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Giua G, Strauss B, Lassalle O, Chavis P, Manzoni OJ. Adaptive group behavior of Fragile X mice in unfamiliar environments. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111111. [PMID: 39074527 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) stands out as a prominent cause of inherited intellectual disability and a prevalent disorder closely linked to autism. FXS is characterized by substantial alterations in social behavior, encompassing social withdrawal, avoidance of eye contact, heightened social anxiety, increased arousal levels, language deficits, and challenges in regulating emotions. Conventional behavioral assessments primarily focus on short-term interactions within controlled settings. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the adaptive group behavior of Fmr1 KO male mice over a three-day period, without introducing experimental interventions or task-based evaluations. The data unveiled intricate behavioral anomalies, with the most significant changes manifesting during the initial adaptation to unfamiliar environments. Notably, certain behaviors exhibited a gradual return to typical patterns over time. This dynamic Fmr1 KO phenotype exhibited heightened activity, featuring increased exploration, amplified social interest, and an unconventional approach to social interactions characterized by a higher frequency of shorter engagements. These findings contribute to the growing understanding of social behavior in individuals with FXS and underscore the significance of comprehending their adaptive responses in various environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giua
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Benjamin Strauss
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Pascale Chavis
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France.
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2
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Zucker A, Hinton VJ. Autistic Traits Associated with the Fragile X Premutation Allele: The Neurodevelopmental Profile. Dev Neuropsychol 2024; 49:153-166. [PMID: 38753030 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2024.2351795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Although most individuals who carry the Fragile X premutation allele, defined as 55-200 CGG repeats on the X-linked FMR1 gene (Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 gene), do not meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, there is a suggestion of increased behaviors associated with subtle autistic traits. More autism associated characteristics have been reported among adults than children. This may highlight a possible worsening developmental trajectory, variable findings due to research quality or differences in number of studies done in adults vs children, rather than true developmental changes. This review is designed to examine the neurodevelopmental profile associated with the premutation allele from a developmental perspective, focused on autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Zucker
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA
- Queens College, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Veronica J Hinton
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA
- Queens College, City University of New York, New York, USA
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3
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Gao Y, Li R, Ma Q, Bartholomay KL, Lightbody AA, Reiss AL. Longitudinal changes in functional neural activation and sensitization during face processing in fragile X syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01424-0. [PMID: 38945386 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition associated with increased risk for social anxiety and avoidance. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we previously demonstrated aberrant neural activity responding to faces in young girls with FXS cross-sectionally. Here, we tested the hypothesis that abnormalities in neural activation and sensitization would increase with age in 65 girls with FXS, ages 5-16 years, relative to an age-matched control group of 52 girls who had comparable cognitive function and clinical symptoms. METHODS Functional NIRS data were collected at two time points, 2.8±0.6 years apart during a face-processing task. Linear mixed-effects models examined longitudinal neural profiles in girls with FXS and control. Correlational analysis was performed to examine associations between neural sensitization (increasing neural response to repeated stimuli), and clinical ratings. RESULTS In girls with FXS, 32 participants had one, and 24 had two fNIRS scans. In controls, 21 had one, and 29 had two fNIRS scans. Brain activations in the right middle and superior frontal gyri were higher in FXS than controls at both time points. Neural sensitization also increased in FXS at a higher rate than controls in the superior frontal gyrus when responding to upright faces. For the FXS group, sensitization in the superior frontal gyrus positively correlated with longitudinal increases in anxiety and social avoidance scores. CONCLUSION Girls with FXS show increasingly abnormal neural activation and sensitization responding to faces over time. Aberrant neural sensitization in girls with FXS is associated with longitudinal changes in anxiety and social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
| | - Rihui Li
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau S.A.R
| | - Qianheng Ma
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Kristi L Bartholomay
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO
| | - Amy A Lightbody
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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4
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Stojkovic M, Petrovic M, Capovilla M, Milojevic S, Makevic V, Budimirovic DB, Corscadden L, He S, Protic D. Using a Combination of Novel Research Tools to Understand Social Interaction in the Drosophila melanogaster Model for Fragile X Syndrome. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:432. [PMID: 38927312 PMCID: PMC11200401 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenic cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is caused by a full mutation (>200 CGG repeats) in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. Individuals with FXS experience various challenges related to social interaction (SI). Animal models, such as the Drosophila melanogaster model for FXS where the only ortholog of human FMR1 (dFMR1) is mutated, have played a crucial role in the understanding of FXS. The aim of this study was to investigate SI in the dFMR1B55 mutants (the groups of flies of both sexes simultaneously) using the novel Drosophila Shallow Chamber and a Python data processing pipeline based on social network analysis (SNA). In comparison with wild-type flies (w1118), SNA analysis in dFMR1B55 mutants revealed hypoactivity, fewer connections in their networks, longer interaction duration, a lower ability to transmit information efficiently, fewer alternative pathways for information transmission, a higher variability in the number of interactions they achieved, and flies tended to stay near the boundaries of the testing chamber. These observed alterations indicate the presence of characteristic strain-dependent social networks in dFMR1B55 flies, commonly referred to as the group phenotype. Finally, combining novel research tools is a valuable method for SI research in fruit flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Stojkovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Milan Petrovic
- Department of Informatics, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maria Capovilla
- UMR7275 CNRS-UCA, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France;
| | - Sara Milojevic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Vedrana Makevic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Shuhan He
- Lab of Computer Science, Department of Internal Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Dragana Protic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.S.); (S.M.)
- Fragile X Clinic, Special Hospital for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Neurology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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5
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Weisz ED, Fenton AR, Jongens TA. PGC-1α integrates insulin signaling with mitochondrial physiology and behavior in a Drosophila model of Fragile X Syndrome. NPJ METABOLIC HEALTH AND DISEASE 2024; 2:2. [PMID: 38741938 PMCID: PMC11090494 DOI: 10.1038/s44324-024-00004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent monogenetic form of intellectual disability and autism. Recently, dysregulation of insulin signaling (IS) and aberrations in mitochondrial function have emerged as robust, evolutionarily conserved components of FXS pathophysiology. However, the mechanisms by which altered IS and mitochondrial dysfunction impact behavior in the context of FXS remain elusive. Here, we show that normalization of IS improves mitochondrial volume and function in flies that lack expression of dfmr1, the Drosophila homolog of the causal gene of FXS in humans. Further, we demonstrate that dysregulation of IS underlies diminished expression of the mitochondrial master regulator PGC-1α/Spargel in dfmr1 mutant flies. These results are behaviorally relevant, as we show that pan-neuronal augmentation of PGC-1α/Spargel improves circadian behavior in dfmr1 mutants. Notably, we also show that modulation of PGC-1α/Spargel expression in wild-type flies phenocopies the dfmr1 mutant circadian defect. Taken together, the results presented herein provide a mechanistic link between mitochondrial function and circadian behavior both in FXS pathogenesis as well as more broadly at the interface between metabolism and behavioral output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana D. Weisz
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adam R. Fenton
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas A. Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Milla LA, Corral L, Rivera J, Zuñiga N, Pino G, Nunez-Parra A, Cea-Del Rio CA. Neurodevelopment and early pharmacological interventions in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1213410. [PMID: 37599992 PMCID: PMC10433175 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1213410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and the leading monogenic cause of autism and intellectual disability. For years, several efforts have been made to develop an effective therapeutic approach to phenotypically rescue patients from the disorder, with some even advancing to late phases of clinical trials. Unfortunately, none of these attempts have completely succeeded, bringing urgency to further expand and refocus research on FXS therapeutics. FXS arises at early stages of postnatal development due to the mutation and transcriptional silencing of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (FMR1) and consequent loss of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) expression. Importantly, FMRP expression is critical for the normal adult nervous system function, particularly during specific windows of embryogenic and early postnatal development. Cellular proliferation, migration, morphology, axonal guidance, synapse formation, and in general, neuronal network establishment and maturation are abnormally regulated in FXS, underlying the cognitive and behavioral phenotypes of the disorder. In this review, we highlight the relevance of therapeutically intervening during critical time points of development, such as early postnatal periods in infants and young children and discuss past and current clinical trials in FXS and their potential to specifically target those periods. We also discuss potential benefits, limitations, and disadvantages of these pharmacological tools based on preclinical and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Milla
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lucia Corral
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiopatologia, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jhanpool Rivera
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiopatologia, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nolberto Zuñiga
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiopatologia, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Pino
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiopatologia, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexia Nunez-Parra
- Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Cell Physiology Center, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian A. Cea-Del Rio
