants underlying the analysed disease. This approach is also suitable for complex disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The gene-burden analysis using Testing Rare Variants with Public Data (TRAPD) software was conducted on whole exome sequencing data of Slovenian patients with ASD to determine potentially novel disease risk variants in known ASD-associated genes as well as in others. To choose the right control group for testing, principal component analysis based on the 1000 Genomes and ASD cohort samples was conducted. The subsequent protein structure and ligand binding analysis usingI-TASSER package were performed to detect changes in protein structure and ligand binding to determine a potential pathogenic consequence of observed mutation. The obtained results demonstrate an association of two variants-p.Glu198Lys (PPP2R5D:c.592G>A) and p.Arg253Gln (PPP2R5D:c.758G>A) with the ASD. Substitution p.Glu198Lys (PPP2R5D:c.592G>A) is a variant, previously described as pathogenic in association with ASD combined with intellectual disability, whereas p.Arg253Gln (PPP2R5D:c.758G>A) has not been described as an ASD-associated pathogenic variant yet. The results indicate that the filtering process was suitable and could be used in the future for detection of novel pathogenic variants when analysing groups of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Rihar
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijela Krgovic
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Maribor Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nadja Kokalj-Vokač
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Maribor Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Spela Stangler-Herodez
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Maribor Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Minja Zorc
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Dovc
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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7
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Maggio AG, Shu HT, Laufer BI, Bi C, Lai Y, LaSalle JM, Hu VW. Elevated exposures to persistent endocrine disrupting compounds impact the sperm methylome in regions associated with autism spectrum disorder. Front Genet 2022; 13:929471. [PMID: 36035158 PMCID: PMC9403863 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposures to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as the organochlorines have been linked with various diseases including neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is considered strongly genetic in origin due to its high heritability. However, the rapidly rising prevalence of ASD suggests that environmental factors may also influence risk for ASD. In the present study, whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to identify genome-wide differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in a total of 52 sperm samples from a cohort of men from the Faroe Islands (Denmark) who were equally divided into high and low exposure groups based on their serum levels of the long-lived organochlorine 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), a primary breakdown product of the now banned insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Aside from being considered a genetic isolate, inhabitants of the Faroe Islands have a native diet that potentially exposes them to a wide range of seafood neurotoxicants in the form of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The DMRs were mapped to the human genome using Bismark, a 3-letter aligner used for methyl-seq analyses. Gene ontology, functional, and pathway analyses of the DMR-associated genes showed significant enrichment for genes involved in neurological functions and neurodevelopmental processes frequently impacted by ASD. Notably, these genes also significantly overlap with autism risk genes as well as those previously identified in sperm from fathers of children with ASD in comparison to that of fathers of neurotypical children. These results collectively suggest a possible mechanism involving altered methylation of a significant number of neurologically relevant ASD risk genes for introducing epigenetic changes associated with environmental exposures into the sperm methylome. Such changes may provide the potential for transgenerational inheritance of ASD as well as other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela G. Maggio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Henry T. Shu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
- The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Benjamin I. Laufer
- Genome Center, Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Chongfeng Bi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yinglei Lai
- Department of Statistics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Janine M. LaSalle
- Genome Center, Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Valerie W. Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Valerie W. Hu,
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8
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Doi M, Li M, Usui N, Shimada S. Genomic Strategies for Understanding the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:930941. [PMID: 35813066 PMCID: PMC9263364 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.930941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in sequencing technology and technological developments have made it easier to analyze the entire human genome than ever before. In addition to disease-specific genetic mutations and chromosomal aberrations, epigenetic alterations in individuals can also be analyzed using genomics. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. More than a thousand genes associated with ASD have been identified which are known to be involved in brain development. However, it is difficult to decode the roles of ASD-associated genes without in vitro and in vivo validations, particularly in the process of brain development. In this review, we discuss genomic strategies for understanding the pathological mechanisms underlying ASD. For this purpose, we discuss ASD-associated genes and their functions, as well as analytical strategies and their strengths and weaknesses in cellular and animal models from a basic research perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Doi
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mengwei Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- *Correspondence: Noriyoshi Usui
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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9
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Irie K, Doi M, Usui N, Shimada S. Evolution of the Human Brain Can Help Determine Pathophysiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:871979. [PMID: 35431788 PMCID: PMC9010664 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.871979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of humans brought about a co-occurring evolution of the human brain, which is far larger and more complex than that of many other organisms. The brain has evolved characteristically in humans in many respects, including macro-and micro-anatomical changes in the brain structure, changes in gene expression, and cell populations and ratios. These characteristics are essential for the execution of higher functions, such as sociality, language, and cognition, which express humanity, and are thought to have been acquired over evolutionary time. However, with the acquisition of higher functions also comes the risk of the disease in which they fail. This review focuses on human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and discusses brain development, molecular evolution, and human brain evolution. Discussing the potential for the development and pathophysiology of NDDs acquired by human brain evolution will provide insights into the acquisition and breakdown of higher functions from a new perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Irie
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Medical Research and Education, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Miyuki Doi
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Noriyoshi Usui,
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
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10
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O’Leary A, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Gan G, Yang Y, Yotova AY, Kranz TM, Grünewald L, Freudenberg F, Antón-Galindo E, Cabana-Domínguez J, Harneit A, Schweiger JI, Schwarz K, Ma R, Chen J, Schwarz E, Rietschel M, Tost H, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Pané-Farré CA, Kircher T, Hamm AO, Burguera D, Mota NR, Franke B, Schweiger S, Winter J, Heinz A, Erk S, Romanczuk-Seiferth N, Walter H, Ströhle A, Fehm L, Fydrich T, Lueken U, Weber H, Lang T, Gerlach AL, Nöthen MM, Alpers GW, Arolt V, Witt S, Richter J, Straube B, Cormand B, Slattery DA, Reif A. Behavioural and functional evidence revealing the role of RBFOX1 variation in multiple psychiatric disorders and traits. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4464-4473. [PMID: 35948661 PMCID: PMC9734045 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Common variation in the gene encoding the neuron-specific RNA splicing factor RNA Binding Fox-1 Homolog 1 (RBFOX1) has been identified as a risk factor for several psychiatric conditions, and rare genetic variants have been found causal for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we explored the genetic landscape of RBFOX1 more deeply, integrating evidence from existing and new human studies as well as studies in Rbfox1 knockout mice. Mining existing data from large-scale studies of human common genetic variants, we confirmed gene-based and genome-wide association of RBFOX1 with risk tolerance, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Data on six mental disorders revealed copy number losses and gains to be more frequent in ASD cases than in controls. Consistently, RBFOX1 expression appeared decreased in post-mortem frontal and temporal cortices of individuals with ASD and prefrontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia. Brain-functional MRI studies demonstrated that carriers of a common RBFOX1 variant, rs6500744, displayed increased neural reactivity to emotional stimuli, reduced prefrontal processing during cognitive control, and enhanced fear expression after fear conditioning, going along with increased avoidance behaviour. Investigating Rbfox1 neuron-specific knockout mice allowed us to further specify the role of this gene in behaviour. The model was characterised by pronounced hyperactivity, stereotyped behaviour, impairments in fear acquisition and extinction, reduced social interest, and lack of aggression; it provides excellent construct and face validity as an animal model of ASD. In conclusion, convergent translational evidence shows that common variants in RBFOX1 are associated with a broad spectrum of psychiatric traits and disorders, while rare genetic variation seems to expose to early-onset neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders with and without developmental delay like ASD, in particular. Studying the pleiotropic nature of RBFOX1 can profoundly enhance our understanding of mental disorder vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aet O’Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Department of Neuropscyhopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, and Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB); Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); Madrid, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Gabriela Gan
