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Hakizimana O, Hitayezu J, Uyisenga JP, Onohuean H, Palmeira L, Bours V, Alagbonsi AI, Uwineza A. Genetic etiology of autism spectrum disorder in the African population: a scoping review. Front Genet 2024; 15:1431093. [PMID: 39391062 PMCID: PMC11464363 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1431093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by significant impairments in social, communicative, and behavioral abilities. However, only a limited number of studies address the genetic basis of ASD in the African population. This study aims to document the genes associated with ASD in Africa and the techniques used to identify them. Additionally, genes identified elsewhere but not yet in Africa are also noted. Methods Online databases such as Wiley Online Library, PubMed, and Africa Journal Online were used. The review was conducted using the keyword related to genetic and genomic ASD study in the African population. Result In this scoping review, 40 genetic studies on ASD in Africa were reviewed. The Egyptian and South African populations were the most studied, with 25 and 5 studies, respectively. Countries with fewer studies included Tunisia (4), East African countries (3), Libya (1), Nigeria (1), and Morocco (1). Some 61 genes responsible for ASD were identified in the African population: 26 were identified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method, 22 were identified using sequencing technologies, and 12 genes and one de novo chromosomal aberration were identified through other techniques. No African study identified any ASD gene with genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Notably, at least 20 ASD risk genes reported in non-African countries were yet to be confirmed in Africa's population. Conclusion There are insufficient genetic studies on ASD in the African population, with sample size being a major limitation in most genetic association studies, leading to inconclusive results. Thus, there is a need to conduct more studies with large sample sizes to identify other genes associated with ASD in Africa's population using high-throughput sequencing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Hakizimana
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Center for Human Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart-Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Janvier Hitayezu
- Department of Pediatrics, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jeanne P. Uyisenga
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Hope Onohuean
- Biopharmaceutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Leonor Palmeira
- Center for Human Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart-Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Vincent Bours
- Center for Human Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart-Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Abdullateef Isiaka Alagbonsi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Annette Uwineza
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Shin E, Kim B, Kang H, Lee H, Park J, Kang J, Park E, Jo S, Kim HY, Lee JS, Lee JM, Youn H, Youn B. Mitochondrial glutamate transporter SLC25A22 uni-directionally export glutamate for metabolic rewiring in radioresistant glioblastoma. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127511. [PMID: 37866557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a malignant primary brain tumor. Radiotherapy, one of the standard treatments for GBM patients, could induce GBM radioresistance via rewiring cellular metabolism. However, the precise mechanism attributing to GBM radioresistance or targeting strategies to overcome GBM radioresistance are lacking. Here, we demonstrate that SLC25A22, a mitochondrial bi-directional glutamate transporter, is upregulated and showed uni-directionality from mitochondria to cytosol in radioresistant GBM cells, resulting in accumulating cytosolic glutamate. However, mitochondrial glutaminolysis-mediated TCA cycle metabolites and OCR are maintained constantly. The accumulated cytosolic glutamate enhances the glutathione (GSH) production and proline synthesis in radioresistant GBM cells. Increased GSH protects cells against ionizing radiation (IR)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) whereas increased proline, a rate-limiting substrate for collagen biosynthesis, induces extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leading to GBM invasive phenotypes. Finally, we discover that genetic inhibition of SLC25A22 using miR-184 mimic decreases GBM radioresistance and aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study suggests that SLC25A22 upregulation confers GBM radioresistance by rewiring glutamate metabolism, and SLC25A22 could be a significant therapeutic target to overcome GBM radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunguk Shin
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongsoo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunkoo Kang
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Haksoo Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyung Park
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - JiHoon Kang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Sunmi Jo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine, Busan 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Yu Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Sub Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Myung Lee
- Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; Nuclear Science Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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Liu J, Yan J, Qu F, Mo W, Yu H, Hu P, Zhang Z. A pilot study on glutamate receptor and carrier gene variants and risk of childhood autism spectrum. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2477-2488. [PMID: 37578654 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01272-w] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Imbalanced glutamate signaling has been implicated in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This case-control study was to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutamate receptor and carrier genes and determine their association with childhood ASD in a Chinese Han population. A total of 12 SNPs in genes encoding glutamate receptors (GRM7 and GRM8) and carriers (SLC1A1 and SLC25A12) were examined in 249 autistic children and 353 healthy controls. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and its verbal communication domain were applied to evaluate the severity of the disease and language impairment, respectively. The T allele of rs2292813 in the SLC25A12 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio (OD) = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.6, P = 0.0107). Neither the genotypes nor allele distributions of other SNPs were associated with the risk of ASD. Notably, rs1800656 and rs2237731 in the GRM8 gene, but not other SNPs, were related to the severity of language impairment. All SNPs were not correlated with the overall severity of ASD. Our findings support associations between the SLC25A12 gene variant and the risk of childhood ASD, and between the GRM8 gene variant and the severity of language impairment in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728, Yucai North Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, China.