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiopatologia, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Martin GE, Lee M, Bicknell K, Goodkind A, Maltman N, Losh M. A longitudinal investigation of pragmatic language across contexts in autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1155691. [PMID: 37545730 PMCID: PMC10402743 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1155691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pragmatic language, or the use of language in social contexts, is a critical skill in daily life, supporting social interactions and the development of meaningful social relationships. Pragmatic language is universally impacted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pragmatic deficits are also common in other neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those related to ASD, such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). This study used a multi-method, longitudinal approach to characterize potentially unique pragmatic profiles across different neurodevelopmental disabilities, and across contexts that varied in degree of social demand. The utility of computational linguistic analyses, as an efficient tool for capturing pragmatic abilities, was also explored. Methods Pragmatic skills of boys with idiopathic ASD (ASD-O, n = 43), FXS with and without ASD (FXS-ASD, n = 57; FXS-O, n = 14), Down syndrome (DS, n = 22), and typical development (TD, n = 24) were compared using variables obtained from a standardized measure, narrative, and semi-naturalistic conversation at up to three time points. Results Pragmatic language was most significantly impacted among males with ASD-O and FXS-ASD across all three contexts, with more difficulties in the least structured context (conversation), and also some differences based on FXS comorbidity. Patterns of group differences were more nuanced for boys with FXS-O and DS, with context having less of an impact. Clinical groups demonstrated minimal changes in pragmatic skills with age, with some exceptions. Computational language measurement tools showed some utility for measuring pragmatic skills, but were not as successful as traditional methods at capturing differences between clinical groups. Conclusion Overlap and differences between ASD and other forms of neurodevelopmental disability in general, and between idiopathic and syndromic ASD in particular, have important implications for developing precisely tailored assessment and intervention approaches, consistent with a personalized medicine approach to clinical study and care in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary E. Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John’s University, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Michelle Lee
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Study Center, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, New York, NY, United States
| | - Klinton Bicknell
- Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Duolingo, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Adam Goodkind
- Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Nell Maltman
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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Shaffer RC, Reisinger DL, Schmitt LM, Lamy M, Dominick KC, Smith EG, Coffman MC, Esbensen AJ. Systematic Review: Emotion Dysregulation in Syndromic Causes of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:518-557. [PMID: 36007813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current state of the literature regarding emotion dysregulation (ED) in syndromic intellectual disabilities (S-IDs) in 6 of the most common forms of S-IDs-Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome (FXS), tuberous sclerosis complex, Williams syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome-and to determine future research directions for identification and treatment of ED. METHOD PubMed bibliographic database was searched from date of inception to May 2021. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed with the flowchart, table of included studies, list of excluded studies, and checklist provided. Filters applied included human research and English. Only original research articles were included in the final set, but review articles were used to identify secondary citations of primary studies. All articles were reviewed for appropriateness by 2 authors and summarized. Inclusion criteria were met by 145 articles (Down syndrome = 29, FXS = 55, tuberous sclerosis complex = 11, Williams syndrome = 18, Prader-Willi syndrome = 24, Angelman syndrome = 8). RESULTS Each syndrome review was summarized separately and further subdivided into articles related to underlying neurobiology, behaviors associated with ED, assessment, and targeted intervention. FXS had the most thorough research base, followed by Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, with the other syndromes having more limited available research. Very limited research was available regarding intervention for all disorders except FXS. CONCLUSION Core underlying characteristics of S-IDs appear to place youth at higher risk for ED, but further research is needed to better assess and treat ED in S-IDs. Future studies should have a standard assessment measure of ED, such as the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory, and explore adapting established curricula for ED from the neurotypical and autism spectrum disorder fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Shaffer
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | | | - Lauren M Schmitt
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Martine Lamy
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth G Smith
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Anna J Esbensen
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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9
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Maurer JJ, Choi A, An I, Sathi N, Chung S. Sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder: Animal models, neural mechanisms, and therapeutics. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100095. [PMID: 37188242 PMCID: PMC10176270 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is crucial for brain development. Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strikingly, these sleep problems are positively correlated with the severity of ASD core symptoms such as deficits in social skills and stereotypic behavior, indicating that sleep problems and the behavioral characteristics of ASD may be related. In this review, we will discuss sleep disturbances in children with ASD and highlight mouse models to study sleep disturbances and behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In addition, we will review neuromodulators controlling sleep and wakefulness and how these neuromodulatory systems are disrupted in animal models and patients with ASD. Lastly, we will address how the therapeutic interventions for patients with ASD improve various aspects of sleep. Together, gaining mechanistic insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in children with ASD will help us to develop better therapeutic interventions.
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Reyes ZMD, Lynch E, Henry J, De Simone LM, Sobotka SA. Diagnosis of autism in a rare case of tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency: a case report. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:78. [PMID: 37041529 PMCID: PMC10088295 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01510-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency (THD) is a rare movement disorder with broad phenotypic expression caused by bi-allelic mutations in the TH gene, which encode for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein. Some patients with THD have improvement in dystonia with carbidopa-levodopa, a synthetic form of dopamine typically used in Parkinson's disease, and are considered to have dopa-responsive THD. THD has been found in 0.5-1 per million persons, although due to overlapping symptoms with other disorders and the need for genetic testing, prevalence is likely underestimated. Existing literature describes some patients with THD having intellectual disability, but comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not been reported. CASE PRESENTATION A nearly 3-year-old boy was referred to pediatric neurology due to hypotonia, delayed motor milestones, and expressive speech delay. Whole exome sequencing confirmed tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency, detecting a novel variant p.S307C first reported here. The child was treated with carbidopa-levodopa with an excellent response, resulting in improved balance, fewer falls, and improved ability to jump, run and climb stairs. He was determined to have dopa-responsive THD. Due to his delays in expressive speech, the boy also had an assessment with a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, who identified a pattern of social pragmatic speech delay, sensory sensitivities, and restricted interests, and determined that he met criteria for a diagnosis of ASD. CONCLUSIONS While ASD can stand alone as a clinical diagnosis, it is also a cardinal feature of other genetically-based neurological disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first case that describes a patient with both disorders. Perhaps THD may be among the genetic disorders linked with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Lynch
- Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, 950 East 61St Street, Suite 207, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Julia Henry
- Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Sarah A Sobotka
- Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, 950 East 61St Street, Suite 207, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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11
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Wall CA, Shic F, Varanasi S, Roberts JE. Distinct social attention profiles in preschoolers with autism contrasted to fragile X syndrome. Autism Res 2023; 16:340-354. [PMID: 36408848 PMCID: PMC9957831 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Social attention is a critical skill for learning and development. Social attention difficulties are present in both non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (nsASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS), and our understanding of these difficulties is complicated by heterogeneity in both disorders, including co-occurring diagnoses like intellectual disability and social anxiety. Existing research largely utilizes a single index of social attention and rarely includes children with intellectual impairment or uses a cross-syndrome approach. This study investigated whether multi-trait social attention profiles including naturalistic initial eye contact, facial attention, and social scene attention differ in preschool children with nsASD and FXS matched on developmental ability (DQ) and contrasted to neurotypical (NT) controls. The relationship between DQ, ASD severity, and social anxiety and social attention profiles was also examined. Initial eye contact related to social scene attention, implicating that naturalistic social attention is consistent with responses during experimental conditions. Reduced eye contact and lower social scene attention characterized nsASD and FXS. Children with nsASD displayed less facial attention than FXS and NT children, who did not differ. Lower DQ and elevated ASD severity associated with decreased eye contact in nsASD and FXS, and lower DQ was associated with lower social scene attention in FXS. Sex, social anxiety, and age were not associated with social attention. These findings suggest social attention profiles of children with nsASD are highly similar to, yet distinct from, children with FXS. Children with nsASD may present with a global social attention deficit whereas FXS profiles may reflect context-dependent social avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla A. Wall
- Duke University Medical Center, Center for Autism and Brain Development, 2424 Erwin Road, Suite 501, Durham, NC 27705
| | - Frederick Shic
- University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
| | - Sreeja Varanasi
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, 6311 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Jane E. Roberts
- University of South Carolina, Department of Psychology, 1512 Pendleton Street, Suite #220, Columbia, SC 29208
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12
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Alijanpour S, Miryounesi M, Ghafouri-Fard S. The role of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1-16. [PMID: 36173507 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) have important roles in the uptake of glutamate and termination of glutamatergic transmission. Up to now, five EAAT isoforms (EAAT1-5) have been identified in mammals. The main focus of this review is EAAT2. This protein has an important role in the pathoetiology of epilepsy. De novo dominant mutations, as well as inherited recessive mutation in this gene, have been associated with epilepsy. Moreover, dysregulation of this protein is implicated in a range of neurological diseases, namely amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. In this review, we summarize the role of EAAT2 in epilepsy and other neurological disorders, then provide an overview of the therapeutic modulation of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Alijanpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Miryounesi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Hoffmann A. Communication in fragile X syndrome: Patterns and implications for assessment and intervention. Front Psychol 2022; 13:929379. [PMID: 36619013 PMCID: PMC9817301 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.929379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and is associated with a high rate of autism diagnosis. Language delays have been noted in the areas of overall communication and the specific areas of receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language, as well as in development of speech sounds and literacy. It has been widely noted that those individuals with a diagnosis of both FXS and autism tend to have more significant intellectual disability and language disorder. In this study, the research exploring the FXS language phenotype is presented, and the roles of cognition, autistic symptomatology, and gender are highlighted as possible. Implications for assessment and intervention approaches based on the strengths and weaknesses of the FXS language phenotype are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hoffmann
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Anne Hoffmann,
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14
