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Mensi MM, Guerini FR, Marchesi M, Chiappedi M, Bolognesi E, Borgatti R. SNAP-25 Polymorphisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study towards a Possible Endophenotype. Pediatr Rep 2023; 15:766-773. [PMID: 38133436 PMCID: PMC10747488 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
While there is substantial agreement on the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, it is also acknowledged that it has a broad range of clinical presentations. This can complicate the diagnostic process and aggravate the choice of the most suitable rehabilitative strategy for each child. Attentional difficulties are among the most frequently reported comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder. We investigated the role of SNAP-25 polymorphisms. Synaptosome-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) is a presynaptic membrane-binding protein; it plays a crucial role in neurotransmission and has already been studied in numerous psychiatric disorders. It was also seen to be associated with hyperactivity in children with autism spectrum disorder. We collected clinical, behavioral and neuropsychological data on 41 children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and then genotyped them for five single-nucleotide polymorphisms of SNAP-25. Participants were divided into two groups according to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) Severity Score. In the group with the highest severity score, we found significant associations of clinical data with polymorphism rs363050 (A/G): children with the GG genotype had lower total IQ, more severe autistic functioning and more attentional difficulties. Our research could be the starting point for outlining a possible endophenotype among patients with autism spectrum disorder who are clinically characterized by severe autistic functioning and significant attentional difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maria Mensi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation—ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Michele Marchesi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Pavia, 27029 Vigevano, Italy;
| | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Renato Borgatti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.M.); (R.B.)
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Pavia, 27029 Vigevano, Italy;
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Bolognesi E, Guerini FR, Carta A, Chiappedi M, Sotgiu S, Mensi MM, Agliardi C, Zanzottera M, Clerici M. The Role of SNAP-25 in Autism Spectrum Disorders Onset Patterns. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14042. [PMID: 37762342 PMCID: PMC10531097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can present with different onset and timing of symptom development; children may manifest symptoms early in their first year of life, i.e., early onset (EO-ASD), or may lose already achieved skills during their second year of life, thus showing a regressive-type onset (RO-ASD). It is still controversial whether regression represents a neurobiological subtype of ASD, resulting from distinct genetic and environmental causes. We focused this study on the 25 kD synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP-25) gene involved in both post-synaptic formation and adhesion and considered a key player in the pathogenesis of ASD. To this end, four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the SNAP-25 gene, rs363050, rs363039, rs363043, and rs1051312, already known to be involved in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, were analyzed in a cohort of 69 children with EO-ASD and 58 children with RO-ASD. Both the rs363039 G allele and GG genotype were significantly more frequently carried by patients with EO-ASD than those with RO-ASD and healthy controls (HC). On the contrary, the rs1051312 T allele and TT genotype were more frequent in individuals with RO-ASD than those with EO-ASD and HC. Thus, two different SNAP-25 alleles/genotypes seem to discriminate between EO-ASD and RO-ASD. Notably, rs1051312 is located in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the gene and is the target of microRNA (miRNA) regulation, suggesting a possible epigenetic role in the onset of regressive autism. These SNPs, by discriminating two different onset patterns, may represent diagnostic biomarkers of ASD and may provide insight into the different biological mechanisms towards the development of better tailored therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Bolognesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (C.A.); (M.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (C.A.); (M.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Martina Maria Mensi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Cristina Agliardi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (C.A.); (M.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Milena Zanzottera
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (C.A.); (M.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Mario Clerici
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (C.A.); (M.Z.); (M.C.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Guerini FR, Agliardi C, Oreni L, Groppo E, Bolognesi E, Zanzottera M, Caputo D, Rovaris M, Clerici M. Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism Predicts the Outcome of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13379. [PMID: 37686183 PMCID: PMC10487750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Better knowledge about the possible role of genetic factors in modulating the response to multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, including rehabilitation, known to promote neural plasticity, could improve the standard of care for this disease. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are associated with MS risk, probably because of the role played by vitamin D in regulating inflammatory and reparative processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the most important functional VDR SNPs (TaqI (T/C), ApaI (A/C), and FokI (C/T)) with functional outcome in MS patients undergoing multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation (MDR) treatment, in order to determine whether genetic profiling might be useful to identify subjects with a higher chance of recovery. To this end, 249 MS inpatients with a diagnosis of either progressive (pMS; n = 155) or relapsing remitting (RRMS; n = 94) disease who underwent MDR treatment (average duration = 5.1 weeks) were genotyped for VDR SNPs by real-time allelic discrimination. The rehabilitation outcome was assessed using the modified Barthel Index (mBI), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and pain numerical rating scores (NRS) at the beginning and the end of MDR treatment. A positive correlation was observed in RRMS patients between the VDR TaqI major allele (TT) and mBI increase (i.e., better functional recovery), as assessed by the linear and logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, disease duration, time of hospitalization, HLA-DRB1*15.01 positivity, and number of rehabilitative interventions (Beta = 6.35; p = 0.0002). The VDR-1 TaqI, ApaI, FokI: TCC haplotype was also associated with mBI increase in RRMS patients (Beta = 3.24; p = 0.007), whereas the VDR-2: CAC haplotype was correlated with a lower mBI increase (Beta = -2.18 p = 0.04) compared with the other haplotypes. VDR TaqI major allele (TT), as well as the VDR-1 TaqI, ApaI, FokI: TCC haplotype could be associated with a better rehabilitation outcome in RRMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Cristina Agliardi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Letizia Oreni
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Groppo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
- Ospedale San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Clinical Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolognesi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Milena Zanzottera
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Domenico Caputo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Rovaris
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; (F.R.G.); (L.O.); (E.G.); (E.B.); (M.Z.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (M.C.)
- Pathophysiology and Transplantation Department, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Saresella M, Marventano I, Piancone F, Bolognesi E, Hernis A, Zanzottera M, La Rosa F, Agliardi C, Giraldo S, Chiappedi M, Guerini FR, Clerici M. Alterations of natural killer cells activatory molecules phenotype and function in mothers of ASD children: a pilot study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1190925. [PMID: 37545517 PMCID: PMC10398568 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1190925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is accompanied by complex immune alterations and inflammation, and the possible role played by Natural Killer (NK) in such alterations is only barely understood. Methods To address this question we analysed activating and inhibitory NK receptors, as well as NK cells phenotype and function in a group of mothers of children who developed ASD (ASD-MO; N=24) comparing results to those obtained in mothers of healthy children who did not develop (HC-MO; N=25). Results Results showed that in ASD-MO compared to HC-MO: 1) NK cells expressing the inhibitory receptor ILT2 are significantly decreased; 2) the activating HLA-G14bp+ polymorphism is more frequently observed and is correlated with the decrease of ILT2-expressing cells; 3) the CD56bright and CD56dim NK subsets are increased; 4) IFNγ and TNF production is reduced; and 5) perforin- and granzymes-releasing NK cells are increased even in unstimulated conditions and could not be upregulated by mitogenic stimulation. Discussion Results herein reinforce the hypothesis that ASD relatives present traits similar to, but not as severe as the defining features of ASD (Autism endophenotype) and identify a role for NK cells impairment in generating the inflammatory milieu that is observed in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ambra Hernis
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Agliardi C, Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Zanzottera M, Clerici M. VDR Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Autoimmunity: A Narrative Review. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:916. [PMID: 37508347 PMCID: PMC10376382 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The vitamin D/Vitamin D receptor (VDR) axis is crucial for human health as it regulates the expression of genes involved in different functions, including calcium homeostasis, energy metabolism, cell growth and differentiation, and immune responses. In particular, the vitamin D/VDR complex regulates genes of both innate and adaptive immunity. Autoimmune diseases are believed to arise from a genetic predisposition and the presence of triggers such as hormones and environmental factors. Among these, a role for Vitamin D and molecules correlated to its functions has been repeatedly suggested. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VDR gene, ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, and FokI, in particular, have been associated with autoimmune disorders. The presence of particular VDR SNP alleles and genotypes, thus, was observed to modulate the likelihood of developing diverse autoimmune conditions, either increasing or reducing it. In this work, we will review the scientific literature suggesting a role for these different factors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions and summarize evidence indicating a possible VDR SNP involvement in the onset of these diseases. A better understanding of the role of the molecular mechanisms linking Vitamin D/VDR and autoimmunity might be extremely useful in designing novel therapeutic avenues for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, LAMMB, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Meloni M, Agliardi C, Guerini FR, Saibene FL, Milner AV, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Puligheddu M, Figorilli M, Navarro J, Clerici M. Oligomeric Alpha-Synuclein and STX-1A from Neural-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (NDEVs) as Possible Biomarkers of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Cohort Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108839. [PMID: 37240185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) has a tighter link with synucleinopathies than other neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients with RBD have a more severe motor and cognitive impairment; biomarkers for RBD are currently unavailable. Synaptic accumulation of α-Syn oligomers and their interaction with SNARE proteins is responsible for synaptic dysfunction in PD. We verified whether oligomeric α-Syn and SNARE components in neural-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) in serum could be biomarkers for RBD. Forty-seven PD patients were enrolled, and the RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) was compiled. A cut-off score > 6 to define probable RBD (p-RBD) and probable non-RBD (p non-RBD) was used. NDEVs were isolated from serum by immunocapture, and oligomeric α-Syn and SNARE complex components VAMP-2 and STX-1 were measured by ELISA. NDEVs' STX-1A resulted in being decreased in p-RBD compared to p non-RBD PD patients. A positive correlation between NDEVs' oligomeric α-Syn and RBDSQ total score was found (p = 0.032). Regression analysis confirmed a significant association between NDEVs' oligomeric α-Syn concentration and RBD symptoms (p = 0.033) independent from age, disease duration, and motor impairment severity. Our findings suggest that synuclein-mediated neurodegeneration in PD-RBD is more diffuse. NDEVs' oligomeric α-Syn and SNARE complex components' serum concentrations could be regarded as reliable biomarkers for the RBD-specific PD endophenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Meloni
