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Nassisi M, Mainetti C, Sperti A, Galmozzi G, Aretti A, Leone G, Nicotra V, Grilli F, Rinaldi B, Natacci F, Bedeschi MF, Viola F. Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in Williams-Beuren syndrome. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:1131-1140. [PMID: 38032380 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare genetic disease characterized by psychomotor delay, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine problems. Retinal involvement, which is not well characterized, has also been described. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to describe the characteristics in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) of patients with WBS. METHODS We included patients with WBS confirmed by genetic analysis. The patients underwent OCT (30° × 25°, 61 B-scans) and OCTA (10° × 10° and 20° × 20°) examinations, all centered on the. Data on retinal thickness (total, inner and outer layers) and foveal morphology on OCT and vessel and perfusion density in OCTA (VD and PD, respectively) were collected. These data were compared with an age-matched control group. RESULTS 22 eyes of 22 patients with WBS (10 females, mean age 31.5 years) were included. Retinal thickness (and specifically inner retinal layers) in OCT was significantly reduced in all sectors (central, parafoveal, and perifoveal) compared to the control group (p < 0.001 in all sectors). Fovea in WBS eyes was broader and shallower than controls. The PD and VD in both 10 and 20 degrees of fields in OCTA was significantly reduced in patients with WBS, in all vascular plexa (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to quantify and demonstrate retinal structural and microvascular alterations in patients with WBS. Further studies with longitudinal data will reveal the potential clinical relevance of these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Nassisi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudia Mainetti
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sperti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Galmozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Aretti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Leone
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Nicotra
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Grilli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Berardo Rinaldi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Natacci
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Bedeschi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
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Nir Sade A, Levy G, Schokoroy Trangle S, Elad Sfadia G, Bar E, Ophir O, Fischer I, Rokach M, Atzmon A, Parnas H, Rosenberg T, Marco A, Elroy Stein O, Barak B. Neuronal Gtf2i deletion alters mitochondrial and autophagic properties. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1269. [PMID: 38097729 PMCID: PMC10721858 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gtf2i encodes the general transcription factor II-I (TFII-I), with peak expression during pre-natal and early post-natal brain development stages. Because these stages are critical for proper brain development, we studied at the single-cell level the consequences of Gtf2i's deletion from excitatory neurons, specifically on mitochondria. Here we show that Gtf2i's deletion resulted in abnormal morphology, disrupted mRNA related to mitochondrial fission and fusion, and altered autophagy/mitophagy protein expression. These changes align with elevated reactive oxygen species levels, illuminating Gtf2i's importance in neurons mitochondrial function. Similar mitochondrial issues were demonstrated by Gtf2i heterozygous model, mirroring the human condition in Williams syndrome (WS), and by hemizygous neuronal Gtf2i deletion model, indicating Gtf2i's dosage-sensitive role in mitochondrial regulation. Clinically relevant, we observed altered transcript levels related to mitochondria, hypoxia, and autophagy in frontal cortex tissue from WS individuals. Our study reveals mitochondrial and autophagy-related deficits shedding light on WS and other Gtf2i-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Nir Sade
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gilad Levy
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Elad Sfadia
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Omer Ophir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbar Fischer
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - May Rokach
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrea Atzmon
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Parnas
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Rosenberg
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Asaf Marco
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Orna Elroy Stein
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Serrano-Juárez CA, Prieto-Corona B, Rodríguez-Camacho M, Sandoval-Lira L, Villalva-Sánchez ÁF, Yáñez-Téllez MG, López MFR. Neuropsychological Genotype-Phenotype in Patients with Williams Syndrome with Atypical Deletions: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:891-911. [PMID: 36520254 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a microdeletion in the q11.23 region of chromosome 7. Recent case series reports and clinical case studies have suggested that the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social profile in WS could depend on the genes involved in the deletion. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze and synthesize the variability of the cognitive and behavioral profile of WS with atypical deletion and its probable relationship with the affected genes. The medical subject headings searched were "Williams syndrome," "genotype," "phenotype," "cognitive profile," and "atypical deletion." The studies included were in English or Spanish, with children and adults, and published between January 2000 and October 2022. Twenty-three studies are reported. The characteristics of the participants, the genes involved, the neuropsychological domains and instruments, and the prevalence of the WS cognitive profile criteria were used for the genotype-phenotype analysis. The genes with a major impact on the cognitive profile of WS were (a) LIMK1 and those belonging to the GTF2I family, the former with a greater influence on visuospatial abilities; (b) GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I, which have an impact on intellectual capacity as well as on visuospatial and social skills; (c) FZD9, BAZ1B, STX1A, and CLIP2, which influence the cognitive profile if other genes are also effected; and (d) GTF2IRD2, which is related to the severity of the effect on visuospatial and social skills, producing a behavioral phenotype like that of the autism spectrum. The review revealed four neuropsychological phenotypes, depending on the genes involved, and established the need for more comprehensive study of the neuropsychological profile of these patients. Based on the results found, we propose a model for the investigation of and clinical approach to the WS neuropsychological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Serrano-Juárez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Belén Prieto-Corona
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México.
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Camacho
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Lucero Sandoval-Lira
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ángel Fernando Villalva-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ma Guillermina Yáñez-Téllez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
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Strong E, Mervis CB, Tam E, Morris CA, Klein-Tasman BP, Velleman SL, Osborne LR. DNA methylation profiles in individuals with rare, atypical 7q11.23 CNVs correlate with GTF2I and GTF2IRD1 copy number. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:25. [PMID: 37709781 PMCID: PMC10502022 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome (Dup7) are rare neurodevelopmental disorders caused by deletion and duplication of a 1.5 Mb region that includes at least five genes with a known role in epigenetic regulation. We have shown that CNV of this chromosome segment causes dose-dependent, genome-wide changes in DNA methylation, but the specific genes driving these changes are unknown. We measured genome-wide whole blood DNA methylation in six participants with atypical CNV of 7q11.23 (three with deletions and three with duplications) using the Illumina HumanMethylation450k array and compared their profiles with those from groups of individuals with classic WBS or classic Dup7 and with typically developing (TD) controls. Across the top 1000 most variable positions we found that only the atypical rearrangements that changed the copy number of GTF2IRD1 and/or GTF2I (coding for the TFII-IRD1 and TFII-I proteins) clustered with their respective syndromic cohorts. This finding was supported by results from hierarchical clustering across a selection of differentially methylated CpGs, in addition to pyrosequencing validation. These findings suggest that CNV of the GTF2I genes at the telomeric end of the 7q11.23 interval is a key contributor to the large changes in DNA methylation that are seen in blood DNA from our WBS and Dup7 cohorts, compared to TD controls. Our findings suggest that members of the TFII-I protein family are involved in epigenetic processes that alter DNA methylation on a genome-wide level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Strong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carolyn B Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Elaine Tam
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | - Shelley L Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Lucy R Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Kippenhan JS, Gregory MD, Nash T, Kohn P, Mervis CB, Eisenberg DP, Garvey MH, Roe K, Morris CA, Kolachana B, Pani AM, Sorcher L, Berman KF. Dorsal visual stream and LIMK1: hemideletion, haplotype, and enduring effects in children with Williams syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:29. [PMID: 37633900 PMCID: PMC10464045 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09493-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams syndrome (WS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by hemizygous deletion of ~ 25 genes from chromosomal band 7q11.23, affords an exceptional opportunity to study associations between a well-delineated genetic abnormality and a well-characterized neurobehavioral profile. Clinically, WS is typified by increased social drive (often termed "hypersociability") and severe visuospatial construction deficits. Previous studies have linked visuospatial problems in WS with alterations in the dorsal visual processing stream. We investigated the impacts of hemideletion and haplotype variation of LIMK1, a gene hemideleted in WS and linked to neuronal maturation and migration, on the structure and function of the dorsal stream, specifically the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), a region known to be altered in adults with WS. METHODS We tested for IPS structural and functional changes using longitudinal MRI in a developing cohort of children with WS (76 visits from 33 participants, compared to 280 visits from 94 typically developing age- and sex-matched participants) over the age range of 5-22. We also performed MRI studies of 12 individuals with rare, shorter hemideletions at 7q11.23, all of which included LIMK1. Finally, we tested for effects of LIMK1 variation on IPS structure and imputed LIMK1 expression in two independent cohorts of healthy individuals from the general population. RESULTS IPS structural (p < 10-4 FDR corrected) and functional (p < .05 FDR corrected) anomalies previously reported in adults were confirmed in children with WS, and, consistent with an enduring genetic mechanism, were stable from early childhood into adulthood. In the short hemideletion cohort, IPS deficits similar to those in WS were found, although effect sizes were smaller than those found in WS for both structural and functional findings. Finally, in each of the two general population cohorts stratified by LIMK1 haplotype, IPS gray matter volume (pdiscovery < 0.05 SVC, preplication = 0.0015) and imputed LIMK1 expression (pdiscovery = 10-15, preplication = 10-23) varied according to LIMK1 haplotype. CONCLUSIONS This work offers insight into neurobiological and genetic mechanisms responsible for the WS phenotype and also more generally provides a striking example of the mechanisms by which genetic variation, acting by means of molecular effects on a neural intermediary, can influence human cognition and, in some cases, lead to neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Shane Kippenhan
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Michael D Gregory
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tiffany Nash
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Philip Kohn
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Carolyn B Mervis
- Neurodevelopmental Sciences Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Daniel P Eisenberg
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Madeline H Garvey
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Katherine Roe
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Colleen A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV, 89102, USA
| | - Bhaskar Kolachana
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ariel M Pani