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728, Yucai North Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, China
| | - Fei Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728, Yucai North Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, China
| | - Weiming Mo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728, Yucai North Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pingfang Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728, Yucai North Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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Intracellular Citrate/acetyl-CoA flux and endoplasmic reticulum acetylation: Connectivity is the answer. Mol Metab 2022; 67:101653. [PMID: 36513219 PMCID: PMC9792894 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101653] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key cellular metabolites reflecting the immediate activity of metabolic enzymes as well as the functional metabolic state of intracellular organelles can act as powerful signal regulators to ensure the activation of homeostatic responses. The citrate/acetyl-CoA pathway, initially recognized for its role in intermediate metabolism, has emerged as a fundamental branch of this nutrient-sensing homeostatic response. Emerging studies indicate that fluctuations in acetyl-CoA availability within different cellular organelles and compartments provides substrate-level regulation of many biological functions. A fundamental aspect of these regulatory functions involves Nε-lysine acetylation. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we will examine the emerging regulatory functions of the citrate/acetyl-CoA pathway and the specific role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) acetylation machinery in the maintenance of intracellular crosstalk and homeostasis. These functions will be analyzed in the context of associated human diseases and specific mouse models of dysfunctional ER acetylation and citrate/acetyl-CoA flux. A primary objective of this review is to highlight the complex yet integrated response of compartment- and organelle-specific Nε-lysine acetylation to the intracellular availability and flux of acetyl-CoA, linking this important post-translational modification to cellular metabolism. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The ER acetylation machinery regulates the proteostatic functions of the organelle as well as the metabolic crosstalk between different intracellular organelles and compartments. This crosstalk enables the cell to impart adaptive responses within the ER and the secretory pathway. However, it also enables the ER to impart adaptive responses within different cellular organelles and compartments. Defects in the homeostatic balance of acetyl-CoA flux and ER acetylation reflect different but converging disease states in humans as well as converging phenotypes in relevant mouse models. In conclusion, citrate and acetyl-CoA should not only be seen as metabolic substrates of intermediate metabolism but also as signaling molecules that direct functional adaptation of the cell to both intracellular and extracellular messages. Future discoveries in CoA biology and acetylation are likely to yield novel therapeutic approaches.
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Mir A, Almudhry M, Alghamdi F, Albaradie R, Ibrahim M, Aldurayhim F, Alhedaithy A, Alamr M, Bawazir M, Mohammad S, Abdelhay S, Bashir S, Housawi Y. SLC gene mutations and pediatric neurological disorders: diverse clinical phenotypes in a Saudi Arabian population. Hum Genet 2021; 141:81-99. [PMID: 34797406 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The uptake and efflux of solutes across a plasma membrane is controlled by transporters. There are two main superfamilies of transporters, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) binding cassettes (ABCs) and solute carriers (SLCs). In the brain, SLC transporters are involved in transporting various solutes across the blood-brain barrier, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, astrocytes, neurons, and other brain cell types including oligodendrocytes and microglial cells. SLCs play an important role in maintaining normal brain function. Hence, mutations in the genes that encode SLC transporters can cause a variety of neurological disorders. We identified the following SLC gene variants in 25 patients in our cohort: SLC1A2, SLC2A1, SLC5A1, SLC6A3, SLC6A5, SLC6A8, SLC9A6, SLC9A9, SLC12A6, SLC13A5, SLC16A1, SLC17A5, SLC19A3, SLC25A12, SLC25A15, SLC27A4, SLC45A1, SLC46A1, and SLC52A3. Eight patients harbored pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations (SLC5A1, SLC9A6, SLC12A6, SLC16A1, SLC19A3, and SLC52A3), and 12 patients were found to have variants of unknown clinical significance (VOUS); these variants occurred in 11 genes (SLC1A2, SLC2A1, SLC6A3, SLC6A5, SLC6A8, SLC9A6, SLC9A9, SLC13A5, SLC25A12, SLC27A4, and SLC45A1). Five patients were excluded as they were carriers. In the remaining 20 patients with SLC gene variants, we identified 16 possible distinct neurological disorders. Based on the clinical presentation, we categorized them into genes causing intellectual delay (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), those causing epilepsy, those causing vitamin-related disorders, and those causing other neurological diseases. Several variants were detected that indicated possible personalized therapies: SLC2A1 led to dystonia or epilepsy, which can be treated with a ketogenic diet; SLC6A3 led to infantile parkinsonism-dystonia 1, which can be treated with levodopa; SLC6A5 led to hyperekplexia 3, for which unnecessary treatment with antiepileptic drugs should be avoided; SLC6A8 led to creatine deficiency syndrome type 1, which can be treated with creatine monohydrate; SLC16A1 led to monocarboxylate transporter 1 deficiency, which causes seizures that should not be treated with a ketogenic diet; SLC19A3 led to biotin-thiamine-responsive basal ganglia disease, which can be treated with biotin and thiamine; and SLC52A3 led to Brown-Vialetto-Van-Laere syndrome 1, which can be treated with riboflavin. The present study examines the prevalence of SLC gene mutations in our cohort of children with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. It highlights the diverse phenotypes associated with mutations in this large family of SLC transporter proteins, and an opportunity for personalized genomics and personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mir
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Montaha Almudhry
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raidah Albaradie
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Aldurayhim
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alhedaithy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushari Alamr
- Genetic and Metabolic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Bawazir
- Genetic and Metabolic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Mohammad
- Department of Pediatric, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Salma Abdelhay
- Department of Pediatric, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef Housawi
- Genetic and Metabolic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Balachandar V, Rajagopalan K, Jayaramayya K, Jeevanandam M, Iyer M. Mitochondrial dysfunction: A hidden trigger of autism? Genes Dis 2021; 8:629-639. [PMID: 34291134 PMCID: PMC8278534 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorder with no precise etiology. Deficits in cognitive functions uncover at early stages and are known to have an environmental and genetic basis. Since autism is multifaceted and also linked with other comorbidities associated with various organs, there is a possibility that there may be a fundamental cellular process responsible for this. These reasons place mitochondria at the point of interest as it is involved in multiple cellular processes predominantly involving metabolism. Mitochondria encoded genes were taken into consideration lately because it is inherited maternally, has its own genome and also functions the time of embryo development. Various researches have linked mitochondrial mishaps like oxidative stress, ROS production and mt-DNA copy number variations to autism. Despite dramatic advances in autism research worldwide, the studies focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction in autism is rather minimal, especially in India. India, owing to its rich diversity, may be able to contribute significantly to autism research. It is vital to urge more studies in this domain as it may help to completely understand the basics of the condition apart from a genetic standpoint. This review focuses on the worldwide and Indian scenario of autism research; mitochondrial abnormalities in autism and possible therapeutic approaches to combat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vellingiri Balachandar