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monica Puligheddu
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Figorilli
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jorge Navarro
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Agostini S, Bolognesi E, Mancuso R, Marventano I, Citterio LA, Guerini FR, Clerici M. miR-23a-3p and miR-181a-5p modulate SNAP-25 expression. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279961. [PMID: 36649268 PMCID: PMC9844927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SNAP-25 protein is a key protein of the SNARE complex that is involved in synaptic vesicles fusion with plasma membranes and neurotransmitter release, playing a fundamental role in neural plasticity. Recently the concentration of three specific miRNAs-miR-27b-3p, miR-181a-5p and miR-23a-3p -was found to be associated with a specific SNAP-25 polymorphism (rs363050). in silico analysis showed that all the three miRNAs target SNAP-25, but the effect of the interaction between these miRNAs and the 3'UTR of SNAP-25 mRNA is currently unknown. For this reason, we verified in vitro whether miR-27b-3p, miR-181a-5p and miR-23a-3p modulate SNAP-25 gene and protein expression. Initial experiments using miRNAs-co-transfected Vero cells and SNAP-25 3'UTR luciferase reporter plasmids showed that miR-181a-5p (p≤0.01) and miR-23a-3p (p<0.05), but not miR-27b-3p, modulate the luciferase signal, indicating that these two miRNAs bind the SNAP-25 3'UTR. Results obtained using human oligodendroglial cell line (MO3.13) transfected with miR-181a-5p or miR-27b-3p confirmed that miR-181a-5p and miR-23a-3p regulate SNAP-25 gene and protein expression. Interestingly, the two miRNAs modulate in an opposite way SNAP-25, as miR-181a-5p significantly increases (p<0.0005), whereas miR-23a-3p decreases (p<0.0005) its expression. These results for the first time describe the ability of miR-181a-5p and miR-23a-3p to modulate SNAP-25 expression, suggesting their possible use as biomarkers or as therapeutical targets for diseases in which SNAP-25 expression is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberta Mancuso
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Guerini FR, Agliardi C, Bolognesi E, Zanzottera M, Caputo D, Pasanisi MB, Rovaris M, Clerici M. Two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Purinergic Receptor P2X7 Gene Are Associated with Disease Severity in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315381. [PMID: 36499708 PMCID: PMC9736555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to progressive physical disability. Recent evidence has suggested that P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)-mediated purinergic signalling pathways play a role in MS-associated neuroinflammation, possibly contributing to disease pathogenesis. To evaluate possible associations between P2X7R polymorphisms and MS disease severity, we performed an association study of five non-synonymous SNPs coding variants of the P2X7R gene: rs1718119 Ala348Thr, rs2230911 Thr357Ser, rs2230912 Gln460Arg, rs3751143 Glu496Ala, and rs28360457 Arg307Gln, modulating P2X7R expression in 128 MS patients (relapsing remitting MS, RRMS: n = 94; secondary progressive, SPMS: n = 34). All patients were genotyped, and multiple sclerosis severity score (MSSS) was evaluated in every case; 189 healthy subjects were enrolled as well as controls. Results showed that P2X7R rs1718119(A) 348Thr and rs22390912(G) 464Arg, two SNPs of minor allele frequency (MAF) known to confer gain of function to the P2X7R protein, were associated with significantly higher MSSS in RRMS patients alone (SMRR (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively)). Interestingly, two whole haplotypes resulted in having significant association with MSSS in these same patients. Thus: (1) the P2X7R-4 “ACGAG” haplotype, characterized by the co-presence of the rs1718119-rs2230912 AG MAF alleles, was associated with higher MSSS (Beta: 1.11 p = 0.04), and (2) the P2X7R-1 “GCAAG” complementary haplotype, which contains the rs1718119 and rs2230912 GA wild-type alleles, was more frequently carried by patients with lower MSSS and less severe disease (Beta: −1.54 p < 0.001). Although being preliminary and needing confirmation in an ampler cohort, these results suggest that 348Thr and 464Arg variants have a role as modulators of disease severity in RRMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Agliardi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0240308342; Fax: +39-0240308438
| | | | | | - Domenico Caputo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rovaris
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Pathophysiology and Transplantation Department, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Bolognesi E, Guerini FR, Sotgiu S, Chiappedi M, Carta A, Mensi MM, Agliardi C, Zanzottera M, Clerici M. GC1f Vitamin D Binding Protein Isoform as a Marker of Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235153. [PMID: 36501185 PMCID: PMC9740250 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations. It is, therefore, crucial to investigate possible biomarkers associated with specific ASD phenotypes. Ample literature suggests a possible role for vitamin D (VD) in influencing ASD clinical phenotypes. We analyzed three vitamin D binding protein gene (DBP) functional polymorphisms (rs2282679, rs7041, and rs4588), which are involved in the modulation of vitamin D serum concentration in 309 ASD children and 831 healthy controls. Frequency comparisons of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) alleles, genotypes, and GC isoforms (GC1f, G1s, and GC2)—generated by the combination of rs7041 and rs4588 alleles—were correlated with ASD diagnostic, behavioral, and functioning scales. The GC1f isoform was significantly more frequent in ASD compared with controls (18.6% vs. 14.5% pc = 0.02). Significantly higher scores for item 15 of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and lower ones for the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) functioning scales were seen in ASD carrying the GC1f isoform. In GC phenotype analysis, a gradient of severity for overall CARS scores and CARS item 15 was observed, with scores decreasing according to the presence of GC1f-GC1f > GC1f-GC1s > GC1s-GC1s > GC1f-GC2 > GC2-GC2 isoforms. Similarly, lower CGAS scores were seen in carriers of the GC1f-GC1f isoform, whereas higher scores were present in those carrying GC2-GC2 (p = 0.028). This is the first study to evaluate possible relationships between GC variants and the different aspects of ASD in Italian ASD children. Results, although needing to be validated in ampler cohorts, suggest that the GC1f isoform could be a marker of severity in ASD that may be useful in establishing the intensity of therapeutic and rehabilitative protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-4030-8342; Fax: +39-02-4030-8438
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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10
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Blasi V, Bolognesi E, Ricci C, Baglio G, Zanzottera M, Canevini MP, Walder M, Cabinio M, Zanette M, Baglio F, Clerici M, Guerini FR. SNAP-25 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, Brain Morphology and Intelligence in Children With Borderline Intellectual Functioning: A Mediation Analysis. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:715048. [PMID: 34512248 PMCID: PMC8427043 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.715048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is a multifactorial condition in which both genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the clinical outcome. Abnormal cortical development and lower IQ scores were shown to be correlated in BIF children, but the genetic components of this condition and their possible connection with intelligence and brain morphology have never been investigated in BIF. The synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kD (SNAP-25) is involved in synaptic plasticity, neural maturation, and neurotransmission, affecting intellectual functioning. We investigated SNAP-25 polymorphisms in BIF and correlated such polymorphisms with intelligence and cortical thickness, using socioeconomic status and environmental stress as covariates as a good proxy of the variables that determine intellectual abilities. Thirty-three children with a diagnosis of BIF were enrolled in the study. SNAP-25 polymorphisms rs363050, rs363039, rs363043, rs3746544, and rs1051312 were analyzed by genotyping; cortical thickness was studied by MRI; intelligence was measured using the WISC-III/IV subscales; environmental stressors playing a role in neuropsychiatric development were considered as covariate factors. Results showed that BIF children carrying the rs363043(T) minor allele represented by (CT + TT) genotypes were characterized by lower performance Perceptual Reasoning Index and lower full-scale IQ scores (p = 0.04) compared to those carrying the (CC) genotype. This association was correlated with a reduced thickness of the left inferior parietal cortex (direct effect = 0.44) and of the left supramarginal gyrus (direct effect = 0.56). These results suggest a link between SNAP-25 polymorphism and intelligence with the mediation role of brain morphological features in children with BIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Blasi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cristian Ricci
- Pediatric Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Maria Paola Canevini
- Epilepsy Center, ASST S. Paolo and S. Carlo Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Walder
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit - ASST S. Paolo and S. Carlo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Monia Cabinio
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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11
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Saresella M, Trabattoni D, Marventano I, Piancone F, La Rosa F, Caronni A, Lax A, Bianchi L, Banfi P, Navarro J, Bolognesi E, Zanzottera M, Guerini FR, Clerici M. NK Cell Subpopulations and Receptor Expression in Recovering SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:6111-6120. [PMID: 34453271 PMCID: PMC8397607 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02517-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Whereas in most cases COVID-19 is asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic, extremely severe clinical forms are observed. In this case, complex immune dysregulations and an excessive inflammatory response are reported and are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Natural killer cells are key players in the control of viral infection, and their activity is regulated by a tight balance between activating and inhibitory receptors; an alteration of NK activity was suggested to be associated with the development of severe forms of COVID-19. In this study, we analyzed peripheral NK cell subpopulations and the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors in 30 patients suffering from neurological conditions who recovered from mild, moderate, or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparing the results to those of 10 SARS-CoV-2-uninfected patients. Results showed that an expansion of NK subset with lower cytolytic activity and an augmented expression of the 2DL1 inhibitory receptor, particularly when in association with the C2 ligand (KIR2DL1-C2), characterized the immunological scenario of severe COVID-19 infection. An increase of NK expressing the ILT2 inhibitory receptor was instead seen in patients recovering from mild or moderate infection compared to controls. Results herein suggest that the KIR2DL1-C2 NK inhibitory complex is a risk factor toward the development of severe form of COVID-19. Our results confirm that a complex alteration of NK activity is present in COVID-19 infection and offer a molecular explanation for this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Saresella