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Leah Sorcher
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Karen F Berman
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Ophir O, Levy G, Bar E, Kimchi Feldhorn O, Rokach M, Elad Sfadia G, Barak B. Deletion of Gtf2i via Systemic Administration of AAV-PHP.eB Virus Increases Social Behavior in a Mouse Model of a Neurodevelopmental Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2273. [PMID: 37626769 PMCID: PMC10452363 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distinctive cognitive and personality profiles which also impacts various physiological systems. The syndrome arises from the deletion of about 25 genes located on chromosome 7q11.23, including Gtf2i. Prior research indicated a strong association between pre-natal Gtf2i deletion, and the hyper-social phenotypes observed in WS, as well as myelination deficits. As most studies addressed pre-natal Gtf2i deletion in mouse models, post-natal neuronal roles of Gtf2i were unknown. To investigate the impact of post-natal deletion of neuronal Gtf2i on hyper-sociability, we intravenously injected an AAV-PHP.eB virus expressing Cre-recombinase under the control of αCaMKII, a promoter in a mouse model with floxed Gtf2i. This targeted deletion was performed in young mice, allowing for precise and efficient brain-wide infection leading to the exclusive removal of Gtf2i from excitatory neurons. As a result of such gene deletion, the mice displayed hyper-sociability, increased anxiety, impaired cognition, and hyper-mobility, relative to controls. These findings highlight the potential of systemic viral manipulation as a gene-editing technique to modulate behavior-regulating genes during the post-natal stage, thus presenting novel therapeutic approaches for addressing neurodevelopmental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Ophir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Gilad Levy
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | | | - May Rokach
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Galit Elad Sfadia
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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Carlotto BS, Deconte D, Diniz BL, Silva PRD, Zen PRG, Silva AAD. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as an irreplaceable diagnostic tool for Williams-Beuren syndrome in developing countries: a literature review. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA : ORGAO OFICIAL DA SOCIEDADE DE PEDIATRIA DE SAO PAULO 2023; 42:e2022125. [PMID: 37436242 DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2023/41/2022125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to sum up and characterize all Williams-Beuren syndrome cases diagnosed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) since its implementation, as well as to discuss FISH as a cost-effective methodology in developing countries. DATA SOURCE From January 1986 to January 2022, articles were selected using the databases in PubMed (Medline) and SciELO. The following terms were used: Williams syndrome and In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence. Inclusion criteria included Williams-Beuren syndrome cases diagnosed by FISH with a stratified phenotype of each patient. Only studies written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included. Studies with overlapping syndromes or genetic conditions were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS After screening, 64 articles were included. A total of 205 individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome diagnosed by FISH were included and further analyzed. Cardiovascular malformations were the most frequent finding (85.4%). Supravalvular aortic stenosis (62.4%) and pulmonary stenosis (30.7%) were the main cardiac alterations described. CONCLUSIONS Our literature review reinforces that cardiac features may be the key to early diagnosis in Williams-Beuren syndrome patients. In addition, FISH may be the best diagnostic tool for developing nations that have limited access to new technologic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Desirée Deconte
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lixinski Diniz
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Ricardo Gazzola Zen
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Singh A, Kaileh M, De S, Mazan-Mamczarz K, Bayarsaihan D, Sen R, Roy AL. Transcription factor TFII-I fine tunes innate properties of B lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1067459. [PMID: 36756127 PMCID: PMC9900109 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1067459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitously expressed transcription factor TFII-I is a multifunctional protein with pleiotropic roles in gene regulation. TFII-I associated polymorphisms are implicated in Sjögren's syndrome and Lupus in humans and, germline deletion of the Gtf2i gene in mice leads to embryonic lethality. Here we report a unique role for TFII-I in homeostasis of innate properties of B lymphocytes. Loss of Gtf2i in murine B lineage cells leads to an alteration in transcriptome, chromatin landscape and associated transcription factor binding sites, which exhibits myeloid-like features and coincides with enhanced sensitivity to LPS induced gene expression. TFII-I deficient B cells also show increased switching to IgG3, a phenotype associated with inflammation. These results demonstrate a role for TFII-I in maintaining immune homeostasis and provide clues for GTF2I polymorphisms associated with B cell dominated autoimmune diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Singh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mary Kaileh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Supriyo De
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Ranjan Sen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ananda L Roy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Davis KW, Bilancia CG, Martin M, Vanzo R, Rimmasch M, Hom Y, Uddin M, Serrano MA. NeuroSCORE is a genome-wide omics-based model that identifies candidate disease genes of the central nervous system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5427. [PMID: 35361823 PMCID: PMC8971396 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify candidate disease genes of central nervous system (CNS) phenotypes, we created the Neurogenetic Systematic Correlation of Omics-Related Evidence (NeuroSCORE). We identified five genome-wide metrics highly associated with CNS phenotypes to score 19,601 protein-coding genes. Genes scored one point per metric (range: 0-5), identifying 8298 scored genes (scores ≥ 1) and 1601 "high scoring" genes (scores ≥ 3). Using logistic regression, we determined the odds ratio that genes with a NeuroSCORE from 1 to 5 would be associated with known CNS-related phenotypes compared to genes that scored zero. We tested NeuroSCORE using microarray copy number variants (CNVs) in case-control cohorts and aggregate mouse model data. High scoring genes are associated with CNS phenotypes (OR = 5.5, p < 2E-16), enriched in case CNVs, and mouse ortholog genes that cause behavioral and nervous system abnormalities. We identified 1058 high scoring genes with no disease association in OMIM. Transforming the logistic regression results indicates high scoring genes have an 84-92% chance of being associated with a CNS phenotype. Top scoring genes include GRIA1, MAP4K4, SF1, TNPO2, and ZSWIM8. Finally, we interrogated CNVs in the Clinical Genome Resource, finding the majority of clinically significant CNVs contain high scoring genes. These findings can direct future research and improve molecular diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle W Davis
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Colleen G Bilancia
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Megan Martin
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Rena Vanzo
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Megan Rimmasch
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Yolanda Hom
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Mohammed Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
- Cellular Intelligence (Ci) Lab, GenomeArc Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moises A Serrano
- Bionano Genomics, Lineagen Division, Inc., 9540 Towne Center, Dr. #100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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10
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Grad M, Nir A, Levy G, Trangle SS, Shapira G, Shomron N, Assaf Y, Barak B. Altered White Matter and microRNA Expression in a Murine Model Related to Williams Syndrome Suggests That miR-34b/c Affects Brain Development via Ptpru and Dcx Modulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010158. [PMID: 35011720 PMCID: PMC8750756 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a de novo hemizygous deletion of ~26 genes from chromosome 7q11.23, among them the general transcription factor II-I (GTF2I). By studying a novel murine model for the hypersociability phenotype associated with WS, we previously revealed surprising aberrations in myelination and cell differentiation properties in the cortices of mutant mice compared to controls. These mutant mice had selective deletion of Gtf2i in the excitatory neurons of the forebrain. Here, we applied diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and fiber tracking, which showed a reduction in the number of streamlines in limbic outputs such as the fimbria/fornix fibers and the stria terminalis, as well as the corpus callosum of these mutant mice compared to controls. Furthermore, we utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of cortical small RNAs' expression (RNA-Seq) levels to identify altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), including two from the miR-34 cluster, known to be involved in prominent processes in the developing nervous system. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct binding of miR-34c-5p to the 3'UTR of PTPRU-a gene involved in neural development that was elevated in the cortices of mutant mice relative to controls. Moreover, we found an age-dependent variation in the expression levels of doublecortin (Dcx)-a verified miR-34 target. Thus, we demonstrate the substantial effect a single gene deletion can exert on miRNA regulation and brain structure, and advance our understanding and, hopefully, treatment of WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meitar Grad
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
| | - Ariel Nir
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
| | - Gilad Levy
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
| | - Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Yaniv Assaf
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Correspondence:
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11
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Çalışkan E, Şahin MN, Güldağ MA. Oxytocin and Oxytocin Receptor Gene Regulation in Williams Syndrome: A Systematic Review. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:623-635. [PMID: 34970101 PMCID: PMC8686774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Williams Syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder that occurs because of a deletion of approximately 25 genes in the 7q11.23 chromosome region. This causes dysmorphic facial appearances, multiple congenital cardiovascular defects, delayed motor skills, and abnormalities in connective tissues and the endocrine system. The patients are mostly diagnosed with mild to moderate mental retardation, however, they have a hyper sociable, socially dis-inhibited, and outgoing personality, empathetic behavior, and are highly talkative. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide synthesized at the hypothalamus, plays an important role in cognition and behavior, and is thought to be affecting WS patients' attitudes at its different amounts. Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), on chromosome 3p25.3, is considered regulating oxytocin receptors, via which OT exerts its effect. WS is a crucial disorder to understand gene, hormone, brain, and behavior associations in terms of sociality and neuropsychiatric conditions. Alterations to the WS gene region offer an opportunity to deepen our understandings of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, or depression. We aim to systematically present the data available of OT/OXTR regulation and expression, and the evidence for whether these mechanisms are dysregulated in WS. These results are important, as they predict strong epigenetic control over social behavior by methylation, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and other alterations. The comparison and collaboration of these studies may help to establish a better treatment or management approach for patients with WS if backed up with future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Çalışkan
- Trakya University School of Medicine, Edirne,
Turkey,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Elif Çalışkan, Trakya University School of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey;
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12
