101
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Crider A, Pillai A. Estrogen Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 360:48-58. [PMID: 27789681 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.237412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens, the primary female sex hormones, were originally characterized through their important role in sexual maturation and reproduction. However, recent studies have shown that estrogens play critical roles in a number of brain functions, including cognition, learning and memory, neurodevelopment, and adult neuroplasticity. A number of studies from both clinical as well as preclinical research suggest a protective role of estrogen in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Alterations in the levels of estrogen receptors have been found in subjects with ASD or schizophrenia, and adjunctive estrogen therapy has been shown to be effective in enhancing the treatment of schizophrenia. This review summarizes the findings on the role of estrogen in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on ASD and schizophrenia. We also discuss the potential of estrogen as a therapeutic target in the above disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Crider
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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102
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Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring: a population-based nationwide study in Sweden. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1441-8. [PMID: 26643539 PMCID: PMC5030459 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although many studies indicate the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms hampers the development of effective ways of detecting and preventing the disorder. Recent studies support the hypothesis that prenatal androgen exposure contributes to the development of ASD. This would suggest that maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition associated with excess androgens, would increase the risk of ASD in the offspring. We conducted a matched case-control study nested within the total population of Sweden (children aged 4-17 who were born in Sweden from 1984 to 2007). The sample consisted of 23 748 ASD cases and 208 796 controls, matched by birth month and year, sex and region of birth. PCOS and ASD were defined from ICD codes through linkage to health-care registers. Maternal PCOS increased the odds of ASD in the offspring by 59%, after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio (OR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.88). The odds of offspring ASD were further increased among mothers with both PCOS and obesity, a condition common to PCOS that is related to more severe hyperandrogenemia (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.46-3.10). Risk estimates did not differ between sexes. In conclusion, children of women with PCOS appear to have a higher risk of developing ASD. This finding awaits confirmation, and exploration of potentially underlying mechanisms, including the role of sex steroids in the etiology of ASD.
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103
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Kitazoe N, Fujita N, Izumoto Y, Terada SI, Hatakenaka Y. Whether the Autism Spectrum Quotient consists of two different subgroups? Cluster analysis of the Autism Spectrum Quotient in general population. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 21:323-332. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361316638787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the individuals in the general population with high scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient constituted a single homogeneous group or not. A cohort of university students (n = 4901) was investigated by cluster analysis based on the original five subscales of the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Based on the results of the analysis, the students could be divided into six clusters: the first with low scores on all the five subscales, the second with high scores on only the ‘attention to detail’ subscale, the third and fourth with intermediate scores on all the subscales, the fifth with high scores on four of the five subscales but low scores on the ‘attention to detail’ subscale and the sixth with high scores on all the five subscales. The students with high total Autism Spectrum Quotient scores (n = 166) were divided into two groups: one with high scores on four subscales but low scores on the ‘attention to detail’ subscale and the other with high scores on all the five subscales. The results of this study suggested that individuals from the general population with high Autism Spectrum Quotient scores may consist of two qualitatively different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Kitazoe
- Kochi University, Japan
- Kochi Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Japan
| | - Naofumi Fujita
- Kochi University, Japan
- Kochi Research Project for Developmental Disorders, Japan
| | - Yuji Izumoto
- Kochi Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Japan
- Kochi Health Sciences Center, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Terada
- Kochi University, Japan
- Kochi Research Project for Developmental Disorders, Japan
| | - Yuhei Hatakenaka
- Kochi Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Japan
- Kochi Prefectural Medical and Welfare Centre, Japan
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104
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Zettergren A, Karlsson S, Hovey D, Jonsson L, Melke J, Anckarsäter H, Lichtenstein P, Lundström S, Westberg L. Further investigations of the relation between polymorphisms in sex steroid related genes and autistic-like traits. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 68:1-5. [PMID: 26930261 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are more prevalent in boys than in girls, indicating that high levels of testosterone during early development may be a risk factor. Evidence for this hypothesis comes from studies showing associations between fetal testosterone levels, as well as indirect measures of prenatal androgenization, and ASDs and autistic-like traits (ALTs). In a recent study we reported associations between ALTs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), steroid-5-alpha-reductase, type 2 (SRD5A2) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in a subset (n=1771) from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS). The aim of the present study was to try to replicate these findings in an additional, larger, sample of individuals from the CATSS (n=10,654), as well as to analyze additional SNPs of functional importance in SHBG and SRD5A2. No associations between the previously associated SNPs in the genes ESR1 and SRD5A2 and ALTs could be seen in the large replication sample. Still, our results show that two non-linked SNPs (rs6259 and rs9901675) at the SHBG gene locus might be of importance for language impairment problems in boys. The results of the present study do not point toward a major role for the investigated SNPs in the genes ESR1 and SRD5A2 in ALTs, but a possible influence of genetic variation in SHBG, especially for language impairment problems in boys, cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zettergren
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sara Karlsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Hovey
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lina Jonsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Melke
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Anckarsäter
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Centre of Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Lundström
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Centre of Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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105
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Brukner-Wertman Y, Laor N, Golan O. Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder and Its Relation to the Autism Spectrum: Dilemmas Arising From the DSM-5 Classification. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 46:2821-2829. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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106
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A Study of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the SLC19A1/RFC1 Gene in Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050772. [PMID: 27213354 PMCID: PMC4881591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with complex genetic etiology. Recent studies have indicated that children with ASD may have altered folate or methionine metabolism, suggesting that the folate–methionine cycle may play a key role in the etiology of ASD. SLC19A1, also referred to as reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1), is a member of the solute carrier group of transporters and is one of the key enzymes in the folate metabolism pathway. Findings from multiple genomic screens suggest the presence of an autism susceptibility locus on chromosome 21q22.3, which includes SLC19A1. Therefore, we performed a case-control study in a Japanese population. In this study, DNA samples obtained from 147 ASD patients at the Kanazawa University Hospital in Japan and 150 unrelated healthy Japanese volunteers were examined by the sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction method pooled with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. p < 0.05 was considered to represent a statistically significant outcome. Of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) examined, a significant p-value was obtained for AA genotype of one SNP (rs1023159, OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16–0.91, p = 0.0394; Fisher’s exact test). Despite some conflicting results, our findings supported a role for the polymorphism rs1023159 of the SLC19A1 gene, alone or in combination, as a risk factor for ASD. However, the findings were not consistent after multiple testing corrections. In conclusion, although our results supported a role of the SLC19A1 gene in the etiology of ASD, it was not a significant risk factor for the ASD samples analyzed in this study.