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yunbo Yang
- grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Y. Yotova
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thorsten M. Kranz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lena Grünewald
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ester Antón-Galindo
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, and Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB); Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); Madrid, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, and Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB); Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); Madrid, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Anais Harneit
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Janina I. Schweiger
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Schwarz
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ren Ma
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Junfang Chen
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Emanuel Schwarz
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christiane A. Pané-Farré
- grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany ,grid.5603.0Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alfons O. Hamm
- grid.5603.0Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Demian Burguera
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Zoology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nina Roth Mota
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics and Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics and Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Susann Schweiger
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300Mainz University Medical Center, Institute of Human Genetics, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Winter
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300Mainz University Medical Center, Institute of Human Genetics, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Erk
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Romanczuk-Seiferth
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lydia Fehm
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fydrich
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lang
- grid.15078.3b0000 0000 9397 8745Christoph-Dornier-Foundation for Clinical Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology Bremen; Bremen, Germany and Department for Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alexander L. Gerlach
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus M. Nöthen
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg W. Alpers
- grid.5601.20000 0001 0943 599XDepartment of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Volker Arolt
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephanie Witt
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan Richter
- grid.5603.0Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany ,grid.9463.80000 0001 0197 8922Department of Experimental Psychopathology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Benjamin Straube
- grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bru Cormand
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, and Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB); Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); Madrid, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - David A. Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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11
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Agarwala S, Ramachandra NB. Role of CNTNAP2 in autism manifestation outlines the regulation of signaling between neurons at the synapse. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Autism is characterized by high heritability and a complex genetic mutational landscape with restricted social behavior and impaired social communication. Whole-exome sequencing is a reliable tool to pinpoint variants for unraveling the disease pathophysiology. The present meta-analysis was performed using 222 whole-exome sequences deposited by Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) at the European Nucleotide Archive. This sample cohort was used to identify causal mutations in autism-specific genes to create a mutational landscape focusing on the CNTNAP2 gene.
Results
The authors account for the identification of 15 high confidence genes with 24 variants for autism with Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) gene scoring. These genes encompass critical autism pathways such as neuron development, synapse complexity, cytoskeleton, and microtubule activation. Among these 15 genes, overlapping variants were present across multiple samples: KMT2C in 167 cases, CNTNAP2 in 192 samples, CACNA1C in 152 cases, and SHANK3 in 124 cases. Pathway analysis identifies clustering and interplay of autism genes—WDFY3, SHANK2, CNTNAP2, HOMER1, SYNGAP1, and ANK2 with CNTNAP2. These genes coincide across autism-relevant pathways, namely abnormal social behavior and intellectual and cognitive impairment. Based on multiple layers of selection criteria, CNTNAP2 was chosen as the master gene for the study. It is an essential gene for autism with speech-language delays, a typical phenotype in most cases under study. It showcases nine variants across multiple samples with one damaging variant, T589P, with a GERP rank score range of 0.065–0.95. This unique variant was present across 86.5% of the samples impairing the epithelial growth factor (EGF) domain. Established microRNA (miRNA) genes hsa-mir-548aq and hsa-mir-548f were mutated within the CNTNAP2 region, adding to the severity. The mutated protein showed reduced stability by 0.25, increased solvent accessibility by 9%, and reduced depth by 0.2, which rendered the protein non-functional. Secondary physical interactors of CNTNAP2 through CNTN2 proteins were mutated in the samples, further intensifying the severity.
Conclusion
CNTNAP2 has been identified as a master gene in autism manifestation responsible for speech-language delay by impairing the EGF protein domain and downstream cascade. The decrease in EGF is correlated with vital autism symptoms, especially language disabilities.
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12
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Szpisjak L, Szaraz G, Salamon A, Nemeth VL, Szepfalusi N, Veres G, Kincses B, Maroti Z, Kalmar T, Rydzanicz M, Ploski R, Klivenyi P, Zadori D. Eye-tracking-aided characterization of saccades and antisaccades in SYNE1 ataxia patients: a pilot study. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:7. [PMID: 33526008 PMCID: PMC7852103 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SYNE1 ataxia is an autosomal recessive hereditary condition, the main characteristic features of which are gait and limb ataxia and cerebellar dysarthria. Reports have revealed that the clinical phenotype of SYNE1 ataxia is more complex than the first published cases with pure cerebellar signs indicated. The aim of this study was to characterize eye movement alterations in the first diagnosed Hungarian SYNE1 ataxia patients. Results Saccades and antisaccades were examined with an eye tracker device in 3 SYNE1 (one patient has two frameshift mutations [c.8515_8516insA, p.Met2839Asnfs*53 and c.11594_11595insG, p.Glu3866*] in a compound heterozygous state, whereas two subjects have a splicing variant [c.23146-2A > G] in a homozygous state), 6 Friedreich ataxia (FA) patients and 12 healthy controls. Besides that, detailed clinical phenotyping and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment were carried out in all patients with ataxia. In addition to the characteristic cerebellar alterations, pyramidal signs and polyneuropathy were observed at least in 2 SYNE1 ataxia patients, for which no other underlying reason was found. The eye tracking assessment revealed hypometric saccades in the longer amplitude (18.4°) saccadic paradigm in all SYNE1 patients, whereas 2 out of 3 SYNE1 subjects performed slow saccades as well. In the antisaccade task, higher incorrect ratios of antisaccades were demonstrated in SYNE1 patients compared to healthy controls, showing inverse correlation with working memory test results. The corresponding data of FA patients was dispersed over a wide range, partially overlapping with control data. Conclusions The current study draws attention to the presence of eye movement disorders in patients with SYNE1 ataxia and demonstrates that alterations in the antisaccade paradigm may be related to working memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Szpisjak
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabor Szaraz
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andras Salamon
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Viola L Nemeth
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Noemi Szepfalusi
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabor Veres
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balint Kincses
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Maroti
- Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Health Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kalmar
- Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Health Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Rafal Ploski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Peter Klivenyi
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Denes Zadori
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary.