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Kozel BA, Barak B, Ae Kim C, Mervis CB, Osborne LR, Porter M, Pober BR. Williams syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:42. [PMID: 34140529 PMCID: PMC9437774 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a relatively rare microdeletion disorder that occurs in as many as 1:7,500 individuals. WS arises due to the mispairing of low-copy DNA repetitive elements at meiosis. The deletion size is similar across most individuals with WS and leads to the loss of one copy of 25-27 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. The resulting unique disorder affects multiple systems, with cardinal features including but not limited to cardiovascular disease (characteristically stenosis of the great arteries and most notably supravalvar aortic stenosis), a distinctive craniofacial appearance, and a specific cognitive and behavioural profile that includes intellectual disability and hypersociability. Genotype-phenotype evidence is strongest for ELN, the gene encoding elastin, which is responsible for the vascular and connective tissue features of WS, and for the transcription factor genes GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, which are known to affect intellectual ability, social functioning and anxiety. Mounting evidence also ascribes phenotypic consequences to the deletion of BAZ1B, LIMK1, STX1A and MLXIPL, but more work is needed to understand the mechanism by which these deletions contribute to clinical outcomes. The age of diagnosis has fallen in regions of the world where technological advances, such as chromosomal microarray, enable clinicians to make the diagnosis of WS without formally suspecting it, allowing earlier intervention by medical and developmental specialists. Phenotypic variability is considerable for all cardinal features of WS but the specific sources of this variability remain unknown. Further investigation to identify the factors responsible for these differences may lead to mechanism-based rather than symptom-based therapies and should therefore be a high research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A. Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience and The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Porter
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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13
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Osborne LR, Mervis CB. 7q11.23 deletion and duplication. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 68:41-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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14
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Cavallo F, Troglio F, Fagà G, Fancelli D, Shyti R, Trattaro S, Zanella M, D'Agostino G, Hughes JM, Cera MR, Pasi M, Gabriele M, Lazzarin M, Mihailovich M, Kooy F, Rosa A, Mercurio C, Varasi M, Testa G. High-throughput screening identifies histone deacetylase inhibitors that modulate GTF2I expression in 7q11.23 microduplication autism spectrum disorder patient-derived cortical neurons. Mol Autism 2020; 11:88. [PMID: 33208191 PMCID: PMC7677843 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00387-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental condition affecting almost 1% of children, and represents a major unmet medical need with no effective drug treatment available. Duplication at 7q11.23 (7Dup), encompassing 26–28 genes, is one of the best characterized ASD-causing copy number variations and offers unique translational opportunities, because the hemideletion of the same interval causes Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS), a condition defined by hypersociability and language strengths, thereby providing a unique reference to validate treatments for the ASD symptoms. In the above-indicated interval at 7q11.23, defined as WBS critical region, several genes, such as GTF2I, BAZ1B, CLIP2 and EIF4H, emerged as critical for their role in the pathogenesis of WBS and 7Dup both from mouse models and human studies. Methods We performed a high-throughput screening of 1478 compounds, including central nervous system agents, epigenetic modulators and experimental substances, on patient-derived cortical glutamatergic neurons differentiated from our cohort of induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs), monitoring the transcriptional modulation of WBS interval genes, with a special focus on GTF2I, in light of its overriding pathogenic role. The hits identified were validated by measuring gene expression by qRT-PCR and the results were confirmed by western blotting. Results We identified and selected three histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) that decreased the abnormal expression level of GTF2I in 7Dup cortical glutamatergic neurons differentiated from four genetically different iPSC lines. We confirmed this effect also at the protein level. Limitations In this study, we did not address the molecular mechanisms whereby HDAC inhibitors act on GTF2I. The lead compounds identified will now need to be advanced to further testing in additional models, including patient-derived brain organoids and mouse models recapitulating the gene imbalances of the 7q11.23 microduplication, in order to validate their efficacy in rescuing phenotypes across multiple functional layers within a translational pipeline towards clinical use. Conclusions These results represent a unique opportunity for the development of a specific class of compounds for treating 7Dup and other forms of intellectual disability and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cavallo
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, c/o High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Troglio
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fagà
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Fancelli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Reinald Shyti
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Trattaro
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, c/o High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Zanella
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,Evotec SE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giuseppe D'Agostino
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - James M Hughes
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo Cancer Institute, SP 142 Km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Cera
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pasi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Gabriele
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Maddalena Lazzarin
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, c/o High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Marija Mihailovich
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, c/o High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ciro Mercurio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Varasi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- High Definition Disease Modelling Lab: Stem Cell and Organoid Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122, Milan, Italy. .,Human Technopole, Via Cristina Belgioioso, 171, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Autism and Williams syndrome: truly mirror conditions in the socio-cognitive domain? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 68:399-415. [PMID: 35937179 PMCID: PMC9351567 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2020.1817717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Williams Syndrome (WS) are frequently characterized as mirror conditions in the socio-cognitive domain, with ASD entailing restrictive social interests and with WS exhibiting hypersociability. In this review paper, we examine in detail the strong points and deficits of people with ASD or WS in the socio-cognitive domain and show that both conditions also share some common features. Moreover, we explore the neurobiological basis of the social profile of ASD and WS and found a similar mixture of common affected areas and condition-specific impaired regions. We discuss these findings under the hypothesis of a continuum of the socio-cognitive abilities in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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16
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Gregory MD, Mervis CB, Elliott ML, Kippenhan JS, Nash T, B Czarapata J, Prabhakaran R, Roe K, Eisenberg DP, Kohn PD, Berman KF. Williams syndrome hemideletion and LIMK1 variation both affect dorsal stream functional connectivity. Brain 2020; 142:3963-3974. [PMID: 31687737 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by hemizygous deletion of ∼1.6 Mb affecting 26 genes on chromosome 7 (7q11.23) and is clinically typified by two cognitive/behavioural hallmarks: marked visuospatial deficits relative to verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities and hypersocial personality. Clear knowledge of the circumscribed set of genes that are affected in Williams syndrome, along with the well-characterized neurobehavioural phenotype, offers the potential to elucidate neurogenetic principles that may apply in genetically and clinically more complex settings. The intraparietal sulcus, in the dorsal visual processing stream, has been shown to be structurally and functionally altered in Williams syndrome, providing a target for investigating resting-state functional connectivity and effects of specific genes hemideleted in Williams syndrome. Here, we tested for effects of the LIMK1 gene, deleted in Williams syndrome and important for neuronal maturation and migration, on intraparietal sulcus functional connectivity. We first defined a target brain phenotype by comparing intraparietal sulcus resting functional connectivity in individuals with Williams syndrome, in whom LIMK1 is hemideleted, with typically developing children. Then in two separate cohorts from the general population, we asked whether intraparietal sulcus functional connectivity patterns similar to those found in Williams syndrome were associated with sequence variation of the LIMK1 gene. Four independent between-group comparisons of resting-state functional MRI data (total n = 510) were performed: (i) 20 children with Williams syndrome compared to 20 age- and sex-matched typically developing children; (ii) a discovery cohort of 99 healthy adults stratified by LIMK1 haplotype; (iii) a replication cohort of 32 healthy adults also stratified by LIMK1 haplotype; and (iv) 339 healthy adolescent children stratified by LIMK1 haplotype. For between-group analyses, differences in intraparietal sulcus resting-state functional connectivity were calculated comparing children with Williams syndrome to matched typically developing children and comparing LIMK1 haplotype groups in each of the three general population cohorts separately. Consistent with the visuospatial construction impairment and hypersocial personality that typify Williams syndrome, the Williams syndrome cohort exhibited opposite patterns of intraparietal sulcus functional connectivity with visual processing regions and social processing regions: decreased circuit function in the former and increased circuit function in the latter. All three general population groups also showed LIMK1 haplotype-related differences in intraparietal sulcus functional connectivity localized to the fusiform gyrus, a visual processing region also identified in the Williams syndrome-typically developing comparison. These results suggest a neurogenetic mechanism, in part involving LIMK1, that may bias neural circuit function in both the general population and individuals with Williams syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Gregory
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn B Mervis
- Neurodevelopmental Sciences Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Maxwell L Elliott
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Shane Kippenhan
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiffany Nash
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jasmin B Czarapata
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ranjani Prabhakaran
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Roe
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniel P Eisenberg
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Philip D Kohn
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karen F Berman
- Section on Integrative Neuroimaging, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Psychosis and Cognitive Studies Section, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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17
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Kopp N, McCullough K, Maloney SE, Dougherty JD. Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 mutation do not account for the full phenotypic effect of the Williams syndrome critical region in mouse models. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3443-3465. [PMID: 31418010 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a 1.5-1.8 Mbp deletion on chromosome 7q11.23, affecting the copy number of 26-28 genes. Phenotypes of WS include cardiovascular problems, craniofacial dysmorphology, deficits in visual-spatial cognition and a characteristic hypersocial personality. There are still no genes in the region that have been consistently linked to the cognitive and behavioral phenotypes, although human studies and mouse models have led to the current hypothesis that the general transcription factor 2 I family of genes, GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, are responsible. Here we test the hypothesis that these two transcription factors are sufficient to reproduce the phenotypes that are caused by deletion of the WS critical region (WSCR). We compare a new mouse model with loss of function mutations in both Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 to an established mouse model lacking the complete WSCR. We show that the complete deletion (CD) model has deficits across several behavioral domains including social communication, motor functioning and conditioned fear that are not explained by loss of function mutations in Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling of the hippocampus shows changes in synaptic genes in the CD model that are not seen in the double mutants. Thus, we have thoroughly defined a set of molecular and behavioral consequences of complete WSCR deletion and shown that genes or combinations of genes beyond Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 are necessary to produce these phenotypic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Kopp
