1
|
Lawther AJ, Zieba J, Fang Z, Furlong TM, Conn I, Govindaraju H, Choong LLY, Turner N, Siddiqui KS, Bridge W, Merlin S, Hyams TC, Killingsworth M, Eapen V, Clarke RA, Walker AK. Antioxidant Behavioural Phenotype in the Immp2l Gene Knock-Out Mouse. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1717. [PMID: 37761857 PMCID: PMC10531238 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Inner mitochondrial membrane protein 2-like (IMMP2L) gene is linked to autism inheritance. However, the biological basis of this linkage is unknown notwithstanding independent reports of oxidative stress in association with both IMMP2L and ASD. To better understand IMMP2L's association with behaviour, we developed the Immp2lKD knockout (KO) mouse model which is devoid of Immp2l peptidase activity. Immp2lKD -/- KO mice do not display any of the core behavioural symptoms of ASD, albeit homozygous Immp2lKD -/- KO mice do display increased auditory stimulus-driven instrumental behaviour and increased amphetamine-induced locomotion. Due to reports of increased ROS and oxidative stress phenotypes in an earlier truncated Immp2l mouse model resulting from an intragenic deletion within Immp2l, we tested whether high doses of the synthetic mitochondrial targeted antioxidant (MitoQ) could reverse or moderate the behavioural changes in Immp2lKD -/- KO mice. To our surprise, we observed that ROS levels were not increased but significantly lowered in our new Immp2lKD -/- KO mice and that these mice had no oxidative stress-associated phenotypes and were fully fertile with no age-related ataxia or neurodegeneration as ascertained using electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant MitoQ had no effect on the increased amphetamine-induced locomotion of these mice. Together, these findings indicate that the behavioural changes in Immp2lKD -/- KO mice are associated with an antioxidant-like phenotype with lowered and not increased levels of ROS and no oxidative stress-related phenotypes. This suggested that treatments with antioxidants are unlikely to be effective in treating behaviours directly resulting from the loss of Immp2l/IMMP2L activity, while any behavioural deficits that maybe associated with IMMP2L intragenic deletion-associated truncations have yet to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Lawther
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Jerzy Zieba
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Department of Psychology, University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Zhiming Fang
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
| | - Teri M. Furlong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Illya Conn
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Hemna Govindaraju
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Laura L. Y. Choong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Nigel Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Khawar Sohail Siddiqui
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Wallace Bridge
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sam Merlin
- Medical Science, School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Tzipi Cohen Hyams
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
| | - Murray Killingsworth
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
- NSW Health Pathology, Liverpool Hospital Campus, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, NSW 2107, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
- Academic Unit of Infant Child and Adolescent Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Raymond A. Clarke
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
- Academic Unit of Infant Child and Adolescent Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Adam K. Walker
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Direct targeting of DOCK4 by miRNA-181d in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-mediated neuronal injury. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:34. [PMID: 36882763 PMCID: PMC9990210 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The miRNA-181 (miR-181) family regulates neuronal persistence during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Since the effect of miR-181d on CI/RI has never been studied, the current work sought to determine the involvement of miR-181d in neuronal apoptosis after brain I/R injury. To replicate in vivo and in vitro CI/RI, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in rats and an oxygen-glucose deficiency/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in neuro 2A cells were developed. In both in vivo and in vitro stroke models, the expression of miR-181d was considerably higher. miR-181d suppression reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in OGD/R-treated neuroblastoma cells, but miR-181d overexpression increased both. Furthermore, it was observed that miR-181d has a direct target in dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4). The overexpression of DOCK4 partially overcame cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by miR-181d upregulation and OGD/R injury. Furthermore, the DOCK4 rs2074130 mutation was related to lower DOCK4 levels in ischemic stroke (IS) peripheral blood and higher susceptibility to IS. These findings suggest that downregulating miR-181d protects neurons from ischemic damage by targeting DOCK4, implying that the miR-181d/DOCK4 axis might be a novel therapeutic target for IS.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dall' Aglio L, Rijlaarsdam J, Mulder RH, Neumann A, Felix JF, Kok R, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van Ijzendoorn MH, Tiemeier H, Cecil CAM. Epigenome-wide associations between observed maternal sensitivity and offspring DNA methylation: a population-based prospective study in children. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2481-2491. [PMID: 33267929 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720004353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental work in animals has shown that DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression, is influenced by typical variation in maternal care. While emerging research in humans supports a similar association, studies to date have been limited to candidate gene and cross-sectional approaches, with a focus on extreme deviations in the caregiving environment. METHODS Here, we explored the prospective association between typical variation in maternal sensitivity and offspring epigenome-wide DNAm, in a population-based cohort of children (N = 235). Maternal sensitivity was observed when children were 3- and 4-years-old. DNAm, quantified with the Infinium 450 K array, was extracted at age 6 (whole blood). The influence of methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs), DNAm at birth (cord blood), and confounders (socioeconomic status, maternal psychopathology) was considered in follow-up analyses. RESULTS Genome-wide significant associations between maternal sensitivity and offspring DNAm were observed at 13 regions (p < 1.06 × 10-07), but not at single sites. Follow-up analyses indicated that associations at these regions were in part related to genetic factors, confounders, and baseline DNAm levels at birth, as evidenced by the presence of mQTLs at five regions and estimate attenuations. Robust associations with maternal sensitivity were found at four regions, annotated to ZBTB22, TAPBP, ZBTB12, and DOCK4. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel leads into the relationship between typical variation in maternal caregiving and offspring DNAm in humans, highlighting robust regions of associations, previously implicated in psychological and developmental problems, immune functioning, and stress responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Dall' Aglio