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13
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Boolean Networks: A Primer. SYSTEMS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.11518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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14
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Zhang H. Synaptic dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2111-2114. [PMID: 32780523 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huaye Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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15
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Lin JH, Masson E, Boulling A, Hayden M, Cooper DN, Férec C, Liao Z, Chen JM. 5' splice site GC>GT and GT>GC variants differ markedly in terms of their functionality and pathogenicity. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:1358-1364. [PMID: 32369867 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the human genome, most 5' splice sites (~99%) employ the canonical GT dinucleotide whereas a small minority (~1%) use the noncanonical GC dinucleotide. The functionality and pathogenicity of 5' splice site GT>GC (+2T>C) variants have been extensively studied but we know very little about 5' splice site GC>GT (+2C>T) variants. Herein, we have addressed this deficiency by performing a meta-analysis of reported +2C>T "pathogenic" variants together with a functional analysis of engineered +2C>T substitutions using a cell culture-based full-length gene splicing assay. Our results establish proof of concept that +2C>T variants are qualitatively different from +2T>C variants in terms of their functionality and suggest that, in sharp contrast to +2T>C variants, most if not all +2C>T variants have no pathological relevance. Our findings have important implications for interpreting the clinical relevance of +2C>T variants and understanding the evolutionary switching between GT and GC 5' splice sites in mammalian genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Huan Lin
- EFS, Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.,Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Emmanuelle Masson
- EFS, Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.,CHRU Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, Brest, France
| | | | - Matthew Hayden
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Claude Férec
- EFS, Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.,CHRU Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, Brest, France
| | - Zhuan Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Min Chen
- EFS, Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
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16
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Murcia Pienkowski V, Kucharczyk M, Rydzanicz M, Poszewiecka B, Pachota K, Młynek M, Stawiński P, Pollak A, Kosińska J, Wojciechowska K, Lejman M, Cieślikowska A, Wicher D, Stembalska A, Matuszewska K, Materna-Kiryluk A, Gambin A, Chrzanowska K, Krajewska-Walasek M, Płoski R. Breakpoint Mapping of Symptomatic Balanced Translocations Links the EPHA6, KLF13 and UBR3 Genes to Novel Disease Phenotype. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051245. [PMID: 32344861 PMCID: PMC7287862 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo balanced chromosomal aberrations (BCAs), such as reciprocal translocations and inversions, are genomic aberrations that, in approximately 25% of cases, affect the human phenotype. Delineation of the exact structure of BCAs may provide a precise diagnosis and/or point to new disease loci. We report on six patients with de novo balanced chromosomal translocations (BCTs) and one patient with a de novo inversion, in whom we mapped breakpoints to a resolution of 1 bp, using shallow whole-genome mate pair sequencing. In all seven cases, a disruption of at least one gene was found. In two patients, the phenotypic impact of the disrupted genes is well known (NFIA, ATP7A). In five patients, the aberration damaged genes: PARD3, EPHA6, KLF13, STK24, UBR3, MLLT10 and TLE3, whose influence on the human phenotype is poorly understood. In particular, our results suggest novel candidate genes for retinal degeneration with anophthalmia (EPHA6), developmental delay with speech impairment (KLF13), and developmental delay with brain dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (UBR3). In conclusion, identification of the exact structure of symptomatic BCTs using next generation sequencing is a viable method for both diagnosis and finding novel disease candidate genes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Murcia Pienkowski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (V.M.P.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (A.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Marzena Kucharczyk
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | - Małgorzata Rydzanicz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (V.M.P.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (A.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Barbara Poszewiecka
- Institute of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Katarzyna Pachota
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | - Marlena Młynek
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | - Piotr Stawiński
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (V.M.P.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (A.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Pollak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (V.M.P.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (A.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Joanna Kosińska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (V.M.P.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (A.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Wojciechowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Transplantology, University Children’s Hospital, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Monika Lejman
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agata Cieślikowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | - Dorota Wicher
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | | | - Karolina Matuszewska
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.-K.)
- Centers for Medical Genetics GENESIS, Grudzieniec, 60-406 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Materna-Kiryluk
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.-K.)
- Centers for Medical Genetics GENESIS, Grudzieniec, 60-406 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Gambin
- Institute of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Krystyna Chrzanowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | - Małgorzata Krajewska-Walasek
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.P.); (M.M.); (A.C.); (D.W.); (K.C.); (M.K.-W.)
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (V.M.P.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (A.P.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-572-06-95; Fax: +48-22-572-06-96
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17
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Rho GTPase Regulators and Effectors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animal Models and Insights for Therapeutics. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040835. [PMID: 32244264 PMCID: PMC7226772 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases are small G proteins that act as molecular switches shuttling between active and inactive forms. Rho GTPases are regulated by two classes of regulatory proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rho GTPases transduce the upstream signals to downstream effectors, thus regulating diverse cellular processes, such as growth, migration, adhesion, and differentiation. In particular, Rho GTPases play essential roles in regulating neuronal morphology and function. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of Rho GTPase signaling contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been found that 20 genes encoding Rho GTPase regulators and effectors are listed as ASD risk genes by Simons foundation autism research initiative (SFARI). This review summarizes the clinical evidence, protein structure, and protein expression pattern of these 20 genes. Moreover, ASD-related behavioral phenotypes in animal models of these genes are reviewed, and the therapeutic approaches that show successful treatment effects in these animal models are discussed.