- Department of Genetics.,Department of Psychiatry
| | | | - Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics.,Department of Psychiatry.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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18
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Genes dysregulated in the blood of people with Williams syndrome are enriched in protein-coding genes positively selected in humans. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103828. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Yuan M, Deng L, Yang Y, Sun L. Intrauterine phenotype features of fetuses with Williams-Beuren syndrome and literature review. Ann Hum Genet 2019; 84:169-176. [PMID: 31711272 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a well-defined multisystem chromosomal disorder that is caused by a chromosome 7q11.23 region heterozygous deletion. We explored prenatal diagnosis of WBS by ultrasound as well as multiple genetic methods to characterize the structural variants of WBS prenatally. Expanded noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT-plus) was elected as a regular prenatal advanced screen for risk assessments of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy and genome-wide microdeletion/microduplication syndromes at the first trimester. At the second and three trimester, seven prenatal cases of WBS were evaluated for the indication of the invasive testing, the ultrasound features, cytogenetic, single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array), and fluorescent quantitative PCR (QF-PCR) results. The NIPT-plus results for seven fetuses were low risk. All cryptic aberrations were detected by the SNP array as karyotyping analyses were negative. Subsequently, QF-PCR further confirmed the seven deletions. Combining our cases with 10 prenatal cases from the literature, the most common sonographic features were intrauterine growth retardation (82.35%, 14/17) and congenital cardiovascular abnormalities (58.82%, 10/17). The manifestations of cardiovascular defects mainly involve supravalvar aortic stenosis (40%, 4/10), ventricular septal defect (30%, 3/10), aortic coarctation (20%, 2/10), and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (20%, 2/10). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first largest prenatal study of WBS cases with detailed molecular analysis. Aortic coarctation combined with persistent left superior vena cava and right aortic arch cardiovascular defects were first reported in prenatal WBS cases by our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meizhen Yuan
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linbei Deng
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjun Yang
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Sun
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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20
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Tebbenkamp ATN, Varela L, Choi J, Paredes MI, Giani AM, Song JE, Sestan-Pesa M, Franjic D, Sousa AMM, Liu ZW, Li M, Bichsel C, Koch M, Szigeti-Buck K, Liu F, Li Z, Kawasawa YI, Paspalas CD, Mineur YS, Prontera P, Merla G, Picciotto MR, Arnsten AFT, Horvath TL, Sestan N. The 7q11.23 Protein DNAJC30 Interacts with ATP Synthase and Links Mitochondria to Brain Development. Cell 2019; 175:1088-1104.e23. [PMID: 30318146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the known causality of copy-number variations (CNVs) to human neurodevelopmental disorders, the mechanisms behind each gene's contribution to the constellation of neural phenotypes remain elusive. Here, we investigated the 7q11.23 CNV, whose hemideletion causes Williams syndrome (WS), and uncovered that mitochondrial dysfunction participates in WS pathogenesis. Dysfunction is facilitated in part by the 7q11.23 protein DNAJC30, which interacts with mitochondrial ATP-synthase machinery. Removal of Dnajc30 in mice resulted in hypofunctional mitochondria, diminished morphological features of neocortical pyramidal neurons, and altered behaviors reminiscent of WS. The mitochondrial features are consistent with our observations of decreased integrity of oxidative phosphorylation supercomplexes and ATP-synthase dimers in WS. Thus, we identify DNAJC30 as an auxiliary component of ATP-synthase machinery and reveal mitochondrial maladies as underlying certain defects in brain development and function associated with WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T N Tebbenkamp
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Luis Varela
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jinmyung Choi
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Miguel I Paredes
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Alice M Giani
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jae Eun Song
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Matija Sestan-Pesa
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Daniel Franjic
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Zhong-Wu Liu
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mingfeng Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Candace Bichsel
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Marco Koch
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Klara Szigeti-Buck
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Fuchen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yuka I Kawasawa
- Institute for Personalized Medicine and Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Constantinos D Paspalas
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yann S Mineur
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia," 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Marina R Picciotto
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Departments of Genetics and of Comparative Medicine, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, and Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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21
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Barak B, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Nir A, Trangle SS, Ennis M, Levandowski KM, Wang D, Quast K, Boulting GL, Li Y, Bayarsaihan D, He Z, Feng G. Neuronal deletion of Gtf2i, associated with Williams syndrome, causes behavioral and myelin alterations rescuable by a remyelinating drug. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:700-708. [PMID: 31011227 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0380-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS), caused by a heterozygous microdeletion on chromosome 7q11.23, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypersociability and neurocognitive abnormalities. Of the deleted genes, general transcription factor IIi (Gtf2i) has been linked to hypersociability in WS, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We show that selective deletion of Gtf2i in the excitatory neurons of the forebrain caused neuroanatomical defects, fine motor deficits, increased sociability and anxiety. Unexpectedly, 70% of the genes with significantly decreased messenger RNA levels in the mutant mouse cortex are involved in myelination, and mutant mice had reduced mature oligodendrocyte cell numbers, reduced myelin thickness and impaired axonal conductivity. Restoring myelination properties with clemastine or increasing axonal conductivity rescued the behavioral deficits. The frontal cortex from patients with WS similarly showed reduced myelin thickness, mature oligodendrocyte cell numbers and mRNA levels of myelination-related genes. Our study provides molecular and cellular evidence for myelination deficits in WS linked to neuronal deletion of Gtf2i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Barak
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Zicong Zhang
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariel Nir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sari S Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michaela Ennis
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kirsten M Levandowski
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dongqing Wang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Quast
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Yi Li
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Guoping Feng
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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22
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Benítez-Burraco A, Kimura R. Robust Candidates for Language Development and Evolution Are Significantly Dysregulated in the Blood of People With Williams Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:258. [PMID: 30971880 PMCID: PMC6444191 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition, involving cognitive deficits and an uneven language profile, which has been the object of intense inquiry over the last decades. Although WS results from the hemideletion of around two dozen genes in chromosome 7, no gene has yet been probed to account for, or contribute significantly to, the language problems exhibited by the affected people. In this paper we have relied on gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood of WS patients obtained by microarray analysis and show that several robust candidates for language disorders and/or for language evolution in the species, all of them located outside the hemideleted region, are up- or downregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. Most of these genes play a role in the development and function of brain areas involved in language processing, which exhibit structural and functional anomalies in people with this condition. Overall, these genes emerge as robust candidates for language dysfunction in WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ryo Kimura
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Williams Syndrome, Human Self-Domestication, and Language Evolution. Front Psychol 2019; 10:521. [PMID: 30936846 PMCID: PMC6431629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Language evolution resulted from changes in our biology, behavior, and culture. One source of these changes might be human self-domestication. Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition with a clearly defined genetic basis which results in a distinctive behavioral and cognitive profile, including enhanced sociability. In this paper we show evidence that the WS phenotype can be satisfactorily construed as a hyper-domesticated human phenotype, plausibly resulting from the effect of the WS hemideletion on selected candidates for domestication and neural crest (NC) function. Specifically, we show that genes involved in animal domestication and NC development and function are significantly dysregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. We also discuss the consequences of this link between domestication and WS for our current understanding of language evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Humanities, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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24
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Cognitive, Behavioral, and Adaptive Profiles in Williams Syndrome With and Without Loss of GTF2IRD2. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2018; 24:896-904. [PMID: 30375319 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617718000711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a heterozygous microdeletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Most of the time, the affected region contains ~1.5 Mb of sequence encoding approximately 24 genes. Some 5-8% of patients with WS have a deletion exceeding 1.8 Mb, thereby affecting two additional genes, including GTF2IRD2. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the implications of GTF2IRD2 loss for the neuropsychological phenotype of WS patients. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to identify the role of GTF2IRD2 in the cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive profile of WS patients. METHODS Twelve patients diagnosed with WS participated, four with GTF2IRD2 deletion (atypical WS group), and eight without this deletion (typical WS group). The age range of both groups was 7-18 years old. Each patient's 7q11.23 deletion scope was determined by chromosomal microarray analysis. Cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive abilities were assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS Compared with the typical WS group, the atypical WS patients with GTF2IRD2 deletion had more impaired visuospatial abilities and more significant behavioral problems, mainly related to the construct of social cognition. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new evidence regarding the influence of the GTF2IRD2 gene on the severity of behavioral symptoms of WS related to social cognition and certain visuospatial abilities. (JINS, 2018, 24, 896-904).