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco,", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivana Marventano
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Piancone
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca La Rosa
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Caronni
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Agata Lax
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Banfi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Jorge Navarro
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolognesi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Zanzottera
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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12
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Agliardi C, Guerini FR, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Meloni M, Riboldazzi G, Zangaglia R, Sturchio A, Casali C, Di Lorenzo C, Minafra B, Clerici M. The VDR FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism is involved in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Sci 2021; 428:117606. [PMID: 34365149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is presumably multifactorial and likely involves interactions between genetic and environmental factors, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. Among environmental factors, Vitamin D was reported to associate with the risk of PD. Vitamin D activity is mediated by its binding to the vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a transcriptional factor for almost 3% of human genes. We genotyped for ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, FokI and rs1989969 VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) a cohort of 406 PD and 800 healthy controls (HC) and found a strong association between the FokI (rs2228570) VDR SNP and PD. Thus, the TT genotype and the T allele resulted associated with PD in the overall analyzed PD population. Gender-based stratification of data indicated that results were maintained for FokI TT genotype and T allele in male PD patients, whereas the FokI T allele alone was confirmed as a risk factor for PD in females. Co-segregation analyses indicated the TaqI ApaI FokI rs1989969 GCTG as a "risk" haplotype for PD. In a subgroup of patients and controls neural Vitamin D and VDR concentration was analyzed in extravesicles (NDEVs) isolated from peripheral blood: no differences emerged between PD and HC. NDEVs results will need to be validated in ampler cohort but we can speculate that, if at neuronal level the amounts of Vitamin D and of VDR are comparable, than the bioavailability of vitamin D and the efficacy of the vitamin D/VDR axis is differentially modulated in PD by VDR SNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mario Meloni
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulio Riboldazzi
- Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - Roberta Zangaglia
- Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Sturchio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuro Svenningsson, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Cherubino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Brigida Minafra
- Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milano, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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13
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Agliardi C, Meloni M, Guerini FR, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Baglio F, Clerici M. Oligomeric α-Syn and SNARE complex proteins in peripheral extracellular vesicles of neural origin are biomarkers for Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105185. [PMID: 33217562 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-based biomarkers are needed to be used as easy, reproducible, and non-invasive tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's Disease (PD). In PD, aggregated toxic forms of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) accumulate within neurons in the brain and cause neurodegeneration; α-Syn interaction with SNARE proteins also results in synaptic disfunction. We isolated neural derived extravesicles (NDEs) from peripheral blood of 32 PD patients and 40 healthy controls (HC) and measured the concentrations of oligomeric α-Syn and of the presinaptic SNARE complex proteins: STX-1A, VAMP-2 and SNAP-25. Oligomeric α-Syn was significantly augmented whereas STX-1A and VAMP-2 were significantly reduced in NDEs of PD patients compared to HC (p < 0.001 in all cases). ROC curve analyses confirmed the discriminatory ability of NDEs oligomeric α-Syn, STX-1A and VAMP-2 levels to distinguish between PD patients and HC. Oligomeric α-Syn NDEs concentration also positively correlated with disease duration and severity of PD. These results are promising and confirm that NDEs cargoes likely reflect core pathogenic intracellular processes in their originating brain cells and could serve as novel easily accessible bio-markers. Further studies are needed to confirm results and eventually for testing rehabilitation programs and drug treatments effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Meloni
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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14
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Sotgiu S, Manca S, Gagliano A, Minutolo A, Melis MC, Pisuttu G, Scoppola C, Bolognesi E, Clerici M, Guerini FR, Carta A. Immune regulation of neurodevelopment at the mother-foetus interface: the case of autism. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1211. [PMID: 33209302 PMCID: PMC7662086 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by deficits in social communication and stereotypical behaviours. ASD’s aetiology remains mostly unclear, because of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Recently, a strong consensus has developed around ASD’s immune‐mediated pathophysiology, which is the subject of this review. For many years, neuroimmunological studies tried to understand ASD as a prototypical antibody‐ or cell‐mediated disease. Other findings indicated the importance of autoimmune mechanisms such as familial and individual autoimmunity, adaptive immune abnormalities and the influence of infections during gestation. However, recent studies have challenged the idea that autism may be a classical autoimmune disease. Modern neurodevelopmental immunology shows the double‐edged nature of many immune effectors, which can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on tissue homeostasis, stressors, neurodevelopmental stage, inherited and de novo gene mutations and other variables. Nowadays, mother–child interactions in the prenatal environment appear to be crucial for the occurrence of ASD. Studies of animal maternal–foetal immune interaction are being fruitfully carried out using different combinations of type and timing of infection, of maternal immune response and foetal vulnerability and of resilience factors to hostile events. The derailed neuroimmune crosstalk through the placenta initiates and maintains a chronic foetal neuroglial activation, eventually causing the alteration of neurogenesis, migration, synapse formation and pruning. The importance of pregnancy can also allow early immune interventions, which can significantly reduce the increasing risk of ASD and its heavy social burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sotgiu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Salvatorica Manca
- Unità Operativa di Neuropsichiatria Infanzia e Adolescenza (UONPIA) ASSL Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | - Alessandra Minutolo
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | - Maria Clotilde Melis
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Giulia Pisuttu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Chiara Scoppola
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi - ONLUS Milan Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation University of Milano Milan Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Carta
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
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15
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, Mensi MM, Fumagalli O, Rogantini C, Zanzottera M, Ghezzo A, Zanette M, Agliardi C, Costa AS, Sotgiu S, Carta A, Al Daghri N, Clerici M. Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:680-690. [PMID: 32083397 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D is endowed with a number of biological properties, including down-regulation of inflammation, and might contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Vitamin D binds to the vitamin D Receptor (VDR); the biological activity of the ensuing complex depends on VDR FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI gene polymorphisms. We evaluated such Single Nucletoide Polymorphismsm (SNPs) in a cohort of 100 Italian families with ASD children. FokI genotype distribution was skewed in ASD children compared with their healthy sibs (Pc = 0.03 2 df) and to a group of 170 Italian healthy women (HC) (Pc = 0.04 2 df). FokI genotype and allelic distribution skewing were also observed in mothers of ASD children compared to HC (Pc = 0.04 2 df). Both Transmission Disequilibrium Test for single loci and haplotype analysis distribution revealed a major FokI (C) allele-mediated protective effect, which was more frequently transmitted (73%) than not transmitted to healthy sibs (P = 0.02). A protective FokI-, BsmI-, ApaI-, and TaqI (CCAG) haplotype was more frequently carried by healthy sibs than by ASD children (P = 1 × 10-4 ; OR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.03-0.4) too. Finally, a strong gene-dose association of FokI (T) allele with both higher Childhood Autism Rating Scale score (Pc = 0.01) and, particularly, with hyperactivity behavior (Pc = 0.006) emerged in ASD children. Because the protein produced by the FokI (T) allele is transcriptionally less active than that produced by the FokI (C) allele, the reduced biological activity of the vitamin D/VDR complex prevalent in ASD could favor ASD- and maternal immune activation- associated inflammation. Vitamin D supplementation might be useful in preventative and rehabilitation protocols for ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 680-690. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Vitamin D deficiency and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with structural and functional brain abnormalities and behavioral disorders. We analyzed the association of VDR gene polymorphisms in a cohort of 100 Italian families with ASD children. A strong correlation between one of the VDR polymorphisms and hyperactivity behavior was evidenced in ASD children. In healthy mothers, the same VDR polymorphism was also correlated with an increased risk of giving birth to children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Rogantini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Child Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nasser Al Daghri
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
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16
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Rubini S, Barbieri S, Losio MN, Taddei R, Bertasi B, Pavoni E, Bolognesi E, Berardelli C, Govoni G, Suffredini E. Evaluation of Norovirus contamination in bivalve molluscs harvested from Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in developed countries. Transmission is through direct contact, unsanitary food handling or ingestion of contaminated water or food. Shellfish bioaccumulate NoV and current post-harvest depuration is not effective for its removal.