- Human Molecular Genetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046, India
| | - Kamarajan Rajagopalan
- Human Molecular Genetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046, India
| | - Kaavya Jayaramayya
- Department of Zoology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641043, India
| | - Madesh Jeevanandam
- Human Molecular Genetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046, India
- Department of Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641014, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Department of Zoology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641043, India
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The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC or Aralar1) isoforms in D. melanogaster: biochemical characterization, gene structure, and evolutionary analysis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129854. [PMID: 33497735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In man two mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC) isoforms, known as aralar and citrin, are required to accomplish several metabolic pathways. In order to fill the existing gap of knowledge in Drosophila melanogaster, we have studied aralar1 gene, orthologue of human AGC-encoding genes in this organism. METHODS The blastp algorithm and the "reciprocal best hit" approach have been used to identify the human orthologue of AGCs in Drosophilidae and non-Drosophilidae. Aralar1 proteins have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and functionally reconstituted into liposomes for transport assays. RESULTS The transcriptional organization of aralar1 comprises six isoforms, three constitutively expressed (aralar1-RA, RD and RF), and the remaining three distributed during the development or in different tissues (aralar1-RB, RC and RE). Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE, representative of all isoforms, have been biochemically characterized. Recombinant Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE proteins share similar efficiency to exchange glutamate against aspartate, and same substrate affinities than the human isoforms. Interestingly, although Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE diverge only in their EF-hand 8, they greatly differ in their specific activities and substrate specificity. CONCLUSIONS The tight regulation of aralar1 transcripts expression and the high request of aspartate and glutamate during early embryogenesis suggest a crucial role of Aralar1 in this Drosophila developmental stage. Furthermore, biochemical characterization and calcium sensitivity have identified Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE as the human aralar and citrin counterparts, respectively. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The functional characterization of the fruit fly mitochondrial AGC transporter represents a crucial step toward a complete understanding of the metabolic events acting during early embryogenesis.
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Korologou-Linden R, Leyden GM, Relton CL, Richmond RC, Richardson TG. Multi-omics analyses of cognitive traits and psychiatric disorders highlights brain-dependent mechanisms. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 32:ddab016. [PMID: 33481009 PMCID: PMC9990996 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrating findings from genome-wide association studies with molecular datasets can develop insight into the underlying functional mechanisms responsible for trait-associated genetic variants. We have applied the principles of Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate whether brain-derived gene expression (n = 1194) may be responsible for mediating the effect of genetic variants on eight cognitive and psychological outcomes (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, depression, intelligence, insomnia, neuroticism and schizophrenia). Transcriptome-wide analyses identified 83 genes associated with at least one outcome (PBonferroni < 6.72 × 10-6), with multiple-trait colocalization also implicating changes to brain-derived DNA methylation at nine of these loci. Comparing effects between outcomes identified evidence of enrichment which may reflect putative causal relationships, such as an inverse relationship between genetic liability towards schizophrenia risk and cognitive ability in later life. Repeating these analyses in whole blood (n = 31 684), we replicated 58.2% of brain-derived effects (based on P < 0.05). Finally, we undertook phenome-wide evaluations at associated loci to investigate pleiotropic effects with 700 complex traits. This highlighted pleiotropic loci such as FURIN (initially implicated in schizophrenia risk (P = 1.05 × 10-7)) which had evidence of an effect on 28 other outcomes, as well as genes which may have a more specific role in disease pathogenesis (e.g. SLC12A5 which only provided evidence of an effect on depression (P = 7.13 × 10-10)). Our results support the utility of whole blood as a valuable proxy for informing initial target identification but also suggest that gene discovery in a tissue-specific manner may be more informative. Finally, non-pleiotropic loci highlighted by our study may be of use for therapeutic translational endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna Korologou-Linden
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Genevieve M Leyden
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Rebecca C Richmond
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Tom G Richardson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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Yao F, Zhang K, Feng C, Gao Y, Shen L, Liu X, Ni J. Protein Biomarkers of Autism Spectrum Disorder Identified by Computational and Experimental Methods. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:554621. [PMID: 33716802 PMCID: PMC7947305 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.554621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. However, there are currently no reliable biomarkers for ASD diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The strategy of computational prediction combined with experimental verification was used to identify blood protein biomarkers for ASD. First, brain tissue-based transcriptome data of ASD were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus database and analyzed to find ASD-related genes by bioinformatics method of significance analysis of microarrays. Then, a prediction program of blood-secretory proteins was applied on these genes to predict ASD-related proteins in blood. Furthermore, ELISA was used to verify these proteins in plasma samples of ASD patients. Results: A total of 364 genes were identified differentially expressed in brain tissue of ASD, among which 59 genes were predicted to encode ASD-related blood-secretory proteins. After functional analysis and literature survey, six proteins were chosen for experimental verification and five were successfully validated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the area under the curve of SLC25A12, LIMK1, and RARS was larger than 0.85, indicating that they are more powerful in discriminating ASD cases from controls. Conclusion: SLC25A12, LIMK1, and RARS might serve as new potential blood protein biomarkers for ASD. Our findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaoyuan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Dermatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Department of Child Healthcare, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Child Healthcare, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xukun Liu
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiazuan Ni