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa H Mulder
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Neumann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Kok
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marinus H van Ijzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Primary Care Unit School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dock4 Is Required for the Maintenance of Cochlear Hair Cells and Hearing Function. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
|
5
|
Kunová N, Havalová H, Ondrovičová G, Stojkovičová B, Bauer JA, Bauerová-Hlinková V, Pevala V, Kutejová E. Mitochondrial Processing Peptidases-Structure, Function and the Role in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1297. [PMID: 35163221 PMCID: PMC8835746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial proteins are encoded by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. While some of the essential subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes responsible for cellular ATP production are synthesized directly in the mitochondria, most mitochondrial proteins are first translated in the cytosol and then imported into the organelle using a sophisticated transport system. These proteins are directed mainly by targeting presequences at their N-termini. These presequences need to be cleaved to allow the proper folding and assembly of the pre-proteins into functional protein complexes. In the mitochondria, the presequences are removed by several processing peptidases, including the mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP), the inner membrane processing peptidase (IMP), the inter-membrane processing peptidase (MIP), and the mitochondrial rhomboid protease (Pcp1/PARL). Their proper functioning is essential for mitochondrial homeostasis as the disruption of any of them is lethal in yeast and severely impacts the lifespan and survival in humans. In this review, we focus on characterizing the structure, function, and substrate specificities of mitochondrial processing peptidases, as well as the connection of their malfunctions to severe human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eva Kutejová
- Department of Biochemistry and Protein Structure, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.H.); (G.O.); (B.S.); (J.A.B.); (V.B.-H.); (V.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Duman JG, Blanco FA, Cronkite CA, Ru Q, Erikson KC, Mulherkar S, Saifullah AB, Firozi K, Tolias KF. Rac-maninoff and Rho-vel: The symphony of Rho-GTPase signaling at excitatory synapses. Small GTPases 2022; 13:14-47. [PMID: 33955328 PMCID: PMC9707551 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1885264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections between neurons are essential for every facet of human cognition and are thus regulated with extreme precision. Rho-family GTPases, molecular switches that cycle between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state, comprise a critical feature of synaptic regulation. Rho-GTPases are exquisitely controlled by an extensive suite of activators (GEFs) and inhibitors (GAPs and GDIs) and interact with many different signalling pathways to fulfill their roles in orchestrating the development, maintenance, and plasticity of excitatory synapses of the central nervous system. Among the mechanisms that control Rho-GTPase activity and signalling are cell surface receptors, GEF/GAP complexes that tightly regulate single Rho-GTPase dynamics, GEF/GAP and GEF/GEF functional complexes that coordinate multiple Rho-family GTPase activities, effector positive feedback loops, and mutual antagonism of opposing Rho-GTPase pathways. These complex regulatory mechanisms are employed by the cells of the nervous system in almost every step of development, and prominently figure into the processes of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory. Finally, misregulation of Rho-GTPases plays critical roles in responses to neuronal injury, such as traumatic brain injury and neuropathic pain, and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, decoding the mechanisms of Rho-GTPase regulation and function at excitatory synapses has great potential for combatting many of the biggest current challenges in mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Francisco A. Blanco
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher A. Cronkite
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly C. Erikson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Bin Saifullah
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen Firozi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberley F. Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Anashkina AA, Erlykina EI. Molecular Mechanisms of Aberrant Neuroplasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Review). Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2021; 13:78-91. [PMID: 34513070 PMCID: PMC8353687 DOI: 10.17691/stm2021.13.1.10] [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: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents the analysis and systematization of modern data on the molecular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) development. Polyetiology and the multifactorial nature of ASD have been proved. The attempt has been made to jointly review and systematize current hypotheses of ASD pathogenesis at the molecular level from the standpoint of aberrant brain plasticity. The mechanism of glutamate excitotoxicity formation, the effect of imbalance of neuroactive amino acids and their derivatives, neurotransmitters, and hormones on the ASD formation have been considered in detail. The strengths and weaknesses of the proposed hypotheses have been analyzed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. The conclusion has been drawn on the leading role of glutamate excitotoxicity as a biochemical mechanism of aberrant neuroplasticity accompanied by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The mechanism of aberrant neuroplasticity has also been traced at the critical moments of the nervous system development taking into account the influence of various factors of the internal and external environment. New approaches to searching for ASD molecular markers have been considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Anashkina
- Senior Teacher, Department of Biochemistry named after G.Y. Gorodisskaya; Senior Researcher, Central Scientific Research Laboratory, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - E I Erlykina