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107
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Deng HZ, You C, Xing Y, Chen KY, Zou XB. A Family-Based Association Study of CYP11A1 and CYP11B1 Gene Polymorphisms With Autism in Chinese Trios. J Child Neurol 2016; 31:733-7. [PMID: 26690694 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815620672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with the higher prevalence in males. Our previous studies have indicated lower progesterone levels in the children with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting involvement of the cytochrome P-450scc gene (CYP11A1) and cytochrome P-45011beta gene (CYP11B1) as candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the family-based genetic association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2279357 in the CYP11A1 gene and rs4534 and rs4541 in the CYP11B1 gene and autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children, which were selected according to the location in the coding region and 5' and 3' regions and minor allele frequencies of greater than 0.05 in the Chinese populations. The transmission disequilibrium test and case-control association analyses were performed in 100 Chinese Han autism spectrum disorder family trios. The genotype and allele frequency of the 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms had no statistical difference between the children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents (P> .05). Transmission disequilibrium test analysis showed transmission disequilibrium of CYP11A1 gene rs2279357 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (χ(2)= 5.038,P< .001). Our findings provide further support for the hypothesis that a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder exists within or near the CYP11A1 gene in the Han Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Zhu Deng
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China Equal contributors
| | - Cong You
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China Equal contributors
| | - Yu Xing
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai-Yun Chen
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Zou
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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108
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Huang M, Graham BE, Zhang G, Harder R, Kodaman N, Moore JH, Muglia L, Williams SM. Evolutionary triangulation: informing genetic association studies with evolutionary evidence. BioData Min 2016; 9:12. [PMID: 27042214 PMCID: PMC4818851 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-016-0091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies of human diseases have identified many variants associated with pathogenesis and severity. However, most studies have used only statistical association to assess putative relationships to disease, and ignored other factors for evaluation. For example, evolution is a factor that has shaped disease risk, changing allele frequencies as human populations migrated into and inhabited new environments. Since many common variants differ among populations in frequency, as does disease prevalence, we hypothesized that patterns of disease and population structure, taken together, will inform association studies. Thus, the population distributions of allelic risk variants should reflect the distributions of their associated diseases. Evolutionary Triangulation (ET) exploits this evolutionary differentiation by comparing population structure among three populations with variable patterns of disease prevalence. By selecting populations based on patterns where two have similar rates of disease that differ substantially from a third, we performed a proof of principle analysis for this method. We examined three disease phenotypes, lactase persistence, melanoma, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We show that for lactase persistence, a phenotype with a simple genetic architecture, ET identifies the key gene, lactase. For melanoma, ET identifies several genes associated with this disease and/or phenotypes related to it, such as skin color genes. ET was less obviously successful for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, perhaps because of the small effect sizes in known risk loci and recent environmental changes that have altered disease risk. Alternatively, ET may have revealed new genes involved in conferring disease risk for diabetes that did not meet nominal GWAS significance thresholds. We also compared ET to another method used to filter for phenotype associated genes, population branch statistic (PBS), and show that ET performs better in identifying genes known to associate with diseases appropriately distributed among populations. Our results indicate that ET can filter association results to improve our ability to discover disease loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjun Huang
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH USA ; Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Britney E Graham
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH USA ; Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Human Genetics Division, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Reed Harder
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH USA ; Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Nuri Kodaman
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH USA ; Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Jason H Moore
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA ; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Louis Muglia
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Scott M Williams
- Department of Genetics, Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH USA ; Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA ; Present Address: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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109
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The impact of genes, geography, and educational opportunities on national cognitive achievement. LEARNING AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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110
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Karlsson S, Henningsson S, Hovey D, Zettergren A, Jonsson L, Cortes DS, Melke J, Laukka P, Fischer H, Westberg L. Social memory associated with estrogen receptor polymorphisms in women. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2016; 11:877-83. [PMID: 26955855 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsw010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to recognize the identity of faces and voices is essential for social relationships. Although the heritability of social memory is high, knowledge about the contributing genes is sparse. Since sex differences and rodent studies support an influence of estrogens and androgens on social memory, polymorphisms in the estrogen and androgen receptor genes (ESR1, ESR2, AR) are candidates for this trait. Recognition of faces and vocal sounds, separately and combined, was investigated in 490 subjects, genotyped for 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ESR1, four in ESR2 and one in the AR Four of the associations survived correction for multiple testing: women carrying rare alleles of the three ESR2 SNPs, rs928554, rs1271572 and rs1256030, in linkage disequilibrium with each other, displayed superior face recognition compared with non-carriers. Furthermore, the uncommon genotype of the ESR1 SNP rs2504063 was associated with better recognition of identity through vocal sounds, also specifically in women. This study demonstrates evidence for associations in women between face recognition and variation in ESR2, and recognition of identity through vocal sounds and variation in ESR1. These results suggest that estrogen receptors may regulate social memory function in humans, in line with what has previously been established in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Karlsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Henningsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Hovey
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Zettergren
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and
| | - Lina Jonsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Diana S Cortes
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Melke
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petri Laukka
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,
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111
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Feldman R, Monakhov M, Pratt M, Ebstein RP. Oxytocin Pathway Genes: Evolutionary Ancient System Impacting on Human Affiliation, Sociality, and Psychopathology. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:174-84. [PMID: 26392129 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a nonapeptide signaling molecule originating from an ancestral peptide, appears in different variants across all vertebrate and several invertebrate species. Throughout animal evolution, neuropeptidergic signaling has been adapted by organisms for regulating response to rapidly changing environments. The family of OT-like molecules affects both peripheral tissues implicated in reproduction, homeostasis, and energy balance, as well as neuromodulation of social behavior, stress regulation, and associative learning in species ranging from nematodes to humans. After describing the OT-signaling pathway, we review research on the three genes most extensively studied in humans: the OT receptor (OXTR), the structural gene for OT (OXT/neurophysin-I), and CD38. Consistent with the notion that sociality should be studied from the perspective of social life at the species level, we address human social functions in relation to OT-pathway genes, including parenting, empathy, and using social relationships to manage stress. We then describe associations between OT-pathway genes with psychopathologies involving social dysfunctions such as autism, depression, or schizophrenia. Human research particularly underscored the involvement of two OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs53576, rs2254298) with fewer studies focusing on other OXTR (rs7632287, rs1042778, rs2268494, rs2268490), OXT (rs2740210, rs4813627, rs4813625), and CD38 (rs3796863, rs6449197) single nucleotide polymorphisms. Overall, studies provide evidence for the involvement of OT-pathway genes in human social functions but also suggest that factors such as gender, culture, and early environment often confound attempts to replicate first findings. We conclude by discussing epigenetics, conceptual implications within an evolutionary perspective, and future directions, especially the need to refine phenotypes, carefully characterize early environments, and integrate observations of social behavior across ecological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Feldman
- Department of Psychology (RF, MP) Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Gonda Brain Sciences Center (RF), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Mikhail Monakhov
- Department of Psychology (MM, RPE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maayan Pratt
- Department of Psychology (RF, MP) Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Department of Psychology (MM, RPE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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112
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Ewald A, Becker S, Heinrich A, Banaschewski T, Poustka L, Bokde A, Büchel C, Bromberg U, Cattrell A, Conrod P, Desrivières S, Frouin V, Papadopoulos-Orfanos D, Gallinat J, Garavan H, Heinz A, Walter H, Ittermann B, Gowland P, Paus T, Martinot JL, Paillère Martinot ML, Smolka MN, Vetter N, Whelan R, Schumann G, Flor H, Nees F. The role of the cannabinoid receptor in adolescents' processing of facial expressions. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:98-105. [PMID: 26527537 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The processing of emotional faces is an important prerequisite for adequate social interactions in daily life, and might thus specifically be altered in adolescence, a period marked by significant changes in social emotional processing. Previous research has shown that the cannabinoid receptor CB1R is associated with longer gaze duration and increased brain responses in the striatum to happy faces in adults, yet, for adolescents, it is not clear whether an association between CBR1 and face processing exists. In the present study we investigated genetic effects of the two CB1R polymorphisms, rs1049353 and rs806377, on the processing of emotional faces in healthy adolescents. They participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging during a Faces Task, watching blocks of video clips with angry and neutral facial expressions, and completed a Morphed Faces Task in the laboratory where they looked at different facial expressions that switched from anger to fear or sadness or from happiness to fear or sadness, and labelled them according to these four emotional expressions. A-allele versus GG-carriers in rs1049353 displayed earlier recognition of facial expressions changing from anger to sadness or fear, but not for expressions changing from happiness to sadness or fear, and higher brain responses to angry, but not neutral, faces in the amygdala and insula. For rs806377 no significant effects emerged. This suggests that rs1049353 is involved in the processing of negative facial expressions with relation to anger in adolescence. These findings add to our understanding of social emotion-related mechanisms in this life period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Ewald
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susanne Becker
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Angela Heinrich
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arun Bokde
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Trinity College Institute of Neurosciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Uli Bromberg
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Cattrell
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,Medical Research Council - Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Patricia Conrod
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, Universite de Montreal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvane Desrivières
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,Medical Research Council - Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Vincent Frouin
- Neurospin, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, CEA-Saclay Center, Paris, France
| | | | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Penny Gowland
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tomáš Paus
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Baycrest and Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Martinot
- INSERM, UMR 1000, Research Unit Imaging and Psychiatry, CEA, DSV, I2BM-Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France.,University Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France.,University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Psychiatry Department 91G16, Orsay Hospital, Orsay, France
| | - Marie-Laure Paillère Martinot
- INSERM, UMR 1000, Research Unit Imaging and Psychiatry, CEA, DSV, I2BM-Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France.,University Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France.,University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Department of Adolescent Psychopathology and Medicine, Maison de Solenn, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Section of Systems Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora Vetter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Section of Systems Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rob Whelan