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Castora FJ. Mitochondrial function and abnormalities implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:83-108. [PMID: 30599156 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse that generate over 90% of the ATP produced in cells. In addition to its role in energy production, the mitochondrion also plays a major role in carbohydrate, fatty acid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, programmed cell death (apoptosis), generation of and protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS), immune response, regulation of intracellular calcium ion levels and even maintenance of gut microbiota. With its essential role in bio-energetic as well as non-energetic biological processes, it is not surprising that proper cellular, tissue and organ function is dependent upon proper mitochondrial function. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be directly linked to a variety of medical disorders, particularly neuromuscular disorders and increasing evidence has linked mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Rett Syndrome (RS) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Over the last 40 years there has been a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of ASD and, more recently, an increasing body of evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in ASD development. In this review, the latest evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormalities in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the pathogenesis of autism will be presented. This review will also summarize the results of several recent `approaches used for improving mitochondrial function that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to managing and/or treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Castora
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA; Department of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
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11
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Khalifa D, Shahin O, Salem D, Raafat O. Serum glutamate was elevated in children aged 3-10 years with autism spectrum disorders when they were compared with controls. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:295-299. [PMID: 29949195 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to see whether measuring serum glutamate in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could provide a biological marker that could allow early intervention. METHODS Serum glutamate was measured in 30 patients aged 3-10 years presenting with ASD to the Abou El Reesh Hospitals, Cairo University, Egypt and 30 matched controls without ASD in 2015. The Vineland Social Maturity Scale was applied to assess social competence, self- help skills and adaptive behaviour in both groups. The severity of autism was measured with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale test. RESULTS The patients' group showed higher mean values of serum glutamate (5.888) than the control group (2.521) and the statistical difference was significant (p = 0.00021). There was no significant difference (p = 0.151) in the serum level of glutamate between patients receiving 1-2 mg of risperidone (6.519 ± 2.851) and those who were free from any medication for at least six weeks (5.157 ± 2.184). CONCLUSION We found higher levels of serum glutamate in subjects with ASD and this might reflect altered glutamatergic neurotransmission which may aid early ASD detection. Further investigations are needed with a large number of participants to further clarify the possibility of using glutamate as a biomarker for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Khalifa
- Department of Psychiatry; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - O Shahin
- Department of Psychiatry; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - D Salem
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; New Giza University; Cairo Egypt
| | - O Raafat
- Department of Psychiatry; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
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12
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Rose S, Niyazov DM, Rossignol DA, Goldenthal M, Kahler SG, Frye RE. Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Diagn Ther 2018; 22:571-593. [PMID: 30039193 PMCID: PMC6132446 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects ~ 2% of children in the United States. The etiology of ASD likely involves environmental factors triggering physiological abnormalities in genetically sensitive individuals. One of these major physiological abnormalities is mitochondrial dysfunction, which may affect a significant subset of children with ASD. Here we systematically review the literature on human studies of mitochondrial dysfunction related to ASD. Clinical aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD include unusual neurodevelopmental regression, especially if triggered by an inflammatory event, gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, motor delays, fatigue and lethargy. Traditional biomarkers of mitochondrial disease are widely reported to be abnormal in ASD, but appear non-specific. Newer biomarkers include buccal cell enzymology, biomarkers of fatty acid metabolism, non-mitochondrial enzyme function, apoptosis markers and mitochondrial antibodies. Many genetic abnormalities are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD, including chromosomal abnormalities, mitochondrial DNA mutations and large-scale deletions, and mutations in both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial nuclear genes. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been described in immune and buccal cells, fibroblasts, muscle and gastrointestinal tissue and the brains of individuals with ASD. Several environmental factors, including toxicants, microbiome metabolites and an oxidized microenvironment are shown to modulate mitochondrial function in ASD tissues. Investigations of treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD are promising but preliminary. The etiology of mitochondrial dysfunction and how to define it in ASD is currently unclear. However, preliminary evidence suggests that the mitochondria may be a fruitful target for treatment and prevention of ASD. Further research is needed to better understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dmitriy M Niyazov
- Section of Medical Genetics, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Michael Goldenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology Section, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen G Kahler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas St, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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13
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Liu J, Mo W, Zhang Z, Yu H, Yang A, Qu F, Hu P, Liu Z, Wang S. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in SLC19A1 and SLC25A9 Are Associated with Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Chinese Han Population. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 62:262-267. [PMID: 28536923 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variants have been implicated in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent studies suggest that solute carriers (SLCs) may play a role in the etiology of ASD. This purpose of this study was to determine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLC19A1 and SLC25A12 genes with childhood ASD in a Chinese Han population. A total of 201 autistic children and 200 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. A TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR approach was used to determine genotypes of SNPs corresponding to rs1023159 and rs1051266 in SLC19A1, and rs2056202 and rs2292813 in SLC25A12. Our results showed that both the T/T genotype of rs1051266 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-3.23, P = 0.0301) and the T allele (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07-2.90, P = 0.0249) of rs2292813 were significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood ASD. In addition, the G-C haplotype of rs1023159-rs1051266 in SCL19A1 (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51-0.98, P = 0.0389) and C-C haplotype of rs2056202-rs2292813 in SLC25A12 (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35-0.96, P = 0.0325) were associated with decreased risks of childhood ASD. There was no significant association between genotypes and allele frequencies with the severity of the disease. Our study suggests that these genetic variants of SLC19A1 and SLC25A12 may be associated with risks for childhood ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China.