- Professor, Head of the Department of Biochemistry named after G.Y. Gorodisskaya, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms in autism spectrum disorder and language impairment among Bangladeshi children: a case-control study combined with a meta-analysis. Hum Cell 2021; 34:1410-1423. [PMID: 33950402 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication deficits, impaired social interactions, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors with restricted interests, and connected with the interaction between environmental factors and genetic vulnerability. CNTNAP2 gene has been extensively investigated for ASD and related neurodevelopment diseases. However, previous studies have resulted in an inconsistent outcome. Based on this fact, we conducted a case-control study followed by a meta-analysis to investigate the association of rs7794745 and rs2710102 polymorphisms with ASD. A total of 216 autistic children and 240 healthy volunteers were recruited, and genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. We observed that SNP rs7794745 revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) increased association with the development of ASD in children in all genetic models. No significant association was found for rs2710102 with ASD. Besides, rs2710102 exhibited a significant association with language impairment in TC genotype, C allele, and dominant model. From the meta-analysis of both SNPs, we found a significant association in codominant 1, 2, and the dominant model of rs2710102 and codominant 1 and dominant model of rs7794745 with ASD. Our case-control study suggests that rs7794745 polymorphism is associated with ASD, while rs2710102 is correlated with language impairment. Moreover, meta-analysis results indicated the association between both rs7794745 and rs2710102 polymorphisms and ASD.
Collapse
|
9
|
Thompson AP, Bitsina C, Gray JL, von Delft F, Brennan PE. RHO to the DOCK for GDP disembarking: Structural insights into the DOCK GTPase nucleotide exchange factors. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100521. [PMID: 33684443 PMCID: PMC8063744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family consists of 11 structurally conserved proteins that serve as atypical RHO guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RHO GEFs). These regulatory proteins act as mediators in numerous cellular cascades that promote cytoskeletal remodeling, playing roles in various crucial processes such as differentiation, migration, polarization, and axon growth in neurons. At the molecular level, DOCK DHR2 domains facilitate nucleotide dissociation from small GTPases, a process that is otherwise too slow for rapid spatiotemporal control of cellular signaling. Here, we provide an overview of the biological and structural characteristics for the various DOCK proteins and describe how they differ from other RHO GEFs and between DOCK subfamilies. The expression of the family varies depending on cell or tissue type, and they are consequently implicated in a broad range of disease phenotypes, particularly in the brain. A growing body of available structural information reveals the mechanism by which the catalytic DHR2 domain elicits nucleotide dissociation and also indicates strategies for the discovery and design of high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors. Such compounds could serve as chemical probes to interrogate the cellular function and provide starting points for drug discovery of this important class of enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Bitsina
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Janine L Gray
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank von Delft
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang X, Guo D, Li K, Shi L. Altered postnatal developmental patterns of ultrasonic vocalizations in Dock4 knockout mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113232. [PMID: 33705839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) characterization is useful for evaluating communication in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, by categorizing USVs into 12 types using a comprehensive classification method, we obtained the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of USV repertoire emitted by ASD-related Dock4 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates during social isolation over early postnatal development. Notably, USVs emitted by WT pups exhibited a developmental switch from a pattern with more multiple-note calls, which have more complex acoustic structure, lower pitch and larger volume, into one with more single-note calls, which have simpler acoustic structure, higher pitch and smaller volume. Comparing with WT pups, USVs emitted by Dock4 KO pups had larger volume and consisted of more multiple-note calls with higher pitch in later developmental stage. These findings collectively reveal a developmental pattern of USV in normal mice and identified a set of alterations in Dock4 KO pups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Yang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China; Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Keshen Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China; Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Downregulated mRNA Expression of ZNF385B Is an Independent Predictor of Breast Cancer. Int J Genomics 2021; 2021:4301802. [PMID: 33614780 PMCID: PMC7876827 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4301802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ZNF385B, a zinc finger protein, has been known as a potential biomarker in some neurological and hematological studies recently. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the potential function of zinc finger proteins in tumor progression, the effects of ZNF385B in breast cancer (BC) are less studied. Methods The Oncomine database and “ESurv” tool were used to explore the differential expression of ZNF385B in pan-cancer. Furthermore, data of patients with BC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of ZNF385B expression was established to explore the diagnostic value of ZNF385B and to obtain the cut-off value of high or low ZNF385B expression in BC. The chi-square test as well as Fisher exact test was used for identification of the relationships between clinical features and ZNF385B expression. Furthermore, the effects of ZNF385B on BC patients' survival were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were employed to validate the results of TCGA. Protein expression of ZNF385B in BC patient specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Results ZNF385B expression was downregulated in most types of cancer including BC. Low ZNF385B expression was related with survival status, overall survival (OS), and recurrence of BC. ZNF385B had modest diagnostic value, which is indicated by the area under the ROC curve (AUC = 0.671). Patients with lower ZNF385B expression had shorter OS and RFS (relapse-free survival). It had been demonstrated that low ZNF385B expression represented independent prognostic value for OS and RFS by multivariate survival analysis. The similar results were verified by datasets from the GEO database as well. The protein expression of ZNF385B was decreased in patients' samples compared with adjacent tissues by IHC. Conclusions Low ZNF385B expression was an independent predictor for worse prognosis of BC patients.