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Talvio K, Minkeviciene R, Townsley KG, Achuta VS, Huckins LM, Corcoran P, Brennand KJ, Castrén ML. Reduced LYNX1 expression in transcriptome of human iPSC-derived neural progenitors modeling fragile X syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1034679. [PMID: 36506088 PMCID: PMC9731341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1034679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of FMR1 protein results in fragile X syndrome (FXS), which is the most common inherited intellectual disability syndrome and serves as an excellent model disease to study molecular mechanisms resulting in neuropsychiatric comorbidities. We compared the transcriptomes of human neural progenitors (NPCs) generated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of three FXS and three control male donors. Altered expression of RAD51C, PPIL3, GUCY1A2, MYD88, TRAPPC4, LYNX1, and GTF2A1L in FXS NPCs suggested changes related to triplet repeat instability, RNA splicing, testes development, and pathways previously shown to be affected in FXS. LYNX1 is a cholinergic brake of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-dependent plasticity, and its reduced expression was consistent with augmented tPA-dependent radial glial process growth in NPCs derived from FXS iPSC lines. There was evidence of human iPSC line donor-dependent variation reflecting potentially phenotypic variation. NPCs derived from an FXS male with concomitant epilepsy expressed differently several epilepsy-related genes, including genes shown to cause the auditory epilepsy phenotype in the murine model of FXS. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted regulation of insulin-like growth factor pathway in NPCs modeling FXS with epilepsy. Our results demonstrated potential of human iPSCs in disease modeling for discovery and development of therapeutic interventions by showing early gene expression changes in FXS iPSC-derived NPCs consistent with the known pathophysiological changes in FXS and by revealing disturbed FXS progenitor growth linked to reduced expression of LYNX1, suggesting dysregulated cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karo Talvio
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rimante Minkeviciene
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kayla G. Townsley
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Laura M. Huckins
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Padraic Corcoran
- Array and Analysis Facility, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristen J. Brennand
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States,Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Maija L. Castrén
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,*Correspondence: Maija L. Castrén,
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15
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Maternal Microbiota Modulate a Fragile X-like Syndrome in Offspring Mice. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081409. [PMID: 36011319 PMCID: PMC9407566 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal microbial dysbiosis has been implicated in adverse postnatal health conditions in offspring, such as obesity, cancer, and neurological disorders. We observed that the progeny of mice fed a Westernized diet (WD) with low fiber and extra fat exhibited higher frequencies of stereotypy, hyperactivity, cranial features and lower FMRP protein expression, similar to what is typically observed in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) in humans. We hypothesized that gut dysbiosis and inflammation during pregnancy influenced the prenatal uterine environment, leading to abnormal phenotypes in offspring. We found that oral in utero supplementation with a beneficial anti-inflammatory probiotic microbe, Lactobacillus reuteri, was sufficient to inhibit FXS-like phenotypes in offspring mice. Cytokine profiles in the pregnant WD females showed that their circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (Il)-17 were increased relative to matched gravid mice and to those given supplementary L. reuteri probiotic. To test our hypothesis of prenatal contributions to this neurodevelopmental phenotype, we performed Caesarian (C-section) births using dissimilar foster mothers to eliminate effects of maternal microbiota transferred during vaginal delivery or nursing after birth. We found that foster-reared offspring still displayed a high frequency of these FXS-like features, indicating significant in utero contributions. In contrast, matched foster-reared progeny of L. reuteri-treated mothers did not exhibit the FXS-like typical features, supporting a key role for microbiota during pregnancy. Our findings suggest that diet-induced dysbiosis in the prenatal uterine environment is strongly associated with the incidence of this neurological phenotype in progeny but can be alleviated by addressing gut dysbiosis through probiotic supplementation.
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16
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Serrada-Tejeda S, Martínez-Piédrola RM, Máximo-Bocanegra N, Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza P, Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres M. Descriptive Analysis of Adaptive Behavior in Phelan–McDermid Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:893003. [PMID: 35864987 PMCID: PMC9295709 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.893003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The variety in symptomatology and clinical presentation of individuals diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) can delay medical diagnosis, so identifying specific neurobehavioral variables and facilitating differential diagnosis with patients with idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can guide early detection. Methods A descriptive analysis of the level of adaptive behavior in 50 patients diagnosed with PMS was performed (SHANK3deletion: N = 44; SHANKmutation: N = 6). Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed with 28 children aged between 4 years and 6 years and 11 months (SHANK3deletion = 14; ASD = 14). Differences between the two groups were evaluated and Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons. Results Differences were identified in the variables of communication (z = −2.715, p = 0.007), Self-Direction (z = −2.199, p = 0.028) and social participation (z = −3.190, p = 0.001), with better adaptive behavior skills being observed in participants with a SHANK3mutation. Better adaptive skills in the sample of participants with ASD, were found and statistically significant differences were identified in the variables of academic skills (z = −3.084, p = 0.002), use of community resources (z = −1.889, p = 0.050) and health and safety (z = −2.90, p = 0.004). Conclusion Participants with SHANK3mutation show better communication and social participation skills than those with a diagnosis of SHANK3deletion. The observed differences between ASD and individuals with PMS reflect deficits in practical and conceptual adaptive skills that may limit and hinder daily adaptive functioning.
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17
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Habbas K, Cakil O, Zámbó B, Tabet R, Riet F, Dembele D, Mandel JL, Hocquemiller M, Laufer R, Piguet F, Moine H. AAV-delivered diacylglycerol kinase DGKk achieves long-term rescue of fragile X syndrome mouse model. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14649. [PMID: 35373916 PMCID: PMC9081908 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of familial intellectual disability. FXS results from the lack of the RNA-binding protein FMRP and is associated with the deregulation of signaling pathways downstream of mGluRI receptors and upstream of mRNA translation. We previously found that diacylglycerol kinase kappa (DGKk), a main mRNA target of FMRP in cortical neurons and a master regulator of lipid signaling, is downregulated in the absence of FMRP in the brain of Fmr1-KO mouse model. Here we show that adeno-associated viral vector delivery of a modified and FMRP-independent form of DGKk corrects abnormal cerebral diacylglycerol/phosphatidic acid homeostasis and FXS-relevant behavioral phenotypes in the Fmr1-KO mouse. Our data suggest that DGKk is an important factor in FXS pathogenesis and provide preclinical proof of concept that its replacement could be a viable therapeutic strategy in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Habbas
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Oktay Cakil
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Boglárka Zámbó
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Ricardos Tabet
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice Riet
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), PHENOMIN-ICS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Doulaye Dembele
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mandel
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | | | | | - Françoise Piguet
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, AP-HP, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Moine
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Médecine Translationelle et Neurogénétique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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18
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Dey R, Chattarji S. The same stress elicits different effects on anxiety-like behavior in rat models of Fmr1 and Pten. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113892. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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19
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Stafford CF, Sanchez-Lara PA. Impact of Genetic and Genomic Testing on the Clinical Management of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040585. [PMID: 35456390 PMCID: PMC9030515 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that genetics play a key role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD has been linked to many genes and is a prominent feature in numerous genetic disorders. A genetic evaluation should be offered to any patient who receives a diagnosis of ASD, including deep phenotyping and genetic testing when clinically indicated. When insurance does not cover genetic testing for ASD patients, the lack of medical utility is often cited as a reason for prior authorization request denial. However, ample evidence exists that genetic testing has the power to change clinical management in many of these patients. Genetic testing that results in a diagnosis guides clinicians to screen for associated medical conditions and can direct targeted medical interventions. Given the potential for clinically actionable results, it is important that genetic testing be available and accessible to all patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro A. Sanchez-Lara
- Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence:
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20
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Jannati A, Ryan MA, Kaye HL, Tsuboyama M, Rotenberg A. Biomarkers Obtained by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 39:135-148. [PMID: 34366399 PMCID: PMC8810902 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method for focal brain stimulation that is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction where small intracranial electric currents are generated by a powerful fluctuating magnetic field. Over the past three decades, TMS has shown promise in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders in adults. However, the use of TMS in children has been more limited. We provide a brief introduction to the TMS technique; common TMS protocols including single-pulse TMS, paired-pulse TMS, paired associative stimulation, and repetitive TMS; and relevant TMS-derived neurophysiological measurements including resting and active motor threshold, cortical silent period, paired-pulse TMS measures of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, and plasticity metrics after repetitive TMS. We then discuss the biomarker applications of TMS in a few representative neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, and developmental stuttering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jannati
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary A. Ryan
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harper Lee Kaye
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Melissa Tsuboyama
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Behavior Problems and Social Competence in Fragile X Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020280. [PMID: 35205326 PMCID: PMC8871871 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) causes intellectual disability and is the known leading cause of autism. Common problems in FXS include behavior and social problems. Along with syndromic characteristics and autism comorbidity, environmental factors might influence these difficulties. This systematic review focuses on the last 20 years of studies concerning behavior and social problems in FXS, considering environmental and personal variables that might influence both problems. Three databases were reviewed, leading to fifty-one studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) problems remain the greatest behavior problems, with behavioral problems and social competence being stable during the 20 years. Some developmental trajectories might have changed due to higher methodological control, such as aggressive behavior and attention problems. The socialization trajectory from childhood to adolescence remains unclear. Comorbidity with autism in individuals with FXS increased behavior problems and worsened social competence profiles. At the same time, comparisons between individuals with comorbid FXS and autism and individuals with autism might help define the comorbid phenotype. Environmental factors and parental characteristics influenced behavior problems and social competence. Higher methodological control is needed in studies including autism symptomatology and parental characteristics. More studies comparing autism in FXS with idiopathic autism are needed to discern differences between conditions.
