51
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Schachtschneider KM, Welge ME, Auvil LS, Chaki S, Rund LA, Madsen O, Elmore MR, Johnson RW, Groenen MA, Schook LB. Altered Hippocampal Epigenetic Regulation Underlying Reduced Cognitive Development in Response to Early Life Environmental Insults. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11020162. [PMID: 32033187 PMCID: PMC7074491 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory and undergoes significant growth and maturation during the neonatal period. Environmental insults during this developmental timeframe can have lasting effects on brain structure and function. This study assessed hippocampal DNA methylation and gene transcription from two independent studies reporting reduced cognitive development stemming from early life environmental insults (iron deficiency and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) infection) using porcine biomedical models. In total, 420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the reduced cognition and control groups, including genes involved in neurodevelopment and function. Gene ontology (GO) terms enriched for DEGs were associated with immune responses, angiogenesis, and cellular development. In addition, 116 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, which overlapped 125 genes. While no GO terms were enriched for genes overlapping DMRs, many of these genes are known to be involved in neurodevelopment and function, angiogenesis, and immunity. The observed altered methylation and expression of genes involved in neurological function suggest reduced cognition in response to early life environmental insults is due to altered cholinergic signaling and calcium regulation. Finally, two DMRs overlapped with two DEGs, VWF and LRRC32, which are associated with blood brain barrier permeability and regulatory T-cell activation, respectively. These results support the role of altered hippocampal DNA methylation and gene expression in early life environmentally-induced reductions in cognitive development across independent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M. Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA; (M.E.W.); (L.S.A.)
| | - Michael E. Welge
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA; (M.E.W.); (L.S.A.)
| | - Loretta S. Auvil
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA; (M.E.W.); (L.S.A.)
| | - Sulalita Chaki
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 616280, USA; (S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.R.P.E.); (R.W.J.)
| | - Laurie A. Rund
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 616280, USA; (S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.R.P.E.); (R.W.J.)
| | - Ole Madsen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University, 6708 Wageningen, The Netherlands; (O.M.); (M.A.M.G.)
| | - Monica R.P. Elmore
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 616280, USA; (S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.R.P.E.); (R.W.J.)
| | - Rodney W. Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 616280, USA; (S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.R.P.E.); (R.W.J.)
| | - Martien A.M. Groenen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University, 6708 Wageningen, The Netherlands; (O.M.); (M.A.M.G.)
| | - Lawrence B. Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA; (M.E.W.); (L.S.A.)
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 616280, USA; (S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.R.P.E.); (R.W.J.)
- Correspondence:
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52
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Dalvie S, Maihofer AX, Coleman JRI, Bradley B, Breen G, Brick LA, Chen CY, Choi KW, Duncan LE, Guffanti G, Haas M, Harnal S, Liberzon I, Nugent NR, Provost AC, Ressler KJ, Torres K, Amstadter AB, Bryn Austin S, Baker DG, Bolger EA, Bryant RA, Calabrese JR, Delahanty DL, Farrer LA, Feeny NC, Flory JD, Forbes D, Galea S, Gautam A, Gelernter J, Hammamieh R, Jett M, Junglen AG, Kaufman ML, Kessler RC, Khan A, Kranzler HR, Lebois LAM, Marmar C, Mavissakalian MR, McFarlane A, Donnell MO, Orcutt HK, Pietrzak RH, Risbrough VB, Roberts AL, Rothbaum AO, Roy-Byrne P, Ruggiero K, Seligowski AV, Sheerin CM, Silove D, Smoller JW, Stein MB, Teicher MH, Ursano RJ, Van Hooff M, Winternitz S, Wolff JD, Yehuda R, Zhao H, Zoellner LA, Stein DJ, Koenen KC, Nievergelt CM. Genomic influences on self-reported childhood maltreatment. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:38. [PMID: 32066696 PMCID: PMC7026037 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is highly prevalent and serves as a risk factor for mental and physical disorders. Self-reported childhood maltreatment appears heritable, but the specific genetic influences on this phenotype are largely unknown. The aims of this study were to (1) identify genetic variation associated with self-reported childhood maltreatment, (2) estimate SNP-based heritability (h2snp), (3) assess predictive value of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for childhood maltreatment, and (4) quantify genetic overlap of childhood maltreatment with mental and physical health-related phenotypes, and condition the top hits from our analyses when such overlap is present. Genome-wide association analysis for childhood maltreatment was undertaken, using a discovery sample from the UK Biobank (UKBB) (n = 124,000) and a replication sample from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium-posttraumatic stress disorder group (PGC-PTSD) (n = 26,290). h2snp for childhood maltreatment and genetic correlations with mental/physical health traits were calculated using linkage disequilibrium score regression. PRS was calculated using PRSice and mtCOJO was used to perform conditional analysis. Two genome-wide significant loci associated with childhood maltreatment (rs142346759, p = 4.35 × 10-8, FOXP1; rs10262462, p = 3.24 × 10-8, FOXP2) were identified in the discovery dataset but were not replicated in PGC-PTSD. h2snp for childhood maltreatment was ~6% and the PRS derived from the UKBB was significantly predictive of childhood maltreatment in PGC-PTSD (r2 = 0.0025; p = 1.8 × 10-15). The most significant genetic correlation of childhood maltreatment was with depressive symptoms (rg = 0.70, p = 4.65 × 10-40), although we show evidence that our top hits may be specific to childhood maltreatment. This is the first large-scale genetic study to identify specific variants associated with self-reported childhood maltreatment. Speculatively, FOXP genes might influence externalizing traits and so be relevant to childhood maltreatment. Alternatively, these variants may be associated with a greater likelihood of reporting maltreatment. A clearer understanding of the genetic relationships of childhood maltreatment, including particular abuse subtypes, with a range of phenotypes, may ultimately be useful in in developing targeted treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shareefa Dalvie
- SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Adam X. Maihofer
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Research Service, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Jonathan R. I. Coleman
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764King’s College London, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923King’s College London, NIHR BRC at the Maudsley, London, UK
| | - Bekh Bradley
- grid.484294.7Atlanta VA Health Care System, Mental Health Service Line, Decatur, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Gerome Breen
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764King’s College London, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923King’s College London, NIHR BRC at the Maudsley, London, UK
| | - Leslie A. Brick
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Chia-Yen Chen
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Boston, MA USA ,grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit (PNGU), Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.34Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Karmel W. Choi
- grid.66859.34Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Boston, MA USA ,grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA
| | - Laramie E. Duncan
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Guia Guffanti
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Magali Haas
- grid.507100.30000 0004 6004 8305Cohen Veterans Bioscience, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Supriya Harnal
- grid.66859.34Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Israel Liberzon
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Nicole R. Nugent
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI USA ,grid.240588.30000 0001 0557 9478Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI USA
| | - Allison C. Provost
- grid.507100.30000 0004 6004 8305Cohen Veterans Bioscience, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Katy Torres
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Research Service, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Richmond, VA USA
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA USA ,grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Boston Children’s Hospital, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston, MA USA ,grid.62560.370000 0004 0378 8294Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Dewleen G. Baker
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Psychiatry Service, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bolger
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Richard A. Bryant
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Department of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Joseph R. Calabrese
- grid.241104.20000 0004 0452 4020Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Douglas L. Delahanty
- grid.258518.30000 0001 0656 9343Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH USA ,grid.258518.30000 0001 0656 9343Research and Sponsored Programs, Kent State University, Kent, OH USA
| | - Lindsay A. Farrer
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Norah C. Feeny
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Janine D. Flory
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - David Forbes
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sandro Galea
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Aarti Gautam
- grid.420210.50000 0001 0036 4726US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick, MD USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- grid.418356.d0000 0004 0478 7015US Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Psychiatry, West Haven, CT USA ,VA Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Genetics and Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- grid.420210.50000 0001 0036 4726US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, MD USA
| | - Marti Jett
- grid.420210.50000 0001 0036 4726US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, MD USA
| | - Angela G. Junglen
- grid.258518.30000 0001 0656 9343Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH USA
| | - Milissa L. Kaufman
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alaptagin Khan
- grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Boston, MA USA
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Lauren A. M. Lebois
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Charles Marmar
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Matig R. Mavissakalian
- grid.241104.20000 0004 0452 4020Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Alexander McFarlane