Collapse
|
12
|
Autism-like social deficit generated by Dock4 deficiency is rescued by restoration of Rac1 activity and NMDA receptor function. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1505-1519. [PMID: 31388105 PMCID: PMC8159750 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0472-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have revealed multigene variations that converge on synaptic dysfunction. DOCK4, a gene at 7q31.1 that encodes the Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock4, has been identified as a risk gene for ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders. However, whether and how Dock4 disruption leads to ASD features through a synaptic mechanism remain unexplored. We generated and characterized a line of Dock4 knockout (KO) mice, which intriguingly displayed a series of ASD-like behaviors, including impaired social novelty preference, abnormal isolation-induced pup vocalizations, elevated anxiety, and perturbed object and spatial learning. Mice with conditional deletion of Dock4 in hippocampal CA1 recapitulated social preference deficit in KO mice. Examination in CA1 pyramidal neurons revealed that excitatory synaptic transmission was drastically attenuated in KO mice, accompanied by decreased spine density and synaptic content of AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid)- and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-type glutamate receptors. Moreover, Dock4 deficiency markedly reduced Rac1 activity in the hippocampus, which resulted in downregulation of global protein synthesis and diminished expression of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits. Notably, Rac1 replenishment in the hippocampal CA1 of Dock4 KO mice restored excitatory synaptic transmission and corrected impaired social deficits in these mice, and pharmacological activation of NMDA receptors also restored social novelty preference in Dock4 KO mice. Together, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized Dock4-Rac1-dependent mechanism involved in regulating hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and social behavior.
Collapse
|
13
|
Uddin MG, Siddiqui SA, Uddin MS, Aziz MA, Hussain MS, Furhatun-Noor, Millat MS, Sen N, Muhuri B, Islam MS. Genetic variants of ZNF385B and COMT are associated with autism spectrum disorder in the Bangladeshi children. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
|
15
|
Yoon SH, Choi J, Lee WJ, Do JT. Genetic and Epigenetic Etiology Underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E966. [PMID: 32244359 PMCID: PMC7230567 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, language development delays, repeated body movements, and markedly deteriorated activities and interests. Environmental factors, such as viral infection, parental age, and zinc deficiency, can be plausible contributors to ASD susceptibility. As ASD is highly heritable, genetic risk factors involved in neurodevelopment, neural communication, and social interaction provide important clues in explaining the etiology of ASD. Accumulated evidence also shows an important role of epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, in ASD etiology. In this review, we compiled the research published to date and described the genetic and epigenetic epidemiology together with environmental risk factors underlying the etiology of the different phenotypes of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.H.Y.); (J.C.); (W.J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Al-Naama N, Mackeh R, Kino T. C 2H 2-Type Zinc Finger Proteins in Brain Development, Neurodevelopmental, and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Systematic Literature-Based Analysis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:32. [PMID: 32117005 PMCID: PMC7034409 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are multifaceted pathologic conditions manifested with intellectual disability, autistic features, psychiatric problems, motor dysfunction, and/or genetic/chromosomal abnormalities. They are associated with skewed neurogenesis and brain development, in part through dysfunction of the neural stem cells (NSCs) where abnormal transcriptional regulation on key genes play significant roles. Recent accumulated evidence highlights C2H2-type zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZNFs), the largest transcription factor family in humans, as important targets for the pathologic processes associated with NDDs. In this review, we identified their significant accumulation (74 C2H2-ZNFs: ~10% of all human member proteins) in brain physiology and pathology. Specifically, we discuss their physiologic contribution to brain development, particularly focusing on their actions in NSCs. We then explain their pathologic implications in various forms of NDDs, such as morphological brain abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric disorders. We found an important tendency that poly-ZNFs and KRAB-ZNFs tend to be involved in the diseases that compromise gross brain structure and human-specific higher-order functions, respectively. This may be consistent with their characteristic appearance in the course of species evolution and corresponding contribution to these brain activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Njoud Al-Naama
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genomic Endocrinology, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rafah Mackeh
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genomic Endocrinology, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tomoshige Kino
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genomic Endocrinology, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To better understand the shared basis of language and mental health, this review examines the behavioral and neurobiological features of aberrant language in five major neuropsychiatric conditions. Special attention is paid to genes implicated in both language and neuropsychiatric disorders, as they reveal biological domains likely to underpin the processes controlling both. RECENT FINDINGS Abnormal language and communication are common manifestations of neuropsychiatric conditions, and children with impaired language are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders than their peers. Major themes in the genetics of both language and psychiatry include master transcriptional regulators, like FOXP2; key developmental regulators, like AUTS2; and mediators of neurotransmission, like GRIN2A and CACNA1C.