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18
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Hardman RH, Irwin KJ, Sutton WB, Miller DL. Evaluation of Severity and Factors Contributing to Foot Lesions in Endangered Ozark Hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:34. [PMID: 32118058 PMCID: PMC7010714 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arkansas populations of Ozark Hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi have declined precipitously over the past few decades and are now limited to a single river. Biologists have also observed an increase of distal limb lesions with unidentified etiology and unknown role in morbidity and mortality of the species in this location. We documented lesions and collected associated individual size class data and pathogen samples in Ozark Hellbenders of Arkansas (n = 73) from 2011 to 2014 with the following two objectives: (1) document spatiotemporal patterns and severity of lesions present in this last remaining Arkansas Ozark Hellbender population, and (2) determine if host factors and infection status are associated with lesion severity. A scoring system was created from 0 to 7 based on lesion observations. Linear mixed model regressions followed by AICc model evaluation were used to determine associations among infection status for amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Ranavirus as well as individual biometrics on lesion score. We discovered 93.2% of Hellbenders had lesions characterized by digit swelling that often progressed toward toe-tip ulceration. In severe cases we observed digital necrosis progressing to digit loss. Any recaptured individuals had the same or worse lesion score from previous captures. The top predictive model for lesion severity included individual mass and Bd infection status with a significant, positive association of Bd with increased lesion severity (β = 0.87 ± 0.39 S.E., C.I.: 0.11, 1.63). Our findings highlight a widespread and progressive disease that is an important factor to consider for the future of Ozark Hellbenders. This syndrome is presumptively multifactorial, and future studies will benefit from investigating several factors of host, infectious agents, and environment and their roles in disease manifestation for the purpose of developing effective, multi-faceted conservation strategies. A summary of potential etiologies and mechanisms is provided that may explain observed lesion distribution and that will be applicable to future disease and epidemiological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Hardman
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Kelly J Irwin
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Benton, AR, United States
| | - William B Sutton
- Wildlife Ecology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Debra L Miller
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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19
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Bartsch VB, Lord JS, Diering GH, Zylka MJ. Mania- and anxiety-like behavior and impaired maternal care in female diacylglycerol kinase eta and iota double knockout mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12570. [PMID: 30985063 PMCID: PMC6800745 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies linked diacylglycerol kinase eta and iota to mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and both genes are expressed throughout the brain. Here, we generated and behaviorally characterized female mice lacking Dgkh alone, Dgki alone, and double Dgkh/Dgki-knockout (dKO) mice. We found that fewer than 30% of newborn pups raised by dKO females survived to weaning, while over 85% of pups survived to weaning when raised by wild-type (WT) females. Poor survival under the care of dKO mothers was unrelated to pup genotype. Moreover, pups from dKO dams survived when fostered by WT dams, suggesting the poor survival rate of dKO-raised litters was related to impaired maternal care by dKO dams. Nest building was similar between WT and dKO dams; however, some dKO females failed to retrieve any pups in a retrieval assay. Pups raised by dKO dams had smaller or absent milk spots and reduced weight, indicative of impaired nursing. Unlike WT females, postpartum dKO females showed erratic, panicked responses to cage disturbances. Virgin dKO females showed behavioral signs of anxiety and mania, which were not seen in mice lacking either Dgkh or Dgki alone. Our research indicates that combined deletion of Dgkh and Dgki impairs maternal behavior in the early postpartum period, and suggests female dKO mice model symptoms of mania and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria B. Bartsch
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Julia S. Lord
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Graham H. Diering
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mark J. Zylka
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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20
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Machine learning analysis of exome trios to contrast the genomic architecture of autism and schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:92. [PMID: 32111185 PMCID: PMC7049199 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machine learning (ML) algorithms and methods offer great tools to analyze large complex genomic datasets. Our goal was to compare the genomic architecture of schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using ML. METHODS In this paper, we used regularized gradient boosted machines to analyze whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from individuals SCZ and ASD in order to identify important distinguishing genetic features. We further demonstrated a method of gene clustering to highlight which subsets of genes identified by the ML algorithm are mutated concurrently in affected individuals and are central to each disease (i.e., ASD vs. SCZ "hub" genes). RESULTS In summary, after correcting for population structure, we found that SCZ and ASD cases could be successfully separated based on genetic information, with 86-88% accuracy on the testing dataset. Through bioinformatic analysis, we explored if combinations of genes concurrently mutated in patients with the same condition ("hub" genes) belong to specific pathways. Several themes were found to be associated with ASD, including calcium ion transmembrane transport, immune system/inflammation, synapse organization, and retinoid metabolic process. Moreover, ion transmembrane transport, neurotransmitter transport, and microtubule/cytoskeleton processes were highlighted for SCZ. CONCLUSIONS Our manuscript introduces a novel comparative approach for studying the genetic architecture of genetically related diseases with complex inheritance and highlights genetic similarities and differences between ASD and SCZ.
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21
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Fernàndez-Castillo N, Gan G, van Donkelaar MMJ, Vaht M, Weber H, Retz W, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Franke B, Harro J, Reif A, Faraone SV, Cormand B. RBFOX1, encoding a splicing regulator, is a candidate gene for aggressive behavior. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 30:44-55. [PMID: 29174947 PMCID: PMC10975801 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The RBFOX1 gene (or A2BP1) encodes a splicing factor important for neuronal development that has been related to autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Evidence from complementary sources suggests that this gene contributes to aggressive behavior. Suggestive associations with RBFOX1 have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of anger, conduct disorder, and aggressive behavior. Nominal association signals in RBFOX1 were also found in an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of aggressive behavior. Also, variants in this gene affect temporal lobe volume, a brain area that is altered in several aggression-related phenotypes. In animals, this gene has been shown to modulate aggressive behavior in Drosophila. RBFOX1 has also been associated with canine aggression and is upregulated in mice that show increased aggression after frustration of an expected reward. Associated common genetic variants as well as rare duplications and deletions affecting RBFOX1 have been identified in several psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders that are often comorbid with aggressive behaviors. In this paper, we comprehensively review the cumulative evidence linking RBFOX1 to aggression behavior and provide new results implicating RBFOX1 in this phenotype. Most of these studies (genetic and epigenetic analyses in humans, neuroimaging genetics, gene expression and animal models) are hypothesis-free, which strengthens the validity of the findings, although all the evidence is nominal and should therefore be taken with caution. Further studies are required to clarify in detail the role of this gene in this complex phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Gabriela Gan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marjolein M J van Donkelaar
- Radboud university medical center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mariliis Vaht
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Heike Weber
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt - Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Retz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Barbara Franke
- Radboud university medical center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud university medical center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Psychiatry, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andreas Reif
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt - Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA; K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
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22