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Trinity College Institute of Neurosciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,Medical Research Council - Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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Lee SY, Lee AR, Hwangbo R, Han J, Hong M, Bahn GH. Is Oxytocin Application for Autism Spectrum Disorder Evidence-Based? Exp Neurobiol 2015; 24:312-24. [PMID: 26713079 PMCID: PMC4688331 DOI: 10.5607/en.2015.24.4.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits within two core symptom domains: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Although numerous studies have reported psychopharmacological treatment outcomes for the core symptom domains of ASD, there are not enough studies on fundamental treatments based on the etiological pathology of ASD. Studies on candidate medications related to the pathogenesis of ASD, such as naltrexone and secretin, were conducted, but the results were inconclusive. Oxytocin has been identified as having an important role in maternal behavior and attachment, and it has been recognized as a key factor in the social developmental deficit seen in ASD. Genetic studies have also identified associations between ASD and the oxytocin pathway. As ASD has its onset in infancy, parents are willing to try even experimental or unapproved treatments in an effort to avoid missing the critical period for diagnosis and treatment, which can place their child in an irreversible state. While therapeutic application of oxytocin for ASD is in its early stages, we have concluded that oxytocin would be a promising therapeutic substance via a thorough literature review focusing on the following: the relationship between oxytocin and sociality; single nucleotide polymorphisms as a biological marker of ASD; and validity verification of oxytocin treatment in humans. We also reviewed materials related to the mechanism of oxytocin action that may support its potential application in treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yup Lee
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02543, Korea
| | - Ah Rah Lee
- Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02543, Korea
| | - Ram Hwangbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Juhee Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Minha Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seonam University, College of Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Goyang 10475, Korea
| | - Geon Ho Bahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Korea
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Daimon CM, Jasien JM, Wood WH, Zhang Y, Becker KG, Silverman JL, Crawley JN, Martin B, Maudsley S. Hippocampal Transcriptomic and Proteomic Alterations in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Physiol 2015; 6:324. [PMID: 26635614 PMCID: PMC4656818 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders of an unclear etiology, and no cure currently exists. Prior studies have demonstrated that the black and tan, brachyury (BTBR) T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse strain displays a behavioral phenotype with ASD-like features. BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice (referred to simply as BTBR) display deficits in social functioning, lack of communication ability, and engagement in stereotyped behavior. Despite extensive behavioral phenotypic characterization, little is known about the genes and proteins responsible for the presentation of the ASD-like phenotype in the BTBR mouse model. In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to gain a wide-scale understanding of the transcriptomic and proteomic changes associated with the ASD-like phenotype in BTBR mice. We found a number of genes and proteins to be significantly altered in BTBR mice compared to C57BL/6J (B6) control mice controls such as BDNF, Shank3, and ERK1, which are highly relevant to prior investigations of ASD. Furthermore, we identified distinct functional pathways altered in BTBR mice compared to B6 controls that have been previously shown to be altered in both mouse models of ASD, some human clinical populations, and have been suggested as a possible etiological mechanism of ASD, including “axon guidance” and “regulation of actin cytoskeleton.” In addition, our wide-scale bioinformatics approach also discovered several previously unidentified genes and proteins associated with the ASD phenotype in BTBR mice, such as Caskin1, suggesting that bioinformatics could be an avenue by which novel therapeutic targets for ASD are uncovered. As a result, we believe that informed use of synergistic bioinformatics applications represents an invaluable tool for elucidating the etiology of complex disorders like ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Daimon
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joan M Jasien
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William H Wood
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin G Becker
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Bronwen Martin
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- Receptor Pharmacology Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA ; Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium ; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp Antwerpen, Belgium
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116
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Ruzich E, Allison C, Chakrabarti B, Smith P, Musto H, Ring H, Baron-Cohen S. Sex and STEM Occupation Predict Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Scores in Half a Million People. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141229. [PMID: 26488477 PMCID: PMC4619566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study assesses Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores in a 'big data' sample collected through the UK Channel 4 television website, following the broadcasting of a medical education program. We examine correlations between the AQ and age, sex, occupation, and UK geographic region in 450,394 individuals. We predicted that age and geography would not be correlated with AQ, whilst sex and occupation would have a correlation. Mean AQ for the total sample score was m = 19.83 (SD = 8.71), slightly higher than a previous systematic review of 6,900 individuals in a non-clinical sample (mean of means = 16.94) This likely reflects that this big-data sample includes individuals with autism who in the systematic review score much higher (mean of means = 35.19). As predicted, sex and occupation differences were observed: on average, males (m = 21.55, SD = 8.82) scored higher than females (m = 18.95; SD = 8.52), and individuals working in a STEM career (m = 21.92, SD = 8.92) scored higher than individuals non-STEM careers (m = 18.92, SD = 8.48). Also as predicted, age and geographic region were not meaningfully correlated with AQ. These results support previous findings relating to sex and STEM careers in the largest set of individuals for which AQ scores have been reported and suggest the AQ is a useful self-report measure of autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ruzich
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- NIHR CLAHRC-EoE for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Smith
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Musto
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Howard Ring
- Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- NIHR CLAHRC-EoE for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- NIHR CLAHRC-EoE for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Wang P, Lin M, Pedrosa E, Hrabovsky A, Zhang Z, Guo W, Lachman HM, Zheng D. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated heterozygous knockout of the autism gene CHD8 and characterization of its transcriptional networks in neurodevelopment. Mol Autism 2015; 6:55. [PMID: 26491539 PMCID: PMC4612430 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disruptive mutation in the CHD8 gene is one of the top genetic risk factors in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Previous analyses of genome-wide CHD8 occupancy and reduced expression of CHD8 by shRNA knockdown in committed neural cells showed that CHD8 regulates multiple cell processes critical for neural functions, and its targets are enriched with ASD-associated genes. Methods To further understand the molecular links between CHD8 functions and ASD, we have applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knockout one copy of CHD8 in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to better mimic the loss-of-function status that would exist in the developing human embryo prior to neuronal differentiation. We then carried out transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses of neural progenitors and neurons derived from the CHD8 mutant iPSCs. Results Transcriptome profiling revealed that CHD8 hemizygosity (CHD8+/−) affected the expression of several thousands of genes in neural progenitors and early differentiating neurons. The differentially expressed genes were enriched for functions of neural development, β-catenin/Wnt signaling, extracellular matrix, and skeletal system development. They also exhibited significant overlap with genes previously associated with autism and schizophrenia, as well as the downstream transcriptional targets of multiple genes implicated in autism. Providing important insight into how CHD8 mutations might give rise to macrocephaly, we found that seven of the twelve genes associated with human brain volume or head size by genome-wide association studies (e.g., HGMA2) were dysregulated in CHD8+/− neural progenitors or neurons. Conclusions We have established a renewable source of CHD8+/− iPSC lines that would be valuable for investigating the molecular and cellular functions of CHD8. Transcriptomic profiling showed that CHD8 regulates multiple genes implicated in ASD pathogenesis and genes associated with brain volume. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0048-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Erika Pedrosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Anastasia Hrabovsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Herbert M Lachman
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, New York USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioral condition with onset during early childhood and a lifelong course in the vast majority of cases. To date, no behavioral, genetic, brain imaging, or electrophysiological test can specifically validate a clinical diagnosis of ASD. However, these medical procedures are often implemented in order to screen for syndromic forms of the disorder (i.e., autism comorbid with known medical conditions). In the last 25 years a good deal of information has been accumulated on the main components of the "endocannabinoid (eCB) system", a rather complex ensemble of lipid signals ("endocannabinoids"), their target receptors, purported transporters, and metabolic enzymes. It has been clearly documented that eCB signaling plays a key role in many human health and disease conditions of the central nervous system, thus opening the avenue to the therapeutic exploitation of eCB-oriented drugs for the treatment of psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Here we present a modern view of the eCB system, and alterations of its main components in human patients and animal models relevant to ASD. This review will thus provide a critical perspective necessary to explore the potential exploitation of distinct elements of eCB system as targets of innovative therapeutics against ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Antonio Persico
- Center of Integrated Research and School of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Milan, Italy
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Center of Integrated Research and School of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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Sell GL, Margolis SS. From UBE3A to Angelman syndrome: a substrate perspective. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:322. [PMID: 26441497 PMCID: PMC4569740 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by motor dysfunction, intellectual disability, speech impairment, seizures and common features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Some of these AS related phenotypes can be seen in other neurodevelopmental disorders (Williams, 2011; Tan et al., 2014). AS patients commonly carry mutations that render the maternally inherited UBE3A gene non-functional. Duplication of the chromosomal region containing the UBE3A gene is associated with ASDs. Although the causative role for UBE3A gene mutations in AS is well established, a long-standing challenge in AS research has been to identify neural substrates of UBE3A, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. A prevailing hypothesis is that changes in UBE3A protein levels would alter the levels of a collection of protein substrates, giving rise to the unique phenotypic aspects of AS and possibly UBE3A associated ASDs. Interestingly, proteins altered in AS are linked to additional ASDs that are not previously associated with changes in UBE3A, indicating a possible molecular overlap underlying the broad-spectrum phenotypes of these neurogenetic disorders. This idea raises the possibility that there may exist a “one-size-fits-all” approach to the treatment of neurogenetic disorders with phenotypes overlapping AS. Furthermore, while a comprehensive list of UBE3A substrates and downstream affected pathways should be developed, this is only part of the story. The timing of when UBE3A protein functions, through either changes in UBE3A or possibly substrate expression patterns, appears to be critical for AS phenotype development. These data call for further investigation of UBE3A substrates and their timing of action relevant to AS phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L Sell
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth S Margolis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
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120
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Strifert K. An epigenetic basis for autism spectrum disorder risk and oral contraceptive use. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:1006-11. [PMID: 26364046 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the United States 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although the etiology is unknown, many scientists believe ASD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and/or epigenetic factors. The widespread use of oral contraceptives is one environmental risk factor that has been greatly overlooked in the biomedical literature. Oral contraceptives, synthetic hormones created to imitate natural human hormones and disrupt endogenous endocrine function to inhibit pregnancy, may be causing the harmful neurodevelopmental effects that result in the increased prevalence of ASD. It is conceivable that the synthetic hormones repeatedly assault the oocyte causing persistent changes in expression of the estrogen receptor beta gene. Ethinylestradiol, a known endocrine disruptor, may trigger DNA methylation of the estrogen receptor beta gene causing decreased mRNA resulting in impaired brain estrogen signaling in progeny. In addition, it is possible the deleterious effects are transgenerational as the estrogen receptor gene and many of its targets may be imprinted and the methylation marks protected from global demethylation and preserved through fertilization and beyond to progeny generations. This article will delineate the hypothesis that ethinylestradiol activates DNA methylation of the estrogen receptor beta gene causing decreased mRNA resulting in diminished brain estrogen signaling in offspring of mothers exposed to oral contraceptives. Considering the detrimental epigenetic and transgenerational effects proposed, it calls for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Strifert
- Graduate School at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB School of Public Health, 1665 University Blvd. # Rpjb22a, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States.