Collapse
|
18
|
Huang M, Liang C, Li S, Zhang J, Guo D, Zhao B, Liu Y, Peng Y, Xu J, Liu W, Guo G, Shi L. Two Autism/Dyslexia Linked Variations of DOCK4 Disrupt the Gene Function on Rac1/Rap1 Activation, Neurite Outgrowth, and Synapse Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:577. [PMID: 32009906 PMCID: PMC6974517 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyslexia are both neurodevelopmental disorders with high prevalence in children. Both disorders have strong genetic basis, and share similar social communication deficits co-occurring with impairments of reading or language. However, whether these two disorders share common genetic risks remain elusive. DOCK4 (dedicator for cytokinesis 4), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the small GTPase Rac1, is one of few genes that are associated with both ASD and dyslexia. Dock4 is important for neuronal development and social behaviors. Two DOCK4 variations, Exon27-52 deletion (protein product: Dock4-945VS) and a missense mutation at rs2074130 (protein product: Dock4-R853H), are associated with dyslexia and/or ASD with reading difficulties. The present study explores the molecular and cellular functions of these two DOCK4 variants on neuronal development, by comparing them with the wild-type Dock4 protein. Notably, it is revealed that both mutants of Dock4 showed decreased ability to activate not only Rac1, but also another small GTPase Rap1. Consistently, both mutants were dysfunctional for regulation of cell morphology and cytoskeleton. Using Neuro-2a cells and hippocampus neurons as models, we found that both mutants had compromised function in promoting neurite outgrowth and dendritic spine formation. Electrophysiological recordings further showed that R853H partially lost the ability to promote excitatory synaptic transmission, whereas 945VS totally lost the ability. Together, we identified R853 as a previously uncharacterized site for the regulation of the integrity of Dock4 function, and provides insights in understanding the common molecular pathophysiology of ASD and dyslexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miaoqi Huang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
New Horizons for Molecular Genetics Diagnostic and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:43-81. [PMID: 32006356 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, heterogeneous, and complex pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder (PND) characterized by distinctive abnormalities of human cognitive functions, social interaction, and speech development.Nowadays, several genetic changes including chromosome abnormalities, genetic variations, transcriptional epigenetics, and noncoding RNA have been identified in ASD. However, the association between these genetic modifications and ASDs has not been confirmed yet.The aim of this review is to summarize the key findings in ASD from genetic viewpoint that have been identified from the last few decades of genetic and molecular research.