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Mossa A, Manzini MC. Molecular causes of sex-specific deficits in rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neurosci Res 2019; 99:37-56. [PMID: 31872500 PMCID: PMC7754327 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder consistently show a male bias in prevalence, but it remains unclear why males and females are affected with different frequency. While many behavioral studies of transgenic NDD models have focused only on males, the requirement by the National Institutes of Health to consider sex as a biological variable has promoted the comparison of male and female performance in wild-type and mutant animals. Here, we review examples of rodent models of NDDs in which sex-specific deficits were identified in molecular, physiological, and/or behavioral responses, showing sex differences in susceptibility to disruption of genes mutated in NDDs. Haploinsufficiency in genes involved in mechanisms such as synaptic function (GABRB3 and NRXN1), chromatin remodeling (CHD8, EMHT1, and ADNP), and intracellular signaling (CC2D1A and ERK1) lead to more severe behavioral outcomes in males. However, in the absence of behavioral deficits, females can still present with cellular and electrophysiological changes that could be due to compensatory mechanisms or differential allocation of molecular and cellular functions in the two sexes. By contrasting these findings with mouse models where females are more severely affected (MTHFR and AMBRA1), we propose a framework to approach the study of sex-specific deficits possibly leading to sex bias in NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Mossa
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - M Chiara Manzini
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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23
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Balicza P, Varga NÁ, Bolgár B, Pentelényi K, Bencsik R, Gál A, Gézsi A, Prekop C, Molnár V, Molnár MJ. Comprehensive Analysis of Rare Variants of 101 Autism-Linked Genes in a Hungarian Cohort of Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients. Front Genet 2019; 10:434. [PMID: 31134136 PMCID: PMC6517558 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. Former genetic studies suggested that both common and rare genetic variants play a role in the etiology. In this study, we aimed to analyze rare variants detected by next generation sequencing (NGS) in an autism cohort from Hungary. Methods We investigated the yield of NGS panel sequencing of an unselected ASD cohort (N = 174 ) for the detection of ASD associated syndromes. Besides, we analyzed rare variants in a common disease-rare variant framework and performed rare variant burden analysis and gene enrichment analysis in phenotype based clusters. Results We have diagnosed 13 molecularly proven syndromic autism cases. Strongest indicators of syndromic autism were intellectual disability, epilepsy or other neurological plus symptoms. Rare variant analysis on a cohort level confirmed the association of five genes with autism (AUTS2, NHS, NSD1, SLC9A9, and VPS13). We found no correlation between rare variant burden and number of minor malformation or autism severity. We identified four phenotypic clusters, but no specific gene was enriched in a given cluster. Conclusion Our study indicates that NGS panel gene sequencing can be useful, where the clinical picture suggests a clinically defined syndromic autism. In this group, targeted panel sequencing may provide reasonable diagnostic yield. Unselected NGS panel screening in the clinic remains controversial, because of uncertain utility, and difficulties of the variant interpretation. However, the detected rare variants may still significantly influence autism risk and subphenotypes in a polygenic model, but to detect the effects of these variants larger cohorts are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Balicza
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Ágnes Varga
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Bolgár
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klára Pentelényi
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renáta Bencsik
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Gál
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Gézsi
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Prekop
- Vadaskert Foundation for Children's Mental Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Molnár
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Judit Molnár
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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24
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Zhou WZ, Zhang J, Li Z, Lin X, Li J, Wang S, Yang C, Wu Q, Ye AY, Wang M, Wang D, Pu TZ, Wu YY, Wei L. Targeted resequencing of 358 candidate genes for autism spectrum disorder in a Chinese cohort reveals diagnostic potential and genotype-phenotype correlations. Hum Mutat 2019; 40:801-815. [PMID: 30763456 PMCID: PMC6593842 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a childhood neuropsychiatric disorder with a complex genetic architecture. The diagnostic potential of a targeted panel of ASD genes has only been evaluated in small cohorts to date and is especially understudied in the Chinese population. Here, we designed a capture panel with 358 genes (111 syndromic and 247 nonsyndromic) for ASD and sequenced a Chinese cohort of 539 cases evaluated with the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) as well as 512 controls. ASD cases were found to carry significantly more ultra‐rare functional variants than controls. A subset of 78 syndromic and 54 nonsyndromic genes was the most significantly associated and should be given high priority in the future screening of ASD patients. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were detected in 9.5% of cases. Variants in SHANK3 and SHANK2 were the most frequent, especially in females, and occurred in 1.2% of cases. Duplications of 15q11–13 were detected in 0.8% of cases. Variants in CNTNAP2 and MEF2C were correlated with epilepsy/tics in cases. Our findings reveal the diagnostic potential of ASD genetic panel testing and new insights regarding the variant spectrum. Genotype–phenotype correlations may facilitate the diagnosis and management of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Zhen Zhou
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Lin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Changhong Yang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qixi Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Adam Yongxin Ye
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Yuning Psychiatry Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liping Wei
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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25
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Ma F, Dong Z, Berberoglu MA. Expression of RNA-binding protein Rbfox1l demarcates a restricted population of dorsal telencephalic neurons within the adult zebrafish brain. Gene Expr Patterns 2019; 31:32-41. [PMID: 30634066 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Rbfox RNA-binding proteins are expressed in the adult mammalian brain and are required for proper brain development and function. Studies in mice and humans have implicated Rbfox1/RBFOX1 in autism, neuronal excitation and epilepsy, and Rbfox2/RBFOX2 in cerebellar development. The zebrafish has emerged as a prominent model system for brain study, possessing neuroanatomical conservation with mammals and an extensive capacity for adult neurogenesis and plasticity. In this study, we characterize Rbfox1l and Rbfox2 expression in the adult zebrafish brain. While Rbfox2 is expressed broadly, Rbfox1l is expressed in restricted populations of neurons in the dorsal telencephalon and cerebellum. In the dorsal telencephalon, Rbfox1l is expressed in a specific population of neurons spanning Dm and Dc regions. In the cerebellum, Rbfox1l and Rbfox2 are expressed in the Purkinje cell layer, reminiscent of Rbfox1 and Rbfox2 expression in the mammalian cerebellum. Our findings motivate future studies of Rbfox function in the zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjun Ma
- Bio-Medical Center, College of Life Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Bio-Medical Center, College of Life Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Michael A Berberoglu
- Bio-Medical Center, College of Life Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for Muscle Health and Neuromuscular Disorders, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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26
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Wang X, Su Y, Yan H, Huang Z, Huang Y, Yue W. Association Study of KCNH7 Polymorphisms and Individual Responses to Risperidone Treatment in Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:633. [PMID: 31543842 PMCID: PMC6728906 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Risperidone has been used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and to reduce its relapse. However, the responses to treatment show great variability among patients. The potassium channel has been reported as an effective target for antipsychotics. KCNH7, a member of the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv11 family, is primarily expressed in the brain. Here, we assessed the genetic association of KCNH7 with risperidone responses in 393 schizophrenia patients. The patients were treated with risperidone for 6 weeks. The reduction rates of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were determined to quantify drug response. We also examined the associations between six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KCNH7 and the risperidone responses for a total of 6 weeks. The SNP rs77699177 (C > T) in the KCNH7 gene intron was significantly associated with the treatment response reflected by the PANSS reduction rate (CC, 55.8 ± 23.0; TC, 70.9 ± 20.3, P = 0.000110), indicating that patients with the TC genotype have better efficacy for antipsychotic therapy. The rs2241240 SNP also showed a significant association with treatment responses after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.00256). The findings indicate that the voltage-gated K+ channel KCNH7 is a potential functional marker for the identification of the response to risperidone treatment in schizophrenia patients. Note: The study was registered under clinical trial number ChiCTR-RNC-09000522 (http://www.chictr.org/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Su
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Software Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Yue
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