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22
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Nolan SO, Hodges SL, Binder MS, Smith GD, Okoh JT, Jefferson TS, Escobar B, Lugo JN. Dietary rescue of adult behavioral deficits in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262916. [PMID: 35089938 PMCID: PMC8797197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to further address important questions regarding the therapeutic efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for various behavioral and neuroimmune aspects of the Fmr1 phenotype. To address these questions, our experimental design utilized two different omega-3 fatty acid administration timepoints, compared to both standard laboratory chow controls ("Standard") and a diet controlling for the increase in fat content ("Control Fat"). In the first paradigm, post-weaning supplementation (after postnatal day 21) with the omega-3 fatty acid diet ("Omega-3") reversed deficits in startle threshold, but not deficits in prepulse inhibition, and the effect on startle threshold was not specific to the Omega-3 diet. However, post-weaning supplementation with both experimental diets also impaired acquisition of a fear response, recall of the fear memory and contextual fear conditioning compared to the Standard diet. The post-weaning Omega-3 diet reduced hippocampal expression of IL-6 and this reduction of IL-6 was significantly associated with diminished performance in the fear conditioning task. In the perinatal experimental paradigm, the Omega-3 diet attenuated hyperactivity and acquisition of a fear response. Additionally, perinatal exposure to the Control Fat diet (similar to a "Western" diet) further diminished nonsocial anxiety in the Fmr1 knockout. This study provides significant evidence that dietary fatty acids throughout the lifespan can significantly impact the behavioral and neuroimmune phenotype of the Fmr1 knockout model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O. Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Samantha L. Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Matthew S. Binder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Smith
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - James T. Okoh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Taylor S. Jefferson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Brianna Escobar
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
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23
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Hnoonual A, Jankittunpaiboon C, Limprasert P. Screening for FMR1 CGG Repeat Expansion in Thai Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4359308. [PMID: 34926684 PMCID: PMC8674057 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4359308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder with a heterogeneous etiology. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is recognized as the most common single gene mutation associated with ASD. FXS patients show some autistic behaviors and may be difficult to distinguish at a young age from autistic children. However, there have been no published reports on the prevalence of FXS in ASD patients in Thailand. In this study, we present a pilot study to analyze the CGG repeat sizes of the FMR1 gene in Thai autistic patients. We screened 202 unrelated Thai patients (168 males and 34 females) with nonsyndromic ASD and 212 normal controls using standard FXS molecular diagnosis techniques. The distributions of FMR1 CGG repeat sizes in the ASD and normal control groups were similar, with the two most common alleles having 29 and 30 CGG repeats, followed by an allele with 36 CGG repeats. No FMR1 full mutations or premutations were found in either ASD individuals or the normal controls. Interestingly, three ASD male patients with high normal CGG and intermediate CGG repeats (44, 46, and 53 CGG repeats) were identified, indicating that the prevalence of FMR1 intermediate alleles in Thai ASD patients was approximately 1% while these alleles were absent in the normal male controls. Our study indicates that CGG repeat expansions of the FMR1 gene may not be a common genetic cause of nonsyndromic ASD in Thai patients. However, further studies for mutations other than the CGG expansion in the FMR1 gene are required to get a better information on FXS prevalence in Thai ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areerat Hnoonual
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | | | - Pornprot Limprasert
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Siam University, Bangkok 10160, Thailand
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24
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Guy MW, Richards JE, Hogan AL, Roberts JE. Neural Correlates of Infant Face Processing and Later Emerging Autism Symptoms in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:716642. [PMID: 34899412 PMCID: PMC8651978 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.716642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading known genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 60-74% of males with FXS meeting diagnostic criteria for ASD. Infants with FXS have demonstrated atypical neural responses during face processing that are unique from both typically developing, low-risk infants and infants at high familial risk for ASD (i.e., infants siblings of children with ASD). In the current study, event-related potential (ERP) responses during face processing measured at 12 months of age were examined in relation to ASD symptoms measured at ~48 months of age in participants with FXS, as well as siblings of children with ASD and low-risk control participants. Results revealed that greater amplitude N290 responses in infancy were associated with more severe ASD symptoms in childhood in FXS and in siblings of children with ASD. This pattern of results was not observed for low-risk control participants. Reduced Nc amplitude was associated with more severe ASD symptoms in participants with FXS but was not observed in the other groups. This is the first study to examine ASD symptoms in childhood in relation to infant ERP responses in FXS. Results indicate that infant ERP responses may be predictive of later symptoms of ASD in FXS and the presence of both common and unique pathways to ASD in etiologically-distinct high-risk groups is supported (i.e., syndromic risk vs. familial risk).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie W. Guy
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John E. Richards
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Abigail L. Hogan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jane E. Roberts
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Pirbhoy PS, Jonak CR, Syed R, Argueta DA, Perez PA, Wiley MB, Hessamian K, Lovelace JW, Razak KA, DiPatrizio NV, Ethell IM, Binder DK. Increased 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol levels normalize cortical responses to sound and improve behaviors in Fmr1 KO mice. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:47. [PMID: 34645383 PMCID: PMC8513313 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit an array of symptoms, including sociability deficits, increased anxiety, hyperactivity, and sensory hyperexcitability. It is unclear how endocannabinoid (eCB) modulation can be targeted to alleviate neurophysiological abnormalities in FXS as behavioral research reveals benefits to inhibiting cannabinoid (CB) receptor activation and increasing endocannabinoid ligand levels. Here, we hypothesize that enhancement of 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) in Fragile X mental retardation 1 gene knock-out (Fmr1 KO) mice may reduce cortical hyperexcitability and behavioral abnormalities observed in FXS. Methods To test whether an increase in 2-AG levels normalized cortical responses in a mouse model of FXS, animals were subjected to electroencephalography (EEG) recording and behavioral assessment following treatment with JZL-184, an irreversible inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Assessment of 2-AG was performed using lipidomic analysis in conjunction with various doses and time points post-administration of JZL-184. Baseline electrocortical activity and evoked responses to sound stimuli were measured using a 30-channel multielectrode array (MEA) in adult male mice before, 4 h, and 1 day post-intraperitoneal injection of JZL-184 or vehicle. Behavior assessment was done using the open field and elevated plus maze 4 h post-treatment. Results Lipidomic analysis showed that 8 mg/kg JZL-184 significantly increased the levels of 2-AG in the auditory cortex of both Fmr1 KO and WT mice 4 h post-treatment compared to vehicle controls. EEG recordings revealed a reduction in the abnormally enhanced baseline gamma-band power in Fmr1 KO mice and significantly improved evoked synchronization to auditory stimuli in the gamma-band range post-JZL-184 treatment. JZL-184 treatment also ameliorated anxiety-like and hyperactivity phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice. Conclusions Overall, these results indicate that increasing 2-AG levels may serve as a potential therapeutic approach to normalize cortical responses and improve behavioral outcomes in FXS and possibly other ASDs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-021-09394-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia S Pirbhoy
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Carrie R Jonak
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Rashid Syed
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Donovan A Argueta
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Pedro A Perez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Mark B Wiley
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Keon Hessamian
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jonathan W Lovelace
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Nicholas V DiPatrizio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Iryna M Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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Bush L, Scott MN. Neuropsychological and ASD phenotypes in rare genetic syndromes: A critical review of the literature. Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 36:993-1027. [PMID: 34569897 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1980111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by core deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Recent advances in clinical genetics have improved our understanding of genetic syndromes associated with ASD, which has helped clarify distinct etiologies of ASD and document syndrome-specific profiles of neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses. Pediatric neuropsychologists have the potential to be impactful members of the care team for children with genetic syndromes and their families. METHOD We provide a critical review of the current literature related to the neuropsychological profiles of children with four genetic syndromes associated with ASD, including Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), fragile X syndrome (FXS), 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. Recommendations for assessment, intervention, and future directions are provided. RESULTS There is vast heterogeneity in terms of the cognitive, language, and developmental abilities of these populations. The within- and across-syndrome variability characteristic of genetic syndromes should be carefully considered during clinical evaluations, including possible measurement limitations, presence of intellectual disability, and important qualitative differences in the ASD-phenotypes across groups. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with genetic disorders pose challenging diagnostic and assessment questions. Pediatric neuropsychologists with expertise in neurodevelopmental processes are well suited to address these questions and identify profiles of neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses, tailor individualized recommendations, and provide diagnostic clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megan N Scott
- The Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, IL, USA
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Change in Behavior Problems from Childhood Through Adolescence for Children with Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4056-4066. [PMID: 34536164 PMCID: PMC8449523 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined trajectories of specific domains of behavior problems (i.e., attention problems, depression/anxiety, and aggressive behavior) from age 6 to 18 in a sample of 55 children with fragile X syndrome. We also examined autism status and early parenting as predictors of subsequent behavioral trajectories. We found that attention problems and aggressive behavior declined steadily from childhood through adolescence whereas anxious/depressed behavior demonstrated relative stability over the same period. Youth with highly flexible mothers displayed more optional trajectories of improvement in attention problems.