Collapse
|
20
|
Prata DP, Costa-Neves B, Cosme G, Vassos E. Unravelling the genetic basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with GWAS: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 114:178-207. [PMID: 31096178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review findings of GWAS in schizophrenia (SZ) and in bipolar disorder (BD); and to interpret findings, with a focus on identifying independent replications. METHOD PubMed search, selection and review of all independent GWAS in SZ or BD, published since March 2011, i.e. studies using non-overlapping samples within each article, between articles, and with those of the previous review (Li et al., 2012). RESULTS From the 22 GWAS included in this review, the genetic associations surviving standard GWAS-significance were for genetic markers in the regions of ACSL3/KCNE4, ADCY2, AMBRA1, ANK3, BRP44, DTL, FBLN1, HHAT, INTS7, LOC392301, LOC645434/NMBR, LOC729457, LRRFIP1, LSM1, MDM1, MHC, MIR2113/POU3F2, NDST3, NKAPL, ODZ4, PGBD1, RENBP, TRANK1, TSPAN18, TWIST2, UGT1A1/HJURP, WHSC1L1/FGFR1 and ZKSCAN4. All genes implicated across both reviews are discussed in terms of their function and implication in neuropsychiatry. CONCLUSION Taking all GWAS to date into account, AMBRA1, ANK3, ARNTL, CDH13, EFHD1 (albeit with different alleles), MHC, PLXNA2 and UGT1A1 have been implicated in either disorder in at least two reportedly non-overlapping samples. Additionally, evidence for a SZ/BD common genetic basis is most strongly supported by the implication of ANK3, NDST3, and PLXNA2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Prata
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF, UK; Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Social, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Bernardo Costa-Neves
- Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, Av. do Brasil, 53 1749-002, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Cosme
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Evangelos Vassos
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kreilaus F, Chesworth R, Eapen V, Clarke R, Karl T. First behavioural assessment of a novel Immp2l knockdown mouse model with relevance for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and Autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res 2019; 374:112057. [PMID: 31233820 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which shares some clinical features with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The genetic factors relevant to the development of both disorders are yet to be fully understood, however, some genetic association studies have identified inner mitochondrial membrane peptidase subunit 2 (IMMP2L) as a potential risk gene for both GTS and ASD. The impact of Immp2l deficiency on behavioural domains is currently unknown. A new genetic mouse model for Immp2l was developed. Adult heterozygous (HET) and homozygous (HOMO) Immp2l knockdown (Immp2l KD) mice of both sexes were compared to wild type-like (WT) littermates in the open field (OF), social interaction, novel object recognition, marble burying, and prepulse inhibition (PPI). The effect of acute dexamphetamine (2 mg/kg) on OF behaviour was also determined. OF locomotion was significantly higher in HET compared to HOMO male littermates. Male and female HOMO mice were much more sensitive to the locomotor-stimulating effects of dexamphetamine (DEX), whereas only HOMO males exhibited significant increased DEX-induced OF exploration compared to control groups. HOMO females failed to habituate to an acoustic startle stimulus. Furthermore, compared to HOMO females, HET females showed reduced social interaction, and a similar trend was seen in HET males. The Immp2l KD mouse model possesses moderate face validity for preclinical research into GTS and ASD, in particular as dysfunctional dopaminergic neurotransmission appears to be one mechanism leading to disease presentation. The sex-dependent differences observed in most findings reinforce the strong influence of sex in the pathophysiology of GTS and ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kreilaus
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Raymond Clarke
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), NSW, 2031, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baldan F, Gnan C, Franzoni A, Ferino L, Allegri L, Passon N, Damante G. Genomic Deletion Involving the IMMP2L Gene in Two Cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cytogenet Genome Res 2018; 154:196-200. [PMID: 29788020 DOI: 10.1159/000489001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations/deletions of the IMMP2L gene have been associated with different cognitive/behavioral disturbances, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The penetrance of these defects is not complete since they often are inherited from a healthy parent. Using array-CGH in a cohort of 37 ASD patients, we found 2 subjects harboring a deletion inside the IMMP2L gene. In both cases, the IMMP2L gene deletion was inherited: from a healthy mother in one case and from a dyslectic father in the other. In the latter family, the IMMP2L deletion was also detected in the patient's brother, who showed delayed language development. In a cohort of 100 normal controls, no deletions including the IMMP2L gene were observed. However, a recent meta-analysis found no association between IMMP2L deletions and ASD. Our data would indicate that deletions involving the IMMP2L gene may contribute to the development of a subgroup of cognitive/behavioral disorders.