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25
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Kopp ND, Parrish PCR, Lugo M, Dougherty JD, Kozel BA. Exome sequencing of 85 Williams-Beuren syndrome cases rules out coding variation as a major contributor to remaining variance in social behavior. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2018; 6:749-765. [PMID: 30008175 PMCID: PMC6160704 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large, multigenic deletions at chromosome 7q11.23 result in a highly penetrant constellation of physical and behavioral symptoms known as Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS). Of particular interest is the unusual social-cognitive profile evidenced by deficits in social cognition and communication reminiscent of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that are juxtaposed with normal or even relatively enhanced social motivation. Interestingly, duplications in the same region also result in ASD-like phenotypes as well as social phobias. Thus, the region clearly regulates human social motivation and behavior, yet the relevant gene(s) have not been definitively identified. METHOD Here, we deeply phenotyped 85 individuals with WS and used exome sequencing to analyze common and rare variation for association with the remaining variance in social behavior as assessed by the Social Responsiveness Scale. RESULTS We replicated the previously reported unusual juxtaposition of behavioral symptoms in this new patient collection, but we did not find any new alleles of large effect in the targeted analysis of the remaining copy of genes in the Williams syndrome critical region. However, we report on two nominally significant SNPs in two genes that have been implicated in the cognitive and social phenotypes of Williams syndrome, BAZ1B and GTF2IRD1. Secondary discovery driven explorations focusing on known ASD genes and an exome wide scan do not highlight any variants of a large effect. CONCLUSIONS Whole exome sequencing of 85 individuals with WS did not support the hypothesis that there are variants of large effect within the remaining Williams syndrome critical region that contribute to the social phenotype. This deeply phenotyped and genotyped patient cohort with a defined mutation provides the opportunity for similar analyses focusing on noncoding variation and/or other phenotypic domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D. Kopp
- Department of GeneticsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Phoebe C. R. Parrish
- National Heart Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMaryland
| | - Michael Lugo
- National Heart Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMaryland
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Joseph D. Dougherty
- Department of GeneticsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri
- Department of PsychiatryWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMaryland
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouri
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26
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Ghaffari M, Tahmasebi Birgani M, Kariminejad R, Saberi A. Genotype–phenotype correlation and the size of microdeletion or microduplication of 7q11.23 region in patients with Williams‐Beuren syndrome. Ann Hum Genet 2018; 82:469-476. [DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Ghaffari
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Maryam Tahmasebi Birgani
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | | | - Alihossein Saberi
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
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27
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vonHoldt BM, Ji SS, Aardema ML, Stahler DR, Udell MAR, Sinsheimer JS. Activity of Genes with Functions in Human Williams-Beuren Syndrome Is Impacted by Mobile Element Insertions in the Gray Wolf Genome. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1546-1553. [PMID: 29860323 PMCID: PMC6007319 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In canines, transposon dynamics have been associated with a hyper-social behavioral syndrome, although the functional mechanism has yet to be described. We investigate the epigenetic and transcriptional consequences of these behavior-associated mobile element insertions (MEIs) in dogs and Yellowstone gray wolves. We posit that the transposons themselves may not be the causative feature; rather, their transcriptional regulation may exert the functional impact. We survey four outlier transposons associated with hyper-sociability, with the expectation that they are targeted for epigenetic silencing. We predict hyper-methylation of MEIs, suggestive that the epigenetic silencing of and not the MEIs themselves may be driving dysregulation of nearby genes. We found that transposon-derived sequences are significantly hyper-methylated, regardless of their copy number or species. Further, we have assessed transcriptome sequence data and found evidence that MEIs impact the expression levels of six genes (WBSCR17, LIMK1, GTF2I, WBSCR27, BAZ1B, and BCL7B), all of which have known roles in human Williams-Beuren syndrome due to changes in copy number, typically hemizygosity. Although further evidence is needed, our results suggest that a few insertions alter local expression at multiple genes, likely through a cis-regulatory mechanism that excludes proximal methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgett M vonHoldt
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, New Jersey
| | - Sarah S Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew L Aardema
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, New Jersey
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
| | - Daniel R Stahler
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
| | - Monique A R Udell
- Department of Animal & Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Oregon
| | - Janet S Sinsheimer
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
- Departments of Human Genetics and Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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28
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Chailangkarn T, Noree C, Muotri AR. The contribution of GTF2I haploinsufficiency to Williams syndrome. Mol Cell Probes 2018; 40:45-51. [PMID: 29305905 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving hemideletion of as many as 26-28 genes, resulting in a constellation of unique physical, cognitive and behavior phenotypes. The haploinsufficiency effect of each gene has been studied and correlated with phenotype(s) using several models including WS subjects, animal models, and peripheral cell lines. However, links for most of the genes to WS phenotypes remains unclear. Among those genes, general transcription factor 2I (GTF2I) is of particular interest as its haploinsufficiency is possibly associated with hypersociability in WS. Here, we describe studies of atypical WS cases as well as mouse models focusing on GTF2I that support a role for this protein in the neurocognitive and behavioral profiles of WS individuals. We also review collective studies on diverse molecular functions of GTF2I that may provide mechanistic explanation for phenotypes recently reported in our relevant cellular model, namely WS induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons. Finally, in light of the progress in gene-manipulating approaches, we suggest their uses in revealing the neural functions of GTF2I in the context of WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanathom Chailangkarn
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Virology and Cell Technology Laboratory, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Chalongrat Noree
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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29
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Chen LF, Zhou AS, West AE. Transcribing the connectome: roles for transcription factors and chromatin regulators in activity-dependent synapse development. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118:755-770. [PMID: 28490640 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00067.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The wiring of synaptic connections in the developing mammalian brain is shaped by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals. One point where these regulatory pathways converge is via the sensory experience-dependent regulation of new gene transcription. Recent studies have elucidated a number of molecular mechanisms that allow nuclear transcription factors and chromatin regulatory proteins to encode aspects of specificity in experience-dependent synapse development. Here we review the evidence for the transcriptional mechanisms that sculpt activity-dependent aspects of synaptic connectivity during postnatal development and discuss how disruption of these processes is associated with aberrant brain development in autism and intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Fu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Allen S Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne E West
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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30
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Roy AL. Pathophysiology of TFII-I: Old Guard Wearing New Hats. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:501-511. [PMID: 28461154 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical properties of the signal-induced multifunctional transcription factor II-I (TFII-I) indicate that it is involved in a variety of gene regulatory processes. Although gene ablation in murine models and cell-based assays show that it is encoded by an essential gene, GTF2I/Gtf2i, its physiologic role in human disorders was relatively unknown until recently. Novel studies show that it is involved in an array of human diseases including neurocognitive disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cancer. Here I bring together these diverse observations to illustrate its multiple pathophysiologic functions and further conjecture on how these could be related to its known biochemical properties. I expect that a better understanding of these 'structure-function' relationships would lead to future diagnostic and/or therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda L Roy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Biomedical Research Center, National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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31
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Hu S, Yang Y, Liu L, Tan Z, Zhao T. High-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism arrays identified an atypical microdeletion of the Williams-Beuren syndrome interval in a patient presenting with a different phenotype. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:2709-2712. [PMID: 28259930 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the mutation causing an atypical syndrome. High-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are considered to be a major detection method for submicroscopic chromosomal rearrangements smaller than 5 Mb in size. Genomic DNA samples of the patient and his parents were converted to a final concentration of 50 ng/ml. The Illumina BeadScan genotyping system and the HumanOmni1‑Quad Chip were employed to obtain the signal intensities of SNP probes. The patient presented with congenital heart disease, autism, mental retardation, growth retardation, hypercalcemia, nephroliths and cleft palate. The karyotypes of the patient and his parents were normal. The present study employed high‑resolution SNP arrays to analyze the whole genome for copy number variations (CNVs). A total of 309 CNVs were discovered. A de novo 1.5 Mb gain of chromosome 7q11.23 (Chr7: 72,357,322‑73,856,472) was identified following exclusion of CNVs presented in the Database of Genomic Variants. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the current study describes the first case of a patient presenting with Williams‑Beuren syndrome alongside supravalvular aortic stenosis, autism and cleft palate, and identifies an atypical deletion at 7q11.23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yifeng Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Tan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Tianli Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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32