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304University of Adelaide, Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Meaghan O’ Donnell
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Holly K. Orcutt
- grid.261128.e0000 0000 9003 8934Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL USA
| | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Victoria B. Risbrough
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Research Service, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Andrea L. Roberts
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alex O. Rothbaum
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Peter Roy-Byrne
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ken Ruggiero
- grid.259828.c0000 0001 2189 3475Department of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Antonia V. Seligowski
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Christina M. Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Derrick Silove
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Jordan W. Smoller
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.34Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Psychiatry Service, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Million Veteran Program, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Martin H. Teicher
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- grid.265436.00000 0001 0421 5525Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Miranda Van Hooff
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304University of Adelaide, Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Sherry Winternitz
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XMcLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
| | | | - Rachel Yehuda
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.274295.f0000 0004 0420 1184Department of Mental Health, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Lori A. Zoellner
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Dan J. Stein
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit (PNGU), Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.34Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Boston, MA USA
| | - Caroline M. Nievergelt
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.410371.00000 0004 0419 2708Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Research Service, San Diego, CA USA
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53
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Kong XZ, Tzourio-Mazoyer N, Joliot M, Fedorenko E, Liu J, Fisher SE, Francks C. Gene Expression Correlates of the Cortical Network Underlying Sentence Processing. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2020; 1:77-103. [PMID: 36794006 PMCID: PMC9923707 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
A pivotal question in modern neuroscience is which genes regulate brain circuits that underlie cognitive functions. However, the field is still in its infancy. Here we report an integrated investigation of the high-level language network (i.e., sentence-processing network) in the human cerebral cortex, combining regional gene expression profiles, task fMRI, large-scale neuroimaging meta-analysis, and resting-state functional network approaches. We revealed reliable gene expression-functional network correlations using three different network definition strategies, and identified a consensus set of genes related to connectivity within the sentence-processing network. The genes involved showed enrichment for neural development and actin-related functions, as well as association signals with autism, which can involve disrupted language functioning. Our findings help elucidate the molecular basis of the brain's infrastructure for language. The integrative approach described here will be useful for studying other complex cognitive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalie Tzourio-Mazoyer
- University of Bordeaux, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CEA, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Joliot
- University of Bordeaux, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CEA, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Evelina Fedorenko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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54
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Uddén J, Hultén A, Bendtz K, Mineroff Z, Kucera KS, Vino A, Fedorenko E, Hagoort P, Fisher SE. Toward Robust Functional Neuroimaging Genetics of Cognition. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8778-8787. [PMID: 31570534 PMCID: PMC6820208 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0888-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A commonly held assumption in cognitive neuroscience is that, because measures of human brain function are closer to underlying biology than distal indices of behavior/cognition, they hold more promise for uncovering genetic pathways. Supporting this view is an influential fMRI-based study of sentence reading/listening by Pinel et al. (2012), who reported that common DNA variants in specific candidate genes were associated with altered neural activation in language-related regions of healthy individuals that carried them. In particular, different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FOXP2 correlated with variation in task-based activation in left inferior frontal and precentral gyri, whereas a SNP at the KIAA0319/TTRAP/THEM2 locus was associated with variable functional asymmetry of the superior temporal sulcus. Here, we directly test each claim using a closely matched neuroimaging genetics approach in independent cohorts comprising 427 participants, four times larger than the original study of 94 participants. Despite demonstrating power to detect associations with substantially smaller effect sizes than those of the original report, we do not replicate any of the reported associations. Moreover, formal Bayesian analyses reveal substantial to strong evidence in support of the null hypothesis (no effect). We highlight key aspects of the original investigation, common to functional neuroimaging genetics studies, which could have yielded elevated false-positive rates. Genetic accounts of individual differences in cognitive functional neuroimaging are likely to be as complex as behavioral/cognitive tests, involving many common genetic variants, each of tiny effect. Reliable identification of true biological signals requires large sample sizes, power calculations, and validation in independent cohorts with equivalent paradigms.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A pervasive idea in neuroscience is that neuroimaging-based measures of brain function, being closer to underlying neurobiology, are more amenable for uncovering links to genetics. This is a core assumption of prominent studies that associate common DNA variants with altered activations in task-based fMRI, despite using samples (10-100 people) that lack power for detecting the tiny effect sizes typical of genetically complex traits. Here, we test central findings from one of the most influential prior studies. Using matching paradigms and substantially larger samples, coupled to power calculations and formal Bayesian statistics, our data strongly refute the original findings. We demonstrate that neuroimaging genetics with task-based fMRI should be subject to the same rigorous standards as studies of other complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Uddén
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6525 XD,
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6500 HE
- Department of Linguistics
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden, SE-106 91
| | - Annika Hultén
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6525 XD
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6500 HE
| | - Katarina Bendtz
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden, SE-106 91
| | - Zachary Mineroff
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139-4307
| | - Katerina S Kucera
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6525 XD
| | - Arianna Vino
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6525 XD
| | - Evelina Fedorenko
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139-4307
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, and
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts MA 02144
| | - Peter Hagoort
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6525 XD
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6500 HE
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6525 XD,
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 6500 HE
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55
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Abstract
FOXP2 mutations cause a speech and language disorder, raising interest in potential roles of this gene in human evolution. A new study re-evaluates genomic variation at the human FOXP2 locus but finds no evidence of recent adaptive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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56
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Differential Song Deficits after Lentivirus-Mediated Knockdown of FoxP1, FoxP2, or FoxP4 in Area X of Juvenile Zebra Finches. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9782-9796. [PMID: 31641053 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1250-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factors FOXP1 and FOXP2 are associated with speech impairments. FOXP1 is additionally linked to cognitive deficits, as is FOXP4. These FoxP proteins are highly conserved in vertebrates and expressed in comparable brain regions, including the striatum. In male zebra finches, experimental manipulation of FoxP2 in Area X, a striatal song nucleus essential for vocal production learning, affects song development, adult song production, dendritic spine density, and dopamine-regulated synaptic transmission of striatal neurons. We previously showed that, in the majority of Area X neurons FoxP1, FoxP2, and FoxP4 are coexpressed, can dimerize and multimerize with each other and differentially regulate the expression of target genes. These findings raise the possibility that FoxP1, FoxP2, and FoxP4 (FoxP1/2/4) affect neural function differently and in turn vocal learning. To address this directly, we downregulated FoxP1 or FoxP4 in Area X of juvenile zebra finches and compared the resulting song phenotypes with the previously described inaccurate and incomplete song learning after FoxP2 knockdown. We found that experimental downregulation of FoxP1 and FoxP4 led to impaired song learning with partly similar features as those reported for FoxP2 knockdowns. However, there were also specific differences between the groups, leading us to suggest that specific features of the song are differentially impacted by developmental manipulations of FoxP1/2/4 expression in Area X.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We compared the effects of experimentally reduced expression of the transcription factors FoxP1, FoxP2, and FoxP4 in a striatal song nucleus, Area X, on vocal production learning in juvenile male zebra finches. We show, for the first time, that these temporally and spatially precise manipulations of the three FoxPs affect spectral and temporal song features differentially. This is important because it raises the possibility that the different FoxPs control different aspects of vocal learning through combinatorial gene expression or by acting in different microcircuits within Area X. These results are consistent with the deleterious effects of human FOXP1 and FOXP2 mutations on speech and language and add FOXP4 as a possible candidate gene for vocal disorders.