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121
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Ruzich E, Allison C, Smith P, Watson P, Auyeung B, Ring H, Baron-Cohen S. Subgrouping siblings of people with autism: Identifying the broader autism phenotype. Autism Res 2015; 9:658-65. [PMID: 26332889 PMCID: PMC4915503 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the broader autism phenotype (BAP) in siblings of individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Autistic traits were measured in typical controls (n = 2,000), siblings (n = 496), and volunteers with ASC (n = 2,322) using the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient (AQ), both self‐report and parent‐report versions. Using cluster analysis of AQ subscale scores, two sibling subgroups were identified for both males and females: a cluster of low‐scorers and a cluster of high‐scorers. Results show that while siblings as a group have intermediate levels of autistic traits compared to control individuals and participants with ASC, when examined on a cluster level, the low‐scoring sibling group is more similar to typical controls while the high‐scoring group is more similar to the ASC clinical group. Further investigation into the underlying genetic and epigenetic characteristics of these two subgroups will be informative in understanding autistic traits, both within the general population and in relation to those with a clinical diagnosis. Autism Res2016, 9: 658–665. © 2015 The Authors Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ruzich
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK
| | - Carrie Allison
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,NIHR CLAHRC for the East of England, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK
| | - Paula Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK
| | - Peter Watson
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH9 1JD, UK
| | - Howard Ring
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,NIHR CLAHRC for the East of England, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, CB21 5EF, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,NIHR CLAHRC for the East of England, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.,CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, CB21 5EF, UK
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Warrier V, Chee V, Smith P, Chakrabarti B, Baron-Cohen S. A comprehensive meta-analysis of common genetic variants in autism spectrum conditions. Mol Autism 2015; 6:49. [PMID: 26322220 PMCID: PMC4552442 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0041-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication alongside repetitive and stereotyped behaviours. ASC are heritable, and common genetic variants contribute substantial phenotypic variability. More than 600 genes have been implicated in ASC to date. However, a comprehensive investigation of candidate gene association studies in ASC is lacking. Methods In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature for association studies for 552 genes associated with ASC. We identified 58 common genetic variants in 27 genes that have been investigated in three or more independent cohorts and conducted a meta-analysis for 55 of these variants. We investigated publication bias and sensitivity and performed stratified analyses for a subset of these variants. Results We identified 15 variants nominally significant for the mean effect size, 8 of which had P values below a threshold of significance of 0.01. Of these 15 variants, 11 were re-investigated for effect sizes and significance in the larger Psychiatric Genomics Consortium dataset, and none of them were significant. Effect direction for 8 of the 11 variants were concordant between both the datasets, although the correlation between the effect sizes from the two datasets was poor and non-significant. Conclusions This is the first study to comprehensively examine common variants in candidate genes for ASC through meta-analysis. While for majority of the variants, the total sample size was above 500 cases and 500 controls, the total sample size was not large enough to accurately identify common variants that contribute to the aetiology of ASC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0041-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Vivienne Chee
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Paula Smith
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK.,CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), Cambridgeshire, UK
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123
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Baron-Cohen S, Bowen DC, Holt RJ, Allison C, Auyeung B, Lombardo MV, Smith P, Lai MC. The "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test: Complete Absence of Typical Sex Difference in ~400 Men and Women with Autism. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136521. [PMID: 26313946 PMCID: PMC4552377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test (Eyes test) is an advanced test of theory of mind. Typical sex difference has been reported (i.e., female advantage). Individuals with autism show more difficulty than do typically developing individuals, yet it remains unclear how this is modulated by sex, as females with autism have been under-represented. Here in a large, non-male-biased sample we test for the effects of sex, diagnosis, and their interaction. The Eyes test (revised version) was administered online to 395 adults with autism (178 males, 217 females) and 320 control adults (152 males, 168 females). Two-way ANOVA showed a significant sex-by-diagnosis interaction in total correct score (F(1,711) = 5.090, p = 0.024, ηp2 = 0.007) arising from a significant sex difference between control males and females (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.47), and an absence of a sex difference between males and females with autism (p = 0.907, d = 0.01); significant case-control differences were observed across sexes, with effect sizes of d = 0.35 in males and d = 0.69 in females. Group-difference patterns fit with the extreme-male-brain (EMB) theory predictions. Eyes test-Empathy Quotient and Eyes test-Autism Spectrum Quotient correlations were significant only in females with autism (r = 0.35, r = -0.32, respectively), but not in the other 3 groups. Support vector machine (SVM) classification based on response pattern across all 36 items classified autism diagnosis with a relatively higher accuracy for females (72.2%) than males (65.8%). Nevertheless, an SVM model trained within one sex generalized equally well when applied to the other sex. Performance on the Eyes test is a sex-independent phenotypic characteristic of adults with autism, reflecting sex-common social difficulties, and provides support for the EMB theory predictions for both males and females. Performance of females with autism differed from same-sex controls more than did that of males with autism. Females with autism also showed stronger coherence between self-reported dispositional traits and Eyes test performance than all other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (SB-C); (M-CL)
| | - Daniel C. Bowen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary J. Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael V. Lombardo
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Center of Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paula Smith
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (SB-C); (M-CL)
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Warrier V, Chakrabarti B, Murphy L, Chan A, Craig I, Mallya U, Lakatošová S, Rehnstrom K, Peltonen L, Wheelwright S, Allison C, Fisher SE, Baron-Cohen S. A Pooled Genome-Wide Association Study of Asperger Syndrome. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131202. [PMID: 26176695 PMCID: PMC4503355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, alongside the presence of unusually repetitive, restricted interests and stereotyped behaviour. Individuals with AS have no delay in cognitive and language development. It is a subset of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), which are highly heritable and has a population prevalence of approximately 1%. Few studies have investigated the genetic basis of AS. To address this gap in the literature, we performed a genome-wide pooled DNA association study to identify candidate loci in 612 individuals (294 cases and 318 controls) of Caucasian ancestry, using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping version 6.0 array. We identified 11 SNPs that had a p-value below 1x10-5. These SNPs were independently genotyped in the same sample. Three of the SNPs (rs1268055, rs7785891 and rs2782448) were nominally significant, though none remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Two of our top three SNPs (rs7785891 and rs2782448) lie in loci previously implicated in ASC. However, investigation of the three SNPs in the ASC genome-wide association dataset from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium indicated that these three SNPs were not significantly associated with ASC. The effect sizes of the variants were modest, indicating that our study was not sufficiently powered to identify causal variants with precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Murphy
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Allen Chan
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Craig
- MRC Centre for Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Uma Mallya
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Lakatošová
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karola Rehnstrom
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Leena Peltonen
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Wheelwright
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6500 AH, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Callaerts-Vegh Z, Ahmed T, Vermaercke B, Marynen P, Balschun D, Froyen G, D'Hooge R. Nxf7 deficiency impairs social exploration and spatio-cognitive abilities as well as hippocampal synaptic plasticity in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26217206 PMCID: PMC4498129 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear RNA export factors (NXF) are conserved in all metazoans and are deemed essential for shuttling RNA across the nuclear envelope and other post-transcriptional processes (such as mRNA metabolism, storage and stability). Disruption of human NXF5 has been implicated in intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. In the present report, we use recently described Nxf7 knockout (KO) mice as an experimental model to analyze in detail the behavioral consequences of clinical NXF5 deficiency. We examined male Nxf7 KO mice using an extended cognitive and behavioral test battery, and recorded extracellular field potentials in the hippocampal CA1 region. We observed various cognitive and behavioral changes including alterations in social exploration, impaired spatial learning and spatio-cognitive abilities. We also defined a new experimental paradigm to discriminate search strategies in Morris water maze and showed significant differences between Nxf7 KO and control animals. Furthermore, while we observed no difference in a nose poke suppression in an conditioned emotional response (CER) protocol, Nxf7 KO mice were impaired in discriminating between differentially reinforced cues in an auditory fear conditioning protocol. This distinct neurocognitive phenotype was accompanied by impaired hippocampal Long-term potentiation (LTP), while long-term depression (LTD) was not affected by Nxf7 deficiency. Our data demonstrate that disruption of murine Nxf7 leads to behavioral phenotypes that may relate to the intellectual and social deficits in patients with NXF5 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tariq Ahmed
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben Vermaercke
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Marynen
- Human Genome Laboratory, University of Leuven and VIB Center for the Biology of Disease Leuven, Belgium
| | - Detlef Balschun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Froyen
- Human Genome Laboratory, University of Leuven and VIB Center for the Biology of Disease Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