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Barak B, Feng G. Neurobiology of social behavior abnormalities in autism and Williams syndrome. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:647-655. [PMID: 29323671 PMCID: PMC4896837 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior is a basic behavior mediated by multiple brain regions and neural circuits, and is crucial for the survival and development of animals and humans. Two neuropsychiatric disorders that have prominent social behavior abnormalities are autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which is characterized mainly by hyposociability, and Williams syndrome (WS), whose subjects exhibit hypersociability. Here we review the unique properties of social behavior in ASD and WS, and discuss the major theories in social behavior in the context of these disorders. We conclude with a discussion of the research questions needing further exploration to enhance our understanding of social behavior abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Barak
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain &Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guoping Feng
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain &Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Lalli MA, Jang J, Park JHC, Wang Y, Guzman E, Zhou H, Audouard M, Bridges D, Tovar KR, Papuc SM, Tutulan-Cunita AC, Huang Y, Budisteanu M, Arghir A, Kosik KS. Haploinsufficiency of BAZ1B contributes to Williams syndrome through transcriptional dysregulation of neurodevelopmental pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:1294-306. [PMID: 26755828 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a genomic deletion of ∼28 genes that results in a cognitive and behavioral profile marked by overall intellectual impairment with relative strength in expressive language and hypersocial behavior. Advancements in protocols for neuron differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells allowed us to elucidate the molecular circuitry underpinning the ontogeny of WS. In patient-derived stem cells and neurons, we determined the expression profile of the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region-deleted genes and the genome-wide transcriptional consequences of the hemizygous genomic microdeletion at chromosome 7q11.23. Derived neurons displayed disease-relevant hallmarks and indicated novel aberrant pathways in WS neurons including over-activated Wnt signaling accompanying an incomplete neurogenic commitment. We show that haploinsufficiency of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler, BAZ1B, which is deleted in WS, significantly contributes to this differentiation defect. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) revealed BAZ1B target gene functions are enriched for neurogenesis, neuron differentiation and disease-relevant phenotypes. BAZ1B haploinsufficiency caused widespread gene expression changes in neural progenitor cells, and together with BAZ1B ChIP-seq target genes, explained 42% of the transcriptional dysregulation in WS neurons. BAZ1B contributes to regulating the balance between neural precursor self-renewal and differentiation and the differentiation defect caused by BAZ1B haploinsufficiency can be rescued by mitigating over-active Wnt signaling in neural stem cells. Altogether, these results reveal a pivotal role for BAZ1B in neurodevelopment and implicate its haploinsufficiency as a likely contributor to the neurological phenotypes in WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Lalli
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program
| | - Jiwon Jang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Joo-Hye C Park
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Yidi Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Elmer Guzman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Hongjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Morgane Audouard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Daniel Bridges
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth R Tovar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
| | - Sorina M Papuc
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Clinical Cytogenetics, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Yadong Huang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA and
| | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Clinical Cytogenetics, Bucharest, Romania, Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Neuropediatric Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Arghir
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Clinical Cytogenetics, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Kenneth S Kosik
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program,
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Morris CA, Mervis CB, Paciorkowski AP, Abdul-Rahman O, Dugan SL, Rope AF, Bader P, Hendon LG, Velleman SL, Klein-Tasman BP, Osborne LR. 7q11.23 Duplication syndrome: Physical characteristics and natural history. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167A:2916-35. [PMID: 26333794 PMCID: PMC5005957 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In order to describe the physical characteristics, medical complications, and natural history of classic 7q11.23 duplication syndrome [hereafter Dup7 (MIM 609757)], reciprocal duplication of the region deleted in Williams syndrome [hereafter WS (MIM 194050)], we systematically evaluated 53 individuals aged 1.25-21.25 years and 11 affected adult relatives identified in cascade testing. In this series, 27% of probands with Dup7 had an affected parent. Seven of the 26 de novo duplications that were examined for inversions were inverted; in all seven cases one of the parents had the common inversion polymorphism of the WS region. We documented the craniofacial features of Dup7: brachycephaly, broad forehead, straight eyebrows, broad nasal tip, low insertion of the columella, short philtrum, thin upper lip, minor ear anomalies, and facial asymmetry. Approximately 30% of newborns and 50% of older children and adults had macrocephaly. Abnormalities were noted on neurological examination in 88.7% of children, while 81.6% of MRI studies showed structural abnormalities such as decreased cerebral white matter volume, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, and ventriculomegaly. Signs of cerebellar dysfunction were found in 62.3%, hypotonia in 58.5%, Developmental Coordination Disorder in 74.2%, and Speech Sound Disorder in 82.6%. Behavior problems included anxiety disorders, ADHD, and oppositional disorders. Medical problems included seizures, 19%; growth hormone deficiency, 9.4%; patent ductus arteriosus, 15%; aortic dilation, 46.2%; chronic constipation, 66%; and structural renal anomalies, 18%. We compare these results to the WS phenotype and offer initial recommendations for medical evaluation and surveillance of individuals who have Dup7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A. Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Alex P. Paciorkowski
- Center for Neural Development and Disease, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Omar Abdul-Rahman
- Department of Pediatrics University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Sarah L. Dugan
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Alan F. Rope
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente, Portland OR
| | | | - Laura G. Hendon
- Department of Pediatrics University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Shelley L. Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | | | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
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Khattak S, Brimble E, Zhang W, Zaslavsky K, Strong E, Ross PJ, Hendry J, Mital S, Salter MW, Osborne LR, Ellis J. Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons as a model for Williams-Beuren syndrome. Mol Brain 2015; 8:77. [PMID: 26603386 PMCID: PMC4657290 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is caused by the microdeletion of approximately 25 genes on chromosome 7q11.23, and is characterized by a spectrum of cognitive and behavioural features. Results We generated cortical neurons from a WBS individual and unaffected (WT) control by directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Single cell mRNA analyses and immunostaining demonstrated very efficient production of differentiated cells expressing markers of mature neurons of mixed subtypes and from multiple cortical layers. We found that there was a profound alteration in action potentials, with significantly prolonged WBS repolarization times and a WBS deficit in voltage-activated K+ currents. Miniature excitatory synaptic currents were normal, indicating that unitary excitatory synaptic transmission was not altered. Gene expression profiling identified 136 negatively enriched gene sets in WBS compared to WT neurons including gene sets involved in neurotransmitter receptor activity, synaptic assembly, and potassium channel complexes. Conclusions Our findings provide insight into gene dysregulation and electrophysiological defects in WBS patient neurons. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-015-0168-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahryar Khattak
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Elise Brimble
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kirill Zaslavsky
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Emma Strong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - P Joel Ross
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jason Hendry
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Seema Mital
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael W Salter
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lucy R Osborne
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay St, 16th Floor - Room 9705, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
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36