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57
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Yook C, Kim K, Kim D, Kang H, Kim SG, Kim E, Kim SY. A TBR1-K228E Mutation Induces Tbr1 Upregulation, Altered Cortical Distribution of Interneurons, Increased Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission, and Autistic-Like Behavioral Deficits in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:241. [PMID: 31680851 PMCID: PMC6797848 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Tbr1, a high-confidence ASD (autism spectrum disorder)-risk gene encoding the transcriptional regulator TBR1, have been shown to induce diverse ASD-related molecular, synaptic, neuronal, and behavioral dysfunctions in mice. However, whether Tbr1 mutations derived from autistic individuals cause similar dysfunctions in mice remains unclear. Here we generated and characterized mice carrying the TBR1-K228E de novo mutation identified in human ASD and identified various ASD-related phenotypes. In heterozygous mice carrying this mutation (Tbr1+/K228E mice), levels of the TBR1-K228E protein, which is unable to bind target DNA, were strongly increased. RNA-Seq analysis of the Tbr1+/K228E embryonic brain indicated significant changes in the expression of genes associated with neurons, astrocytes, ribosomes, neuronal synapses, and ASD risk. The Tbr1+/K228E neocortex also displayed an abnormal distribution of parvalbumin-positive interneurons, with a lower density in superficial layers but a higher density in deep layers. These changes were associated with an increase in inhibitory synaptic transmission in layer 6 pyramidal neurons that was resistant to compensation by network activity. Behaviorally, Tbr1+/K228E mice showed decreased social interaction, increased self-grooming, and modestly increased anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that the human heterozygous TBR1-K228E mutation induces ASD-related transcriptomic, protein, neuronal, synaptic, and behavioral dysfunctions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaehyun Yook
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Doyoun Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sun-Gyun Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Soo Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeongnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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58
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Johnson JL, Stoica L, Liu Y, Zhu PJ, Bhattacharya A, Buffington SA, Huq R, Eissa NT, Larsson O, Porse BT, Domingo D, Nawaz U, Carroll R, Jolly L, Scerri TS, Kim HG, Brignell A, Coleman MJ, Braden R, Kini U, Jackson V, Baxter A, Bahlo M, Scheffer IE, Amor DJ, Hildebrand MS, Bonnen PE, Beeton C, Gecz J, Morgan AT, Costa-Mattioli M. Inhibition of Upf2-Dependent Nonsense-Mediated Decay Leads to Behavioral and Neurophysiological Abnormalities by Activating the Immune Response. Neuron 2019; 104:665-679.e8. [PMID: 31585809 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In humans, disruption of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. However, the mechanism by which deficient NMD leads to neurodevelopmental dysfunction remains unknown, preventing development of targeted therapies. Here we identified novel protein-coding UPF2 (UP-Frameshift 2) variants in humans with NDD, including speech and language deficits. In parallel, we found that mice lacking Upf2 in the forebrain (Upf2 fb-KO mice) show impaired NMD, memory deficits, abnormal long-term potentiation (LTP), and social and communication deficits. Surprisingly, Upf2 fb-KO mice exhibit elevated expression of immune genes and brain inflammation. More importantly, treatment with two FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drugs reduced brain inflammation, restored LTP and long-term memory, and reversed social and communication deficits. Collectively, our findings indicate that impaired UPF2-dependent NMD leads to neurodevelopmental dysfunction and suggest that anti-inflammatory agents may prove effective for treatment of disorders with impaired NMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Johnson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Loredana Stoica
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ping Jun Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Abhisek Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shelly A Buffington
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Redwan Huq
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - N Tony Eissa
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ola Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, SciLifeLab, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - Bo T Porse
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark; The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark; Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark
| | - Deepti Domingo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Urwah Nawaz
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Renee Carroll
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Lachlan Jolly
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Tom S Scerri
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Amanda Brignell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew J Coleman
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ruth Braden
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Usha Kini
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Victoria Jackson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Medical Biology and School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anne Baxter
- Hunter Genetics, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle 2298, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Michael S Hildebrand
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Penelope E Bonnen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jozef Gecz
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; Healthy Mothers and Babies, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Angela T Morgan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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59
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de Boer B. Evolution of Speech: Anatomy and Control. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2019; 62:2932-2945. [PMID: 31465707 DOI: 10.1044/2019_jslhr-s-csmc7-18-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This article critically reviews work on the evolution of speech in the context of motor control. It presents a brief introduction to the field of language evolution, of which the study of the evolution of speech is an integral component, and argues why taking the evolutionary perspective is useful. It then proceeds to review different methods of studying evolutionary questions: comparative research, experimental and observational research, and computer and mathematical modeling. Conclusions On the basis of comparative analysis of related species (specifically, other great apes) and on the basis of theoretical results, this article argues that adaptations for speech must have evolved gradually and that it is likely that speech motor control is one of the key aspects that has undergone observable selection related to speech, because, in this area, all the necessary precursors are present in closely related species. This implies that it must be possible to find empirical evidence for how speech evolved in the area of speech motor control. However, such research is only in its infancy at the present moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart de Boer
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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60
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Lang X, Zhang W, Song X, Zhang G, Du X, Zhou Y, Li Z, Zhang XY. FOXP2 contributes to the cognitive impairment in chronic patients with schizophrenia. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:6440-6448. [PMID: 31425145 PMCID: PMC6738427 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead-box P2 (FOXP2), involving in language and memory function, has been identified as susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, no study examined the role of FOXP2 on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Total 1106 inpatients with schizophrenia and 404 controls were recruited and genotyped. Among them, 867 patients and 402 controls were assessed through the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). SHEsis software was used to investigate the association of FOXP2 rs10447760 with schizophrenia, followed by logistic regression. The model of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis were conducted to investigate the effect of FOXP2 rs10447760 on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. No differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the FOXP2 rs10447760 were found between patients and controls (both p> 0.05). Except for the visuospatial/constructional score (p > 0.05), other five RBANS scores were lower in patients compared to controls (all p < 0.0001). Interestingly, we found immediate memory score was lower in patients carrying genotype CT compared to genotype CC (F=5.19, p=0.02), adjusting for confounding data. Our study suggested that FOXP2 rs10447760 has no effect on the susceptibility to schizophrenia, while it may be associated with its cognitive impairment, especially immediate memory in chronic schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoe Lang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Xinxin Song
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Guangya Zhang
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Du
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongjie Zhou
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zezhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
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61
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Caporale AL, Gonda CM, Franchini LF. Transcriptional Enhancers in the FOXP2 Locus Underwent Accelerated Evolution in the Human Lineage. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:2432-2450. [PMID: 31359064 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique human features such as complex language are the result of molecular evolutionary changes that modified developmental programs of our brain. The human-specific evolution of the forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) gene coding region has been linked to the emergence of speech and language in the human kind. However, little is known about how the expression of FOXP2 is regulated and if its regulatory machinery evolved in a lineage-specific manner in humans. In order to identify FOXP2 regulatory regions containing human-specific changes we used databases of human accelerated non-coding sequences or HARs. We found that the topologically associating domain (TAD) determined using developing human cerebral cortex containing the FOXP2 locus includes two clusters of 12 HARs, placing the locus occupied by FOXP2 among the top regions showing fast acceleration rates in non-coding regions in the human genome. Using in vivo enhancer assays in zebrafish, we found that at least five FOXP2-HARs behave as transcriptional enhancers throughout different developmental stages. In addition, we found that at least two FOXP2-HARs direct the expression of the reporter gene EGFP to foxP2 expressing regions and cells. Moreover, we uncovered two FOXP2-HARs showing reporter expression gain of function in the nervous system when compared with the chimpanzee ortholog sequences. Our results indicate that regulatory sequences in the FOXP2 locus underwent a human-specific evolutionary process suggesting that the transcriptional machinery controlling this gene could have also evolved differentially in the human lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Leandro Caporale
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina M Gonda
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Florencia Franchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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62
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Kuo HY, Liu FC. Synaptic Wiring of Corticostriatal Circuits in Basal Ganglia: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0076-19.2019. [PMID: 31097624 PMCID: PMC6553570 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0076-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The striatum is a key hub in the basal ganglia for processing neural information from the sensory, motor, and limbic cortices. The massive and diverse cortical inputs entering the striatum allow the basal ganglia to perform a repertoire of neurological functions ranging from basic level of motor control to high level of cognition. The heterogeneity of the corticostriatal circuits, however, also renders the system susceptible to a repertoire of neurological diseases. Clinical and animal model studies have indicated that defective development of the corticostriatal circuits is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia. Importantly, many neuropsychiatric disease-risk genes have been found to form the molecular building blocks of the circuit wiring at the synaptic level. It is therefore imperative to understand how corticostriatal connectivity is established during development. Here, we review the construction during development of these corticostriatal circuits at the synaptic level, which should provide important insights into the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders related to the basal ganglia and help the development of appropriate therapies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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63
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Torres-Ruiz R, Benítez-Burraco A, Martínez-Lage M, Rodríguez-Perales S, García-Bellido P. Functional characterization of two enhancers located downstream FOXP2. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:65. [PMID: 31046704 PMCID: PMC6498672 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the coding region of FOXP2 are known to cause speech and language impairment. However, it is not clear how dysregulation of the gene contributes to language deficit. Interestingly, microdeletions of the region downstream the gene have been associated with cognitive deficits. METHODS Here, we investigate changes in FOXP2 expression in the SK-N-MC neuroblastoma human cell line after deletion by CRISPR-Cas9 of two enhancers located downstream of the gene. RESULTS Deletion of any of these two functional enhancers downregulates FOXP2, but also upregulates the closest 3' gene MDFIC. Because this effect is not statistically significant in a HEK 293 cell line, derived from the human kidney, both enhancers might confer a tissue specific regulation to both genes. We have also found that the deletion of any of these enhancers downregulates six well-known FOXP2 target genes in the SK-N-MC cell line. CONCLUSIONS We expect these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how FOXP2 and MDFIC are regulated to pace neuronal development supporting cognition, speech and language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Torres-Ruiz