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Al-Zaid FS, Alhader AA, Al-Ayadhi LY. The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) in Saudi boys with autism: A potential screening tool. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:413-5. [PMID: 25981494 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder with a strikingly higher prevalence in boys than girls. There are many theories regarding this gender bias, and prenatal exposure to high levels of fetal testosterone (FT) may be a predisposing factor. The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is the only indirect measure that reflects this association postnatally. Thus, this study measured the lengths of the index finger (2D) and the ring finger (4D) and calculated the 2D:4D ratio. Subsequently, this ratio was used to indirectly determine the potential prenatal exposure to high levels of FT in autistic children. METHODS This case-control study was conducted with 60 male children with 31 individuals having classic-onset autism and 29 individuals serving as age-matched, healthy controls. The lengths of both the index (2D) and the ring (4D) fingers of the right hand of both autism and control groups were obtained using a scanner and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. RESULTS The 2D:4D ratio in the current study was significantly lower in boys with autism compared to the controls (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a significantly lower 2D:4D ratio in Saudi boys with autism, which indirectly suggests that these boys were exposed to high levels of prenatal FT. Accordingly, prenatal exposure to high levels of FT is a risk factor for the development of autism, and the postnatal measurement of the 2D:4D ratio could be a potential screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felwah S Al-Zaid
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Autism Research and Treatment Center, AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Autism Research and Treatment Center, AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
There is now substantial evidence that autistic-like traits in the general population lie on a continuum, with clinical autism spectrum disorders (ASD) representing the extreme end of this distribution. In this study, we sought to evaluate five independently identified genetic associations with ASD with autistic-like traits in the general population. In the study cohort, clinical phenotype and genomewide association genotype data were obtained from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The outcome measure used was the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a quantitative measure of autistic-like traits of individuals in the cohort. Total AQ scores were calculated for each individual, as well as scores for three subscales. Five candidate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with ASD, reported in previously published genomewide association studies, were selected using a nominal cutoff value of P less than 1.0×10. We tested whether these five SNPs were associated with total AQ and the subscales, after adjustment for possible confounders. SNP rs4141463 located in the macro domain containing 2 (MACROD2) gene was significantly associated with the Communication/Mindreading subscale. No other SNP was significantly associated with total AQ or the subscales. The MACROD2 gene is a strong positional candidate risk factor for autistic-like traits in the general population.
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128
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Ben-Israel S, Uzefovsky F, Ebstein RP, Knafo-Noam A. Dopamine D4 receptor polymorphism and sex interact to predict children's affective knowledge. Front Psychol 2015; 6:846. [PMID: 26157401 PMCID: PMC4477057 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective knowledge, the ability to understand others' emotional states, is considered to be a fundamental part in efficient social interaction. Affective knowledge can be seen as related to cognitive empathy, and in the framework of theory of mind (ToM) as affective ToM. Previous studies found that cognitive empathy and ToM are heritable, yet little is known regarding the specific genes involved in individual variability in affective knowledge. Investigating the genetic basis of affective knowledge is important for understanding brain mechanisms underlying socio-cognitive abilities. The 7-repeat (7R) allele within the third exon of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4-III) has been a focus of interest, due to accumulated knowledge regarding its relevance to individual differences in social behavior. A recent study suggests that an interaction between the DRD4-III polymorphism and sex is associated with cognitive empathy among adults. We aimed to examine the same association in two childhood age groups. Children (N = 280, age 3.5 years, N = 283, age 5 years) participated as part of the Longitudinal Israel Study of Twins. Affective knowledge was assessed through children's responses to an illustrated story describing different emotional situations, told in a laboratory setting. The findings suggest a significant interaction between sex and the DRD4-III polymorphism, replicated in both age groups. Boy carriers of the 7R allele had higher affective knowledge scores than girls, whereas in the absence of the 7R there was no significant sex effect on affective knowledge. The results support the importance of DRD4-III polymorphism and sex differences to social development. Possible explanations for differences from adult findings are discussed, as are pathways for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ben-Israel
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel ; Department of Psychology, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Florina Uzefovsky
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel ; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ariel Knafo-Noam
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
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Nowack N, Wittsiepe J, Kasper-Sonnenberg M, Wilhelm M, Schölmerich A. Influence of Low-Level Prenatal Exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs on Empathizing, Systemizing and Autistic Traits: Results from the Duisburg Birth Cohort Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129906. [PMID: 26066795 PMCID: PMC4466566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are assumed to act as endocrine disruptor chemicals. Prenatal exposure to these pollutants might influence fetal steroid hormone levels, which are thought to be related to sex-typical development and autistic traits. OBJECTIVES We examined associations of prenatal levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs with autism traits and sex-typical behaviour in childhood. METHODS We measured levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in maternal blood samples during pregnancy using gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Sex-typical behaviour was assessed at 9 years of age (n = 96) and autistic traits at 10 years of age using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; n = 100). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between prenatal exposure and outcome variables. RESULTS Blood concentrations (WHO2005-TEq) of ƩPCDD/Fs ranged from 2.93-46.45 pg/g lipid base (median = 12.91 pg/g lipid base) and concentrations of ƩPCBs were in the range of 1.24-25.47 pg/g lipid base (median = 6.85 pg/g lipid base) which is within the range of German background exposure. We found significant negative associations between PCDD/F levels in maternal blood and SRS scores in the whole group (β = -6.66, p < .05), in girls (β = -10.98, p < .05) and, in one SRS subscale, in boys (β = -6.86, p < .05). For PCB levels, associations with one SRS subscale were significant for the whole study group as were associations with two subscales in girls. We did not find significant associations between PCDD/F or PCB levels and sex-typical behaviour for either sex. CONCLUSIONS In an earlier part of this study, prenatal exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs was found to be associated with lower testosterone levels, therefore, our findings are consistent with the idea that autism spectrum conditions are related to fetal androgen levels. Several possible mechanisms, through which PCDD/Fs and PCBs might influence autistic behaviour, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Nowack
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Jürgen Wittsiepe
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Monika Kasper-Sonnenberg
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Wilhelm
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Axel Schölmerich
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
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Masuya Y, Okamoto Y, Inohara K, Matsumura Y, Fujioka T, Wada Y, Kosaka H. Sex-different abnormalities in the right second to fourth digit ratio in Japanese individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2015; 6:34. [PMID: 26060570 PMCID: PMC4460687 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0028-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is higher in men than in women. The extreme male brain theory proposes that excessive prenatal testosterone activity could be a risk factor for ASDs. However, it is unclear whether prenatal sex hormone activity is a risk factor for women. The ratio of the length of the second to fourth digits (2D:4D) is considered to be a biomarker of the prenatal ratio of testosterone to estrogen. Therefore, this study compared the 2D:4D ratios of women with and without ASDs to determine if prenatal sex hormone activity could be a risk factor for ASDs in women. Methods The study included 35 Japanese men with ASDs, 17 Japanese women with ASDs, 59 typically developed (TD) Japanese men, and 57 TD Japanese women. We measured digit lengths and compared the 2D:4D ratios among the four groups. We also examined the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and the autism-spectrum quotient score of each group. Results In our cohort, men with ASDs tended to have lower right-hand 2D:4D ratios relative to TD men. In contrast, the right 2D:4D ratios in women with ASDs were higher compared to those of TD women. No significant correlations were found between the 2D:4D ratios and the autism-spectrum quotient scores in any group. The higher right 2D:4D ratios in women could not be explained by age or full-scale intelligent quotients. This group difference was not found for the left 2D:4D or right–left 2D:4D ratios. Conclusions We found a reverse direction of abnormality in the right 2D:4D ratio for men and women with ASDs. It has been posited that high prenatal testosterone levels lead to a lower 2D:4D ratio. However, a recent animal study showed that testosterone injection to dam leads to a higher right 2D:4D ratio especially for female offspring, which might be mediated by abnormal adipose accumulation in the fingertip. Therefore, the present findings suggest that high prenatal testosterone could be a risk factor both for Japanese men and women with ASDs, elucidating one potential etiology of ASDs in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Masuya
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
| | - Yuko Okamoto
- 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, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
| | - Keisuke Inohara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan ; Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, 182-8585 Japan
| | - Yukiko Matsumura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
| | - Toru Fujioka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
| | - Yuji Wada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan ; 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, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan ; 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, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