| | - Weiming Mo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of HangzhouNormal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311201, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China
| | - Aiping Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China
| | - Fei Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China
| | - Pingfang Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311202, China
| | - Shihu Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
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14
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Cheng N, Rho JM, Masino SA. Metabolic Dysfunction Underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder and Potential Treatment Approaches. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:34. [PMID: 28270747 PMCID: PMC5318388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in sociability and communication, and increased repetitive and/or restrictive behaviors. While the etio-pathogenesis of ASD is unknown, clinical manifestations are diverse and many possible genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. As such, it has been a great challenge to identify key neurobiological mechanisms and to develop effective treatments. Current therapies focus on co-morbid conditions (such as epileptic seizures and sleep disturbances) and there is no cure for the core symptoms. Recent studies have increasingly implicated mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD. The fact that mitochondria are an integral part of diverse cellular functions and are susceptible to many insults could explain how a wide range of factors can contribute to a consistent behavioral phenotype in ASD. Meanwhile, the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD), used for nearly a century to treat medically intractable epilepsy, has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function through a multiplicity of mechanisms and affect additional molecular targets that may address symptoms and comorbidities of ASD. Here, we review the evidence for the use of metabolism-based therapies such as the KD in the treatment of ASD as well as emerging co-morbid models of epilepsy and autism. Future research directions aimed at validating such therapeutic approaches and identifying additional and novel mechanistic targets are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cheng
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jong M. Rho
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan A. Masino
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Trinity CollegeHartford, CT, USA
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15
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Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that ultimately result from dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. There is some evidence to suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in neuropsychiatric illness; however, the data are inconclusive. This article summarizes the available literature published in the area of neuropsychiatric manifestations in both children and adults with primary mitochondrial disease, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder in children and mood disorders and schizophrenia in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Marin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive #0935, La Jolla, CA 92093-0935, USA
| | - Russell P Saneto
- Department of Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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16
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Liu J, Yang A, Zhang Q, Yang G, Yang W, Lei H, Quan J, Qu F, Wang M, Zhang Z, Yu K. Association between genetic variants in SLC25A12 and risk of autism spectrum disorders: An integrated meta-analysis. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168B:236-46. [PMID: 25921325 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The solute carrier family 25 (aspartate/glutamate carrier), member 12 gene (SLC25A12) has been strongly posed as a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) given its important role in mitochondrial function and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Evidence is mounting for the association between SLC25A12 variants (rs2056202 and rs2292813) and ASD risk, but the results are inconsistent. To clarify the effect of these two variants on ASD, a meta-analysis integrating case-control and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) studies was performed. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese BioMedical Literature (CBM), Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published up to May 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of association. A total of 775 cases, 922 controls, and 1289 families available from 8 studies concerning rs2056202, and 465 cases, 450 controls, and 1516 families available from 7 studies concerning rs2292813 were finally included. In the overall meta-analysis, the rs2056202 T allele and rs2292813 T allele were both significantly associated with a decreased risk of ASD (rs2056202: OR = 0.809, P = 0.001, 95%CI: 0.713-0.917, I(2) = 0.0%, and P(heterogeneity) = 0.526; rs2292813: OR = 0.752, P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.649-0.871, I(2) = 0.0%, P(heterogeneity) = 0.486). Besides, subjects with T-T haplotype of rs2056202-rs2292813 had a significantly reduced risk of ASD (OR = 0.672, P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.564-0.801, I(2) = 0.0%, P(heterogeneity) = 0.631). Sensitivity analysis, cumulative meta-analysis, and publication bias diagnostics confirmed the reliability and stability of our results. Our meta-analysis suggests that rs2056202 and rs2292813 in SLC25A12 may contribute significantly to ASD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aiping Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qunwei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heyue Lei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Quan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics, Xiaoshan No.1 Hospital Affiliated to Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yu
- Zhejiang-California International Nanosystems Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Aoki Y, Cortese S. Mitochondrial Aspartate/Glutamate Carrier SLC25A12 and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Meta-Analysis. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:1579-1588. [PMID: 25663199 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9116-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies investigating the possible association between ASD and polymorphism in SLC25A12, which encodes the mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier, have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of such studies to elucidate if and which SLC25A12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with ASD. We searched PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and ERIC databases through September 20th, 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) were aggregated using random effect models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted based on study design (family-based or case-control). Fifteen out of 79 non-duplicate records were retained for qualitative synthesis. We pooled 10 datasets from 9 studies with 2001 families, 735 individuals with ASD and 632 typically developing (TD) individuals for the meta-analysis of rs2292813, as well as 11 datasets from 10 studies with 2016 families, 852 individuals with ASD and 1058 TD individuals for the meta-analysis of rs2056202. We found a statistically significant association between ASD and variant in rs2292813 (OR = 1.190, 95% CI 1.052-1.346, P = 0.006) as well as in rs2056202 (OR = 1.206, 95% CI 1.035-1.405, P = 0.016). Sensitivity analyses including only studies with family-based design demonstrated significant association between ASD and polymorphism in rs2292813 (OR = 1.216, 95% CI 1.075-1.376, P = 0.002) and rs2056202 (OR = 1.267, 95% CI 1.041-1.542, P = 0.018). In contrast, sensitivity analyses including case-control design studies only failed to find a significant association. Further research on the role of SLC25A12 and ASD may pave the way for potential innovative therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Aoki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Developmental Brain-Behaviour Laboratory, Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK and the Centre for ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Menga A, Iacobazzi V, Infantino V, Avantaggiati ML, Palmieri F. The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 1 gene expression is regulated by CREB in neuronal cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 60:157-66. [PMID: 25597433 PMCID: PMC4344217 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 1 is an essential mitochondrial transporter that exchanges intramitochondrial aspartate and cytosolic glutamate across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is expressed in brain, heart and muscle and is involved in important biological processes, including myelination. However, the signals that regulate the expression of this transporter are still largely unknown. In this study we first identify a CREB binding site within the aspartate/glutamate carrier gene promoter that acts as a strong enhancer element in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. This element is regulated by active, phosphorylated CREB protein and by signal pathways that modify the activity of CREB itself and, most noticeably, by intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Specifically, aspartate/glutamate carrier gene expression is induced via CREB by forskolin while it is inhibited by the PKA inhibitor, H89. Furthermore, the CREB-induced activation of gene expression is increased by thapsigargin, which enhances cytosolic Ca(2+), while it is inhibited by BAPTA-AM that reduces cytosolic Ca(2+) or by STO-609, which inhibits CaMK-IV phosphorylation. We further show that CREB-dependent regulation of aspartate/glutamate carrier gene expression occurs in neuronal cells in response to pathological (inflammation) and physiological (differentiation) conditions. Since this carrier is necessary for neuronal functions and is involved in myelinogenesis, our results highlight that targeting of CREB activity and Ca(2+) might be therapeutically exploited to increase aspartate/glutamate carrier gene expression in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Menga
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Iacobazzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Infantino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via N. Sauro 85, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Avantaggiati
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Ferdinando Palmieri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
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Disturbed cingulate glutamate metabolism in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: evidence in support of the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance hypothesis. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:1314-25. [PMID: 25048006 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults has increased. The precise etiology of ASD is still unresolved. Animal research, genetic and postmortem studies suggest that the glutamate (Glu) system has an important role, possibly related to a cybernetic imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. To clarify the possible disruption of Glu metabolism in adults with high-functioning autism, we performed a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study investigating the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the cerebellum in adults with high-functioning ASD. Twenty-nine adult patients with high-functioning ASD and 29 carefully matched healthy volunteers underwent MRS scanning of the pregenual ACC and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Metabolic data were compared between groups and were correlated with psychometric measures of autistic features. We found a significant decrease in the cingulate N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and the combined Glu and glutamine (Glx) signals in adults with ASD, whereas we did not find other metabolic abnormalities in the ACC or the cerebellum. The Glx signal correlated significantly with psychometric measures of autism, particularly with communication deficits. Our data support the hypothesis that there is a link between disturbances of the cingulate NAA and Glx metabolism, and autism. The findings are discussed in the context of the hypothesis of excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism. Further research should clarify the specificity and dynamics of these findings regarding other neuropsychiatric disorders and other brain areas.
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20
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Abstract
This review focuses on identifying up-to-date number of publications that compared DSM-IV/ICD-10 Asperger's disorder (AspD) to Autistic Disorder/High-functioning Autism (AD/HFA). One hundred and twenty-eight publications were identified through an extensive search of major electronic databases and journals. Based on more than 90 clinical variables been investigated, 94 publications concluded that there were statistically significant or near significant level of quantitative and/or qualitative differences between AspD and AD/HFA groups; 4 publications found both similarities and differences between the two groups; 30 publications concluded with no differences between the two groups. Although DSM-5 ASD will eliminate Asperger's disorder. However, it is plausible to predict that the field of ASD would run full circle during the next decade or two and that AspD will be back in the next edition of DSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Y Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, 2385 Placid Way, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA,
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21
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Durdiaková J, Warrier V, Baron-Cohen S, Chakrabarti B. Single nucleotide polymorphism rs6716901 in SLC25A12 gene is associated with Asperger syndrome. Mol Autism 2014; 5:25. [PMID: 24679184 PMCID: PMC3973607 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a group of developmental conditions which affect communication, social interactions and behaviour. Mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction has been suggested as a mechanism of autism based on the results of multiple genetic association and expression studies. SLC25A12 is a gene encoding a calcium-binding carrier protein that localizes to the mitochondria and is involved in the exchange of aspartate for glutamate in the inner membrane of the mitochondria regulating the cytosolic redox state. rs2056202 SNP in this gene has previously been associated with ASC. SNPs rs6716901 and rs3765166 analysed in this study have not been previously explored in association with AS. METHODS We genotyped three SNPs (rs2056202, rs3765166, and rs6716901) in SLC25A12 in n?=?117 individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) and n?=?426 controls, all of Caucasian ancestry. RESULTS rs6716901 showed significant association with AS (P?=?0.008) after correcting for multiple testing. We did not replicate the previously identified association between rs2056202 and AS in our sample. Similarly, rs3765166 (P?=?0.11) showed no significant association with AS. CONCLUSION The present study, in combination with previous studies, provides evidence for SLC25A12 as involved in the etiology of AS. Further cellular and molecular studies are required to elucidate the role of this gene in ASC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK.