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Marta Martínez-Lage
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paloma García-Bellido
- Faculty of Modern Languages, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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64
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Nataf S, Uriagereka J, Benitez-Burraco A. The Promoter Regions of Intellectual Disability-Associated Genes Are Uniquely Enriched in LTR Sequences of the MER41 Primate-Specific Endogenous Retrovirus: An Evolutionary Connection Between Immunity and Cognition. Front Genet 2019; 10:321. [PMID: 31031802 PMCID: PMC6473030 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behavior and neuronal connectivity in rodents have been shown to be shaped by the prototypical T lymphocyte-derived pro-inflammatory cytokine Interferon-gamma (IFNγ). It has also been demonstrated that STAT1 (Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription 1), a transcription factor (TF) crucially involved in the IFNγ pathway, binds consensus sequences that, in humans, are located with a high frequency in the LTRs (Long Terminal Repeats) of the MER41 family of primate-specific HERVs (Human Endogenous Retroviruses). However, the putative role of an IFNγ/STAT1/MER41 pathway in human cognition and/or behavior is still poorly documented. Here, we present evidence that the promoter regions of intellectual disability-associated genes are uniquely enriched in LTR sequences of the MER41 HERVs. This observation is specific to MER41 among more than 130 HERVs examined. Moreover, we have not found such a significant enrichment in the promoter regions of genes that associate with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or schizophrenia. Interestingly, ID-associated genes exhibit promoter-localized MER41 LTRs that harbor TF binding sites (TFBSs) for not only STAT1 but also other immune TFs such as, in particular, NFKB1 (Nuclear Factor Kappa B Subunit 1) and STAT3 (Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription 3). Moreover, IL-6 (Interleukin 6) rather than IFNγ, is identified as the main candidate cytokine regulating such an immune/MER41/cognition pathway. Of note, differences between humans and chimpanzees are observed regarding the insertion sites of MER41 LTRs in the promoter regions of ID-associated genes. Finally, a survey of the human proteome has allowed us to map a protein-protein network which links the identified immune/MER41/cognition pathway to FOXP2 (Forkhead Box P2), a key TF involved in the emergence of human speech. Our work suggests that together with the evolution of immune genes, the stepped self-domestication of MER41 in the genomes of primates could have contributed to cognitive evolution. We further propose that non-inherited forms of ID might result from the untimely or quantitatively inappropriate expression of immune signals, notably IL-6, that putatively regulate cognition-associated genes via promoter-localized MER41 LTRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Nataf
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM U1060, INRA U1397, INSA de Lyon, Lyon-Sud Faculty of Medicine, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Banque de Tissus et de Cellules des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - Juan Uriagereka
- Department of Linguistics and School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Antonio Benitez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish Language, Linguistics and Literary Theory, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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65
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Ma T, Zhang J. Upregulation of FOXP4 in breast cancer promotes migration and invasion through facilitating EMT. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:2783-2793. [PMID: 31040716 PMCID: PMC6459146 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s191641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Family of forkhead box transcription factors has been found to play key roles in multiple types of cancer. Materials and methods Our study is to decipher the effects of FOXP4 in human breast cancer (BC). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expressions of FOXP4 in BC tissue samples and cell lines. The gain and loss of function assay were used to explore the detailed roles of FOXP4 in breast cell lines, including MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Its effect on BC growth, migration, and invasion were evaluated by colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, wound-healing assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Results Our findings revealed that FOXP4 promotes cell proliferation, migration, as well as invasion of BC cells. Furthermore, FOXP4 also facilitates epithelial-mesenchymal transition. ChIP, qChIP assay, and dual luciferase reporter assay were used to examine whether Snail is a downstream target of FOXP4. Moreover, overexpression of Snail could partially rescue the effects of FOXP4 inhibition on cancer cell migration and invasion. Conclusion Our findings revealed that FOXP4 is a critical regulator in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- The Third Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P.R. China, .,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, P.R. China, .,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, P.R. China, .,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P.R. China,
| | - Jin Zhang
- The Third Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P.R. China, .,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, P.R. China, .,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, P.R. China, .,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P.R. China,
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66
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Ayhan F, Konopka G. Regulatory genes and pathways disrupted in autism spectrum disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:57-64. [PMID: 30165121 PMCID: PMC6249101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent and complex genetic disorder. The complex genetic make-up of ASD has been extensively studied and both common and rare genetic variants in up to 1000 genes have been linked to increased ASD risk. While these studies highlight the genetic complexity and begin to provide a window for delineating pathways at risk in ASD, the pathogenicity and specific contribution of many mutations to the disorder are poorly understood. Defining the convergent pathways disrupted by this large number of ASD-associated genetic variants will help to understand disease pathogenesis and direct future therapeutic efforts for the groups of patients with distinct etiologies. Here, we review some of the common regulatory pathways including chromatin remodeling, transcription, and alternative splicing that have emerged as common features from genetic and transcriptomic profiling of ASD. For each category, we focus on one gene (CHD8, FOXP1, and RBFOX1) that is significantly linked to ASD and functionally characterized in recent years. Finally, we discuss genetic and transcriptomic overlap between ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Ayhan
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9111, USA.
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67
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68
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The role of Pax6 in brain development and its impact on pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res 2019; 1705:95-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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69
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Kottler B, Faville R, Bridi JC, Hirth F. Inverse Control of Turning Behavior by Dopamine D1 Receptor Signaling in Columnar and Ring Neurons of the Central Complex in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2019; 29:567-577.e6. [PMID: 30713106 PMCID: PMC6384123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Action selection is a prerequisite for decision-making and a fundamental aspect to any goal-directed locomotion; it requires integration of sensory signals and internal states to translate them into action sequences. Here, we introduce a novel behavioral analysis to study neural circuits and mechanisms underlying action selection and decision-making in freely moving Drosophila. We discovered preferred patterns of motor activity and turning behavior. These patterns are impaired in FoxP mutant flies, which present an altered temporal organization of motor actions and turning behavior, reminiscent of indecisiveness. Then, focusing on central complex (CX) circuits known to integrate different sensory modalities and controlling premotor regions, we show that action sequences and turning behavior are regulated by dopamine D1-like receptor (Dop1R1) signaling. Dop1R1 inputs onto CX columnar ellipsoid body-protocerebral bridge gall (E-PG) neuron and ellipsoid body (EB) R2/R4m ring neuron circuits both negatively gate motor activity but inversely control turning behavior. Although flies deficient of D1 receptor signaling present normal turning behavior despite decreased activity, restoring Dop1R1 level in R2/R4m-specific circuitry affects the temporal organization of motor actions and turning. We finally show EB R2/R4m neurons are in contact with E-PG neurons that are thought to encode body orientation and heading direction of the fly. These findings suggest that Dop1R1 signaling in E-PG and EB R2/4 m circuits are compared against each other, thereby modulating patterns of activity and turning behavior for goal-directed locomotion. Freely moving Drosophila present preferred patterns of activity and turning behavior FoxP mutations affect temporal distribution of motor actions and turning behavior Central complex columnar E-PG and R2/4 m ring neurons inversely regulate turning Dopamine D1-like receptor signaling in R2/R4m ring neurons modulates behavior
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kottler
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Richard Faville
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jessika Cristina Bridi
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Frank Hirth
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK.
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70
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French CA, Vinueza Veloz MF, Zhou K, Peter S, Fisher SE, Costa RM, De Zeeuw CI. Differential effects of Foxp2 disruption in distinct motor circuits. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:447-462. [PMID: 30108312 PMCID: PMC6514880 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Disruptions of the FOXP2 gene cause a speech and language disorder involving difficulties in sequencing orofacial movements. FOXP2 is expressed in cortico-striatal and cortico-cerebellar circuits important for fine motor skills, and affected individuals show abnormalities in these brain regions. We selectively disrupted Foxp2 in the cerebellar Purkinje cells, striatum or cortex of mice and assessed the effects on skilled motor behaviour using an operant lever-pressing task. Foxp2 loss in each region impacted behaviour differently, with striatal and Purkinje cell disruptions affecting the variability and the speed of lever-press sequences, respectively. Mice lacking Foxp2 in Purkinje cells showed a prominent phenotype involving slowed lever pressing as well as deficits in skilled locomotion. In vivo recordings from Purkinje cells uncovered an increased simple spike firing rate and decreased modulation of firing during limb movements. This was caused by increased intrinsic excitability rather than changes in excitatory or inhibitory inputs. Our findings show that Foxp2 can modulate different aspects of motor behaviour in distinct brain regions, and uncover an unknown role for Foxp2 in the modulation of Purkinje cell activity that severely impacts skilled movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. French
- 0000 0004 0453 9636grid.421010.6Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - María F. Vinueza Veloz
- 000000040459992Xgrid.5645.2Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.442230.3School of Medicine, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
| | - Kuikui Zhou
- 000000040459992Xgrid.5645.2Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ,0000000119573309grid.9227.eThe Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Saša Peter
- 000000040459992Xgrid.5645.2Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- 0000 0004 0501 3839grid.419550.cLanguage and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,0000000122931605grid.5590.9Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rui M. Costa
- 0000 0004 0453 9636grid.421010.6Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal ,0000000419368729grid.21729.3fDepartment of Neuroscience, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- 000000040459992Xgrid.5645.2Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0001 2153 6865grid.418101.dNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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71
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A set of regulatory genes co-expressed in embryonic human brain is implicated in disrupted speech development. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1065-1078. [PMID: 29463886 PMCID: PMC6756287 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic investigations of people with impaired development of spoken language provide windows into key aspects of human biology. Over 15 years after FOXP2 was identified, most speech and language impairments remain unexplained at the molecular level. We sequenced whole genomes of nineteen unrelated individuals diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, a rare disorder enriched for causative mutations of large effect. Where DNA was available from unaffected parents, we discovered de novo mutations, implicating genes, including CHD3, SETD1A and WDR5. In other probands, we identified novel loss-of-function variants affecting KAT6A, SETBP1, ZFHX4, TNRC6B and MKL2, regulatory genes with links to neurodevelopment. Several of the new candidates interact with each other or with known speech-related genes. Moreover, they show significant clustering within a single co-expression module of genes highly expressed during early human brain development. This study highlights gene regulatory pathways in the developing brain that may contribute to acquisition of proficient speech.