Materials and
Methods
A monitoring programme for NoV in bivalve shellfish harvested from Northern Adriatic Sea was initiated in 2016. From January 2016 to March 2019, 418 samples including 257 Manila clams, 73 mussels, 46 striped clams, and 42 oysters, were examined. Mollusc samples were tested for NoV genogroups I (NoV GI) and II (NoV GII) contamination by RealTime RT-PCR according to ISO 15216-2.
Results
Ninety-three out of 418 tested samples (22.2%) were contaminated by at least one NoV genogroup, the simultaneous presence of the two genogroups was detected in 19/418 of the cases. Positive samples were distributed among the tested species as follow: 29/73 (39.7%) mussels, 51/257 (19.5%) Manila clams, 8/42 (19.0%) oysters, 5/46 (10.9%) striped clam. In 2016 (n = 135), 2017 (n = 122), 2018 (n = 132) and in the first trimester of 2019 (n = 12), prevalence of NoV was 6.7%, 24.6%, 31.8% and 41.4%, respectively. NoV GII was largely predominant being detected, alone or in association with GI, in 98.9% of the contaminated samples. On the other hand, GI prevalence increased from 1.5% (2016) to 12.1% in 2018, maybe reflecting a higher circulation of this genogroup in production environments.
The vast majority of positive samples (91.4%) were detected during the cold season (November to March).
Conclusions
Overall positive samples have increased over the years (from 6.7% in 2016 to 31.8% in 2018). NoV GII was the most frequently detected genogroup, but NoV GI prevalence significantly raised in 2018. The routine application of quantitative RT-PCR (ISO 15216-1) to determine the viral load in bivalve molluscs would expand knowledge on potential for foodborne transmission.
Key messages
Overall positive samples have increased over the years. The routine application of quantitative PCR to determine the viral load in bivalve molluscs would expand knowledge on potential for foodborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rubini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e del, Sede di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Barbieri
- Department of Urgency, Department University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M N Losio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e del, Sede di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - R Taddei
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e del, Sede di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - B Bertasi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e del, Sede di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Pavoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e del, Sede di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Bolognesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e del, Sede di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Berardelli
- Azienda USL Ferrara, Attività Veterinarie, Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Govoni
- International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Suffredini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Rome, Italy
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17
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Sotgiu S, Carta A, Clerici C, Chiappedi M, Ghezzo A, Zanette M, Mensi MM, Canevini MP, Zanzottera M, Agliardi C, Costa AS, Balottin U, Clerici M. HLA-G allelic distribution in Sardinian children with Autism spectrum disorders: A replication study. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 79:314-318. [PMID: 30763769 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent results show that in mainland Italian children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), HLA-G coding alleles distribution is skewed and an association between HLA-G*01:05N and ASD is present. Herein, in an independent cohort of Sardinian ASD (sASD) children and their relatives, we verify whether HLA-G allele association with ASD could be confirmed in this genetically peculiar insular population. One hundred children with a diagnosis of ASD, born in Sardinia and of Sardinian descent, 91 of their mothers, and 40 of their healthy siblings were enrolled. DNA sequencing analysis of HLA-G exon 2, 3 and 4 was used to obtain HLA-G allelic frequencies. Alleles distribution was compared with that of continental ASD children and with a control group of Caucasoid couples of multiparous women and their partners from Brazil and Denmark. Skewing of HLA-G allele distribution was replicated in sASD children; in particular, the HLA-G*01:03 allele, associated with reduced fetal tolerogenicity and development of myeloid leukemia, was more common in both ASD groups compared to controls (pc = 1 × 10-3; OR:3.5, 95%CI: 1.8-6.8). However, given the lack of data on HLA-G*01:03 allelic distribution among Sardinian healthy subjects, we cannot exclude a population effect. These data confirm an association of HLA-G locus with ASD development, particularly with those alleles linked to a lower expression of tolerogenic HLA-G protein, thus warranting further studies on HLA-G polymorphism distribution in different ASD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy; Child Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maria M Mensi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria P Canevini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit and Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Milano, Italy; Departments of Health Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Umberto Balottin
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milano, Italy; Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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18
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Guerini FR, Ripamonti E, Costa AS, Zanzottera M, Agliardi C, Bolognesi E, Clerici M, Racca V. The Syntaxin-1A gene single nucleotide polymorphism rs4717806 associates with the risk of ischemic heart disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15846. [PMID: 31192914 PMCID: PMC6587621 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) has a genetic predisposition and a number of cardiovascular risk factors are known to be affected by genetic factors. Development of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, strongly influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, frequently occur in subjects with a genetic susceptibility. The definition of genetic factors influencing disease susceptibility would allow to identify individuals at higher risk and thus needing to be closely monitored.To this end, we focused on a complex of soluble-N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), playing an important role in metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, involved in endothelial dysfunction and heart disease. We assessed if genetic variants of the SNARE genes are associated with IHD.SNAP25 rs363050, Stx-1A rs4717806, rs2293489, and VAMP2 26bp ins/del genetic polymorphisms were analyzed in a cohort of 100 participants who underwent heart surgery; 56 of them were affected by IHD, while 44 were not. A statistical association of plasma glycemia and insulin resistance, calculated as Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, was observed in IHD (P < .001 and P = .03, respectively) after binomial logistic stepwise regression analysis, adjusted by age, gender, diabetes positivity, waist circumference, and cholesterol plasma level. Among genetic polymorphisms, rs4717806(A) and rs2293489(T), as well as the rs4717806 - rs2293489 (A-T) haplotype were associated with higher risk for IHD (Pc = .02; Pc = .02; P = .04, respectively). Finally, a statistical association of rs4717806(AA) genotype with higher TyG index in IHD patients (P = .03) was highlighted by multiple regression analysis considering log-transformed biochemical parameters as dependent variable and presence of coronary artery disease, age, gender, waist circumference, presence of diabetes as predictors. These results point to a role of the Stx-1A rs4717806 SNP in IHD, possibly due to its influence on Stx-1A expression and, as a consequence, on insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milano
- Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Agostini S, Mancuso R, Liuzzo G, Bolognesi E, Costa AS, Bianchi A, Clerici M. Serum miRNAs Expression and SNAP-25 Genotype in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:52. [PMID: 30914946 PMCID: PMC6421304 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by binding their 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) region; these molecules play a fundamental role in several pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) is a vesicular protein of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) involved in neural plasticity and in the exocytosis of neurotransmitters, processes that are altered in AD. Recent results showed that a reduction of SNAP-25 is associated with dementia, and that the rs363050 SNAP-25 polymorphism correlates with cognitive decline and brain atrophy, as well as with the outcome of multistructured rehabilitation in AD patients. We verified the presence of possible correlations between the serum concentration of miRNAs that bind the SNAP-25 3'UTR region and AD. Six different microRNAs (miR-181a-5p, miR-361-3p, miR-23a-3p, miR-15b-3p, 130a-3p and miR-27b-3p) that bind the SNAP-25 3'UTR region were measured by qPCR in serum of AD patients (n = 22), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects (n = 22) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 22); analysis of results was done stratified for the rs363050 SNAP-25 genotype. Results showed that miR-27b-3p, miR-23a-3p and miR181a-5p serum concentration was significantly reduced in rs363050 SNAP-25 GG homozygous AD patients. Notably, concentration of these miRNAs was comparable in rs363050 AA homozygous AD patients, MCI and healthy controls (HCs). Data herein suggest that miRNAs that bind the SNAP-25 3'UTR region interact with SNAP-25 polymorphisms to influence the neural plasticity typical of AD brains, possibly as a consequence of modulatory activity on SNAP-25 mRNA and/or protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gaia Liuzzo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Bianchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Rubini S, Losardo M, De Magistris I, Barbieri S, Bolognesi E, Berardelli C, Losio MN, Pavoni E, Bertasi B, Suffredini E. Occurrence and characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in bivalves from the Adriatic Sea, Italy. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky212.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Rubini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Losardo
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Rome, Italy
| | - I De Magistris
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Rome, Italy
| | - S Barbieri
- Department of Urgency, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - E Bolognesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Berardelli
- Azienda USL Ferrara, U.O. Igiene degli alimenti di Origine Animale, Ferrara, Italy
| | - MN Losio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Pavoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - B Bertasi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Rome, Italy
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21