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Schmunk G, Gargus JJ. Channelopathy pathogenesis in autism spectrum disorders. Front Genet 2013; 4:222. [PMID: 24204377 PMCID: PMC3817418 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a syndrome that affects normal brain development and is characterized by impaired social interaction as well as verbal and non-verbal communication and by repetitive, stereotypic behavior. ASD is a complex disorder arising from a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors that are independent from racial, ethnic and socioeconomical status. The high heritability of ASD suggests a strong genetic basis for the disorder. Furthermore, a mounting body of evidence implies a role of various ion channel gene defects (channelopathies) in the pathogenesis of autism. Indeed, recent genome-wide association, and whole exome- and whole-genome resequencing studies linked polymorphisms and rare variants in calcium, sodium and potassium channels and their subunits with susceptibility to ASD, much as they do with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, animal models with these genetic variations recapitulate endophenotypes considered to be correlates of autistic behavior seen in patients. An ion flux across the membrane regulates a variety of cell functions, from generation of action potentials to gene expression and cell morphology, thus it is not surprising that channelopathies have profound effects on brain functions. In the present work, we summarize existing evidence for the role of ion channel gene defects in the pathogenesis of autism with a focus on calcium signaling and its downstream effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Schmunk
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, CA, USA ; UCI Center for Autism Research and Treatment, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
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Anitha A, Nakamura K, Thanseem I, Yamada K, Iwayama Y, Toyota T, Matsuzaki H, Miyachi T, Yamada S, Tsujii M, Tsuchiya KJ, Matsumoto K, Iwata Y, Suzuki K, Ichikawa H, Sugiyama T, Yoshikawa T, Mori N. Brain region-specific altered expression and association of mitochondria-related genes in autism. Mol Autism 2012; 3:12. [PMID: 23116158 PMCID: PMC3528421 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-3-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Mitochondrial dysfunction (MtD) has been observed in approximately five percent of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). MtD could impair highly energy-dependent processes such as neurodevelopment, thereby contributing to autism. Most of the previous studies of MtD in autism have been restricted to the biomarkers of energy metabolism, while most of the genetic studies have been based on mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Despite the mtDNA, most of the proteins essential for mitochondrial replication and function are encoded by the genomic DNA; so far, there have been very few studies of those genes. Therefore, we carried out a detailed study involving gene expression and genetic association studies of genes related to diverse mitochondrial functions. METHODS For gene expression analysis, postmortem brain tissues (anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), motor cortex (MC) and thalamus (THL)) from autism patients (n=8) and controls (n=10) were obtained from the Autism Tissue Program (Princeton, NJ, USA). Quantitative real-time PCR arrays were used to quantify the expression of 84 genes related to diverse functions of mitochondria, including biogenesis, transport, translocation and apoptosis. We used the delta delta Ct (∆∆Ct) method for quantification of gene expression. DNA samples from 841 Caucasian and 188 Japanese families were used in the association study of genes selected from the gene expression analysis. FBAT was used to examine genetic association with autism. RESULTS Several genes showed brain region-specific expression alterations in autism patients compared to controls. Metaxin 2 (MTX2), neurofilament, light polypeptide (NEFL) and solute carrier family 25, member 27 (SLC25A27) showed consistently reduced expression in the ACG, MC and THL of autism patients. NEFL (P = 0.038; Z-score 2.066) and SLC25A27 (P = 0.046; Z-score 1.990) showed genetic association with autism in Caucasian and Japanese samples, respectively. The expression of DNAJC19, DNM1L, LRPPRC, SLC25A12, SLC25A14, SLC25A24 and TOMM20 were reduced in at least two of the brain regions of autism patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study, though preliminary, brings to light some new genes associated with MtD in autism. If MtD is detected in early stages, treatment strategies aimed at reducing its impact may be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyappan Anitha
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Ismail Thanseem
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamada
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, 351 0198, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Iwayama
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, 351 0198, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyota
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, 351 0198, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Taishi Miyachi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Satoru Yamada
- Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, 2-8-29 Musashidai, Fuchu, 183 8561, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Tsujii
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan.,Faculty of Sociology, Chukyo University, 101 Tokodachi, Toyota, 470 0393, Japan
| | - Kenji J Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Kaori Matsumoto
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Suzuki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ichikawa
- Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, 2-8-29 Musashidai, Fuchu, 183 8561, Japan
| | - Toshiro Sugiyama
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, 351 0198, Japan
| | - Norio Mori
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, 431 3192, Japan
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Elevated glutamatergic compounds in pregenual anterior cingulate in pediatric autism spectrum disorder demonstrated by 1H MRS and 1H MRSI. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38786. [PMID: 22848344 PMCID: PMC3407186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has aroused interest in anterior cingulate cortex and in the neurometabolite glutamate. We report two studies of pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) in pediatric ASD. First, we acquired in vivo single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) in 8 children with ASD and 10 typically developing controls who were well matched for age, but with fewer males and higher IQ. In the ASD group in midline pACC, we found mean 17.7% elevation of glutamate + glutamine (Glx) (p<0.05) and 21.2% (p<0.001) decrement in creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr). We then performed a larger (26 subjects with ASD, 16 controls) follow-up study in samples now matched for age, gender, and IQ using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ((1)H MRSI). Higher spatial resolution enabled bilateral pACC acquisition. Significant effects were restricted to right pACC where Glx (9.5%, p<0.05), Cr (6.7%, p<0.05), and N-acetyl-aspartate + N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (10.2%, p<0.01) in the ASD sample were elevated above control. These two independent studies suggest hyperglutamatergia and other neurometabolic abnormalities in pACC in ASD, with possible right-lateralization. The hyperglutamatergic state may reflect an imbalance of excitation over inhibition in the brain as proposed in recent neurodevelopmental models of ASD.