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72
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Blane A, Dirr HW, Fanucchi S. A Phosphomimetic Study Implicates Ser557 in Regulation of FOXP2 DNA Binding. Protein J 2018; 37:311-323. [PMID: 29845391 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-018-9777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
FOXP2 is a transcription factor expressed in multiple tissues during embryonic development. FOXP2 regulates transcription by binding to DNA at its DNA binding domain, the forkhead domain (FHD) through the recognition helix. Ser557 is a residue located within the recognition helix that has the potential to become phosphorylated posttranslationally. In this study we investigated whether phosphorylation of Ser557 can influence the structure and DNA binding of the FOXP2 FHD. We did this by constructing S557E, a phosphomimetic mutant, and comparing its behaviour to the wild type. The mutation did not affect the secondary or tertiary structure of the protein although it did decrease the propensity of the FOXP2 FHD to form dimers. Most notably, the mutation showed significantly reduced DNA binding compared to the wild type as detected using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Molecular docking was also performed in which the wild type, phosphomimetic mutant and phosphorylated wild-type were docked to DNA and their interactions with DNA were compared. These results indicated that the wild type forms more interactions with the DNA and that the phosphomimetic mutant as well as the phosphorylated wild type did not associate as favourably with the DNA. This indicates that phosphorylation of Ser557 could disrupt DNA binding likely due to electrostatic and steric hindrance. This suggests that phosphorylation of Ser557 in the FOXP2 FHD could act as a control mechanism for FOXP2 and ultimately could be involved in regulation of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Blane
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Heini W Dirr
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Sylvia Fanucchi
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa.
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73
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Guidi LG, Velayos‐Baeza A, Martinez‐Garay I, Monaco AP, Paracchini S, Bishop DVM, Molnár Z. The neuronal migration hypothesis of dyslexia: A critical evaluation 30 years on. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:3212-3233. [PMID: 30218584 PMCID: PMC6282621 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The capacity for language is one of the key features underlying the complexity of human cognition and its evolution. However, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate normal or impaired linguistic ability. For developmental dyslexia, early postmortem studies conducted in the 1980s linked the disorder to subtle defects in the migration of neurons in the developing neocortex. These early studies were reinforced by human genetic analyses that identified dyslexia susceptibility genes and subsequent evidence of their involvement in neuronal migration. In this review, we examine recent experimental evidence that does not support the link between dyslexia and neuronal migration. We critically evaluate gene function studies conducted in rodent models and draw attention to the lack of robust evidence from histopathological and imaging studies in humans. Our review suggests that the neuronal migration hypothesis of dyslexia should be reconsidered, and the neurobiological basis of dyslexia should be approached with a fresh start.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz G. Guidi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Antonio Velayos‐Baeza
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Isabel Martinez‐Garay
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Division of NeuroscienceSchool of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | | | - Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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74
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75
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Zhang S, Zhao J, Guo Z, Jones JA, Liu P, Liu H. The Association Between Genetic Variation in FOXP2 and Sensorimotor Control of Speech Production. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:666. [PMID: 30294257 PMCID: PMC6158330 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances have been made in understanding the role of auditory feedback in sensorimotor integration for speech production. The neurogenetic basis of this feedback-based control process, however, remains largely unknown. Mutations of FOXP2 gene in humans are associated with severe deficits in speech motor behavior. The present study examined the associations between a FOXP2 common variant, rs6980093 (A/G), and the behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) responses to -50 and -200 cents pitch perturbations during vocal production in a sample of 133 Chinese adults. Behaviorally, the GG genotype was associated with significantly smaller vocal compensations for -200 cents perturbations relative to the AA and AG genotypes. Furthermore, both the AA and AG genotypes exhibited significant positive correlations between the degree of vocal compensation for -50 and -200 cents perturbations and the variability of normal voice fundamental frequency, whereas no such correlation existed for the GG genotype. At the cortical level, significantly larger P2 responses to -200 cents perturbations were associated with the GG genotype as compared to the AA and AG genotypes due to increased left-lateralized activity in the superior, middle, and inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and insula. The neurobehavioral responses to -50 cents perturbations, however, did not vary as a function of genotype. These findings present the first neurobehavioral evidence for an association between FOXP2 genetic variant and auditory-motor integration for vocal pitch regulation. The differential effects of FOXP2 genotypes at rs6980093 may reflect their influences on the weighting of feedback and feedforward control of speech production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangli Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Guo
- Department of Computer Science and Technology, Zhuhai College of Jilin University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jeffery A Jones
- Department of Psychology, Laurier Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanjun Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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76
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Gong T, Shuai L, Wu Y. Extending research on language foundations and evolution: Reply to comments on "Rethinking foundations of language from a multidisciplinary perspective". Phys Life Rev 2018; 26-27:184-197. [PMID: 30220639 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Gong
- Center for Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China; Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Lan Shuai
- Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, United States of America
| | - Yicheng Wu
- Department of linguistics and translation, School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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77
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Foxp2 regulates anatomical features that may be relevant for vocal behaviors and bipedal locomotion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8799-8804. [PMID: 30104377 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721820115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundamental human traits, such as language and bipedalism, are associated with a range of anatomical adaptations in craniofacial shaping and skeletal remodeling. However, it is unclear how such morphological features arose during hominin evolution. FOXP2 is a brain-expressed transcription factor implicated in a rare disorder involving speech apraxia and language impairments. Analysis of its evolutionary history suggests that this gene may have contributed to the emergence of proficient spoken language. In the present study, through analyses of skeleton-specific knockout mice, we identified roles of Foxp2 in skull shaping and bone remodeling. Selective ablation of Foxp2 in cartilage disrupted pup vocalizations in a similar way to that of global Foxp2 mutants, which may be due to pleiotropic effects on craniofacial morphogenesis. Our findings also indicate that Foxp2 helps to regulate strength and length of hind limbs and maintenance of joint cartilage and intervertebral discs, which are all anatomical features that are susceptible to adaptations for bipedal locomotion. In light of the known roles of Foxp2 in brain circuits that are important for motor skills and spoken language, we suggest that this gene may have been well placed to contribute to coevolution of neural and anatomical adaptations related to speech and bipedal locomotion.