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, Ripamonti E, Ghezzo A, Zanette M, Sotgiu S, Mensi MM, Carta A, Canevini MP, Zanzottera M, Agliardi C, Costa AS, Balottin U, Clerici M. HLA-G coding region polymorphism is skewed in autistic spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 67:308-313. [PMID: 28923404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Different isoforms of HLA-G protein are endowed with a differential ability to induce allogenic tolerance during pregnancy. As prenatal immune activation is suggested to play a role in the onset of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), we evaluated HLA G*01:01-*01:06 allelic polymorphism in a cohort of Italian children affected by ASD (N=111) their mothers (N=81), and their healthy siblings (N=39). DNA sequencing analysis of HLA-G exon 2, 3 and 4 was used to obtain HLA-G allelic frequencies; alleles distribution was compared with that of two control groups of Caucasoid couples of multiparous women and their partners from Brazil and Denmark. HLA-G distribution was significantly different in ASD children compared to both control groups (Brazilian pc=1×10-4; Danish pc=1×10-3). Since HLA-G distribution was similar in the two control groups, their data were pooled. Results indicated that HLA-G*01:01 was significantly less frequent (pc=1×10-4; OR:0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.7) whereas HLA-G*01:05N was significantly more frequent (pc=2×10-3; OR:7.3, 95%CI: 2.4-26.6) in ASD children compared to combined controls. Finally, no clear pattern emerged when HLA-G allelic distribution was analyzed in healthy sibs. Notably, HLA-G allelic distribution found in ASD mothers was similar to that observed in the control subgroup of women with recurrent miscarriages, whilst it was significantly different compared to women without miscarriages (pc=6×10-4 df=12). Since HLA-G*01:01 is associated with the elicitation of KIR-mediated tolerogenic responses and HLA-G*01:05N correlates with NK cells activation, results herein indicate that an immune activating milieu during pregnancy is more likely observed in association with the development of ASD, similarly to what occurs in women with recurrent miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Associazione Nazionale Famiglie di Persone con Disabilitá Intellettiva e/o Relazionale (ANFFAS), Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Martina Mensi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Umberto Balottin
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy; Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, Ghezzo A, Manca S, Zanette M, Sotgiu S, Mensi MM, Zanzottera M, Agliardi C, Costa AS, Balottin U, Clerici M. HLA-G∗14bp Insertion and the KIR2DS1-HLAC2 Complex Impact on Behavioral Impairment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience 2017. [PMID: 28627421 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Activating KIR-HLA-C ligand complexes and HLA-G∗14bp insertion/deletion (+/-) polymorphism were associated to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and were suggested to correlate with inflammation during fetal development. We evaluated whether HLA-G∗14bp(+/-) and KIR-HLA-C complexes are associated with cognitive and behavioral scores and EEG profile in 119 ASD children (58 from Sardinia, 61 from Peninsular Italy). KIR2DS1-C2; KIR2DS2-C1; KIR2DL1-C2; KIR2DL2-C1; KIR2DL3-C1 and HLA-G∗14bp(+/-) were molecularly genotyped by Single Specific Primer PCR and gel electrophoresis. Univariate linear model analysis adjusted for age, gender and provenience showed statistically higher scores of Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autistic Core Behavior in KIR2DS1-C2+/HLA-G∗14bp+ASD children (43.7±1.5, p=0.03; 3.3±0.1, p=0.03, respectively). These results suggested a synergistic polygenic association of KIR2DS1-HLAC2+/HLA-G∗14bp+ pattern with behavioral impairment in ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Associazione Nazionale Famiglie di Persone con Disabilitá Intellettiva e/o Relazionale (ANFFAS), Macerata, Italy
| | - Salvatorica Manca
- Unità Operativa Neuropsichiatria Infanzia e Adolescenza (UONPIA), ASL n. 1, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Martina Mensi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Umberto Balottin
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Agliardi C, Guerini FR, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Costa AS, Clerici M. Vitamin D-binding protein gene polymorphisms are not associated with MS risk in an Italian cohort. J Neuroimmunol 2017; 305:92-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Guerini FR, Farina E, Costa AS, Baglio F, Saibene FL, Margaritella N, Calabrese E, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Nemni R, Clerici M. ApoE and SNAP-25 Polymorphisms Predict the Outcome of Multidimensional Stimulation Therapy Rehabilitation in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2016; 30:883-93. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968316642523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Rate of decline and functional restoration in AD greatly depend on the capacity for neural plasticity within residual neural tissues; this is at least partially influenced by polymorphisms in genes that determine neural plasticity, including Apolipoprotein E4 ( ApoE4) and synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa ( SNAP-25). Objective. We investigated whether correlations could be detected between polymorphisms of ApoE4 and SNAP-25 and the outcome of a multidimensional rehabilitative approach, based on cognitive stimulation, behavioral, and functional therapy (multidimensional stimulation therapy [MST]). Methods. Fifty-eight individuals with mild-to-moderate AD underwent MST for 10 weeks. Neuro-psychological functional and behavioral evaluations were performed blindly by a neuropsychologist at baseline and after 10 weeks of therapy using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Living Skill Assessment (FLSA), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scales. Molecular genotyping of ApoE4 and SNAP-25 rs363050, rs363039, rs363043 was performed. Results were correlated with ΔMMSE, ΔNPI and ΔFLSA scores by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results. Polymorphisms in both genes correlated with the outcome of MST for MMSE and NPI scores. Thus, higher overall MMSE scores after rehabilitation were detected in ApoE4 negative compared to ApoE4 positive patients, whereas the SNAP-25 rs363050(G) and rs363039(A) alleles correlated with significant improvements in behavioural parameters. Conclusions. Polymorphisms in genes known to modulate neural plasticity might predict the outcome of a multistructured rehabilitation protocol in patients with AD. These data, although needing confirmation on larger case studies, could help optimizing the clinical management of individuals with AD, for example defining a more intensive treatment in those subjects with a lower likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Raffaello Nemni
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Forni D, Pozzoli U, Cagliani R, Tresoldi C, Menozzi G, Riva S, Guerini FR, Comi GP, Bolognesi E, Bresolin N, Clerici M, Sironi M. Genetic adaptation of the human circadian clock to day-length latitudinal variations and relevance for affective disorders. Genome Biol 2015; 15:499. [PMID: 25358694 PMCID: PMC4237747 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-014-0499-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The temporal coordination of biological processes into daily cycles is a common feature of most living organisms. In humans, disruption of circadian rhythms is commonly observed in psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and autism. Light therapy is the most effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder and circadian-related treatments sustain antidepressant response in bipolar disorder patients. Day/night cycles represent a major circadian synchronizing signal and vary widely with latitude. Results We apply a geographically explicit model to show that out-of-Africa migration, which led humans to occupy a wide latitudinal area, affected the evolutionary history of circadian regulatory genes. The SNPs we identify using this model display consistent signals of natural selection using tests based on population genetic differentiation and haplotype homozygosity. Signals of natural selection driven by annual photoperiod variation are detected for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and restless leg syndrome risk variants, in line with the circadian component of these conditions. Conclusions Our results suggest that human populations adapted to life at different latitudes by tuning their circadian clock systems. This process also involves risk variants for neuropsychiatric conditions, suggesting possible genetic modulators for chronotherapies and candidates for interaction analysis with photoperiod-related environmental variables, such as season of birth, country of residence, shift-work or lifestyle habits. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-014-0499-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Forni
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
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Guerini FR, Agliardi C, Sironi M, Arosio B, Calabrese E, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Ricci C, Costa AS, Galimberti D, Griffanti L, Bianchi A, Savazzi F, Mari D, Scarpini E, Baglio F, Nemni R, Clerici M. Possible association between SNAP-25 single nucleotide polymorphisms and alterations of categorical fluency and functional MRI parameters in Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2015; 42:1015-28. [PMID: 25024311 DOI: 10.3233/jad-140057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) is an age-regulated vesicular SNARE protein involved in the exocytosis of neurotransmitters from synapses, a process that is altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in SNAP-25 levels are suggested to contribute to age-related decline of cognitive function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SNAP-25 gene are present in neuropsychiatric conditions and play a role in determining IQ phenotypes. To verify a possible role of SNAP-25 in AD, we analyzed five gene polymorphisms in patients with AD (n = 607), replicating the study in subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) (n = 148) and in two groups of age-matched healthy controls (HC1: n = 615 and HC2: n = 310). Results showed that the intronic rs363050 (A) and rs363043 (T) alleles, as well as the rs363050/rs363043 A-T haplotype are significantly more frequent in AD and aMCI and are associated with pathological scores of categorical fluency in AD. Notably, functional MRI analyses indicated that SNAP-25 genotypes correlate with a significantly decreased brain activity in the cingulate cortex and in the frontal (middle and superior gyri) and the temporo-parietal (angular gyrus) area. SNAP-25 polymorphisms may be associated with AD and correlate with alterations in categorical fluency and a reduced localized brain activity. SNAP-25 polymorphisms could be used as surrogate markers for the diagnosis of AD and of cognitive deficit; these SNPs might also have a possible predictive role in the natural history of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manuela Sironi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milano, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Cristian Ricci
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milano, Italy Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Galimberti
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Ludovica Griffanti