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Kong LL, Miao D, Tan L, Liu SL, Li JQ, Cao XP, Tan L. Genome-wide association study identifies RBFOX1 locus influencing brain glucose metabolism. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:436. [PMID: 30596066 PMCID: PMC6281526 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.07.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluorodeoxyglucose f18 positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) is regarded as the only functional neuroimaging biomarker for degeneration which can be used to increase the certainty of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiological process in research settings or as an optional clinical tool where available. Although a decline in FDG metabolism was confirmed in some regions known to be associated with AD, there was little known about the genetic association of FDG metabolism in AD cohorts. In this study, we present the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis of brain FDG metabolism. METHODS A total of 222 individuals were included from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 1 (ADNI-1) cohort. All subjects were restricted to non-Hispanic Caucasians and met all quality control (QC) criteria. Associations of 18F-FDG with the genetic variants were assessed using PLINK 1.07 under the additive genetic model. Genome-wide associations were visualized using a software program R 3.2.3. RESULTS One significant SNP rs12444565 in RNA-binding Fox1 (RBFOX1) was found to have a strong association with 18F-FDG (P=6.06×10-8). Rs235141, rs79037, rs12526331 and rs12529764 were identified as four suggestive loci associated with 18F-FDG. CONCLUSIONS Our study results suggest that a genome-wide significant SNP (rs12444565) in the RBFOX1, and four suggestive loci (rs235141, rs79037, rs12526331 and rs12529764) are associated with 18F-FDG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Li Kong
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Dan Miao
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lin Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Clinical Research Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shu-Lei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Center Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jie-Qiong Li
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xi-Peng Cao
- Clinical Research Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative*
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Clinical Research Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Center Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China
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Common functional variants of the glutamatergic system in Autism spectrum disorder with high and low intellectual abilities. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:259-271. [PMID: 29147782 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1813-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture underlying Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been suggested to differ between individuals with lower (IQ ≤ 70; LIQ) and higher intellectual abilities (IQ > 70; HIQ). Among the identified pathomechanisms, the glutamatergic signalling pathway is of specific interest in ASD. We investigated 187 common functional variants of this neurotransmitter system for association with ASD and with symptom severity in two independent samples, a German (German-ALL: N = 583 families) and the Autism Genome Project cohort (AGP-ALL: N = 2001 families), split into HIQ, and LIQ subgroups. We did not identify any association withstanding correction for multiple testing. However, we report a replicated nominal significant under-transmission (OR < 0.79, p < 0.04) of the AKAP13 rs745191-T allele in both LIQ cohorts, but not in the much larger HIQ cohorts. At the phenotypic level, we nominally replicated associations of CAMK2A-rs2241694 with non-verbal communication in both combined LIQ and HIQ ASD cohorts. Variants PLD1-rs2124147 and ADCY1-rs2461127 were nominally associated with impaired non-verbal abilities and AKAP2-rs3739456 with repetitive behaviour in both LIQ cohorts. All four LIQ-associated genes are involved in G-protein coupled signal transduction, a downstream pathway of metabotropic glutamate receptor activation. We conclude that functional common variants of glutamatergic genes do not have a strong impact on ASD, but seem to moderately affect ASD risk and phenotypic expression. Since most of our nominally replicated hits were identified in the LIQ cohort, further investigation of the glutamatergic system in this subpopulation might be warranted.
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Subramanian K, Brandenburg C, Orsati F, Soghomonian JJ, Hussman JP, Blatt GJ. Basal ganglia and autism - a translational perspective. Autism Res 2017; 10:1751-1775. [PMID: 28730641 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The basal ganglia are a collection of nuclei below the cortical surface that are involved in both motor and non-motor functions, including higher order cognition, social interactions, speech, and repetitive behaviors. Motor development milestones that are delayed in autism such as gross motor, fine motor and walking can aid in early diagnosis of autism. Neuropathology and neuroimaging findings in autism cases revealed volumetric changes and altered cell density in select basal ganglia nuclei. Interestingly, in autism, both the basal ganglia and the cerebellum are impacted both in their motor and non-motor domains and recently, found to be connected via the pons through a short disynaptic pathway. In typically developing individuals, the basal ganglia plays an important role in: eye movement, movement coordination, sensory modulation and processing, eye-hand coordination, action chaining, and inhibition control. Genetic models have proved to be useful toward understanding cellular and molecular changes at the synaptic level in the basal ganglia that may in part contribute to these autism-related behaviors. In autism, basal ganglia functions in motor skill acquisition and development are altered, thus disrupting the normal flow of feedback to the cortex. Taken together, there is an abundance of emerging evidence that the basal ganglia likely plays critical roles in maintaining an inhibitory balance between cortical and subcortical structures, critical for normal motor actions and cognitive functions. In autism, this inhibitory balance is disturbed thus impacting key pathways that affect normal cortical network activity. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1751-1775. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Habit learning, action selection and performance are modulated by the basal ganglia, a collection of groups of neurons located below the cerebral cortex in the brain. In autism, there is emerging evidence that parts of the basal ganglia are structurally and functionally altered disrupting normal information flow. The basal ganglia through its interconnected circuits with the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum can potentially impact various motor and cognitive functions in the autism brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheryl Brandenburg
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, 21201
| | - Fernanda Orsati
- Program on Supports, Hussman Institute for Autism, Catonsville, MD, 21228
| | | | - John P Hussman
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, 21201.,Program on Supports, Hussman Institute for Autism, Catonsville, MD, 21228
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, 21201
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Mouse models of 17q21.31 microdeletion and microduplication syndromes highlight the importance of Kansl1 for cognition. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006886. [PMID: 28704368 PMCID: PMC5531616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Koolen-de Vries syndrome (KdVS) is a multi-system disorder characterized by intellectual disability, friendly behavior, and congenital malformations. The syndrome is caused either by microdeletions in the 17q21.31 chromosomal region or by variants in the KANSL1 gene. The reciprocal 17q21.31 microduplication syndrome is associated with psychomotor delay, and reduced social interaction. To investigate the pathophysiology of 17q21.31 microdeletion and microduplication syndromes, we generated three mouse models: 1) the deletion (Del/+); or 2) the reciprocal duplication (Dup/+) of the 17q21.31 syntenic region; and 3) a heterozygous Kansl1 (Kans1+/-) model. We found altered weight, general activity, social behaviors, object recognition, and fear conditioning memory associated with craniofacial and brain structural changes observed in both Del/+ and Dup/+ animals. By investigating hippocampus function, we showed synaptic transmission defects in Del/+ and Dup/+ mice. Mutant mice with a heterozygous loss-of-function mutation in Kansl1 displayed similar behavioral and anatomical phenotypes compared to Del/+ mice with the exception of sociability phenotypes. Genes controlling chromatin organization, synaptic transmission and neurogenesis were upregulated in the hippocampus of Del/+ and Kansl1+/- animals. Our results demonstrate the implication of KANSL1 in the manifestation of KdVS phenotypes and extend substantially our knowledge about biological processes affected by these mutations. Clear differences in social behavior and gene expression profiles between Del/+ and Kansl1+/- mice suggested potential roles of other genes affected by the 17q21.31 deletion. Together, these novel mouse models provide new genetic tools valuable for the development of therapeutic approaches. The 17q21.31 deletion syndrome, also named Koolen-de Vries syndrome (KdVS), is a rare copy number variants associated in humans with intellectual disability, friendly behavior, congenital malformations. The syndrome is caused either by microdeletions in the 17q21.31 region or by variants in the KANSL1 gene in human. The reciprocal 17q21.31 microduplication syndrome is not so well characterized. To investigate the pathophysiology of the syndromes, we studied the deletion, the duplication of the syntenic region and a heterozygous Kansl1 mutant in the mouse. We found affected morphology and cognition, similar to human condition, with genes controlling chromatin organization, synaptic transmission and neurogenesis dysregulated in the hippocampus of KdVS models. In addition we found that synaptic transmission was altered in KdVS mice. Our results demonstrate the implication of KANSL1 in the manifestation of KdVS and extend substantially our knowledge about altered biological processes. Nevertheless, phenotypic differences between deletion and Kansl1+/- models suggested roles of other genes affected by the 17q21.31 deletion.