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78
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Berto S, Nowick K. Species-Specific Changes in a Primate Transcription Factor Network Provide Insights into the Molecular Evolution of the Primate Prefrontal Cortex. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:2023-2036. [PMID: 30059966 PMCID: PMC6105097 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human prefrontal cortex (PFC) differs from that of other primates with respect to size, histology, and functional abilities. Here, we analyzed genome-wide expression data of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques to discover evolutionary changes in transcription factor (TF) networks that may underlie these phenotypic differences. We determined the co-expression networks of all TFs with species-specific expression including their potential target genes and interaction partners in the PFC of all three species. Integrating these networks allowed us inferring an ancestral network for all three species. This ancestral network as well as the networks for each species is enriched for genes involved in forebrain development, axonogenesis, and synaptic transmission. Our analysis allows us to directly compare the networks of each species to determine which links have been gained or lost during evolution. Interestingly, we detected that most links were gained on the human lineage, indicating increase TF cooperativity in humans. By comparing network changes between different tissues, we discovered that in brain tissues, but not in the other tissues, the human networks always had the highest connectivity. To pinpoint molecular changes underlying species-specific phenotypes, we analyzed the sub-networks of TFs derived only from genes with species-specific expression changes in the PFC. These sub-networks differed significantly in structure and function between the human and chimpanzee. For example, the human-specific sub-network is enriched for TFs implicated in cognitive disorders and for genes involved in synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. Our results suggest evolutionary changes in TF networks that might have shaped morphological and functional differences between primate brains, in particular in the human PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.,Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Nowick
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty for Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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79
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Fong WL, Kuo HY, Wu HL, Chen SY, Liu FC. Differential and Overlapping Pattern of Foxp1 and Foxp2 Expression in the Striatum of Adult Mouse Brain. Neuroscience 2018; 388:214-223. [PMID: 30031127 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutations of FOXP1 and FOXP2 are associated with neurodevelopmental diseases. It is important to characterize the cell types that express Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the brain. Foxp1 and Foxp2 are expressed at high levels in the striatum of mouse brains. There are two populations of striatal projection neurons (SPNs), dopamine D1 receptor (D1R)-expressing striatonigral neurons and D2 receptor (D2R)-expressing striatopallidal neurons. In addition to SPNs, there are different types of striatal interneurons. Here, we quantitatively analyze the expression pattern of Foxp1 and Foxp2 with respect to specific cell types of projection neurons and interneurons in the striatum of adult mouse brains. Double immunostaining and in situ hybridization showed that Foxp1 and Foxp2 were specifically expressed in SPNs, but not in interneurons. For Foxp1, 50-57% of Foxp1-positive neurons co-expressed D1R mRNA, and 45-52% of Foxp1-positive neurons co-expressed D2R mRNA in the striatum at rostrocaudal levels. For Foxp2, 65-77% of Foxp2-positive neurons co-expressed D1R mRNA, and 21-26% of Foxp2-positive neurons co-expressed D2R mRNA in the striatum at rostrocaudal levels. Neither Foxp1 nor Foxp2 was found to co-localize with parvalbumin, somatostatin, nNOS, calretinin and ChAT in interneurons of the striatum. Moreover, none of parvalbumin-, somatostatin-, nNOS-, and calretinin-positive interneurons co-expressed Foxp1 or Foxp2 in the cerebral cortex. As Foxp1 and Foxp2 can form heterodimers for transcriptional regulation, the differential and overlapping expression pattern of Foxp1 and Foxp2 in SPNs implicates coordinate and distinct roles of Foxp1 and Foxp2 in developmental construction and physiologic functions of striatal circuits in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weng Lam Fong
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Lin Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
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80
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Bell MR. Comparing Postnatal Development of Gonadal Hormones and Associated Social Behaviors in Rats, Mice, and Humans. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2596-2613. [PMID: 29767714 PMCID: PMC6692888 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal development includes dramatic changes in gonadal hormones and the many social behaviors they help regulate, both in rodents and humans. Parental care-seeking is the most salient social interaction in neonates and infants, play and prosocial behaviors are commonly studied in juveniles, and the development of aggression and sexual behavior begins in peripubertal stages but continues through late adolescence into adulthood. Although parental behaviors are shown after reproductive success in adulthood, alloparenting behaviors are actually high in juveniles as well. These behaviors are sensitive to both early-life organizational effects of gonadal hormones and later-life activational regulation. However, changes in circulating gonadal hormones and the display of the previous behaviors over development differ between rats, mice, and humans. These endpoints are of interest to endocrinologist, toxicologists, and neuroscientists because of their relevance to mental health disorders and their vulnerability to effects of endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure. As such, the goal of this mini-review is to succinctly describe and relate the postnatal development of gonadal hormones and social behaviors to each other, over time, and across animal models. Ideally, this will help identify appropriate animal models and age ranges for continued study of both normative development and in contexts of environmental disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Bell
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
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81
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Soteros BM, Cong Q, Palmer CR, Sia GM. Sociability and synapse subtype-specific defects in mice lacking SRPX2, a language-associated gene. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199399. [PMID: 29920554 PMCID: PMC6007900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The FoxP2 transcription factor and its target genes have been implicated in developmental brain diseases with a prominent language component, such as developmental verbal dyspraxia and specific language impairment. How FoxP2 affects neural circuitry development remains poorly understood. The sushi domain protein SRPX2 is a target of FoxP2, and mutations in SRPX2 are associated with language defects in humans. We have previously shown that SRPX2 is a synaptogenic protein that increases excitatory synapse density. Here we provide the first characterization of mice lacking the SRPX2 gene, and show that these mice exhibit defects in both neural circuitry and communication and social behaviors. Specifically, we show that mice lacking SRPX2 show a specific reduction in excitatory VGlut2 synapses in the cerebral cortex, while VGlut1 and inhibitory synapses were largely unaffected. SRPX2 KO mice also exhibit an abnormal ultrasonic vocalization ontogenetic profile in neonatal pups, and reduced preference for social novelty. These data demonstrate a functional role for SRPX2 during brain development, and further implicate FoxP2 and its targets in regulating the development of vocalization and social circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breeanne M. Soteros
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Qifei Cong
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Christian R. Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Gek-Ming Sia
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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82
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Korlach J, Gedman G, Kingan SB, Chin CS, Howard JT, Audet JN, Cantin L, Jarvis ED. De novo PacBio long-read and phased avian genome assemblies correct and add to reference genes generated with intermediate and short reads. Gigascience 2018; 6:1-16. [PMID: 29020750 PMCID: PMC5632298 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/gix085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reference-quality genomes are expected to provide a resource for studying gene structure, function, and evolution. However, often genes of interest are not completely or accurately assembled, leading to unknown errors in analyses or additional cloning efforts for the correct sequences. A promising solution is long-read sequencing. Here we tested PacBio-based long-read sequencing and diploid assembly for potential improvements to the Sanger-based intermediate-read zebra finch reference and Illumina-based short-read Anna's hummingbird reference, 2 vocal learning avian species widely studied in neuroscience and genomics. With DNA of the same individuals used to generate the reference genomes, we generated diploid assemblies with the FALCON-Unzip assembler, resulting in contigs with no gaps in the megabase range, representing 150-fold and 200-fold improvements over the current zebra finch and hummingbird references, respectively. These long-read and phased assemblies corrected and resolved what we discovered to be numerous misassemblies in the references, including missing sequences in gaps, erroneous sequences flanking gaps, base call errors in difficult-to-sequence regions, complex repeat structure errors, and allelic differences between the 2 haplotypes. These improvements were validated by single long-genome and transcriptome reads and resulted for the first time in completely resolved protein-coding genes widely studied in neuroscience and specialized in vocal learning species. These findings demonstrate the impact of long reads, sequencing of previously difficult-to-sequence regions, and phasing of haplotypes on generating the high-quality assemblies necessary for understanding gene structure, function, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Gedman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | - Jason T Howard
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Audet
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Lindsey Cantin
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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83
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Lattenkamp EZ, Vernes SC. Vocal learning: a language-relevant trait in need of a broad cross-species approach. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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84
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85
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86
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Li Z, Clarke JA, Eliason CM, Stidham TA, Deng T, Zhou Z. Vocal specialization through tracheal elongation in an extinct Miocene pheasant from China. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8099. [PMID: 29802379 PMCID: PMC5970207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Modifications to the upper vocal tract involving hyper-elongated tracheae have evolved many times within crown birds, and their evolution has been linked to a ‘size exaggeration’ hypothesis in acoustic signaling and communication, whereby smaller-sized birds can produce louder sounds. A fossil skeleton of a new extinct species of wildfowl (Galliformes: Phasianidae) from the late Miocene of China, preserves an elongated, coiled trachea that represents the oldest fossil record of this vocal modification in birds and the first documentation of its evolution within pheasants. The phylogenetic position of this species within Phasianidae has not been fully resolved, but appears to document a separate independent origination of this vocal modification within Galliformes. The fossil preserves a coiled section of the trachea and other remains supporting a tracheal length longer than the bird’s body. This extinct species likely produced vocalizations with a lower fundamental frequency and reduced harmonics compared to similarly-sized pheasants. The independent evolution of this vocal feature in galliforms living in both open and closed habitats does not appear to be correlated with other factors of biology or its open savanna-like habitat. Features present in the fossil that are typically associated with sexual dimorphism suggest that sexual selection may have resulted in the evolution of both the morphology and vocalization mechanism in this extinct species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Julia A Clarke
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, United States
| | - Chad M Eliason
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, 60605, United States
| | - Thomas A Stidham
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Tao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zhonghe Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, 100044, China