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Hu VW, Sarachana T, Sherrard RM, Kocher KM. Investigation of sex differences in the expression of RORA and its transcriptional targets in the brain as a potential contributor to the sex bias in autism. Mol Autism 2015; 6:7. [PMID: 26056561 PMCID: PMC4459681 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-6-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant impairment in reciprocal social interactions and communication coupled with stereotyped, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Although genomic and functional studies are beginning to reveal some of the genetic complexity and underlying pathobiology of ASD, the consistently reported male bias of ASD remains an enigma. We have recently proposed that retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA), which is reduced in the brain and lymphoblastoid cell lines of multiple cohorts of individuals with ASD and oppositely regulated by male and female hormones, might contribute to the sex bias in autism by differentially regulating target genes, including CYP19A1 (aromatase), in a sex-dependent manner that can also lead to elevated testosterone levels, a proposed risk factor for autism. Methods In this study, we examine sex differences in RORA and aromatase protein levels in cortical tissues of unaffected and affected males and females by re-analyzing pre-existing confocal immunofluorescence data from our laboratory. We further investigated the expression of RORA and its correlation with several of its validated transcriptional targets in the orbital frontal cortex and cerebellum as a function of development using RNAseq data from the BrainSpan Atlas of the Developing Human Brain. In a pilot study, we also analyzed the expression of Rora and the same transcriptional targets in the cortex and cerebellum of adult wild-type male and female C57BL/6 mice. Results Our findings suggest that Rora/RORA and several of its transcriptional targets may exhibit sexually dimorphic expression in certain regions of the brain of both mice and humans. Interestingly, the correlation coefficients between Rora expression and that of its targets are much higher in the cortex of male mice relative to that of female mice. A strong positive correlation between the levels of RORA and aromatase proteins is also seen in the cortex of control human males and females as well as ASD males, but not ASD females. Conclusions Based on these studies, we suggest that disruption of Rora/RORA expression may have a greater impact on males, since sex differences in the correlation of RORA and target gene expression indicate that RORA-deficient males may experience greater dysregulation of genes relevant to ASD in certain brain regions during development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2040-2392-6-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Tewarit Sarachana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA ; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rachel M Sherrard
- Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 & CNRS, UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Kristen M Kocher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA
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The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is associated with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:640-6. [PMID: 25092245 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has been studied as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) owing to converging evidence from multiple levels of analysis that oxytocin (OXT) has an important role in the regulation of affiliative behavior and social bonding in both nonhuman mammals and humans. Inconsistency in the effect sizes of the OXTR variants included in association studies render it unclear whether OXTR is truly associated with ASD, and, if so, which OXTR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated. Thus, a meta-analytic review of extant studies is needed to determine whether OXTR shows association with ASD, and to elucidate which specific SNPs have a significant effect on ASD. The current meta-analysis of 16 OXTR SNPs included 3941 individuals with ASD from 11 independent samples, although analyses of each individual SNP included a subset of this total. We found significant associations between ASD and the SNPs rs7632287, rs237887, rs2268491 and rs2254298. OXTR was also significantly associated with ASD in a gene-based test. The current meta-analysis is the largest and most comprehensive investigation of the association of OXTR with ASD and the findings suggest directions for future studies of the etiology of ASD.
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Role of the vasopressin 1b receptor in rodent aggressive behavior and synaptic plasticity in hippocampal area CA2. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:490-9. [PMID: 24863146 PMCID: PMC4562468 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) is critical for social memory and social aggression in rodents, yet little is known about its specific roles in these behaviors. Some clues to Avpr1b function can be gained from its profile of expression in the brain, which is largely limited to the pyramidal neurons of the CA2 region of the hippocampus, and from experiments showing that inactivation of the gene or antagonism of the receptor leads to a reduction in social aggression. Here we show that partial replacement of the Avpr1b through lentiviral delivery into the dorsal CA2 region restored the probability of socially motivated attack behavior in total Avpr1b knockout mice, without altering anxiety-like behaviors. To further explore the role of the Avpr1b in this hippocampal region, we examined the effects of Avpr1b agonists on pyramidal neurons in mouse and rat hippocampal slices. We found that selective Avpr1b agonists induced significant potentiation of excitatory synaptic responses in CA2, but not in CA1 or in slices from Avpr1b knockout mice. In a way that is mechanistically very similar to synaptic potentiation induced by oxytocin, Avpr1b agonist-induced potentiation of CA2 synapses relies on NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) receptor activation, calcium and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity, but not on cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity or presynaptic mechanisms. Our data indicate that the hippocampal CA2 is important for attacking in response to a male intruder and that the Avpr1b, likely through its role in regulating CA2 synaptic plasticity, is a necessary mediator.
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Genetic and environmental influences underlying the relationship between autistic traits and temperament and character dimensions in adulthood. Compr Psychiatry 2015; 58:178-88. [PMID: 25600422 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, several twin studies adopted a dimensional approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and estimated the contribution of genetic and environmental influences to variation in autistic traits. However, no study was performed on adults over 18 years of age and all but two studies were based on parent or teacher ratings. Also, the genetic and environmental contributions to the interplay between autistic traits and adult personality dimensions have not been investigated. METHODS A sample of 266 complete twin pairs (30% males, mean age 40 ± 12 years) drawn from the population-based Italian Twin Register was administered the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Genetic structural equation modelling was performed with the Mx program. Estimates were adjusted for gender, age, and GHQ-12 score. RESULTS Genetic factors accounted for 44% and 20%-49% of individual differences in autistic traits and TCI dimensions, respectively. Unshared environmental factors explained the remaining proportion of variance. Consistently with the notion of a personality profile in ASD characterised by obsessive temperament, autistic traits showed significant phenotypic correlations with several TCI dimensions (positive: HA; negative: NS, RD, SD, C). Genetic and unshared environmental correlations between AQ and these TCI dimensions were significant. The degree of genetic overlap was generally greater than the degree of environmental overlap. CONCLUSIONS Despite some limitations, this study suggests that genetic factors contribute substantially to individual differences in autistic traits in adults, with unshared environmental influences also playing an important role. It also suggests that autistic traits and the majority of temperament and character dimensions share common genetic and environmental aetiological factors.
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Baron-Cohen S, Auyeung B, Nørgaard-Pedersen B, Hougaard DM, Abdallah MW, Melgaard L, Cohen AS, Chakrabarti B, Ruta L, Lombardo MV. Elevated fetal steroidogenic activity in autism. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:369-76. [PMID: 24888361 PMCID: PMC4184868 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism affects males more than females, giving rise to the idea that the influence of steroid hormones on early fetal brain development may be one important early biological risk factor. Utilizing the Danish Historic Birth Cohort and Danish Psychiatric Central Register, we identified all amniotic fluid samples of males born between 1993 and 1999 who later received ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) diagnoses of autism, Asperger syndrome or PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) (n=128) compared with matched typically developing controls. Concentration levels of Δ4 sex steroids (progesterone, 17α-hydroxy-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone) and cortisol were measured with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. All hormones were positively associated with each other and principal component analysis confirmed that one generalized latent steroidogenic factor was driving much of the variation in the data. The autism group showed elevations across all hormones on this latent generalized steroidogenic factor (Cohen's d=0.37, P=0.0009) and this elevation was uniform across ICD-10 diagnostic label. These results provide the first direct evidence of elevated fetal steroidogenic activity in autism. Such elevations may be important as epigenetic fetal programming mechanisms and may interact with other important pathophysiological factors in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK. E-mail:
| | - B Auyeung
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - B Nørgaard-Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D M Hougaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M W Abdallah
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany,Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - L Melgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A S Cohen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - L Ruta
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Stella Maris Scientific Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - M V Lombardo
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus,Centre for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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136
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Di Napoli A, Warrier V, Baron-Cohen S, Chakrabarti B. Genetic variant rs17225178 in the ARNT2 gene is associated with Asperger Syndrome. Mol Autism 2015; 6:9. [PMID: 25745553 PMCID: PMC4350913 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, alongside unusually repetitive behaviours and narrow interests. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is one subgroup of ASC and differs from classic autism in that in AS there is no language or general cognitive delay. Genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors are implicated in ASC and genes involved in neural connectivity and neurodevelopment are good candidates for studying the susceptibility to ASC. The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (ARNT2) gene encodes a transcription factor involved in neurodevelopmental processes, neuronal connectivity and cellular responses to hypoxia. A mutation in this gene has been identified in individuals with ASC and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been nominally associated with AS and autistic traits in previous studies. METHODS In this study, we tested 34 SNPs in ARNT2 for association with AS in 118 cases and 412 controls of Caucasian origin. P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the SNPs analysed was calculated in our sample. Finally, SNP annotation allowed functional and structural analyses of the genetic variants in ARNT2. We tested the replicability of our result using the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) database of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC). RESULTS We report statistically significant association of rs17225178 with AS. This SNP modifies transcription factor binding sites and regions that regulate the chromatin state in neural cell lines. It is also included in a LD block in our sample, alongside other genetic variants that alter chromatin regulatory regions in neural cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that rs17225178 in the ARNT2 gene is associated with AS and support previous studies that pointed out an involvement of this gene in the predisposition to ASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Di Napoli
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Varun Warrier
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, CLASS Clinic, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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137
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Wright DB, Eaton AA, Skagerberg E. Occupational segregation and psychological gender differences: How empathizing and systemizing help explain the distribution of men and women into (some) occupations. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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138