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Dutra RL, Piazzon FB, Zanardo ÉA, Costa TVMM, Montenegro MM, Novo-Filho GM, Dias AT, Nascimento AM, Kim CA, Kulikowski LD. Rare genomic rearrangement in a boy with Williams-Beuren syndrome associated to XYY syndrome and intriguing behavior. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167A:3197-203. [PMID: 26420477 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene microdeletion of 1.55-1.84 Mb at 7q11.23 region. Approximately, 28 genes have been shown to contribute to classical phenotype of SWB with presence of dysmorphic facial features, supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), intellectual disability, and overfriendliness. With the use of Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization and other molecular cytogenetic techniques, is possible define with more accuracy partial or atypical deletion and refine the genotype-phenotype correlation. Here, we report on a rare genomic structural rearrangement in a boy with atypical deletion in 7q11.23 and XYY syndrome with characteristic clinical signs, but not sufficient for the diagnosis of WBS. Cytogenetic analysis of G-banding showed a karyotype 47,XYY. Analysis of DNA with the technique of MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) using kits a combination of kits (P064, P036, P070, and P029) identified an atypical deletion on 7q11.23. In addition, high resolution SNP Oligonucleotide Microarray Analysis (SNP-array) confirmed the alterations found by MLPA and revealed others pathogenic CNVs, in the chromosomes 7 and X. The present report demonstrates an association not yet described in literature, between Williams-Beuren syndrome and 47,XYY. The identification of atypical deletion in 7q11.23 concomitant to additional pathogenic CNVs in others genomic regions allows a better comprehension of clinical consequences of atypical genomic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Dutra
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavia B Piazzon
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Évelin A Zanardo
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marília M Montenegro
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gil M Novo-Filho
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Dias
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amom M Nascimento
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leslie D Kulikowski
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Collective Health - Human Reproduction and Genetics Center, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
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37
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Plaja A, Castells N, Cueto-González AM, del Campo M, Vendrell T, Lloveras E, Izquierdo L, Borregan M, Rodríguez-Santiago B, Carrió A, Miró R, Tizzano E. A Novel Recurrent Breakpoint Responsible for Rearrangements in the Williams-Beuren Region. Cytogenet Genome Res 2015; 146:181-6. [PMID: 26382598 DOI: 10.1159/000439463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) of the Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) 7q11.23 region are responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders with multisystem involvement and variable expressivity. We found 2 patients with a deletion and 1 patient with a duplication in this region sharing a common breakpoint located between the LIMK1 and EIF4H(WBSCR1) genes. One patient had a WBS phenotype, although testing with a commercially available FISH assay was negative for the deletion. A further test using array CGH showed an atypical WBS region deletion. The second patient showed global developmental delay, speech delay and poor motor skills with a deletion outside the WBS region. The third patient had manifestations compatible with an autism spectrum disorder showing a duplication in the WBS region. Our findings point to the existence of a previously unrecognized recurrent breakpoint responsible for rearrangements in the WBS region. Given that most commercial FISH assays include probes flanking this novel breakpoint, further testing with array CGH should be performed in patients with WBS and negative FISH results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Plaja
- x00C0;rea de Genx00E8;tica Clx00ED;nica i Molecular, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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38
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Barnett CP, van Bon BWM. Monogenic and chromosomal causes of isolated speech and language impairment. J Med Genet 2015; 52:719-29. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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39
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Benítez-Burraco A, Boeckx C. Possible functional links among brain- and skull-related genes selected in modern humans. Front Psychol 2015; 6:794. [PMID: 26136701 PMCID: PMC4468360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sequencing of the genomes from extinct hominins has revealed that changes in some brain-related genes have been selected after the split between anatomically-modern humans and Neanderthals/Denisovans. To date, no coherent view of these changes has been provided. Following a line of research we initiated in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014a), we hypothesize functional links among most of these genes and their products, based on the existing literature for each of the gene discussed. The genes we focus on are found mutated in different cognitive disorders affecting modern populations and their products are involved in skull and brain morphology, and neural connectivity. If our hypothesis turns out to be on the right track, it means that the changes affecting most of these proteins resulted in a more globular brain and ultimately brought about modern cognition, with its characteristic generativity and capacity to form and exploit cross-modular concepts, properties most clearly manifested in language.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies , Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain
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40
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Mervis CB, Klein-Tasman BP, Huffman MJ, Velleman SL, Pitts CH, Henderson DR, Woodruff-Borden J, Morris CA, Osborne LR. Children with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome: psychological characteristics. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167:1436-50. [PMID: 25900101 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To begin to delineate the psychological characteristics associated with classic 7q11.23 duplication syndrome (duplication of the classic Williams syndrome region; hereafter classic Dup7), we tested 63 children with classic Dup7 aged 4-17 years. Sixteen toddlers aged 18-45 months with classic Dup7 and 12 adults identified by cascade testing also were assessed. For the child group, median General Conceptual Ability (similar to IQ) on the Differential Ability Scales-II was 85.0 (low average), with a range from severe disability to high average ability. Median reading and mathematics achievement standard scores were at the low average to average level, with a range from severe impairment to high average or superior ability. Adaptive behavior was considerably more limited; median Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised Broad Independence standard score was 62.0 (mild impairment), with a range from severe adaptive impairment to average adaptive ability. Anxiety disorders were common, with 50.0% of children diagnosed with Social Phobia, 29.0% with Selective Mutism, 12.9% with Separation Anxiety Disorder, and 53.2% with Specific Phobia. In addition, 35.5% were diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and 24.2% with Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Disruptive Behavior Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. 33.3% of the children screened positive for a possible Autism Spectrum Disorder and 82.3% were diagnosed with Speech Sound Disorder. We compare these findings to previously reported results for children with Williams syndrome and argue that genotype/phenotype studies involving the Williams syndrome region offer important opportunities to understand the contribution of genes in this region to common disorders affecting the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn B Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Myra J Huffman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Shelley L Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - C Holley Pitts
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Danielle R Henderson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Janet Woodruff-Borden
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Colleen A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Lucy R Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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41
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LIMK1 regulates long-term memory and synaptic plasticity via the transcriptional factor CREB. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:1316-28. [PMID: 25645926 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01263-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deletion of the LIMK1 gene is associated with Williams syndrome, a unique neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe defects in visuospatial cognition and long-term memory (LTM). However, whether LIMK1 contributes to these deficits remains elusive. Here, we show that LIMK1-knockout (LIMK1(-/-)) mice are drastically impaired in LTM but not short-term memory (STM). In addition, LIMK1(-/-) mice are selectively defective in late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP), a form of long-lasting synaptic plasticity specifically required for the formation of LTM. Furthermore, we show that LIMK1 interacts and regulates the activity of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), an extensively studied transcriptional factor critical for LTM. Importantly, both L-LTP and LTM deficits in LIMK1(-/-) mice are rescued by increasing the activity of CREB. These results provide strong evidence that LIMK1 deletion is sufficient to lead to an LTM deficit and that this deficit is attributable to CREB hypofunction. Our study has identified a direct gene-phenotype link in mice and provides a potential strategy to restore LTM in patients with Williams syndrome through the enhancement of CREB activity in the adult brain.
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42
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Rosa CD, Cieri F, Antonucci I, Stuppia L, Gatta V. Music in DNA: From Williams Syndrome to Musical Genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojgen.2015.51002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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43
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7q11.23 dosage-dependent dysregulation in human pluripotent stem cells affects transcriptional programs in disease-relevant lineages. Nat Genet 2014; 47:132-41. [PMID: 25501393 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming promises to make characterization of the impact of human genetic variation on health and disease experimentally tractable by enabling the bridging of genotypes to phenotypes in developmentally relevant human cell lineages. Here we apply this paradigm to two disorders caused by symmetrical copy number variations of 7q11.23, which display a striking combination of shared and symmetrically opposite phenotypes--Williams-Beuren syndrome and 7q-microduplication syndrome. Through analysis of transgene-free patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives, we find that 7q11.23 dosage imbalance disrupts transcriptional circuits in disease-relevant pathways beginning in the pluripotent state. These alterations are then selectively amplified upon differentiation of the pluripotent cells into disease-relevant lineages. A considerable proportion of this transcriptional dysregulation is specifically caused by dosage imbalances in GTF2I, which encodes a key transcription factor at 7q11.23 that is associated with the LSD1 repressive chromatin complex and silences its dosage-sensitive targets.