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87
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Yates NJ, Tesic D, Feindel KW, Smith JT, Clarke MW, Wale C, Crew RC, Wharfe MD, Whitehouse AJO, Wyrwoll CS. Vitamin D is crucial for maternal care and offspring social behaviour in rats. J Endocrinol 2018; 237:73-85. [PMID: 29559544 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Early life vitamin D plays a prominent role in neurodevelopment and subsequent brain function, including schizophrenic-like outcomes and increasing evidence for an association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we investigate how early life vitamin D deficiency during rat pregnancy and lactation alters maternal care and influences neurodevelopment and affective, cognitive and social behaviours in male adult offspring. Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on either a vitamin D control (2195 IU/kg) or deficient diet (0 IU/kg) for five weeks before timed mating, and diet exposure was maintained until weaning of offspring on postnatal day (PND) 23. MRI scans were conducted to assess brain morphology, and plasma corticosterone levels and neural expression of genes associated with language, dopamine and glucocorticoid exposure were characterised at PND1, PND12 and 4 months of age. Compared to controls, vitamin D-deficient dams exhibited decreased licking and grooming of their pups but no differences in pup retrieval. Offspring neurodevelopmental markers were unaltered, but vitamin D-deficient pup ultrasonic vocalisations were atypical. As adults, males that had been exposed to vitamin D deficiency in early life exhibited decreased social behaviour, impaired learning and memory outcomes and increased grooming behaviour, but unaltered affective behaviours. Accompanying these behavioural changes was an increase in lateral ventricle volume, decreased cortical FOXP2 (a protein implicated in language and communication) and altered neural expression of genes involved in dopamine and glucocorticoid-related pathways. These data highlight that early life levels of vitamin D are an important consideration for maternal behavioural adaptations as well as offspring neuropsychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael J Yates
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Dijana Tesic
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Kirk W Feindel
- Centre for MicroscopyCharacterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael W Clarke
- Metabolomics AustraliaCentre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Celeste Wale
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rachael C Crew
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michaela D Wharfe
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Caitlin S Wyrwoll
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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88
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Gong T, Shuai L, Wu Y. Rethinking foundations of language from a multidisciplinary perspective. Phys Life Rev 2018; 26-27:120-138. [PMID: 29709463 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The issue of language foundations has been of great controversy ever since it was first raised in Lenneberg's (1967) monograph Biological Foundations of Language. Based on a survey of recent findings relevant to the study of language acquisition and evolution, we propose that: (i) the biological predispositions for language are largely domain-general, not necessarily language-specific or human-unique; (ii) the socio-cultural environment of language serves as another important foundation of language, which helps shape language components, induce and drive language shift; and (iii) language must have coevolved with the cognitive mechanisms associated with it through intertwined biological and cultural evolution. In addition to theoretical issues, this paper also evaluates the primary approaches recently joining the endeavor of studying language foundations and evolution, including human experiments and computer simulations. Most of the evidence surveyed in this paper comes from a variety of disciplines, and methodology therein complements each other to form a global picture of language foundations. These reflect the complexity of the issue of language foundations and the necessity of taking a multidisciplinary perspective to address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Gong
- Center for Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China; Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Lan Shuai
- Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, United States of America
| | - Yicheng Wu
- Department of Linguistics and Translation, School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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89
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Chen MT, Sun HF, Li LD, Zhao Y, Yang LP, Gao SP, Jin W. Downregulation of FOXP2 promotes breast cancer migration and invasion through TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:8582-8588. [PMID: 29805593 PMCID: PMC5950580 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and relapse are the primary cause of mortality for patients with breast cancer. The present study performed quantitative proteomic analysis on the differentially expressed proteins between highly metastatic breast cancer cells and parental cells. It was revealed that forkhead box P2 (FOXP2), a transcription factor in neural development, may become a potential inhibitor of breast cancer metastasis. The results demonstrated that patients with a lower level of FOXP2 expression had significantly poorer relapse-free survival (P=0.0047). The transcription of FOXP2 was also significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissue compared with normal breast tissue (P=0.0005). In addition, FOXP2 may inhibit breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. It was also revealed that the underlying mechanism may include the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process driven by the tumor growth factor β/SMAD signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present study identified FOXP2 as a novel suppressor and prognostic marker of breast cancer metastasis. These results may provide further insight into breast cancer prevention and the development of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - He-Fen Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Liang-Dong Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Li-Peng Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Shui-Ping Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
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90
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Järvelä I. Genomics studies on musical aptitude, music perception, and practice. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1423:82-91. [PMID: 29570792 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
When searching for genetic markers inherited together with musical aptitude, genes affecting inner ear development and brain function were identified. The alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA), located in the most significant linkage region of musical aptitude, was overexpressed when listening and performing music. The GATA-binding protein 2 gene (GATA2) was located in the best associated region of musical aptitude and regulates SNCA in dopaminergic neurons, thus linking DNA- and RNA-based studies of music-related traits together. In addition to SNCA, several other genes were linked to dopamine metabolism. Mutations in SNCA predispose to Lewy-body dementia and cause Parkinson disease in humans and affect song production in songbirds. Several other birdsong genes were found in transcriptome analysis, suggesting a common evolutionary background of sound perception and production in humans and songbirds. Regions of positive selection with musical aptitude contained genes affecting auditory perception, cognitive performance, memory, human language development, and song perception and production of songbirds. The data support the role of dopaminergic pathway and their link to the reward mechanism as a molecular determinant in positive selection of music. Integration of gene-level data from the literature across multiple species prioritized activity-dependent immediate early genes as candidate genes in musical aptitude and listening to and performing music.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Järvelä
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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91
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Jhang CL, Huang TN, Hsueh YP, Liao W. Mice lacking cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 manifest autistic and ADHD-like behaviors. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3922-3934. [PMID: 29016850 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders frequently share common clinical features and appear high rate of comorbidity, such as those present in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While characterizing behavioral phenotypes in the mouse model of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding CDKL5, we found that these mice manifested behavioral phenotypes mimicking multiple key features of ASD, such as impaired social interaction and communication, as well as increased stereotypic digging behaviors. These mice also displayed hyper-locomotion, increased aggressiveness and impulsivity, plus deficits in motor and associative learning, resembling primary symptoms of ADHD. Through brain region-specific biochemical analysis, we uncovered that loss of CDKL5 disrupts dopamine synthesis and the expression of social communication-related key genes, such as forkhead-box P2 and mu-opioid receptor, in the corticostriatal circuit. Together, our findings support that CDKL5 plays a role in the comorbid features of autism and ADHD, and mice lacking CDKL5 may serve as an animal model to study the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying autism-ADHD comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian-Ling Jhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Wenlin Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan.,Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
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92
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Rodenas-Cuadrado PM, Mengede J, Baas L, Devanna P, Schmid TA, Yartsev M, Firzlaff U, Vernes SC. Mapping the distribution of language related genes FoxP1, FoxP2, and CntnaP2 in the brains of vocal learning bat species. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:1235-1266. [PMID: 29297931 PMCID: PMC5900884 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Genes including FOXP2, FOXP1, and CNTNAP2, have been implicated in human speech and language phenotypes, pointing to a role in the development of normal language‐related circuitry in the brain. Although speech and language are unique to humans a comparative approach is possible by addressing language‐relevant traits in animal systems. One such trait, vocal learning, represents an essential component of human spoken language, and is shared by cetaceans, pinnipeds, elephants, some birds and bats. Given their vocal learning abilities, gregarious nature, and reliance on vocalizations for social communication and navigation, bats represent an intriguing mammalian system in which to explore language‐relevant genes. We used immunohistochemistry to detail the distribution of FoxP2, FoxP1, and Cntnap2 proteins, accompanied by detailed cytoarchitectural histology in the brains of two vocal learning bat species; Phyllostomus discolor and Rousettus aegyptiacus. We show widespread expression of these genes, similar to what has been previously observed in other species, including humans. A striking difference was observed in the adult P. discolor bat, which showed low levels of FoxP2 expression in the cortex that contrasted with patterns found in rodents and nonhuman primates. We created an online, open‐access database within which all data can be browsed, searched, and high resolution images viewed to single cell resolution. The data presented herein reveal regions of interest in the bat brain and provide new opportunities to address the role of these language‐related genes in complex vocal‐motor and vocal learning behaviors in a mammalian model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodenas-Cuadrado
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Mengede
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Baas
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias A Schmid
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Michael Yartsev
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720.,Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, 306 University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Uwe Firzlaff
- Department Tierwissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Zoologie, TU München, München, 85354, Germany
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands.,Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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93