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Reilly J, Gallagher L, Chen JL, Leader G, Shen S. Bio-collections in autism research. Mol Autism 2017; 8:34. [PMID: 28702161 PMCID: PMC5504648 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders with diverse clinical manifestations and symptoms. In the last 10 years, there have been significant advances in understanding the genetic basis for ASD, critically supported through the establishment of ASD bio-collections and application in research. Here, we summarise a selection of major ASD bio-collections and their associated findings. Collectively, these include mapping ASD candidate genes, assessing the nature and frequency of gene mutations and their association with ASD clinical subgroups, insights into related molecular pathways such as the synapses, chromatin remodelling, transcription and ASD-related brain regions. We also briefly review emerging studies on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to potentially model ASD in culture. These provide deeper insight into ASD progression during development and could generate human cell models for drug screening. Finally, we provide perspectives concerning the utilities of ASD bio-collections and limitations, and highlight considerations in setting up a new bio-collection for ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, BioMedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway, Ireland
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - June L Chen
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Geraldine Leader
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, BioMedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway, Ireland
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Abstract
Despite thousands of genetic loci identified to date, a large proportion of genetic variation predisposing to complex disease and traits remains unaccounted for. Advances in sequencing technology enable focused explorations on the contribution of low-frequency and rare variants to human traits. Here we review experimental approaches and current knowledge on the contribution of these genetic variants in complex disease and discuss challenges and opportunities for personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bomba
- Human Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1HH, UK
| | - Klaudia Walter
- Human Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1HH, UK
| | - Nicole Soranzo
- Human Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1HH, UK. .,Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK. .,The National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Unit (NIHR BTRU) in Donor Health and Genomics at the University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.
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Richard AE, Scheffer IE, Wilson SJ. Features of the broader autism phenotype in people with epilepsy support shared mechanisms between epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 75:203-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Stessman HAF, Xiong B, Coe BP, Wang T, Hoekzema K, Fenckova M, Kvarnung M, Gerdts J, Trinh S, Cosemans N, Vives L, Lin J, Turner TN, Santen G, Ruivenkamp C, Kriek M, van Haeringen A, Aten E, Friend K, Liebelt J, Barnett C, Haan E, Shaw M, Gecz J, Anderlid BM, Nordgren A, Lindstrand A, Schwartz C, Kooy RF, Vandeweyer G, Helsmoortel C, Romano C, Alberti A, Vinci M, Avola E, Giusto S, Courchesne E, Pramparo T, Pierce K, Nalabolu S, Amaral D, Scheffer IE, Delatycki MB, Lockhart PJ, Hormozdiari F, Harich B, Castells-Nobau A, Xia K, Peeters H, Nordenskjöld M, Schenck A, Bernier RA, Eichler EE. Targeted sequencing identifies 91 neurodevelopmental-disorder risk genes with autism and developmental-disability biases. Nat Genet 2017; 49:515-526. [PMID: 28191889 PMCID: PMC5374041 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene-disruptive mutations contribute to the biology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but most of the related pathogenic genes are not known. We sequenced 208 candidate genes from >11,730 cases and >2,867 controls. We identified 91 genes, including 38 new NDD genes, with an excess of de novo mutations or private disruptive mutations in 5.7% of cases. Drosophila functional assays revealed a subset with increased involvement in NDDs. We identified 25 genes showing a bias for autism versus intellectual disability and highlighted a network associated with high-functioning autism (full-scale IQ >100). Clinical follow-up for NAA15, KMT5B, and ASH1L highlighted new syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of forensic medicine and Institute of Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bradley P. Coe
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tianyun Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kendra Hoekzema
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Malin Kvarnung
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sandy Trinh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nele Cosemans
- Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vives
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janice Lin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tychele N. Turner
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gijs Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Kriek
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arie van Haeringen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emmelien Aten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kathryn Friend
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jan Liebelt
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), Adelaide, Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher Barnett
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), Adelaide, Australia, Australia
| | - Eric Haan
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), Adelaide, Australia, Australia
| | - Marie Shaw
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jozef Gecz
- Robinson Research Institute and the University of Adelaide at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Britt-Marie Anderlid
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Lindstrand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charles Schwartz
- Center for Molecular Studies, J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Vandeweyer
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefania Giusto
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | - Karen Pierce
- UCSD, Autism Center of Excellence, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - David Amaral
- MIND Institute and the University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ingrid E. Scheffer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J. Lockhart
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fereydoun Hormozdiari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Harich
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kun Xia
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hilde Peeters
- Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Magnus Nordenskjöld
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raphael A. Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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Bruce HA, Kochunov P, Paciga SA, Hyde CL, Chen X, Xie Z, Zhang B, Xi HS, O'Donnell P, Whelan C, Schubert CR, Bellon A, Ament SA, Shukla DK, Du X, Rowland LM, O'Neill H, Hong LE. Potassium channel gene associations with joint processing speed and white matter impairments in schizophrenia. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 16:515-521. [PMID: 28188958 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia show decreased processing speed on neuropsychological testing and decreased white matter integrity as measured by diffusion tensor imaging, two traits shown to be both heritable and genetically associated indicating that there may be genes that influence both traits as well as schizophrenia disease risk. The potassium channel gene family is a reasonable candidate to harbor such a gene given the prominent role potassium channels play in the central nervous system in signal transduction, particularly in myelinated axons. We genotyped members of the large potassium channel gene family focusing on putatively functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a population of 363 controls, 194 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) and 28 patients with affective disorders with psychotic features who completed imaging and neuropsychological testing. We then performed three association analyses using three phenotypes - processing speed, whole-brain white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis. We extracted SNPs showing an association at a nominal P value of <0.05 with all three phenotypes in the expected direction: decreased processing speed, decreased FA and increased risk of SSD. A single SNP, rs8234, in the 3' untranslated region of voltage-gated potassium channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1) was identified. Rs8234 has been shown to affect KCNQ1 expression levels, and KCNQ1 levels have been shown to affect neuronal action potentials. This exploratory analysis provides preliminary data suggesting that KCNQ1 may contribute to the shared risk for diminished processing speed, diminished white mater integrity and increased risk of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Bruce
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - P Kochunov
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S A Paciga
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - C L Hyde
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - X Chen
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - Z Xie
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - B Zhang
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - H S Xi
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - P O'Donnell
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | - C Whelan
- Pfizer Inc., Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - A Bellon
- Department of Psychiatry, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - S A Ament
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - D K Shukla