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milano, Italy Bioengineering Department, Politecnico of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milano, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Raffaello Nemni
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milano, Italy Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milano, Italy Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, Ghezzo A, Canevini MP, Mensi MM, Vignoli A, Agliardi C, Zanette M, Clerici M. An HLA-G(∗)14bp insertion/deletion polymorphism associates with the development of autistic spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 44:207-12. [PMID: 25451607 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G expressed by the trophoblast ligates KIR molecules expressed by maternal NK cells at the uterine fetal/maternal interface: this interaction is involved in generating immune tolerance during pregnancy. A 14-bp insertion in the HLA-G 3'-UTR associates with significantly reduced levels of both HLA-G mRNA and soluble HLA-G, thus hampering the efficacy of HLA-G-mediated immune tolerance during pregnancy. Because prenatal immune activation is suggested to play an important role in the onset of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) we performed an in-depth evaluation of HLA-G polymorphisms in a well-characterized cohort of Italian families of ASD children. Results showed that frequency of both homozygous 14bp+/14bp+ genotype and 14bp+ allele was significantly higher in ASD children and their mothers compared to controls (p<0.05 in all cases); analysis of the frequency of transmission of the 14bp+ allele from parents to ASD children and their non-ASD siblings showed that the 14bp+ allele was more frequently transmitted (T) to ASD children, whereas it was preferentially not transmitted (NT) to the non-ASD siblings (overall discrepancy: p=0.02; OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.4). Results herein suggest that HLA-G polymorphisms are associated with ASD development, possibly as a consequence of prenatal immune activation. These data infer that the immune alterations seen in ASD are associated with the maternal-fetal interaction alone, and reinforce the observation that different genetic backgrounds characterize ASD children and their non-ASD siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Associazione Nazionale Famiglie di Persone con Disabilitá Intellettiva e/o Relazionale (ANFFAS), Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Martina M Mensi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
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28
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Braida D, Guerini FR, Ponzoni L, Corradini I, De Astis S, Pattini L, Bolognesi E, Benfante R, Fornasari D, Chiappedi M, Ghezzo A, Clerici M, Matteoli M, Sala M. Association between SNAP-25 gene polymorphisms and cognition in autism: functional consequences and potential therapeutic strategies. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e500. [PMID: 25629685 PMCID: PMC4312830 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) is involved in different neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Consistently, SNAP-25 polymorphisms in humans are associated with hyperactivity and/or with low cognitive scores. We analysed five SNAP-25 gene polymorphisms (rs363050, rs363039, rs363043, rs3746544 and rs1051312) in 46 autistic children trying to correlate them with Childhood Autism Rating Scale and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities. The functional effects of rs363050 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the gene transcriptional activity, by means of the luciferase reporter gene, were evaluated. To investigate the functional consequences that SNAP-25 reduction may have in children, the behaviour and EEG of SNAP-25(+/-) adolescent mice (SNAP-25(+/+)) were studied. Significant association of SNAP-25 polymorphism with decreasing cognitive scores was observed. Analysis of transcriptional activity revealed that SNP rs363050 encompasses a regulatory element, leading to protein expression decrease. Reduction of SNAP-25 levels in adolescent mice was associated with hyperactivity, cognitive and social impairment and an abnormal EEG, characterized by the occurrence of frequent spikes. Both EEG abnormalities and behavioural deficits were rescued by repeated exposure for 21 days to sodium salt valproate (VLP). A partial recovery of SNAP-25 expression content in SNAP-25(+/-) hippocampi was also observed by means of western blotting. A reduced expression of SNAP-25 is responsible for the cognitive deficits in children affected by autism spectrum disorders, as presumably occurring in the presence of rs363050(G) allele, and for behavioural and EEG alterations in adolescent mice. VLP treatment could result in novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braida
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,Fondazione IRCCS Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | | | - L Ponzoni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,Fondazione Fratelli Confalonieri, Milan, Italy
| | | | - S De Astis
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L Pattini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - R Benfante
- CNR—Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - D Fornasari
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,CNR—Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, National Neurological Institute C. Mondino, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Ghezzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,Associazione Nazionale Famiglie di Persone con Disabilitá Affettiva e/o Relazionale (ANFFAS), Macerata, Italy
| | - M Clerici
- Fondazione IRCCS Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy,Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Matteoli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - M Sala
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,CNR—Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy,Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, Milan 20129, Italy. E-mail:
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Sironi M, Guerini FR, Agliardi C, Biasin M, Cagliani R, Fumagalli M, Caputo D, Cassinotti A, Ardizzone S, Zanzottera M, Bolognesi E, Riva S, Kanari Y, Miyazawa M, Clerici M. An evolutionary analysis of RAC2 identifies haplotypes associated with human autoimmune diseases. Mol Biol Evol 2011; 28:3319-29. [PMID: 21680873 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msr164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human RAC2 gene encodes a small GTP-binding protein with a pivotal role in immune activation and in the induction of peripheral immune tolerance through restimulation-induced cell death (RICD). Different human pathogens target the protein product of RAC2, suggesting that the gene may be subject to natural selection, and that variants in RAC2 may affect immunological phenotypes in humans. We scanned the genomic region encompassing the entire transcription unit for the presence of putative noncoding regulatory elements conserved across mammals. This information was used to select two RAC2 gene regions and analyze their intraspecific genetic diversity. Results suggest that a region covering the 3' untranslated region has been a target of multiallelic balancing selection (or diversifying selection), and three major RAC2 haplogroups occur in human populations. Haplotypes belonging to one of these clades are associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (P = 0.022) and earlier onset of disease symptoms (P = 0.025). This same haplogroup is significantly more common in patients with Crohn's disease compared with healthy controls (P = 0.048). These data reinforce recent evidences that susceptibility alleles/haplotypes are shared among multiple autoimmune disorders and support a causal "role for RAC2" variants in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Other genes with a role in RICD have previously been associated with autoimmunity in humans, suggesting that this pathway and RAC2 may represent novel therapeutic targets in autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Sironi
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy
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30
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, Manca S, Ghezzo A, Agliardi C, Sotgiu S, Usai S, Matteoli M, Clerici M. SNAP-25 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with hyperactivity in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmacol Res 2011; 64:283-8. [PMID: 21497654 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2011.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25kD (SNAP-25), a protein participating in the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and in calcium homeostasis, was recently involved in neuropsychiatric conditions. Because alterations affecting the homeostasis of calcium are described in patients affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD) we investigated a possible involvement of SNAP-25 in ASD by evaluating five SNAP-25 gene polymorphisms in a cohort of 67 ASD children. Data analyzed in relationship with clinical outcomes and compared to those of 205 healthy sex-matched children did not reveal significant differences. Further analyses nevertheless showed the presence of highly significant associations of the rs363043 (CT) genotype, localized in the intron 1 region that affects the transcription factor binding sites of the SNAP-25 gene, with both increasing CARS (p=0.001) and hyperactivity scores (p=0.006). The finding that polymorphisms of the SNAP-25 gene, a gene involved in neurotransmission and regulation of calcium homeostasis, are associated with the degree of hyperactivity in children with ASD, reinforces the hypothesis that alterations of these mechanisms play a pivotal role in the events leading to ASD-associated behavioral impairment. Modulation of these processes could result in novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca R Guerini
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, P. le Morandi 6, 20121 Milano, Italy.
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31
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, De Silvestri A, Ghezzo A, Zanette M, Rusconi B, Manca S, Sotgiu S, Agliardi C, Clerici M. HLA polymorphisms in Italian children with autism spectrum disorders: results of a family based linkage study. J Neuroimmunol 2010; 230:135-42. [PMID: 21084121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To verify correlations between HLA and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) we studied 61 Italian families with an ASD child; results showed such correlation in 65% of cases. Case-control and TDT analysis of intrafamilial transmission of SNPs, Msats, and HLA markers surrounding the α and β blocks, indicated significant positive associations for MOGc*131 and D6S2239*105 alleles in ASD, and a negative association of MIB *332 allele in healthy siblings. Polymorphism haplotype analysis demonstrated that two haplotypes comprising the TNF-238(G)-TNF-308(G)-MIB*332-HLA-B*38-HLA-Cw*12 and the D6S265*218-HLA-A*23-MOGc*131-rs2857766(G) alleles are more frequently transmitted to ASD. MOGc and MIB loci are linked with ASD in Italian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca R Guerini
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnologies, Don C Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, S Maria Nascente, Milan, Italy.