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zarrei M, Tong W, Dong R, Wang Y, Zhang H, Yang X, MacDonald JR, Uddin M, Scherer SW, Gai Z. Association of IMMP2L deletions with autism spectrum disorder: A trio family study and meta-analysis. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:93-100. [PMID: 29152845 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
IMMP2L, the gene encoding the inner mitochondrial membrane peptidase subunit 2-like protein, has been reported as a candidate gene for Tourette syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and additional neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we genotyped 100 trio families with an index proband with autism spectrum disorder in Han Chinese population and found three cases with rare exonic IMMP2L deletions. We have conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to quantify the association of IMMP2L deletions with ASD using 5,568 cases and 10,279 controls. While the IMMP2L deletions carried non-recurrent breakpoints, in contrast to previous reports, our meta-analysis found no evidence of association (P > 0.05) between IMMP2L deletions and ASD. We also observed common exonic deletions impacting IMMP2L in a separate control (5,971 samples) cohort where subjects were screened for psychiatric conditions. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effect of IMMP2L deletions on ASD, but further investigations in different populations, especially Chinese population may be still needed to confirm our results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Zhang
- Pediatric Health Care Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Mehdi Zarrei
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Winnie Tong
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rui Dong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Jeffrey R MacDonald
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mohammed Uddin
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Dubai, UAE
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Pediatric Health Care Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China.,Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang X, Liang S, Sun Y, Li H, Endo F, Nakao M, Saitoh N, Wu L. Analysis of estrogen receptor β gene methylation in autistic males in a Chinese Han population. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1033-1042. [PMID: 28299627 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-9990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder with abnormalities of social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. The higher prevalence of ASD in men implies a potential relationship between sex hormones and ASD etiology. The ESR2 gene encodes estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and plays an important role during brain development. A relationship between ESR2 and ASD has been suggested by studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms and mRNA and protein expression levels in ASD patients. Here, we explored the possible epigenetic regulation of the ESR2 gene in autism. We collected genomic DNA from the peripheral blood of Chinese Han males with autism and age-matched normal males and measured DNA methylation of CpG islands in the ESR2 gene, which consisted of 41 CpG sites among the proximal promoter region and an untranslated exon, by bisulfite sequencing. We also investigated a relationship between DNA methylation and phenotypic features of autism, as assessed by the Children Autism Rating Scale. We found little overall difference in the DNA methylation of the ESR2 5'-flanking region in individuals with autism compared with normal individuals. However, detailed analyses revealed that eight specific CpG sites were hypermethylated in autistic individuals and that four specific CpG sites were positively associated with the severity of autistic symptoms. Our study indicates that the epigenetic dysregulation of ESR2 may govern the development of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuelai Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Haixin Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Fumio Endo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Noriko Saitoh
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
- Department of Cancer Biology, The Cancer Institute of JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Use of clinical chromosomal microarray in Chinese patients with autism spectrum disorder-implications of a copy number variation involving DPP10. Mol Autism 2017; 8:31. [PMID: 28670437 PMCID: PMC5485587 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is recommended as a first-tier genetic test for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, interpretation of results can often be challenging partly due to the fact that copy number variants (CNVs) in non-European ASD patients are not well studied. To address this literature gap, we report the CNV findings in a cohort of Chinese children with ASD. Methods DNA samples were obtained from 258 Chinese ASD patients recruited from a child assessment center between January 2011 and August 2014. aCGH was performed using NimbleGen-CGX-135k or Agilent-CGX 60k oligonucleotide array. Results were classified based on existing guidelines and literature. Results Ten pathogenic CNVs and one likely pathogenic CNV were found in nine patients, with an overall diagnostic yield of 3.5%. A 138 kb duplication involving 3′ exons of DPP10 (arr[GRCh37] 2q14.1(116534689_116672358)x3), reported to be associated with ASD, was identified in one patient (0.39%). The same CNV was reported as variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in DECIPHER database. Multiple individuals of typical development carrying a similar duplication were identified among our ancestry-matched control with a frequency of 6/653 (0.92%) as well as from literature and genomic databases. Conclusions The DPP10 duplication is likely a benign CNV polymorphism enriched in Southern Chinese with a population frequency of ~1%. This highlights the importance of using ancestry-matched controls in interpretation of aCGH findings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-017-0136-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
26
|
Suppression of Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Peptidase 2-Like (IMMP2L) Gene Exacerbates Hypoxia-Induced Neural Death Under High Glucose Condition. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:1504-1514. [PMID: 28316022 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
It is known that diabetes hyperglycemia enhances cerebral ischemia and reperfusion induced damage. We have previously shown that mutation of inner mitochondrial membrane peptidase 2-like (IMMP2L) increases brain damage caused by transient cerebral ischemia. In this study, we attempt to examine the impact of IMMP2L deficiency on an in vitro model that mimics the diabetic hypoxic conditions. Normal IMMP2L wild type and IMMP2L gene deleted HT22 cells were cultured. Hypoxia was induced under high glucose and acidic conditions with 4 h of oxygen deprivation. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay and cell death was determined using Annexin V/7-AAD assay. Superoxide production was measured using dihydroethidium staining and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using JC-1 probe. Suppression of IMMP2L reduced the cell viability, increased the ROS production and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that deficiency of IMMP2L in cells, cultured under hypoxia, high glucose and acidic conditions, exacerbated neuronal death under a condition that mimics in vivo cerebral ischemia in diabetic condition.