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28
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Sechi S, Karimpour-Ghahnavieh A, Frappaolo A, Di Francesco L, Piergentili R, Schininà E, D’Avino PP, Giansanti MG. Identification of GOLPH3 Partners in Drosophila Unveils Potential Novel Roles in Tumorigenesis and Neural Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092336. [PMID: 34571985 PMCID: PMC8468827 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is a highly conserved peripheral membrane protein localized to the Golgi apparatus and the cytosol. GOLPH3 binding to Golgi membranes depends on phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] and regulates Golgi architecture and vesicle trafficking. GOLPH3 overexpression has been correlated with poor prognosis in several cancers, but the molecular mechanisms that link GOLPH3 to malignant transformation are poorly understood. We recently showed that PI(4)P-GOLPH3 couples membrane trafficking with contractile ring assembly during cytokinesis in dividing Drosophila spermatocytes. Here, we use affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (AP-MS) to identify the protein-protein interaction network (interactome) of Drosophila GOLPH3 in testes. Analysis of the GOLPH3 interactome revealed enrichment for proteins involved in vesicle-mediated trafficking, cell proliferation and cytoskeleton dynamics. In particular, we found that dGOLPH3 interacts with the Drosophila orthologs of Fragile X mental retardation protein and Ataxin-2, suggesting a potential role in the pathophysiology of disorders of the nervous system. Our findings suggest novel molecular targets associated with GOLPH3 that might be relevant for therapeutic intervention in cancers and other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sechi
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (S.S.); (A.K.-G.); (A.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Angela Karimpour-Ghahnavieh
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (S.S.); (A.K.-G.); (A.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Anna Frappaolo
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (S.S.); (A.K.-G.); (A.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Laura Di Francesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (L.D.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Roberto Piergentili
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (S.S.); (A.K.-G.); (A.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Eugenia Schininà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (L.D.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Pier Paolo D’Avino
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK;
| | - Maria Grazia Giansanti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (S.S.); (A.K.-G.); (A.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-2555
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Parental Reports on Early Autism Behaviors in Their Children with Fragile X Syndrome as a Function of Infant Feeding. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082888. [PMID: 34445048 PMCID: PMC8401950 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the prevalence of autistic behaviors in fragile X syndrome as a function of infant diet. Retrospective survey data from the Fragile X Syndrome Nutrition Study, which included data on infant feeding and caregiver-reported developmental milestones for 190 children with fragile X syndrome enrolled in the Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Database (FORWARD), were analyzed. Exploratory, sex-specific associations were found linking the use of soy-based infant formula with worse autistic behaviors related to language in females and self-injurious behavior in males. These findings prompt prospective evaluation of the effects of soy-based infant formula on disease comorbidities in fragile X syndrome, a rare disorder for which newborn screening could be implemented if there was an intervention. Gastrointestinal problems were the most common reason cited for switching to soy-based infant formula. Thus, these findings also support the study of early gastrointestinal problems in fragile X syndrome, which may underly the development and severity of disease comorbidities. In conjunction with comorbidity data from the previous analyses of the Fragile X Syndrome Nutrition Study, the findings indicate that premutation fragile X mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed.
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Marlborough M, Welham A, Jones C, Reckless S, Moss J. Autism spectrum disorder in females with fragile X syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:28. [PMID: 34294028 PMCID: PMC8299695 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09362-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst up to 60% of males with fragile X syndrome (FXS) meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the prevalence and nature of ASD in females with FXS remains unclear. METHOD A systematic literature search identified papers reporting ASD prevalence and/or symptomatology in females with FXS. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Meta-analysis suggested that rates of ASD for females with FXS are reliably higher than for females in the general population (a random effects model estimated weighted average prevalence at 14%, 95% CI 13-18%). Whilst papers highlighted a number of social and repetitive difficulties for females with FXS, characteristic profiles of impairment are not clear. Possible associations between ASD traits and IQ, and between ASD and levels of fragile X mental retardation protein, are suggested, but data are equivocal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marlborough
- School of Psychology, George Davis Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - A Welham
- School of Psychology, George Davis Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| | - C Jones
- School of Psychology, George Davis Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - S Reckless
- School of Psychology, George Davis Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - J Moss
- School of Psychology, George Davis Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Tiwari A, Rahi S, Mehan S. Elucidation of Abnormal Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling and Associations with Syndromic and Non-syndromic Autism. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1071-1086. [PMID: 33081671 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201020155010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a highly inherited and extremely complex disorder in which results from various cases indicate chromosome anomalies, unusual single-gene mutations, and multiplicative effects of particular gene variants, characterized primarily by impaired speech and social interaction and restricted behavior. The precise etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently unclear. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling mechanism affects neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during the development of the central nervous mechanism. In this regard, the pathway of ERK has recently gained significant interest in the pathogenesis of ASD. The mutation occurs in a few ERK components. Besides, the ERK pathway dysfunction lies in the upstream of modified translation and contributes to synapse pathology in syndromic types of autism. In this review, we highlight the ERK pathway as a target for neurodevelopmental disorder autism. In addition, we summarize the regulation of the ERK pathway with ERK inhibitors in neurological disorders. In conclusion, a better understanding of the ERK signaling pathway provides a range of therapeutic options for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Tiwari
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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32
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Westmark CJ. Consumption of Breast Milk Is Associated with Decreased Prevalence of Autism in Fragile X Syndrome. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061785. [PMID: 34073785 PMCID: PMC8225095 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits, but early life nutrition has not been specifically studied in the neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS). Herein, I evaluate associations between the consumption of breast milk during infancy and the prevalence of autism, allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal (GI) problems and seizures in FXS. The study design was a retrospective survey of families enrolled in the Fragile X Online Registry and Accessible Research Database (FORWARD). There was a 1.7-fold reduction in the prevalence of autism in FXS participants who were fed breast milk for 12 months or longer. There were strong negative correlations between increased time the infant was fed breast milk and the prevalence of autism and seizures and moderate negative correlations with the prevalence of GI problems and allergies. However, participants reporting GI problems or allergies commenced these comorbidities significantly earlier than those not fed breast milk. Parsing the data by sex indicated that males exclusively fed breast milk exhibited decreased prevalence of GI problems and allergies. These data suggest that long-term or exclusive use of breast milk is associated with reduced prevalence of key comorbidities in FXS, although breast milk is associated with the earlier development of GI problems and allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; ; Tel.: +1-608-262-9730
- Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Fyke W, Alarcon JM, Velinov M, Chadman KK. Pharmacological inhibition of the primary endocannabinoid producing enzyme, DGL-α, induces autism spectrum disorder-like and co-morbid phenotypes in adult C57BL/J mice. Autism Res 2021; 14:1375-1389. [PMID: 33886158 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence links dysfunction in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variants in ECS genes CNR1 and DAGLA are associated with neurological phenotypes in humans. The endocannabinoids (eCBs), 2-AG and AEA, which act at the primary cannabinoid receptor (CB1), mediate behaviors relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. The overlap between these eCBs is poorly understood. Most ECS studies have focused on stress responses, anxiety, and epilepsy, however, its role in social behavior and communication has only recently come under investigation. This represents a critical gap in our understanding of the ECS and its relationship to ASD. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of ASD and a lack of therapeutics emphasize a crucial need for novel therapeutic targets. To this aim, we used an inhibitor of the eCB producing enzyme DGL-α, DO34, and the CB1 inverse agonist, rimonabant, to evaluate the role of the primary eCB, 2-AG, in ASD. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were used in a series of behavioral paradigms which assessed social behavior, social communication, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and locomotor activity. DO34 and rimonabant increased anxiety-like behavior, while only DO34 induced hyperactivity, social deficits, and repetitive self-grooming behavior. These data indicate that reduced 2-AG bioavailability, or CB1 inhibition, each induce unique respective behavioral phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD. This suggests fundamental differences in CB1 signaling via 2-AG and the CB1 receptor itself, particularly for social behaviors, and that 2-AG signaling may represent a target for the development of novel therapeutics. LAY SUMMARY: Endocannabinoids play a critical role in the developing nervous system. Alterations in the endocannabinoid system are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies suggest these variants may play a critical role in the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. In this study, pharmacological inhibition of the primary endocannabinoid producing enzyme, DGL-α, induced a constellation of deficits in behavioral domains associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Fyke
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, New York, USA.,Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.,George A. Jervis Clinic, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR), Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Juan Marcos Alarcon
- Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology, The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Milen Velinov
- George A. Jervis Clinic, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR), Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn K Chadman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, New York, USA
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Choi B, Shah P, Rowe ML, Nelson CA, Tager-Flusberg H. A Longitudinal Study of Parent Gestures, Infant Responsiveness, and Vocabulary Development in Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3946-3958. [PMID: 33420647 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We investigated gestures that parents used with 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old infants at high or low risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD; high-risk diagnosed with ASD: n = 21; high-risk classified as no ASD: n = 34; low-risk classified as no ASD: n = 34). We also examined infant responses to parent gestures and assessed the extent to which parent gesture relates to vocabulary development. Parents of three groups gestured in similar frequencies and proportions. Infants, in turn, responded similarly to parent gestures regardless of the infant's ASD risk and later diagnosis. Finally, parents who gestured more at 12 months had children with better vocabulary at 36 months than parents who gestured less. These findings highlight the importance of examining parent gestures when predicting language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boin Choi
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA, USA. .,Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Priyanka Shah
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meredith L Rowe
- Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA, USA.,Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Nolan SO, Hodges SL, Okoh JT, Binder MS, Lugo JN. Prenatal High-Fat Diet Rescues Communication Deficits in Fmr1 Mutant Mice in a Sex-Specific Manner. Dev Neurosci 2021; 42:94-104. [PMID: 33395685 PMCID: PMC7864857 DOI: 10.1159/000509797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Using high-throughput analysis methods, the present study sought to determine the impact of prenatal high-fat dietary manipulations on isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalization production in both male and female Fmr1mutants on postnatal day 9. Prior to breeding, male FVB/129 Fmr1 wildtype and female Fmr1 heterozygous breeding pairs were assigned to 1 of 3 diet conditions: standard lab chow, omega-3 fatty acid-enriched chow, and a diet controlling for the fat increase. Prenatal exposure to omega-3 fatty acids improved reductions in the number of calls produced by Fmr1heterozygotes females. Moreover, diminished spectral purity in the female Fmr1homozygous mouse was rescued by exposure to both high-fat diets, although these effects were not seen in the male Fmr1knockout. Prenatal dietary fat manipulation also influenced several other aspects of vocalization production, such as the number of calls produced and their fundamental frequency, aside from effects due to loss of Fmr1.Specifically, in males, regardless of genotype, prenatal exposure to high omega-3s increased the average fundamental frequency of calls. These data support the need for future preclinical and clinical work elucidating the full potential of prenatal high-fat diets as a novel therapeutic alternative forFragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha L Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - James T Okoh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew S Binder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA,
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA,
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA,
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36
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Ezell J, Hogan A, Will EA, Smith K, Roberts J. Cardiac Startle Response and Clinical Outcomes in Preschool Children With Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:729127. [PMID: 35046845 PMCID: PMC8761627 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.729127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Poor physiological regulation in response to threat is linked to multiple negative developmental outcomes including anxiety, which is highly prevalent and impairing in young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities like fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study contrasted cardiac startle response in pre-school-aged children with FXS, with and without ASD, to children with non-syndromic ASD (nsASD) and neurotypical controls (NT). The relationship of cardiac startle to non-verbal mental age (NVMA), ASD severity, and parent-reported anxiety was also examined. Method: Four age-matched groups of pre-school children participated including those with FXS without ASD (FXS-Only, n = 21), FXS with ASD (FXS+ASD, n = 17), nsASD (n = 42), and NT children (n = 27). Participants viewed a silent movie during which a single 200 ms 98-decibel white noise burst occurred. Cardiac activity was analyzed for pre-stimulus respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the inter-beat intervals (IBI) at the auditory stimulus and 10 s post-stimulus. The Spence Pre-school Anxiety Scale, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition, and Mullen Scales of Early Learning were examined in relation to startle response. Results: The nsASD group demonstrated heightened cardiac activity at the auditory stimulus and 10 s post-stimulus compared to the NT controls. Neither of the FXS groups showed differences from any other group. Higher pre-stimulus RSA was associated with reduced cardiac response across groups, while the relationship between cognitive ability and ASD severity to cardiac response varied between groups. Parent-reported anxiety was not associated with cardiac response for any group. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate group distinctions in cardiac responses to auditory startle. Although FXS and ASD share behavioral characteristics, the nsASD group showed a heightened cardiac startle response compared to the NT group that was not present in the FXS groups with or without ASD. Non-verbal mental age was associated with greater stimulus or post-stimulus reactivity for all groups except the FXS+ASD group, which showed no association between startle response and any clinical outcomes. Increased understanding of the relationship between physiological regulation and clinical outcomes will assist in identifying the timing and targets for effective interventions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Ezell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Abigail Hogan
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Will
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Kayla Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jane Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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37
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Improving the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Fragile X Syndrome by Adapting the Social Communication Questionnaire and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:3276-3295. [PMID: 31342442 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We carried out a psychometric assessment of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) in fragile X syndrome (FXS), relative to clinician DSM5-based diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in FXS. This was followed by instrument revisions that included: removal of non-discriminating and/or low face validity items for FXS; use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine optimal cut points for the original and revised measures; an exploratory factor analysis to outline subscales better representing ASD in FXS; and creation of a "triple criteria" diagnosis to better delineate ASD subgroups in FXS. These methods improved the sensitivity and/or specificity of the SCQ and SRS-2, but diagnostic accuracy of ASD remains problematic in FXS.
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38
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Hall SS, Monlux KD, Rodriguez AB, Jo B, Pollard JS. Telehealth-enabled behavioral treatment for problem behaviors in boys with fragile X syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:31. [PMID: 33218305 PMCID: PMC7679978 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are at increased risk for exhibiting problem behaviors such as aggression and self-injury. However, many children with FXS have limited access to behavioral treatments that have known efficacy due to the low availability of treatment providers and the wide geographical dispersion of families with FXS across the country. Telehealth may offer a cost-effective and practical solution to overcome these significant barriers. We examined the effect of administering an established behavior analytic intervention called functional communication training (FCT) via telehealth on levels of problem behaviors exhibited by boys with FXS. We also examined treatment acceptability, as well as the effect of the treatment on levels of parenting stress. Methods Boys with FXS, aged 3 to 10 years, who displayed problem behaviors daily, were randomized to receive FCT via telehealth (n = 30) or treatment as usual (n = 27) over 12 weeks. Outcome measures included in-session observations of problem behavior, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community (ABC-C), the Treatment Acceptability Rating Form—Revised (TARF-R), and the Parenting Stress Index, 4th edition (PSI-4). Results Intention-to-treat analyses indicated that scores on the irritability subscale of the ABC-C, our primary outcome measure, decreased significantly for boys who received FCT via telehealth compared to boys who received treatment as usual (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.65). In-session observations conducted for those who received treatment showed that levels of problem behavior decreased by 91% from baseline. Levels of parenting stress related to child behavioral problems were also lower following FCT treatment, and caregivers reported that the intervention was acceptable. Conclusions These findings support telehealth-enabled FCT as a framework for expanding access to behavioral treatments for problem behaviors in children with FXS. Expanded delivery of behavior analytic treatment via telehealth also has the potential to lower healthcare costs, improve child and family quality of life, and lead to advances in the treatment of problem behavior in the broader population of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03510156. Registered 27 April 2018
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott S Hall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Katerina D Monlux
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Arlette Bujanda Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Behavior Change Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joy S Pollard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Behavior Change Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
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39
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Andrew DR, Moe ME, Chen D, Tello JA, Doser RL, Conner WE, Ghuman JK, Restifo LL. Spontaneous motor-behavior abnormalities in two Drosophila models of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neurogenet 2020; 35:1-22. [PMID: 33164597 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1833005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in hundreds of genes cause neurodevelopmental disorders with abnormal motor behavior alongside cognitive deficits. Boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability, often display repetitive behaviors, a core feature of autism. By direct observation and manual analysis, we characterized spontaneous-motor-behavior phenotypes of Drosophila dfmr1 mutants, an established model for FXS. We recorded individual 1-day-old adult flies, with mature nervous systems and prior to the onset of aging, in small arenas. We scored behavior using open-source video-annotation software to generate continuous activity timelines, which were represented graphically and quantitatively. Young dfmr1 mutants spent excessive time grooming, with increased bout number and duration; both were rescued by transgenic wild-type dfmr1+. By two grooming-pattern measures, dfmr1-mutant flies showed elevated repetitions consistent with perseveration, which is common in FXS. In addition, the mutant flies display a preference for grooming posterior body structures, and an increased rate of grooming transitions from one site to another. We raise the possibility that courtship and circadian rhythm defects, previously reported for dfmr1 mutants, are complicated by excessive grooming. We also observed significantly increased grooming in CASK mutants, despite their dramatically decreased walking phenotype. The mutant flies, a model for human CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders, displayed consistently elevated grooming indices throughout the assay, but transient locomotory activation immediately after placement in the arena. Based on published data identifying FMRP-target transcripts and functional analyses of mutations causing human genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, we propose the following proteins as candidate mediators of excessive repetitive behaviors in FXS: CaMKIIα, NMDA receptor subunits 2A and 2B, NLGN3, and SHANK3. Together, these fly-mutant phenotypes and mechanistic insights provide starting points for drug discovery to identify compounds that reduce dysfunctional repetitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Andrew
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, USA
| | - Mariah E Moe
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Dailu Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Judith A Tello
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rachel L Doser
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - William E Conner
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jaswinder K Ghuman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Linda L Restifo
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,BIO5 Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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40
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Westmark CJ, Kniss C, Sampene E, Wang A, Milunovich A, Elver K, Hessl D, Talboy A, Picker J, Haas-Givler B, Esler A, Gropman AL, Uy R, Erickson C, Velinov M, Tartaglia N, Berry-Kravis EM. Soy-Based Infant Formula is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Comorbidities in Fragile X Syndrome. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3136. [PMID: 33066511 PMCID: PMC7602206 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of adults and children consume soy in various forms, but little information is available regarding potential neurological side effects. Prior work indicates an association between the consumption of soy-based diets and seizure prevalence in mouse models of neurological disease and in children with autism. Herein, we sought to evaluate potential associations between the consumption of soy-based formula during infancy and disease comorbidities in persons with fragile X syndrome (FXS), while controlling for potentially confounding issues, through a retrospective case-control survey study of participants with FXS enrolled in the Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Research Database (FORWARD). There was a 25% usage rate of soy-based infant formula in the study population. We found significant associations between the consumption of soy-based infant formula and the comorbidity of autism, gastrointestinal problems (GI) and allergies. Specifically, there was a 1.5-fold higher prevalence of autism, 1.9-fold GI problems and 1.7-fold allergies in participants reporting the use of soy-based infant formula. The major reason for starting soy-based infant formula was GI problems. The average age of seizure and allergy onset occurred long after the use of soy-based infant formula. We conclude that early-life feeding with soy-based infant formula is associated with the development of several disease comorbidities in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Chad Kniss
- Survey Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.K.); (K.E.)
| | - Emmanuel Sampene
- Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Angel Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (A.W.); (E.M.B.-K.)
| | | | - Kelly Elver
- Survey Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.K.); (K.E.)