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32
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Ghezzo A, Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Matteoli M, Manca S, Sotgiu S, Bejor M, Clerici M, Chiappedi M. Neuropsycological gender differences in healthy individuals and in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. A role for SNAP-25. Med Hypotheses 2009; 73:978-80. [PMID: 19713048 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 KD (SNAP-25) is a protein that participates in synaptic vesicle exocytosis through the formation of a SNARE complex; SNAP-25 also plays a pivotal role in modulating calcium homeostasis through negative regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels. SNAP-25 has been involved in different neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are well known physiological gender differences in many neuropsychological skills, and there are even more striking gender differences in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. We hypothesize that these differences are the result of a mechanism involving SNAP-25 polymorphisms and its differential expression in specific brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ghezzo
- Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS Foundation, Centro Bignamini, Falconara, AN, Italy
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33
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Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Manca S, Sotgiu S, Zanzottera M, Agliardi C, Usai S, Clerici M. Family-based transmission analysis of HLA genetic markers in Sardinian children with autistic spectrum disorders. Hum Immunol 2009; 70:184-90. [PMID: 19167444 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2008.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 12/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Analyses of a 6-Mb region spanning the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region from the HLA-DR to the HFE gene were performed in 37 families of Sardinian ancestry, all of whom had at least one autistic child, to identify genetic markers associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) development. In particular, four microsatellites (MIB, D6S265, MOGc, and D6S2239) and three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; two in positions -308 and -238 in the promoter of the TNF-alpha and SNP rs2857766 [V142L] in exon 3 of the MOG gene) were analyzed. An intrafamilial case-control method (affected family-based controls) and transmission disequilibrium test analysis were used to evaluate the association of microsatellite and SNP markers with ASD-affected children. Results indicated positive associations with ASD for D6S265*220 (p < 0.01) and MOGc*131 (p < 0.05) and negative associations for MOGc*117 and MIB*346 alleles (p < 0.01) in ASD children. Polymorphism haplotype analysis indicated that D6S265 allele *220 and MOGc allele *131 were significantly more likely to be transmitted together, as a whole haplotype, to ASD children (p < 0.05). Conversely, the D6S265*224-MOGc*117-rs2857766(G) haplotype was significantly less frequently transmitted to ASD children (p < 0.01). The results present novel gene markers, reinforcing the hypothesis that genetic factors play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca R Guerini
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Don C. Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, S. Maria Nascente, Milan, Italy.
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34
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Giordano M, Marano C, Mellai M, Limongelli MG, Bolognesi E, Clerget-Darpoux F, Momigliano-Richiardi P, Greco L. A family-based study does not confirm the association of MYO9B with celiac disease in the Italian population. Genes Immun 2006; 7:606-8. [PMID: 16943798 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gene.6364331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Association between Myosin IXB (MYO9B) gene polymorphisms and celiac disease (CD) was recently detected by a case-control association study in the Dutch, but not confirmed in the British and Swedish/Norwegian populations. We tested the association between CD and the three most associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Dutch study by the transmission disequilibrium test in the Italian population. A total of 252 pediatric patients and 504 parents were genotyped. No transmission distortion was detected either for the single SNPs or for their haplotypic combinations. Control allele frequencies, calculated from untransmitted alleles, were significantly different from those of the Dutch control population. Conversely, allele frequencies were very similar in Italian, British, Swedish/Norwegian and Dutch patients. In conclusion, MYO9B is not involved in CD susceptibility in the Italian population. The difference with the Dutch result might be explained by an imperfect selection of the Dutch controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giordano
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont and Interdisciplinary Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), Novara, Italy.
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35
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Bolognesi E, Karell K, Percopo S, Coto I, Greco L, Mantovani V, Suoraniemi E, Partanen J, Mustalahti K, Mäki M, Momigliano-Richiardi P. Additional factor in some HLA DR3/DQ2 haplotypes confers a fourfold increased genetic risk of celiac disease. Tissue Antigens 2003; 61:308-16. [PMID: 12753669 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0039.2003.00028.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although HLA-DQ genes are the major celiac disease (CD) susceptibility genes, results from Finnish families suggest that not all DQ2-encoding haplotypes confer equal susceptibility to CD, implying the effect of other gene(s) in the HLA region. The aim of the present work was to extend and confirm the aforementioned results in a southern European population ( Italian) and to better localize the additional risk factor/s. The association of nine loci spanning the HLA region from DR to HFE, 4.5-Mb telomeric of HLA-A, was tested. The analysis was performed by comparing marker frequencies in DR3-DQ2 haplotypes transmitted and non-transmitted to the affected offspring in 156 Italian CD families selected for having at least one DR3-positive parent. The same analysis was performed independently in 101 Finnish CD families selected with the same criteria. Three alleles, MICA-A5.1, MICB-CA24 and MIB-350, all characteristic of the B8-DR3 extended haplotype, showed a significantly increased frequency in DR3 transmitted haplotypes in the Italian families. DR3 haplotypes carrying the combination of these alleles conferred an approximate fourfold increased CD risk. B8-DR3 transmitted haplotypes were significantly more conserved telomerically down to the MIC-Class I region. Similar results were seen in the Finnish families. The major conclusion that holds true in both populations is that, while DQ2 is an absolute requirement for the development of CD, the presence of an additional genetic factor within the MIC-Class I region confers an approximate 4-fold increased risk of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bolognesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Eastern Piedmont University and I.R.C.A.D. (Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases), Novara, Italy.
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36
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Louka AS, Moodie SJ, Karell K, Bolognesi E, Ascher H, Greco L, Momigliano-Richiardi P, Partanen J, Ciclitira PJ, Sollid LM. A collaborative European search for non-DQA1*05-DQB1*02 celiac disease loci on HLA-DR3 haplotypes: analysis of transmission from homozygous parents. Hum Immunol 2003; 64:350-8. [PMID: 12590980 DOI: 10.1016/s0198-8859(02)00822-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The HLA-DQA1*05 with DQB1*02 alleles are a major risk factor for celiac disease (CD). To search for additional human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk factors, we looked on the DR3-DQ2 risk haplotype, selected because it carries both DQ risk alleles in cis and is the more represented among CD patients. In a European consortium, we identified 109 families with a parent homozygous for DQA1*05-DQB1*02. We typed ten microsatellites in the extended HLA complex, and applied the homozygous-parent transmission disequilibrium test (HPTDT) and extended-TDT to transmissions from homozygous parents. These methods eliminate confounding due to linkage disequilibrium between candidate disease loci and the known risk factor DQA1*05-DQB1*02, and are favorable when sufficient families are available. We did not find evidence of association with any single marker or allele, although weak evidence for additional risk was observed, represented by preferential transmission of six adjacent markers. We tested the largest ever reported HPTDT population in CD, providing unprecedented power. We did not find significant evidence of additional risk-modifying factors on the DR3 haplotype, independent of DQA1*05-DQB1*02, although a weak tendency was observed for the B8-DR3 haplotype. This effect should be tested in large populations with significant representations of both B8-DR3 and non-B8 DR3 haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Louka
- Institute of Immunology, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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37
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Bolognesi E, Dalfonso S, Rolando V, Fasano ME, Praticò L, Momigliano-Richiardi P. MICA and MICB microsatellite alleles in HLA extended haplotypes. Eur J Immunogenet 2001; 28:523-30. [PMID: 11881819 DOI: 10.1046/j.0960-7420.2001.00250.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study is a contribution to the definition of the linkage disequilibrium relationship of MICA and MICB with adjacent loci and to the characterization of extended HLA haplotypes. These issues are of importance for the identification of disease associations and for a better definition of donor-recipient compatibility in bone-marrow grafts through the typing of haplospecific markers. The distribution of the five alleles of MICA and the 13 alleles of MICB microsatellites, located, respectively, in MICA transmembrane exon 5 and in MICB intron 1, was examined in 133 healthy Italian individuals previously typed for HLA class I, class II and complement loci and for the TNFa microsatellite. The MICB microsatellite was also analysed in 49 HTCLs for which MICA typing was already available. Very strong linkage disequilibria with HLA-B and TNFa were detected in the Italian population for both MICA and MICB microsatellite alleles, in spite of the high mutability rate of the larger MICB alleles. Some strong associations were also detected between MICB and DRB1. The strongest associations (P < 0.001, D' > 0.7) were those of MICA-A4 with HLA-B18, B27 and TNFa1, MICA-A5 with HLA-B35, B61 and B62, MICA-A5.1 with HLA-B7, B8, B13, B63 and MICB-CA24, MICA-A6 with HLA-B51, MICA-A9 with HLA-B39, B57 and TNFa2, MICB-CA14 with HLA-B14, B27 and TNFa1, MICB-CA15 with HLA-B52, TNFa4 and TNFa13, MICB-CA17 with HLA-B7 and TNFa11, MICB-CA18 with HLA-B13 and TNFa7, MICB-CA22 with HLA-B57, and MICB-CA24 with HLA-B8 and TNFa2. From pairwise associations in the random panel and results for the homozygous cell lines it was possible to deduce the MICA and MICB microsatellite alleles present in many of the well-known Caucasoid extended haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Novara, Italy
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38