Collapse
|
27
|
Vijayakumar NT, Judy MV. Autism spectrum disorders: Integration of the genome, transcriptome and the environment. J Neurol Sci 2016; 364:167-76. [PMID: 27084239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders denote a series of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by an impaired social communication profile and often repetitive, stereotyped behavior. Recent years have seen the complex genetic architecture of the disease being progressively unraveled with advancements in gene finding technology and next generation sequencing methods. However, a complete elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind autism is necessary for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted where the focus is not only on the 'genetics' of autism but also on the combinational roles of epigenetics, transcriptomics, immune system disruption and environmental factors that could all influence the etiopathogenesis of the disease. ASD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with great genetic complexity; only through an integrated multidimensional effort can modern autism research progress further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Thushara Vijayakumar
- Department of Computer Science & IT., Amrita School of Arts & Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, India.
| | - M V Judy
- Department of Computer Science & IT., Amrita School of Arts & Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kuo PH, Chuang LC, Su MH, Chen CH, Chen CH, Wu JY, Yen CJ, Wu YY, Liu SK, Chou MC, Chou WJ, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. Genome-Wide Association Study for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwanese Han Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138695. [PMID: 26398136 PMCID: PMC4580585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with strong genetic components. Several recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies in Caucasian samples have reported a number of gene regions and loci correlated with the risk of ASD--albeit with very little consensus across studies. METHODS A two-stage GWA study was employed to identify common genetic variants for ASD in the Taiwanese Han population. The discovery stage included 315 patients with ASD and 1,115 healthy controls, using the Affymetrix SNP array 6.0 platform for genotyping. Several gene regions were then selected for fine-mapping and top markers were examined in extended samples. Single marker, haplotype, gene-based, and pathway analyses were conducted for associations. RESULTS Seven SNPs had p-values ranging from 3.4~9.9*10-6, but none reached the genome-wide significant level. Five of them were mapped to three known genes (OR2M4, STYK1, and MNT) with significant empirical gene-based p-values in OR2M4 (p = 3.4*10(-5)) and MNT (p = 0.0008). Results of the fine-mapping study showed single-marker associations in the GLIS1 (rs12082358 and rs12080993) and NAALADL2 (rs3914502 and rs2222447) genes, and gene-based associations for the OR2M3-OR2T5 (olfactory receptor genes, p = 0.02), and GLIPR1/KRR1 gene regions (p = 0.015). Pathway analyses revealed important pathways for ASD, such as olfactory and G protein-coupled receptors signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS We reported Taiwanese Han specific susceptibility genes and variants for ASD. However, further replication in other Asian populations is warranted to validate our findings. Investigation in the biological functions of our reported genetic variants might also allow for better understanding on the underlying pathogenesis of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsiu Kuo
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Genes, Environment and Human Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chung Chuang
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare & Management, I-Lan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsin Su
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Yuarn Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jen Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Kai Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Taoyaun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Chun Chou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jiun Chou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
English TM, Kinney RL, Davis MJ, Kamberi A, Chan W, Sadasivam RS, Houston TK. Identification of Relationships Between Patients Through Elements in a Data Warehouse Using the Familial, Associational, and Incidental Relationship (FAIR) Initiative: A Pilot Study. JMIR Med Inform 2015; 3:e9. [PMID: 25803561 PMCID: PMC4376146 DOI: 10.2196/medinform.3738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last several years there has been widespread development of medical data warehouses. Current data warehouses focus on individual cases, but lack the ability to identify family members that could be used for dyadic or familial research. Currently, the patient’s family history in the medical record is the only documentation we have to understand the health status and social habits of their family members. Identifying familial linkages in a phenotypic data warehouse can be valuable in cohort identification and in beginning to understand the interactions of diseases among families. Objective The goal of the Familial, Associational, & Incidental Relationships (FAIR) initiative is to identify an index set of patients’ relationships through elements in a data warehouse. Methods Using a test set of 500 children, we measured the sensitivity and specificity of available linkage algorithm identifiers (eg, insurance identification numbers and phone numbers) and validated this tool/algorithm through a manual chart audit. Results Of all the children, 52.4% (262/500) were male, and the mean age of the cohort was 8 years old (SD 5). Of the children, 51.6% (258/500) were identified as white in race. The identifiers used for FAIR were available for the majority of patients: insurance number (483/500, 96.6%), phone number (500/500, 100%), and address (497/500, 99.4%). When utilizing the FAIR tool and various combinations of identifiers, sensitivity ranged from 15.5% (62/401) to 83.8% (336/401), and specificity from 72% (71/99) to 100% (99/99). The preferred method was matching patients using insurance or phone number, which had a sensitivity of 72.1% (289/401) and a specificity of 94% (93/99). Using the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) warehouse infrastructure, we have now developed a Web app that facilitates FAIR for any index population. Conclusions FAIR is a valuable research and clinical resource that extends the capabilities of existing data warehouses and lays the groundwork for family-based research. FAIR will expedite studies that would otherwise require registry or manual chart abstraction data sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M English
- The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Health Informatics & Implementation Science, Worcester, MA, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|