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Ruzich E, Allison C, Smith P, Watson P, Auyeung B, Ring H, Baron-Cohen S. Measuring autistic traits in the general population: a systematic review of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) in a nonclinical population sample of 6,900 typical adult males and females. Mol Autism 2015; 6:2. [PMID: 25874074 PMCID: PMC4396128 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-6-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a self-report measure of autistic traits. It is frequently cited in diverse fields and has been administered to adults of at least average intelligence with autism and to nonclinical controls, as well as to clinical control groups such as those with schizophrenia, prosopagnosia, anorexia, and depression. However, there has been no empirical systematic review of the AQ since its inception in 2001. The present study reports a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to estimate a reliable mean AQ score in individuals without a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition (ASC), in order to establish a reference norm for future studies. A systematic search of computerized databases was performed to identify studies that administered the AQ to nonclinical participant samples representing the adult male and female general population. Inclusion was based on a set of formalized criteria that evaluated the quality of the study, the usage of the AQ, and the population being assessed. After selection, 73 articles, detailing 6,934 nonclinical participants, as well as 1,963 matched clinical cases of ASC (from available cohorts within each individual study), were analyzed. Mean AQ score for the nonclinical population was 16.94 (95% CI 11.6, 20.0), while mean AQ score for the clinical population with ASC was found to be 35.19 (95% CI 27.6, 41.1). In addition, in the nonclinical population, a sex difference in autistic traits was found, although no sex difference in AQ score was seen in the clinical ASC population. These findings have implications for the study of autistic traits in the general population. Here, we confirm previous norms with more rigorous data and for the first time establish average AQ scores based on a systematic review, for populations of adult males and females with and without ASC. Finally, we advise future researchers to avoid risk of bias by carefully considering the recruitment strategy for both clinical and nonclinical groups and to demonstrate transparency by reporting recruitment methods for all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ruzich
- />Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, CB2 8AH Cambridge, UK
- />Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Carrie Allison
- />Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Paula Smith
- />Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Peter Watson
- />MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF UK
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- />Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- />Psychology Department, University of Edinburgh, 3 Charles Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AD UK
| | - Howard Ring
- />Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, CB2 8AH Cambridge, UK
- />NIHR CLAHRC for the East of England, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH England, UK
- />Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, CB21 5EF UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- />Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- />NIHR CLAHRC for the East of England, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH England, UK
- />CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, CB21 5EF UK
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139
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Lai MC, Lombardo MV, Auyeung B, Chakrabarti B, Baron-Cohen S. Sex/gender differences and autism: setting the scene for future research. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 54:11-24. [PMID: 25524786 PMCID: PMC4284309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 555] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relationship between sex/gender differences and autism has attracted a variety of research ranging from clinical and neurobiological to etiological, stimulated by the male bias in autism prevalence. Findings are complex and do not always relate to each other in a straightforward manner. Distinct but interlinked questions on the relationship between sex/gender differences and autism remain underaddressed. To better understand the implications from existing research and to help design future studies, we propose a 4-level conceptual framework to clarify the embedded themes. METHOD We searched PubMed for publications before September 2014 using search terms "'sex OR gender OR females' AND autism." A total of 1,906 articles were screened for relevance, along with publications identified via additional literature reviews, resulting in 329 articles that were reviewed. RESULTS Level 1, "Nosological and diagnostic challenges," concerns the question, "How should autism be defined and diagnosed in males and females?" Level 2, "Sex/gender-independent and sex/gender-dependent characteristics," addresses the question, "What are the similarities and differences between males and females with autism?" Level 3, "General models of etiology: liability and threshold," asks the question, "How is the liability for developing autism linked to sex/gender?" Level 4, "Specific etiological-developmental mechanisms," focuses on the question, "What etiological-developmental mechanisms of autism are implicated by sex/gender and/or sexual/gender differentiation?" CONCLUSIONS Using this conceptual framework, findings can be more clearly summarized, and the implications of the links between findings from different levels can become clearer. Based on this 4-level framework, we suggest future research directions, methodology, and specific topics in sex/gender differences and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan and the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Michael V Lombardo
- University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus and the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- University of Edinburgh and the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK and the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Cambridge Lifespan Asperger Syndrome Service (CLASS) Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, and the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
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140
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Xu XJ, Zhang HF, Shou XJ, Li J, Jing WL, Zhou Y, Qian Y, Han SP, Zhang R, Han JS. Prenatal hyperandrogenic environment induced autistic-like behavior in rat offspring. Physiol Behav 2015; 138:13-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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141
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Asymmetry within and around the human planum temporale is sexually dimorphic and influenced by genes involved in steroid hormone receptor activity. Cortex 2015; 62:41-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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142
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Uzefovsky F, Shalev I, Israel S, Edelman S, Raz Y, Mankuta D, Knafo-Noam A, Ebstein RP. Oxytocin receptor and vasopressin receptor 1a genes are respectively associated with emotional and cognitive empathy. Horm Behav 2015; 67:60-5. [PMID: 25476609 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is the ability to recognize and share in the emotions of others. It can be considered a multifaceted concept with cognitive and emotional aspects. Little is known regarding the underlying neurochemistry of empathy and in the current study we used a neurogenetic approach to explore possible brain neurotransmitter pathways contributing to cognitive and emotional empathy. Both the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) genes contribute to social cognition in both animals and humans and hence are prominent candidates for contributing to empathy. The following research examined the associations between polymorphisms in these two genes and individual differences in emotional and cognitive empathy in a sample of 367 young adults. Intriguingly, we found that emotional empathy was associated solely with OXTR, whereas cognitive empathy was associated solely with AVPR1a. Moreover, no interaction was observed between the two genes and measures of empathy. The current findings contribute to our understanding of the distinct neurogenetic pathways involved in cognitive and emotional empathy and underscore the pervasive role of both oxytocin and vasopressin in modulating human emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Uzefovsky
- Psychology Department, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91501, Israel; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - I Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - S Israel
- Psychology Department, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91501, Israel
| | - S Edelman
- Psychology Department, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91501, Israel
| | - Y Raz
- Neurobiology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D Mankuta
- Hadassah Medical Organization, Department of Labor and Delivery, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - A Knafo-Noam
- Psychology Department, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91501, Israel
| | - R P Ebstein
- Psychology Department, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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143
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‘Subtypes’ in the Presentation of Autistic Traits in the General Adult Population. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 45:1291-301. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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144
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Di Napoli A, Warrier V, Baron-Cohen S, Chakrabarti B. Genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene is associated with Asperger Syndrome. Mol Autism 2014; 5:48. [PMID: 25264479 PMCID: PMC4175274 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, alongside unusually repetitive behaviors and narrow interests. ASC are highly heritable and have complex patterns of inheritance where multiple genes are involved, alongside environmental and epigenetic factors. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a subgroup of these conditions, where there is no history of language or cognitive delay. Animal models suggest a role for oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes in social-emotional behaviors, and several studies indicate that the oxytocin/oxytocin receptor system is altered in individuals with ASC. Previous studies have reported associations between genetic variations in the OXTR gene and ASC. METHODS The present study tested for an association between nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the OXTR gene and AS in 530 individuals of Caucasian origin, using SNP association test and haplotype analysis. RESULTS There was a significant association between rs2268493 in OXTR and AS. Multiple haplotypes that include this SNP (rs2268493-rs2254298, rs2268490-rs2268493-rs2254298, rs2268493-rs2254298-rs53576, rs237885-rs2268490-rs2268493-rs2254298, rs2268490-rs2268493-rs2254298-rs53576) were also associated with AS. rs2268493 has been previously associated with ASC and putatively alters several transcription factor-binding sites and regulates chromatin states, either directly or through other variants in linkage disequilibrium (LD). CONCLUSIONS This study reports a significant association of the sequence variant rs2268493 in the OXTR gene and associated haplotypes with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Di Napoli
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, CLASS Clinic, Cambridge, Elizabeth House, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, CB21 5EF UK
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Centre for Integrative Neurosciences and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL UK
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145