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - X Du
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - L M Rowland
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - H O'Neill
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - L E Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Lara-Pezzi E, Desco M, Gatto A, Gómez-Gaviro MV. Neurogenesis: Regulation by Alternative Splicing and Related Posttranscriptional Processes. Neuroscientist 2016; 23:466-477. [PMID: 27837180 DOI: 10.1177/1073858416678604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the mammalian brain requires highly specialized protein function and diversity. As neurons differentiate and the neuronal circuitry is established, several mRNAs undergo alternative splicing and other posttranscriptional changes that expand the variety of protein isoforms produced. Recent advances are beginning to shed light on the molecular mechanisms that regulate isoform switching during neurogenesis and the role played by specific RNA binding proteins in this process. Neurogenesis and neuronal wiring were recently shown to also be regulated by RNA degradation through nonsense-mediated decay. An additional layer of regulatory complexity in these biological processes is the interplay between alternative splicing and long noncoding RNAs. Dysregulation of posttranscriptional regulation results in defective neuronal differentiation and/or synaptic connections that lead to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Lara-Pezzi
- 1 Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,2 National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Manuel Desco
- 3 Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,4 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Gatto
- 1 Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Gómez-Gaviro
- 3 Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,4 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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Conboy JG. Developmental regulation of RNA processing by Rbfox proteins. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 8. [PMID: 27748060 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Rbfox genes encode an ancient family of sequence-specific RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that are critical developmental regulators in multiple tissues including skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and brain. The hallmark of Rbfox proteins is a single high-affinity RRM domain, highly conserved from insects to humans, that binds preferentially to UGCAUG motifs at diverse regulatory sites in pre-mRNA introns, mRNA 3'UTRs, and pre-miRNAs hairpin structures. Versatile regulatory circuits operate on Rbfox pre-mRNA and mRNA to ensure proper expression of Rbfox1 protein isoforms, which then act on the broader transcriptome to regulate alternative splicing networks, mRNA stability and translation, and microRNA processing. Complex Rbfox expression is encoded in large genes encompassing multiple promoters and alternative splicing options that govern spatiotemporal expression of structurally distinct and tissue-specific protein isoforms with different classes of RNA targets. Nuclear Rbfox1 is a candidate master regulator that binds intronic UGCAUG elements to impact splicing efficiency of target alternative exons, many in transcripts for other splicing regulators. Tissue-specificity of Rbfox-mediated alternative splicing is executed by combinatorial regulation through the integrated activity of Rbfox proteins and synergistic or antagonistic splicing factors. Studies in animal models show that Rbfox1-related genes are critical for diverse developmental processes including germ cell differentiation and memory in Drosophila, neuronal migration and function in mouse brain, myoblast fusion and skeletal muscle function, and normal heart function. Finally, genetic and biochemical evidence suggest that aberrations in Rbfox-regulated circuitry are risk factors for multiple human disorders, especially neurodevelopmental disorders including epilepsy and autism, and cardiac hypertrophy. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1398. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1398 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Conboy
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Resequencing and Association Analysis of Six PSD-95-Related Genes as Possible Susceptibility Genes for Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27491. [PMID: 27271353 PMCID: PMC4895433 DOI: 10.1038/srep27491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PSD-95 associated PSD proteins play a critical role in regulating the density and activity of glutamate receptors. Numerous previous studies have shown an association between the genes that encode these proteins and schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which share a substantial portion of genetic risks. We sequenced the protein-encoding regions of DLG1, DLG2, DLG4, DLGAP1, DLGAP2, and SynGAP in 562 cases (370 SZ and 192 ASD patients) on the Ion PGM platform. We detected 26 rare (minor allele frequency <1%), non-synonymous mutations, and conducted silico functional analysis and pedigree analysis when possible. Three variants, G344R in DLG1, G241S in DLG4, and R604C in DLGAP2, were selected for association analysis in an independent sample set of 1315 SZ patients, 382 ASD patients, and 1793 healthy controls. Neither DLG4-G241S nor DLGAP2-R604C was detected in any samples in case or control sets, whereas one additional SZ patient was found that carried DLG1-G344R. Our results suggest that rare missense mutations in the candidate PSD genes may increase susceptibility to SZ and/or ASD. These findings may strengthen the theory that rare, non-synonymous variants confer substantial genetic risks for these disorders.
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Sealey LA, Hughes BW, Sriskanda AN, Guest JR, Gibson AD, Johnson-Williams L, Pace DG, Bagasra O. Environmental factors in the development of autism spectrum disorders. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 88:288-298. [PMID: 26826339 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous developmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive/stereotyped patterns of behavior and repetitive movements. Social interaction impairments are the most characteristic deficits in ASD. There is also evidence of impoverished language and empathy, a profound inability to use standard nonverbal behaviors (eye contact, affective expression) to regulate social interactions with others, difficulties in showing empathy, failure to share enjoyment, interests and achievements with others, and a lack of social and emotional reciprocity. In developed countries, it is now reported that 1%-1.5% of children have ASD, and in the US 2015 CDC reports that approximately one in 45 children suffer from ASD. Despite the intense research focus on ASD in the last decade, the underlying etiology remains unknown. Genetic research involving twins and family studies strongly supports a significant contribution of environmental factors in addition to genetic factors in ASD etiology. A comprehensive literature search has implicated several environmental factors associated with the development of ASD. These include pesticides, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, solvents, air pollutants, fragrances, glyphosate and heavy metals, especially aluminum used in vaccines as adjuvant. Importantly, the majority of these toxicants are some of the most common ingredients in cosmetics and herbicides to which almost all of us are regularly exposed to in the form of fragrances, face makeup, cologne, air fresheners, food flavors, detergents, insecticides and herbicides. In this review we describe various scientific data to show the role of environmental factors in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Sealey
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - B W Hughes
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - A N Sriskanda
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - J R Guest
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - A D Gibson
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - L Johnson-Williams
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - D G Pace
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - O Bagasra
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
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Gao C, Ren S, Lee JH, Qiu J, Chapski DJ, Rau CD, Zhou Y, Abdellatif M, Nakano A, Vondriska TM, Xiao X, Fu XD, Chen JN, Wang Y. RBFox1-mediated RNA splicing regulates cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. J Clin Invest 2015; 126:195-206. [PMID: 26619120 DOI: 10.1172/jci84015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is a major contributor to total transcriptome complexity; however, the functional role and regulation of splicing in heart failure remain poorly understood. Here, we used a total transcriptome profiling and bioinformatic analysis approach and identified a muscle-specific isoform of an RNA splicing regulator, RBFox1 (also known as A2BP1), as a prominent regulator of alternative RNA splicing during heart failure. Evaluation of developing murine and zebrafish hearts revealed that RBFox1 is induced during postnatal cardiac maturation. However, we found that RBFox1 is markedly diminished in failing human and mouse hearts. In a mouse model, RBFox1 deficiency in the heart promoted pressure overload-induced heart failure. We determined that RBFox1 is a potent regulator of RNA splicing and is required for a conserved splicing process of transcription factor MEF2 family members that yields different MEF2 isoforms with differential effects on cardiac hypertrophic gene expression. Finally, induction of RBFox1 expression in murine pressure overload models substantially attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and pathological manifestations. Together, this study identifies regulation of RNA splicing by RBFox1 as an important player in transcriptome reprogramming during heart failure that influence pathogenesis of the disease.
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