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Amy Talboy
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | | | - Barbara Haas-Givler
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Lewisburg, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA;
| | - Amy Esler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA;
| | - Andrea L. Gropman
- Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (A.L.G.); (R.U.)
| | - Ryan Uy
- Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (A.L.G.); (R.U.)
| | - Craig Erickson
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Milen Velinov
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA;
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Elizabeth M. Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (A.W.); (E.M.B.-K.)
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41
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Pirbhoy PS, Rais M, Lovelace JW, Woodard W, Razak KA, Binder DK, Ethell IM. Acute pharmacological inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity during development restores perineuronal net formation and normalizes auditory processing in Fmr1 KO mice. J Neurochem 2020; 155:538-558. [PMID: 32374912 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit cognitive impairments, social deficits, increased anxiety, and sensory hyperexcitability. Previously, we showed that elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may contribute to abnormal development of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the developing auditory cortex (AC) of Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, which likely underlie auditory hypersensitivity. Thus, MMP-9 may serve as a potential target for treatment of auditory hypersensitivity in FXS. Here, we used the MMP-2/9 inhibitor, SB-3CT, to pharmacologically inhibit MMP-9 activity during a specific developmental period and to test whether inhibition of MMP-9 activity reverses neural oscillation deficits and behavioral impairments by enhancing PNN formation around PV cells in Fmr1 KO mice. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure resting state and sound-evoked electrocortical activity in auditory and frontal cortices of postnatal day (P)22-23 male mice before and one-day after treatment with SB-3CT (25 mg/kg) or vehicle. At P27-28, animal behaviors were tested to measure the effects of the treatment on anxiety and hyperactivity. Results show that acute inhibition of MMP-9 activity improved evoked synchronization to auditory stimuli and ameliorated mouse behavioral deficits. MMP-9 inhibition enhanced PNN formation, increased PV levels and TrkB phosphorylation yet reduced Akt phosphorylation in the AC of Fmr1 KO mice. Our results show that MMP-9 inhibition during early postnatal development is beneficial in reducing some auditory processing deficits in the FXS mouse model and may serve as a candidate therapeutic for reversing sensory hypersensitivity in FXS and possibly other ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia S Pirbhoy
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maham Rais
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Lovelace
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Walker Woodard
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Iryna M Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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42
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Cordeiro L, Villagomez A, Swain D, Deklotz S, Tartaglia N. Adaptive Skills in FXS: A Review of the Literature and Evaluation of the PEDI-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) to Measure Adaptive Skills. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E351. [PMID: 32517224 PMCID: PMC7349498 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10060351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As adaptive skills (AS) are dynamic and may indicate the success of an intervention, they are a common domain measured in clinical trials. Typical interview tools for measuring AS are time-consuming, and questionnaire measures often lead to inconsistent information. The present study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, validity and test-retest performance of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) in Fragile X syndrome (FXS). The PEDI-CAT is administered via tablet and uses the item response theory to efficiently determine the items administered. The PEDI-CAT was administered to 42 individuals with FXS (27 males; 15 females) aged 1.6-50.9 years (M = 14.9; SD = 11.2), followed by the Vineland-3 (VABS-3) interview for comparison. Administration was efficient (M = 21.7 min; SD = 9.5; range 8-45 min; mode = 19). Males and females did not significantly differ on the PEDI-CAT domains, except for daily activities (t(40) = -2.22, p = 0.037). Floor effects were significant for both measures, although the PEDI-CAT showed more floor effects in the mobility (35.7%) and social-cognitive (50%) domains. PEDI-CAT daily activities, mobility, social-cognitive and responsibility domains were all significantly correlated with most of the VABS-3 domains (all rho > 0.5; p < 0.01). Test-rest of the PEDI-CAT was comparable to the VABS-3. Results suggest that the PEDI-CAT is efficient, and minimal training is needed to administer it; however, it lacks specificity and shares a high rate of floor effects with the VABS-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Cordeiro
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.C.); (A.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Adrienne Villagomez
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.C.); (A.V.); (S.D.)
- Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Deanna Swain
- Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY 10605, USA
| | - Sophia Deklotz
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.C.); (A.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.C.); (A.V.); (S.D.)
- Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
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43
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Ridley E, Riby DM, Leekam SR. A cross-syndrome approach to the social phenotype of neurodevelopmental disorders: Focusing on social vulnerability and social interaction style. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 100:103604. [PMID: 32142968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following Annette Karmiloff-Smith's approach to cognitive research, this study applied a cross-syndrome approach to the social phenotype, focusing on social vulnerability (SV) and the factors that contribute to it. AIMS To (i) identify syndrome-specific differences in SV across four neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) groups, (ii) determine the contribution of intellectual disability (ID), age or gender to SV, and (iii) explore its relationship with social interaction style (SIS). METHODS AND PROCEDURES 262 parents of children: Autism (n = 29), Williams syndrome (n = 29), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 36), Fragile X syndrome (n = 18), and Neurotypical (n = 150) reported on their child's SV, quality of SIS and other factors (ID, age, gender). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Heightened SV was not syndrome-specific. Instead it was found equally across NDD groups (and not in the neurotypical group), and independently of ID, age and gender. Different atypical SISs were also distributed across NDD groups and each were significantly related to SV, independent of the factors above and beyond neurodevelopmental diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The findings emphasise that social phenotypes are best understood as distributed across diagnostic boundaries and offer opportunities to further test the role of varied atypical SISs in the development of heightened SV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Ridley
- Centre for Developmental Disorders, Department of Psychology, Durham University, Science Site, South Road, Durham, UK.
| | - Deborah M Riby
- Centre for Developmental Disorders, Department of Psychology, Durham University, Science Site, South Road, Durham, UK
| | - Susan R Leekam
- Wales Autism Research Centre, Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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44
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Thurman AJ, Hoyos Alvarez C. Language Performance in Preschool-Aged Boys with Nonsyndromic Autism Spectrum Disorder or Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:1621-1638. [PMID: 30783899 PMCID: PMC6699941 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03919-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, language performance on standardized assessments (e.g., overall verbal performance, receptive and expressive vocabulary) and spontaneous language produced in play was compared between preschool-aged boys with autism spectrum disorder (nASD, n = 25) and boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS, n = 16). At the group-level, we observed weaknesses in the language skills of boys with nASD relative to those with FXS (e.g., when considering raw score performance, standard score performance relative to nonverbal cognitive skills, frequency of talk in play), after controlling for nonverbal IQ and ASD symptom severity. Moreover, although individually most children in both groups demonstrated language delays relative to CA-expectations, language delays relative to nonverbal level-expectations were more common in boys with nASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela John Thurman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA.
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA.
| | - Cesar Hoyos Alvarez
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
- Department of Spanish and Portuguese, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
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45
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Cordeiro L, Braden M, Coan E, Welnick N, Tanda T, Tartaglia N. Evaluating Social Interactions Using the Autism Screening Instrument for Education Planning-3rd Edition (ASIEP-3): Interaction Assessment in Children and Adults with Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E248. [PMID: 32331269 PMCID: PMC7226214 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient and direct measure of social interactions and autism symptoms is needed for fragile X syndrome (FXS) research and clinical care. The Autism Screening Instrument for Educational Planning-Third Edition (ASIEP-3) Interaction assessment is a brief standardized measure that quantifies social responses under different conditions. The feasibility and validity of the ASIEP-3 was evaluated in 26 males and 13 females with FXS, along with cognitive testing and behavior questionnaires. The videos were scored at 10-second intervals, and the observed behaviors were scored as an interaction, independent play, no response, or aggression. In total, 39/41 participants successfully completed the ASIEP-3 (age M = 14.4 ± 10.2), with a range of cognitive abilities (abbreviated IQ (ABIQ) M = 58.9 ± 17.3, median = 50), behaviors (Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) Total M = 37.00 ± 27.3), and autism diagnoses (N = 22/39). Reliable administration was demonstrated by all team members. The mean coded behaviors included interaction (40.6%), independent play (36.8%), no response (21.1%), and aggressive behavior (<10%). The interaction score was negatively correlated with the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) score (p = 0.037), and the profiles differed by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.79 to 0.93 for master's level and above. Administration of the ASIEP-3 was feasible for FXS across sex, age, ability, and behavior ratings by a trained research team. Reliable scoring required advanced training in the assessment of social development and FXS experience. The scores correlated to ratings and diagnoses of ASD. The ASIEP-3 shows promise to reliably index social interactions in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Cordeiro
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.C.); (T.T.)
| | - Marcia Braden
- Licensed Psychologist, Private Practice, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA;
| | - Elizabeth Coan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.C.); (T.T.)
- Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Nanastasia Welnick
- Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Tanea Tanda
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.C.); (T.T.)
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.C.); (T.T.)
- Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
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46
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Suardi GAM, Haddad LA. FMRP ribonucleoprotein complexes and RNA homeostasis. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2020; 105:95-136. [PMID: 32560791 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Fragile Mental Retardation 1 gene (FMR1), at Xq27.3, encodes the fragile mental retardation protein (FMRP), and displays in its 5'-untranslated region a series of polymorphic CGG triplet repeats that may undergo dynamic mutation. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability among men, and is most frequently due to FMR1 full mutation and consequent transcription repression. FMR1 premutations may associate with at least two other clinical conditions, named fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) and tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). While FXPOI and FXTAS appear to be mediated by FMR1 mRNA accumulation, relative reduction of FMRP, and triplet repeat translation, FXS is due to the lack of the RNA-binding protein FMRP. Besides its function as mRNA translation repressor in neuronal and stem/progenitor cells, RNA editing roles have been assigned to FMRP. In this review, we provide a brief description of FMR1 transcribed microsatellite and associated clinical disorders, and discuss FMRP molecular roles in ribonucleoprotein complex assembly and trafficking, as well as aspects of RNA homeostasis affected in FXS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Aparecida Marcondes Suardi
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Amaral Haddad
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Haebig E, Sterling A, Barton-Hulsey A, Friedman L. Rates and Predictors of Co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder in Boys with Fragile X Syndrome. AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS 2020; 5:2396941520905328. [PMID: 35847766 PMCID: PMC9281610 DOI: 10.1177/2396941520905328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Background and aims Males with fragile X syndrome display many behavioral features of autism spectrum disorder. Despite this overlap, our understanding of autism spectrum disorder symptoms and severity in fragile X syndrome is limited due to variation in assessment methods in the literature. Furthermore, the relationship between autism spectrum disorder symptoms and child characteristics, like age, language, and cognitive abilities, are not well understood in individuals with fragile X syndrome. Therefore, the first research aim was to compare the rates of autism spectrum disorder classifications from three commonly reported autism spectrum disorder assessments in the literature. Our second research aim was to examine the relationship between autism spectrum disorder characteristics and other child characteristics. Methods The present study compared autism spectrum disorder classifications and symptoms using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale, second edition in a sample of 33 school-age and adolescent boys with fragile X syndrome. In addition, the participants completed nonverbal IQ testing, expressive vocabulary and grammar tests, and a conversation language sample. Results The majority of the participants met criteria for autism spectrum disorder on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (96.97%) and Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (90.91%), while only half met criteria for autism spectrum disorder on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, second edition. Sixteen boys (48.48%) met criteria for autism spectrum disorder on all three measures, and all participants met criteria for autism spectrum disorder on at least one measure. Expressive vocabulary accounted for a unique amount of variance in Childhood Autism Rating Scale, second edition and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores. Additionally, grammatical complexity accounted for a unique amount of variance in Childhood Autism Rating Scale, second edition scores. None of the child variables accounted for the variance found in Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised scores. Although nonverbal IQ scores did not account for a significant amount of variance on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, boys who met criteria for autism spectrum disorder on all three measures had lower nonverbal IQ compared to the boys who did not. Additionally, mean length of utterance and expressive vocabulary scores were lower in the boys who met criteria for autism spectrum disorder on all three measures than those who did not. Conclusions Our findings identify areas of overlap and difference in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale, second edition when used with males with fragile X syndrome. Variation in assessments may differentially identify the phenotypic behaviors of boys with fragile X syndrome that lead to a co-diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which contributes to the variation in reported co-morbidity of fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Also, expressive language abilities, especially expressive vocabulary, are associated with autism spectrum disorder symptomatology. Implications: When interpreting comorbid fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder rates in the literature, it is important to consider the assessment tool that was used. Although the assessments that we used in the present study yielded scores that were highly correlated (i.e. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Childhood Autism Rating Scale, second edition), their categorical classifications did not align perfectly. Our findings also highlight the importance of considering language skills when assessing autism spectrum disorder severity in fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Haebig
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Louisiana State
University, USA
| | - Audra Sterling
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
USA
| | - Andrea Barton-Hulsey
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; School of
Communication Sciences and Disorders, Florida State University, USA
| | - Laura Friedman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
USA
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Danilina K, Gorbachevskaya N. Adaptive Status, Autistic Symptoms and Cognitive Profile in Patients with Monogenic Form of Autism Spectrum Disorders – Fragile X Syndrome. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ И СПЕЦИАЛЬНАЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЯ 2020. [DOI: 10.17759/cpse.2020090204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The article analyzes psychological data of a large group (55 males and 6 females) of subjects with monogenic form of hereditary cognitive impairment with autistic symptoms – Martin-Bell syndrome (FXS) at different age ranges (from 2 to 34 years old). As a result of the analysis, significant cognitive impairments were identified, which persisted throughout the studied age interval (IQ 50 ± 2.1 in males and 60 ± 5.6 in females). Autistic disorders were observed on average in 60% of subjects (less in females) and were most pronounced at 8-12 years. Use of Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 (ADOS-2) allowed us to show that “Social Affect” scale makes the main contribution to overall score of autistic manifestations. Almost all subjects showed a significantly reduced level of adaptive skills. The lowest scores on “Communication”, “Socialization” and “Everyday life skills” scales were observed at the age of 8-12 years. With increase in age, subjects improved only on “Daily Life Skills” scale. It was also shown that a higher degree of adaptation and better nonverbal intelligence was observed in children with less severe autistic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.K. Danilina
- Research and Clinical Center of Pediatric psychoneurology of Moscow Department of Public Health
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Pajarillo E, Rizor A, Lee J, Aschner M, Lee E. The role of astrocytic glutamate transporters GLT-1 and GLAST in neurological disorders: Potential targets for neurotherapeutics. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107559. [PMID: 30851309 PMCID: PMC6731169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) which initiates rapid signal transmission in the synapse before its re-uptake into the surrounding glia, specifically astrocytes. The astrocytic glutamate transporters glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and their human homologs excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) and 2 (EAAT2), respectively, are the major transporters which take up synaptic glutamate to maintain optimal extracellular glutamic levels, thus preventing accumulation in the synaptic cleft and ensuing excitotoxicity. Growing evidence has shown that excitotoxicity is associated with various neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), manganism, ischemia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. While the mechanisms of neurological disorders are not well understood, the dysregulation of GLAST/GLT-1 may play a significant role in excitotoxicity and associated neuropathogenesis. The expression and function of GLAST/GLT-1 may be dysregulated at the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional or translational levels, leading to high levels of extracellular glutamate and excitotoxicity. Consequently, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of GLAST/GLT-1 has been an area of interest in developing therapeutics for the treatment of neurological disorders. Pharmacological agents including β-lactam antibiotics, estrogen/selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), growth factors, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), and translational activators have shown significant efficacy in enhancing the expression and function of GLAST/GLT-1 and glutamate uptake both in vitro and in vivo. This comprehensive review will discuss the regulatory mechanisms of GLAST/GLT-1, their association with neurological disorders, and the pharmacological agents which mediate their expression and function. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Pajarillo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, USA
| | - Asha Rizor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, USA
| | - Jayden Lee
- Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Eunsook Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, USA.
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Hamrick LR, Seidl A, Tonnsen BL. Acoustic properties of early vocalizations in infants with fragile X syndrome. Autism Res 2019; 12:1663-1679. [PMID: 31407873 PMCID: PMC7337140 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurogenetic syndrome characterized by cognitive impairments and high rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS is often highlighted as a model for exploring pathways of symptom expression in ASD due to the high prevalence of ASD symptoms in this population and the known single-gene cause of FXS. Early vocalization features-including volubility, complexity, duration, and pitch-have shown promise in detecting ASD in idiopathic ASD populations but have yet to be extensively studied in a population with a known genetic cause for ASD such as FXS. Investigating early trajectories of these features in FXS may inform our limited knowledge of potential mechanisms that predict later social communication outcomes. The present study addresses this need by presenting preliminary findings which (a) characterize early vocalization features in FXS relative to low-risk controls (LRC) and (b) test the specificity of associations between these features and language and ASD outcomes. We coded vocalization features during a standardized child-examiner interaction for 39 nine-month-olds (22 FXS, 17 LRC) whose clinical outcomes were assessed at 24 months. Our results provide preliminary evidence that within FXS, associations between vocalization features and 24-month language outcomes may diverge from those observed in LRC, and that vocalization features may be associated with later ASD symptoms. These findings provide a starting point for more research exploring these features as potential early markers of ASD in FXS, which in turn may lead to improved early identification methods, treatment approaches, and overall well-being of individuals with ASD. Autism Res2019. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Although vocal features of 9-month-olds with FXS did not differ from those of low-risk controls, several features were associated with later language and ASD outcomes at 24 months in FXS. These preliminary results suggest acoustic data may be related to clinical outcomes in FXS and potentially other high-risk populations. Further characterizing these associations may facilitate understanding of biological mechanisms and risk factors associated with social communication development and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Hamrick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Amanda Seidl
- Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Bridgette L Tonnsen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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