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Crider A, Thakkar R, Ahmed AO, Pillai A. Dysregulation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), aromatase (CYP19A1), and ER co-activators in the middle frontal gyrus of autism spectrum disorder subjects. Mol Autism 2014; 5:46. [PMID: 25221668 PMCID: PMC4161836 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are much more common in males than in females. Molecular alterations within the estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathway may contribute to the sex difference in ASD, but the extent of such abnormalities in the brain is not known. METHODS Postmortem middle frontal gyrus tissues (13 ASD and 13 control subjects) were used. The protein levels were examined by western blotting. The gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Gene expression analysis identified a 35% decrease in ERβ mRNA expression in the middle frontal gyrus of ASD subjects. In addition, a 38% reduction in aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA expression was observed in ASD subjects. We also found significant decreases in ER co-activators that included a 34% decrease in SRC-1, a 77% decrease in CBP, and a 52% decrease in P/CAF mRNA levels in ASD subjects relative to controls. There were no differences in the mRNA levels of TIF-2, AIB-1 (ER co-activators), ER co-repressors (SMRT and nCoR) and ERα in the middle frontal gyrus of ASD subjects as compared to controls. We observed significant correlations between ERβ, CYP19A1, and co-activators in the study subjects. Immunoblot analysis further confirmed the changes in ERβ and aromatase at the protein level in the control and ASD subjects. CONCLUSIONS These results, for the first time, provide the evidence of the dysregulation of ERβ and co-factors in the brain of subjects with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Crider
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 997 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Roshni Thakkar
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 997 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Anthony O Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 997 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 997 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
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146
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Huo M, Heyvaert M, Van den Noortgate W, Onghena P. Permutation Tests in the Educational and Behavioral Sciences. METHODOLOGY-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 2014. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-2241/a000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, permutation tests (PTs) have received much attention in the educational and behavioral sciences. The aim of this article is to review the theoretical developments of PTs, the active areas in the educational and behavioral research using PTs, and the types of analysis under which PTs have been applied. We obtained 224 published articles, which included 141 theoretical articles and 83 application articles. After scrutinizing each article, we are happy to see that (1) some researchers began to advocate introducing PTs into basic statistics training; (2) computing load for PTs may be reduced dramatically by some intelligent algorithms; (3) PTs began to be applied in new areas such as studies on the relationship between brain and behavior and the relationship between gene and behavior; (4) besides simple types of analysis such as independent two-group comparison, PTs can also be carried out under more complex situations such as multivariate analysis. However, we should also notice that PTs are still mostly used for simple analyses (e.g., randomness analysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Huo
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Methodology of Educational Science Research Group, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Heyvaert
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Methodology of Educational Science Research Group, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Van den Noortgate
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Methodology of Educational Science Research Group, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Onghena
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Methodology of Educational Science Research Group, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
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147
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Schaafsma SM, Pfaff DW. Etiologies underlying sex differences in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:255-71. [PMID: 24705124 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The male predominance of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is one of the best-known, and at the same time, one of the least understood characteristics of these disorders. In this paper we review genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and environmental mechanisms underlying this male preponderance. Sex-specific effects of Y-linked genes (including SRY expression leading to testicular development), balanced and skewed X-inactivation, genes that escape X-inactivation, parent-of-origin allelic imprinting, and the hypothetical heterochromatin sink are reviewed. These mechanisms likely contribute to etiology, instead of being simply causative to ASD. Environments, both internal and external, also play important roles in ASD's etiology. Early exposure to androgenic hormones and early maternal immune activation comprise environmental factors affecting sex-specific susceptibility to ASD. The gene-environment interactions underlying ASD, suggested here, implicate early prenatal stress as being especially detrimental to boys with a vulnerable genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Schaafsma
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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148
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Wilson CE, Happé F, Wheelwright SJ, Ecker C, Lombardo MV, Johnston P, Daly E, Murphy CM, Spain D, Lai MC, Chakrabarti B, Sauter DA, Baron-Cohen S, Murphy DGM. The neuropsychology of male adults with high-functioning autism or asperger syndrome. Autism Res 2014; 7:568-81. [PMID: 24903974 PMCID: PMC4489335 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is diagnosed on the basis of behavioral symptoms, but cognitive abilities may also be useful in characterizing individuals with ASD. One hundred seventy-eight high-functioning male adults, half with ASD and half without, completed tasks assessing IQ, a broad range of cognitive skills, and autistic and comorbid symptomatology. The aims of the study were, first, to determine whether significant differences existed between cases and controls on cognitive tasks, and whether cognitive profiles, derived using a multivariate classification method with data from multiple cognitive tasks, could distinguish between the two groups. Second, to establish whether cognitive skill level was correlated with degree of autistic symptom severity, and third, whether cognitive skill level was correlated with degree of comorbid psychopathology. Fourth, cognitive characteristics of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) were compared. After controlling for IQ, ASD and control groups scored significantly differently on tasks of social cognition, motor performance, and executive function (P's < 0.05). To investigate cognitive profiles, 12 variables were entered into a support vector machine (SVM), which achieved good classification accuracy (81%) at a level significantly better than chance (P < 0.0001). After correcting for multiple correlations, there were no significant associations between cognitive performance and severity of either autistic or comorbid symptomatology. There were no significant differences between AS and HFA groups on the cognitive tasks. Cognitive classification models could be a useful aid to the diagnostic process when used in conjunction with other data sources—including clinical history. Autism Res2014, 7: 568–581. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ellie Wilson
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lin M, Zhao D, Hrabovsky A, Pedrosa E, Zheng D, Lachman HM. Heat shock alters the expression of schizophrenia and autism candidate genes in an induced pluripotent stem cell model of the human telencephalon. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94968. [PMID: 24736721 PMCID: PMC3988108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heritable neuropsychiatric disorders, although environmental factors, such as maternal immune activation (MIA), play a role as well. Cytokines mediate the effects of MIA on neurogenesis and behavior in animal models. However, MIA stimulators can also induce a febrile reaction, which could have independent effects on neurogenesis through heat shock (HS)-regulated cellular stress pathways. However, this has not been well-studied. To help understand the role of fever in MIA, we used a recently described model of human brain development in which induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiate into 3-dimensional neuronal aggregates that resemble a first trimester telencephalon. RNA-seq was carried out on aggregates that were heat shocked at 39°C for 24 hours, along with their control partners maintained at 37°C. 186 genes showed significant differences in expression following HS (p<0.05), including known HS-inducible genes, as expected, as well as those coding for NGFR and a number of SZ and ASD candidates, including SMARCA2, DPP10, ARNT2, AHI1 and ZNF804A. The degree to which the expression of these genes decrease or increase during HS is similar to that found in copy loss and copy gain copy number variants (CNVs), although the effects of HS are likely to be transient. The dramatic effect on the expression of some SZ and ASD genes places HS, and perhaps other cellular stressors, into a common conceptual framework with disease-causing genetic variants. The findings also suggest that some candidate genes that are assumed to have a relatively limited impact on SZ and ASD pathogenesis based on a small number of positive genetic findings, such as SMARCA2 and ARNT2, may in fact have a much more substantial role in these disorders - as targets of common environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Lin
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Dejian Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Anastasia Hrabovsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Erika Pedrosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HML); (D. Zheng)
| | - Herbert M. Lachman
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HML); (D. Zheng)
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150
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Pohl A, Cassidy S, Auyeung B, Baron-Cohen S. Uncovering steroidopathy in women with autism: a latent class analysis. Mol Autism 2014; 5:27. [PMID: 24717046 PMCID: PMC4022124 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal exposure to increased androgens has been implicated in both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and autism spectrum conditions (ASC), suggesting that PCOS may be increased among women with ASC. One study suggested elevated steroidopathic symptoms (‘steroidopathy’) in women with ASC. As the symptoms are not independent, we conducted a latent class analysis (LCA). The objectives of the current study are: (1) to test if these findings replicate in a larger sample; and (2) to use LCA to uncover affected clusters of women with ASC. Methods We tested two groups of women, screened using the Autism Spectrum Quotient - Group 1: n = 415 women with ASC (mean age 36.39 ± 11.98 years); and Group 2: n = 415 controls (mean age 39.96 ± 11.92 years). All participants completed the Testosterone-related Medical Questionnaire online. A multiple-group LCA was used to identify differences in latent class structure between women with ASC and controls. Results There were significant differences in frequency of steroid-related conditions and symptoms between women with ASC and controls. A two-class semi-constrained model best fit the data. Based on response patterns, we identified the classes as ‘Typical’ and ‘Steroidopathic’. The prevalence of the ‘Steroidopathic’ class was significantly increased within the ASC group (ΔG2 = 15, df =1, P = 0.0001). In particular, we confirmed higher frequencies of epilepsy, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, severe acne, gender dysphoria, and transsexualism, and differences in sexual preference in women with ASC. Conclusions Women with ASC are at increased risk for symptoms and conditions linked to steroids. LCA revealed this steroidopathy despite the apparent underdiagnosis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Pohl
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK ; Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Cox Street, Coventry CV1 5LW, UK
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK ; Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9 AD, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK ; CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust, The Chitra Sethia Autism Centre, The Gatehouse, Fulborn Hospital, Fulborn, Cambridge CB21 5EF, UK
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