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Weidle UH, Dickopf S, Hintermair C, Kollmorgen G, Birzele F, Brinkmann U. The Role of micro RNAs in Breast Cancer Metastasis: Preclinical Validation and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2018; 15:17-39. [PMID: 29275360 PMCID: PMC5822183 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the approval of several molecular therapies in the last years, breast cancer-associated death ranks as the second highest in women. This is due to metastatic disease, which represents a challenge for treatment. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is, therefore, of paramount importance. In this review we summarize the role of micro RNAs (miRs) involved in metastasis of breast cancer. We present an overview on metastasis-promoting, -suppressing and context-dependent miRs with both activities. We have categorized the corresponding miRs according to their target classes, interaction with stromal cells or exosomes. The pathways affected by individual miRs are outlined in regard to in vitro properties, activity in metastasis-related in vivo models and clinical significance. Current approaches that may be suitable for therapeutic inhibition or restauration of miR activity are outlined. Finally, we discuss the delivery bottlenecks which present as a major challenge in nucleic acid (miR)-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Dickopf
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Gwendlyn Kollmorgen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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94
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95
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Herrero MJ, Gitton Y. The untold stories of the speech gene, the FOXP2 cancer gene. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:11-38. [PMID: 29725501 PMCID: PMC5931254 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2 encodes a transcription factor involved in speech and language acquisition. Growing evidence now suggests that dysregulated FOXP2 activity may also be instrumental in human oncogenesis, along the lines of other cardinal developmental transcription factors such as DLX5 and DLX6 [1-4]. Several FOXP familymembers are directly involved during cancer initiation, maintenance and progression in the adult [5-8]. This may comprise either a pro-oncogenic activity or a deficient tumor-suppressor role, depending upon cell types and associated signaling pathways. While FOXP2 is expressed in numerous cell types, its expression has been found to be down-regulated in breast cancer [9], hepatocellular carcinoma [8] and gastric cancer biopsies [10]. Conversely, overexpressed FOXP2 has been reported in multiple myelomas, MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance), several subtypes of lymphomas [5,11], as well as in neuroblastomas [12] and ERG fusion-negative prostate cancers [13]. According to functional evidences reported in breast cancer [9] and survey of recent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of different tumor biopsies, we postulate that FOXP2 dysregulation may play a main role throughout cancer initiation and progression. In some cancer conditions, FOXP2 levels are now considered as a critical diagnostic marker of neoplastic cells, and in many situations, they even bear strong prognostic value [5]. Whether FOXP2 may further become a therapeutic target is an actively explored lead. Knowledge reviewed here may help improve our understanding of FOXP2 roles during oncogenesis and provide cues for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Herrero
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yorick Gitton
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS, Vision Institute Research Center, Paris, France
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96
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Loss of Intercalated Cells (ITCs) in the Mouse Amygdala of Tshz1 Mutants Correlates with Fear, Depression, and Social Interaction Phenotypes. J Neurosci 2017; 38:1160-1177. [PMID: 29255003 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1412-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intercalated cells (ITCs) of the amygdala have been shown to be critical regulatory components of amygdalar circuits, which control appropriate fear responses. Despite this, the molecular processes guiding ITC development remain poorly understood. Here we establish the zinc finger transcription factor Tshz1 as a marker of ITCs during their migration from the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence through maturity. Using germline and conditional knock-out (cKO) mouse models, we show that Tshz1 is required for the proper migration and differentiation of ITCs. In the absence of Tshz1, migrating ITC precursors fail to settle in their stereotypical locations encapsulating the lateral amygdala and BLA. Furthermore, they display reductions in the ITC marker Foxp2 and ectopic persistence of the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence marker Sp8. Tshz1 mutant ITCs show increased cell death at postnatal time points, leading to a dramatic reduction by 3 weeks of age. In line with this, Foxp2-null mutants also show a loss of ITCs at postnatal time points, suggesting that Foxp2 may function downstream of Tshz1 in the maintenance of ITCs. Behavioral analysis of male Tshz1 cKOs revealed defects in fear extinction as well as an increase in floating during the forced swim test, indicative of a depression-like phenotype. Moreover, Tshz1 cKOs display significantly impaired social interaction (i.e., increased passivity) regardless of partner genetics. Together, these results suggest that Tshz1 plays a critical role in the development of ITCs and that fear, depression-like and social behavioral deficits arise in their absence.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show here that the zinc finger transcription factor Tshz1 is expressed during development of the intercalated cells (ITCs) within the mouse amygdala. These neurons have previously been shown to play a crucial role in fear extinction. Tshz1 mouse mutants exhibit severely reduced numbers of ITCs as a result of abnormal migration, differentiation, and survival of these neurons. Furthermore, the loss of ITCs in mouse Tshz1 mutants correlates well with defects in fear extinction as well as the appearance of depression-like and abnormal social interaction behaviors reminiscent of depressive disorders observed in human patients with distal 18q deletions, including the Tshz1 locus.
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97
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Abstract
The post-genomic era is an exciting time for researchers interested in the biology of speech and language. Substantive advances in molecular methodologies have opened up entire vistas of investigation that were not previously possible, or in some cases even imagined. Speculations concerning the origins of human cognitive traits are being transformed into empirically addressable questions, generating specific hypotheses that can be explicitly tested using data collected from both the natural world and experimental settings. In this article, I discuss a number of promising lines of research in this area. For example, the field has begun to identify genes implicated in speech and language skills, including not just disorders but also the normal range of abilities. Such genes provide powerful entry points for gaining insights into neural bases and evolutionary origins, using sophisticated experimental tools from molecular neuroscience and developmental neurobiology. At the same time, sequencing of ancient hominin genomes is giving us an unprecedented view of the molecular genetic changes that have occurred during the evolution of our species. Synthesis of data from these complementary sources offers an opportunity to robustly evaluate alternative accounts of language evolution. Of course, this endeavour remains challenging on many fronts, as I also highlight in the article. Nonetheless, such an integrated approach holds great potential for untangling the complexities of the capacities that make us human.
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98
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Abstract
Trying to uncover the roots of human speech and language has been the premier motivation to study the signalling behaviour of nonhuman primates for several decades. Focussing on the question of whether we find evidence for linguistic reference in the production of nonhuman primate vocalizations, I will first discuss how the criteria used to diagnose referential signalling have changed over time, and will then turn to the paradigmatic case of semantic communication in animals, the alarm calls of vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus pygerythrus. A recent in-depth analysis of the original material revealed that, while the alarm calls could be well distinguished, calls of similar structure were also used in within- and between-group aggression. This finding is difficult to reconcile with the idea that calls denote objects in the environment. Furthermore, nonhuman primates show only minimal signs of vocal production learning, one key prerequisite for conventionalized and symbolic communication. In addition, the structure of calls in different populations or closely related species is highly conserved. In conclusion, any continuity between nonhuman primate and human communication appears to be found at the level of the processing of signals. Why and how the ancestors of our own species one day began to talk to each other continues to be an enigma. Future research should focus on changes in the neural structure supporting volitional control over vocalizations, the gene networks associated with vocal production, and the developmental processes involved in the integration of production and perception of vocalizations.
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FOXP2 variation in great ape populations offers insight into the evolution of communication skills. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16866. [PMID: 29203828 PMCID: PMC5715162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene coding for the forkhead box protein P2 (FOXP2) is associated with human language disorders. Evolutionary changes in this gene are hypothesized to have contributed to the emergence of speech and language in the human lineage. Although FOXP2 is highly conserved across most mammals, humans differ at two functional amino acid substitutions from chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas, with an additional fixed substitution found in orangutans. However, FOXP2 has been characterized in only a small number of apes and no publication to date has examined the degree of natural variation in large samples of unrelated great apes. Here, we analyzed the genetic variation in the FOXP2 coding sequence in 63 chimpanzees, 11 bonobos, 48 gorillas, 37 orangutans and 2 gibbons and observed undescribed variation in great apes. We identified two variable polyglutamine microsatellites in chimpanzees and orangutans and found three nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms, one in chimpanzees, one in gorillas and one in orangutans with derived allele frequencies of 0.01, 0.26 and 0.29, respectively. Structural and functional protein modeling indicate a biochemical effect of the substitution in orangutans, and because of its presence solely in the Sumatran orangutan species, the mutation may be associated with reported population differences in vocalizations.
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Usui N, Araujo DJ, Kulkarni A, Co M, Ellegood J, Harper M, Toriumi K, Lerch JP, Konopka G. Foxp1 regulation of neonatal vocalizations via cortical development. Genes Dev 2017; 31:2039-2055. [PMID: 29138280 PMCID: PMC5733496 DOI: 10.1101/gad.305037.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Usui et al. show that deletion of Foxp1 in the developing forebrain leads to impairments in neonatal vocalizations as well as neocortical cytoarchitectonic alterations via neuronal positioning and migration. Sumoylation of Foxp1 affects neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. The molecular mechanisms driving brain development at risk in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain mostly unknown. Previous studies have implicated the transcription factor FOXP1 in both brain development and ASD pathophysiology. However, the specific molecular pathways both upstream of and downstream from FOXP1 are not fully understood. To elucidate the contribution of FOXP1-mediated signaling to brain development and, in particular, neocortical development, we generated forebrain-specific Foxp1 conditional knockout mice. We show that deletion of Foxp1 in the developing forebrain leads to impairments in neonatal vocalizations as well as neocortical cytoarchitectonic alterations via neuronal positioning and migration. Using a genomics approach, we identified the transcriptional networks regulated by Foxp1 in the developing neocortex and found that such networks are enriched for downstream targets involved in neurogenesis and neuronal migration. We also uncovered mechanistic insight into Foxp1 function by demonstrating that sumoylation of Foxp1 during embryonic brain development is necessary for mediating proper interactions between Foxp1 and the NuRD complex. Furthermore, we demonstrated that sumoylation of Foxp1 affects neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. Together, these data provide critical mechanistic insights into the function of FOXP1 in the developing neocortex and may reveal molecular pathways at risk in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Division of Development of Mental Functions, Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daniel J Araujo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Marissa Co
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Matthew Harper
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kazuya Toriumi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Project for Schizophrenia Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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