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Sciacca FL, Ferri C, D'Alfonso S, Bolognesi E, Martinelli Boneschi F, Cuzzilla B, Colombo B, Comi G, Canal N, Grimaldi LM. Association study of a new polymorphism in the PECAM-1 gene in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2000; 104:174-8. [PMID: 10713357 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(99)00274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms of immunorelevant genes may modulate occurrence or clinical features of multifactorial diseases. PECAM-1 is an adhesion molecule crucial for transmigration of cells from blood to tissues, but its genetic contribution to multifactorial diseases has never been investigated. We have identified and characterized a tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism within the third intron of PECAM-1. In a cohort of healthy controls (HC), we found 10 alleles. An assessment of the association of this polymorphism with multiple sclerosis (MS) showed similar allele and genotype frequencies in HC and MS patients as well as in MS patients differing for the gravity of their disease course. We conclude that although potentially able to affect organ-specific autoimmune diseases, this new PECAM-1 polymorphism, does not seem to contribute to the genetic background of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Sciacca
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
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Bolognesi E, Cimino G, Diverio D, Rapanotti MC, D'Alfonso S, Fleischhauer K, Migliaretti G, Momigliano-Richiardi P. HLA class I in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL): possible correlation with clinical outcome. Leukemia 2000; 14:393-8. [PMID: 10720132 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2401691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The majority of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) possess either a bcr1 or a bcr3 type fusion between PML and RARalpha genes. The junction sequences may possibly be a target for immune response and influence susceptibility to the disease. In this case, HLA class I allele frequencies would be different between bcr1 and bcr3 patients. To test this hypothesis, we typed 102 APL patients for HLA-A, -B and -Cw alleles. The A*1, A*30, B*51, B*41, Cw*0602, and Cw*1701 alleles showed a different distribution between bcr1 and bcr3 patients, but in no case was this statistically significant after correction for the number of comparisons or was confirmed in an independent panel. Moreover, no difference was detected between bcr1 and bcr3 when HLA alleles were grouped according to their peptide binding specificities. Comparing HLA frequencies, clinical features at diagnosis and clinical outcome of the 64 patients homogeneously treated with all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin (AIDA protocol) we observed a statistically significant association between HLA-B*13 and risk of relapse by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Should this finding be confirmed in larger future studies, this observation would be of outmost importance in identifying patients at high risk of relapse in which more aggressive consolidation therapies should be used.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antigens, Neoplasm/analysis
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Female
- Gene Frequency
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Genotype
- HLA-A Antigens/analysis
- HLA-B Antigens/analysis
- HLA-B13 Antigen
- HLA-C Antigens/analysis
- Humans
- Idarubicin/administration & dosage
- Italy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/mortality
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Proteins/classification
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/immunology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/classification
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Prognosis
- Remission Induction
- Risk
- Treatment Outcome
- Tretinoin/administration & dosage
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università del Piemonte Orientale A Avogadro, Novara, Italy
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Giordano M, Bolognesi E, D'Alfonso S, Lessi M, Zavattari P, Oderda G, Clot F, Percopo S, Casari G, Greco L, Tosi R, Momigliano-Richiardi P. Linkage disequilibrium between intra-locus variants in the aminopeptidase n gene and test of their association with coeliac disease. Ann Hum Genet 1999; 63:207-15. [PMID: 10738533 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-1809.1999.6330207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Coeliac disease (CD) is a multigenic and multifactorial enteropathy triggered by gluten-composing proteins. A possible involvement of the intestinal Aminopeptidase N (APN) was investigated by an association analysis. SSCP analysis detected four variants at position 281, 378, 956 and 2957 (referred to no. g178535, GenBank) that were studied in 193 Italian CD families. The haplotypic combinations were determined from family segregation and pairwise linkage disequilibria (D' = D/Dmax) between the polymorphic sites were calculated. Significant D' values ranged between 0.78 and 0.31. Association with CD was tested by TDT (Transmission Disequilibrium Test) utilizing as markers the nucleotide substitutions and their haplotypic combinations. No statistically significant transmission distortion to the probands or to their clinically silent sibs was observed. Our data exclude an involvement in CD of the tested markers and of further undetected variation in strong linkage disequilibrium (D' approximately equal to 1) with them. The power of the test was not adequate to detect an association with an unknown polymorphism which is not in complete linkage disequilibrium with those analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giordano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università del Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro, Novara, Italy.
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41
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D'Alfonso S, Bolognesi E, Mazzola G, Dall'Omo A, Richiardi PM. Historical recombinant sites in extended HLA haplotypes. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 1999; 13:8-13. [PMID: 10432436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Each ancestral or extended HLA haplotype contains a unique combination of alleles among which some may be entirely specific for that haplotype (haplospecific alleles). In the course of evolution many recombination events occurred which disrupted the original haplotypic combination. We analysed the sites of historical recombinations in four extended HLA haplotypes (B8-DR3; B18-DR3; B50-DR7 and B57-DR7) in 60 random Italian individuals selected through the presence of haplospecific alleles. In general the distribution of recombinations in each interval was similar for the four extended haplotypes and no haplospecific recombination "hot spot" could be detected. However some differences between the four haplotypes can be pointed out: a) only 48% fragmented B8-DR3 were found in contrast to 83% B18-DR3, 89% B50-DR7 and 88% B57-DR7; b) in the B8-DR3 haplotype recombinations fall preferentially in the B/TNF interval. In fact among 22 historical recombination events, 50% were mapped in this region; c) conversely, no recombination event was detected in the B/TNF interval among the 19 disrupted B18-DR3 haplotypes thus evidencing the presence of a putative recombination "cold spot".
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Alfonso
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont Amedeo Avogadro, Novara, Italy
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D'Alfonso S, Borelli I, Dall'Omo A, Bolognesi E, Partanen J, Levo A, Pociot F, Fan L, Juji T, Hammond M, Tosi R, Richiardi PM. The natural history of an HLA haplotype and its recombinants. Immunogenetics 1998; 48:8-15. [PMID: 9601938 DOI: 10.1007/s002510050394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The presence of haplotype-specific recombination sites can be determined by analyzing the conservation of extended haplotypes in the population. This approach considers all meioses in the history of the population and requires the presence of characteristic markers that easily allow the identification of the haplotype or of its recombined segments. The recombination breakpoint can then be mapped by looking for shared alleles between haplotypes selected through the specific marker/s. We identified a rare perfect tandem duplication of a 145 base pair segment in the LTA promoter, which tags a B60 (B60D) haplotype. The duplication was detected in 16/90 B60+ Europeans, while absent in 101 B60+ Orientals. The conservation of the class I end and the extreme variability of the class II end suggested that the present-day B60D haplotypes originated from an ancestral haplotype by recombination events centromeric to the duplicated sequence. Through a fine mapping using markers of the HLA central region a preferential recombination site was localized in the 60 kilobase interval between TNFd,e, and D6S273/K11 Amicrosatellite loci (i.e., between LST1 and BAT3 genes). This site behaves as a potent recombination enhancer leading to fragmentation in most of the extant B60D haplotypes and can be considered responsible for their "instability". In the relatively recently founded Finnish population, where the LST1/BAT3 interval recombination has probably not yet had the chance to occur, a founder effect can explain the presence of a rare DP (DPB1(*)1601) allele in most B60D haplotypes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Alfonso
- Department of Medical Sciences, Torino University, Via Solaroli 17, I-28100 Novara, Italy
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Colombo G, Bellavia D, Zavattari P, Bolognesi E, Brai M, Scorza R. HLA-class II alleles, C4 RFLP patterns and SLE in Italian population. Hum Immunol 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0198-8859(96)84869-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ricci A, Carnuccio V, Suzzi R, Pascali A, Gasponi A, Bolognesi V, Bolognesi E. [Evaluation of the disinfectant activity of the compound VIRKON]. Ann Ig 1995; 7:27-33. [PMID: 8663961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Ricci
- Direzione Sanitaria, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna
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Fava M, Littman A, Lamon-Fava S, Milani R, Shera D, MacLaughlin R, Cassem E, Leaf A, Marchiò B, Bolognesi E. Psychological, behavioral and biochemical risk factors for coronary artery disease among American and Italian male corporate managers. Am J Cardiol 1992; 70:1412-6. [PMID: 1442610 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(92)90291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Differences in psychological, behavioral and biochemical risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) among male corporate managers of 2 countries (United States and Italy), with very different age-specific rates of mortality for CAD were evaluated. In all, 129 American (mean age 43 +/- 7 years) and 80 Italian (mean age 45 +/- 7 years) managers volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject was administered several questionnaires assessing various psychological and behavioral risk factors for CAD, and all 129 Americans and 55 of 80 Italians had their blood drawn between 8:00 and 9:30 AM after overnight fasting for the measurement of plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoproteins A-I and B. Italian managers reported significantly more cynicism and hostility, and less enjoyment in leisure activities than did American ones. Furthermore, 40 Italian (51%) and only 18 American (14%) managers were smokers (this difference being statistically significant). Although no significant differences were found in factors positively related with CAD (cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B), there were clear differences in parameters inversely correlated with the incidence of CAD. Italian managers had significantly lower levels of plasma DHEA-S and apolipoprotein A-I than did American ones. In conclusion, this study found that Italian managers had a significantly more unhealthy psychological and behavioral profile than did American ones, and had lower levels of those biochemical parameters (apolipoprotein A-I and DHEA-S) thought to have a protective role against development of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114
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