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44
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Tekendo-Ngongang C, Dahoun S, Nguefack S, Gimelli S, Sloan-Béna F, Wonkam A. Challenges in clinical diagnosis of williams-beuren syndrome in sub-saharan africans: case reports from cameroon. Mol Syndromol 2014; 5:287-92. [PMID: 25565928 DOI: 10.1159/000369421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition caused by a recurrent chromosomal microdeletion involving about 28 contiguous genes at 7q11.23. Most patients display a specific congenital heart defect, characteristic facial features, a particular behavior, and intellectual disability. Cases from sub-Saharan Africa have been seldom reported. The present study describes 3 Cameroonian patients affected by WBS, aged 19 months, 13 and 14 years, in whom the diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The first patient presented with a congenital heart defect, the second and third with learning difficulties as well as developmental and behavioral issues. In the latter 2 cases, the facial phenotypes were similar to those of the unaffected population with the same ethnic background. However, the cardiovascular anomalies and friendly behavioral attitudes led to suspicion of WBS. FISH revealed the deletion of the WBS critical region in the first patient, and array-CGH detected a heterozygous ∼1.4-Mb deletion in the 7q11.23 region in the second and third patient. This preliminary report suggests that for sub-Saharan Africans clinical suspicion of WBS could be mostly based on behavioral phenotype and structural heart defects, and less on the classical facial dysmorphic signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedrik Tekendo-Ngongang
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sophie Dahoun
- Service of Medical Genetics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Seraphin Nguefack
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Stefania Gimelli
- Service of Medical Genetics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ibn-Salem J, Köhler S, Love MI, Chung HR, Huang N, Hurles ME, Haendel M, Washington NL, Smedley D, Mungall CJ, Lewis SE, Ott CE, Bauer S, Schofield PN, Mundlos S, Spielmann M, Robinson PN. Deletions of chromosomal regulatory boundaries are associated with congenital disease. Genome Biol 2014; 15:423. [PMID: 25315429 PMCID: PMC4180961 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-014-0423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent data from genome-wide chromosome conformation capture analysis indicate that the human genome is divided into conserved megabase-sized self-interacting regions called topological domains. These topological domains form the regulatory backbone of the genome and are separated by regulatory boundary elements or barriers. Copy-number variations can potentially alter the topological domain architecture by deleting or duplicating the barriers and thereby allowing enhancers from neighboring domains to ectopically activate genes causing misexpression and disease, a mutational mechanism that has recently been termed enhancer adoption. Results We use the Human Phenotype Ontology database to relate the phenotypes of 922 deletion cases recorded in the DECIPHER database to monogenic diseases associated with genes in or adjacent to the deletions. We identify combinations of tissue-specific enhancers and genes adjacent to the deletion and associated with phenotypes in the corresponding tissue, whereby the phenotype matched that observed in the deletion. We compare this computationally with a gene-dosage pathomechanism that attempts to explain the deletion phenotype based on haploinsufficiency of genes located within the deletions. Up to 11.8% of the deletions could be best explained by enhancer adoption or a combination of enhancer adoption and gene-dosage effects. Conclusions Our results suggest that enhancer adoption caused by deletions of regulatory boundaries may contribute to a substantial minority of copy-number variation phenotypes and should thus be taken into account in their medical interpretation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-014-0423-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Broadbent H, Farran EK, Chin E, Metcalfe K, Tassabehji M, Turnpenny P, Sansbury F, Meaburn E, Karmiloff-Smith A. Genetic contributions to visuospatial cognition in Williams syndrome: insights from two contrasting partial deletion patients. J Neurodev Disord 2014; 6:18. [PMID: 25057328 PMCID: PMC4107613 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-6-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder arising from a hemizygotic deletion of approximately 27 genes on chromosome 7, at locus 7q11.23. WS is characterised by an uneven cognitive profile, with serious deficits in visuospatial tasks in comparison to relatively proficient performance in some other cognitive domains such as language and face processing. Individuals with partial genetic deletions within the WS critical region (WSCR) have provided insights into the contribution of specific genes to this complex phenotype. However, the combinatorial effects of different genes remain elusive. Methods We report on visuospatial cognition in two individuals with contrasting partial deletions in the WSCR: one female (HR), aged 11 years 9 months, with haploinsufficiency for 24 of the WS genes (up to GTF2IRD1), and one male (JB), aged 14 years 2 months, with the three most telomeric genes within the WSCR deleted, or partially deleted. Results Our in-depth phenotyping of the visuospatial domain from table-top psychometric, and small- and large-scale experimental tasks reveal a profile in HR in line with typically developing controls, albeit with some atypical features. These data are contrasted with patient JB’s atypical profile of strengths and weaknesses across the visuospatial domain, as well as with more substantial visuospatial deficits in individuals with the full WS deletion. Conclusions Our findings point to the contribution of specific genes to spatial processing difficulties associated with WS, highlighting the multifaceted nature of spatial cognition and the divergent effects of genetic deletions within the WSCR on different components of visuospatial ability. The importance of general transcription factors at the telomeric end of the WSCR, and their combinatorial effects on the WS visuospatial phenotype are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily K Farran
- Institute of Education, University of London, London, UK
| | - Esther Chin
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Genetic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Peter Turnpenny
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK ; Penninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK
| | - Francis Sansbury
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK ; Penninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma Meaburn
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
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Boeckx C, Benítez-Burraco A. The shape of the human language-ready brain. Front Psychol 2014; 5:282. [PMID: 24772099 PMCID: PMC3983487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our core hypothesis is that the emergence of our species-specific language-ready brain ought to be understood in light of the developmental changes expressed at the levels of brain morphology and neural connectivity that occurred in our species after the split from Neanderthals–Denisovans and that gave us a more globular braincase configuration. In addition to changes at the cortical level, we hypothesize that the anatomical shift that led to globularity also entailed significant changes at the subcortical level. We claim that the functional consequences of such changes must also be taken into account to gain a fuller understanding of our linguistic capacity. Here we focus on the thalamus, which we argue is central to language and human cognition, as it modulates fronto-parietal activity. With this new neurobiological perspective in place, we examine its possible molecular basis. We construct a candidate gene set whose members are involved in the development and connectivity of the thalamus, in the evolution of the human head, and are known to give rise to language-associated cognitive disorders. We submit that the new gene candidate set opens up new windows into our understanding of the genetic basis of our linguistic capacity. Thus, our hypothesis aims at generating new testing grounds concerning core aspects of language ontogeny and phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Advanced Studies and Research (ICREA) Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
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Euteneuer J, Carvalho CMB, Kulkarni S, Vineyard M, Grady RM, Lupski JR, Shinawi M. Molecular and phenotypic characterization of atypical Williams-Beuren syndrome. Clin Genet 2013; 86:487-91. [PMID: 24246242 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic genomic disorder typically caused by a recurrent ˜1.5-1.8 Mb deletion on 7q11.23. Atypical deletions can provide important insight into the genotype-phenotype correlations. Here, we report the phenotypic and molecular characterization of a girl with a de novo 81.8 kb deletion in the WBS critical region, which involves the ELN and LIMK1 genes only. The patient presented at 2 months of age with extensive vascular abnormalities, mild facial dysmorphism and delays in her fine motor skills. We discuss potential molecular mechanisms and the role of ELN and LIMK1 in the different phenotypic features. We compare the findings in our patient with previously reported overlapping deletions. The phenotypic variability among these patients suggests that other factors are important in the phenotype and possibly include: position effects related to copy number variation size, variations in the non-deleted alleles, genetic modifiers elsewhere in the genome, or reduced penetrance for specific phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Euteneuer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Smaller and larger deletions of the Williams Beuren syndrome region implicate genes involved in mild facial phenotype, epilepsy and autistic traits. Eur J Hum Genet 2013; 22:64-70. [PMID: 23756441 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2013.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of 1.5 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23 spanning 28 genes. A few patients with larger and smaller WBS deletion have been reported. They show clinical features that vary between isolated SVAS to the full spectrum of WBS phenotype, associated with epilepsy or autism spectrum behavior. Here we describe four patients with atypical WBS 7q11.23 deletions. Two carry ~3.5 Mb larger deletion towards the telomere that includes Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxigenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG) genes. Other two carry a shorter deletion of ~1.2 Mb at centromeric side that excludes the distal WBS genes BAZ1B and FZD9. Along with previously reported cases, genotype-phenotype correlation in the patients described here further suggests that haploinsufficiency of HIP1 and YWHAG might cause the severe neurological and neuropsychological deficits including epilepsy and autistic traits, and that the preservation of BAZ1B and FZD9 genes may be related to mild facial features and moderate neuropsychological deficits. This report highlights the importance to characterize additional patients with 7q11.23 atypical deletions comparing neuropsychological and clinical features between these individuals to shed light on the pathogenic role of genes within and flanking the WBS region.
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Golzio C, Katsanis N. Genetic architecture of reciprocal CNVs. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2013; 23:240-8. [PMID: 23747035 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) represent a frequent type of lesion in human genetic disorders that typically affects numerous genes simultaneously. This has raised the challenge of understanding which genes within a CNV drive clinical phenotypes. Although CNVs can arise by multiple mechanisms, a subset is driven by local genomic architecture permissive to recombination events that can lead to both deletions and duplications. Phenotypic analyses of patients with such reciprocal CNVs have revealed instances in which the phenotype is either identical or mirrored; strikingly, molecular studies have shown that such phenotypes are often driven by reciprocal dosage defects of the same transcript. Here we explore how these observations can help the dissection of CNVs and inform the genetic architecture of CNV-induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Golzio
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham 27710, USA
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