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Li X, Zou H, Brown WT. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:543-52. [PMID: 22688012 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous grouping of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairment in social interaction, verbal communication and repetitive/stereotypic behaviors. Much evidence suggests that ASD is multifactorial with a strong genetic basis, but the underlying mechanisms are far from clear. Recent advances in genetic technologies are beginning to shed light on possible etiologies of ASD. This review discusses current evidence for several widely studied candidate ASD genes, as well as various rare genes that supports their relationship to the etiology of ASD. The majority of the data are based on molecular, cytogenetic, linkage and association studies of autistic subjects, but newer methods, including whole-exome sequencing, are also beginning to make significant contributions to our understanding of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY 10314, United States.
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26
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Abstract
A comprehensive literature search was performed to collate evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) with two primary objectives. First, features of mitochondrial dysfunction in the general population of children with ASD were identified. Second, characteristics of mitochondrial dysfunction in children with ASD and concomitant mitochondrial disease (MD) were compared with published literature of two general populations: ASD children without MD, and non-ASD children with MD. The prevalence of MD in the general population of ASD was 5.0% (95% confidence interval 3.2, 6.9%), much higher than found in the general population (≈ 0.01%). The prevalence of abnormal biomarker values of mitochondrial dysfunction was high in ASD, much higher than the prevalence of MD. Variances and mean values of many mitochondrial biomarkers (lactate, pyruvate, carnitine and ubiquinone) were significantly different between ASD and controls. Some markers correlated with ASD severity. Neuroimaging, in vitro and post-mortem brain studies were consistent with an elevated prevalence of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD. Taken together, these findings suggest children with ASD have a spectrum of mitochondrial dysfunction of differing severity. Eighteen publications representing a total of 112 children with ASD and MD (ASD/MD) were identified. The prevalence of developmental regression (52%), seizures (41%), motor delay (51%), gastrointestinal abnormalities (74%), female gender (39%), and elevated lactate (78%) and pyruvate (45%) was significantly higher in ASD/MD compared with the general ASD population. The prevalence of many of these abnormalities was similar to the general population of children with MD, suggesting that ASD/MD represents a distinct subgroup of children with MD. Most ASD/MD cases (79%) were not associated with genetic abnormalities, raising the possibility of secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatment studies for ASD/MD were limited, although improvements were noted in some studies with carnitine, co-enzyme Q10 and B-vitamins. Many studies suffered from limitations, including small sample sizes, referral or publication biases, and variability in protocols for selecting children for MD workup, collecting mitochondrial biomarkers and defining MD. Overall, this evidence supports the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with ASD. Additional studies are needed to further define the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD.
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27
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Genetics and Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders. RESEARCH AND PERSPECTIVES IN NEUROSCIENCES 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-27913-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Napolioni V, Persico AM, Porcelli V, Palmieri L. The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier AGC1 and calcium homeostasis: physiological links and abnormalities in autism. Mol Neurobiol 2011; 44:83-92. [PMID: 21691713 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-011-8192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe, complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication, and restricted and stereotyped patterns of interests and behaviors. Recent evidence has unveiled an important role for calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling in the pathogenesis of ASD. Post-mortem studies of autistic brains have pointed toward abnormalities in mitochondrial function as possible downstream consequences of altered Ca(2+) signaling, abnormal synapse formation, and dysreactive immunity. SLC25A12, an ASD susceptibility gene, encodes the Ca(2+)-regulated mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier, isoform 1 (AGC1). AGC1 is an important component of the malate/aspartate shuttle, a crucial system supporting oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Here, we review the physiological roles of AGC1, its links to calcium homeostasis, and its involvement in autism pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Napolioni
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry & Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
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29
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Kim SJ, Silva RM, Flores CG, Jacob S, Guter S, Valcante G, Zaytoun AM, Cook EH, Badner JA. A quantitative association study of SLC25A12 and restricted repetitive behavior traits in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2011; 2:8. [PMID: 21609426 PMCID: PMC3123633 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SLC25A12 was previously identified by a linkage-directed association analysis in autism. In this study, we investigated the relationship between three SLC25A12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2056202, rs908670 and rs2292813) and restricted repetitive behavior (RRB) traits in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), based on a positive correlation between the G allele of rs2056202 and an RRB subdomain score on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Methods We used the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) as a quantitative RRB measure, and conducted linear regression analyses for individual SNPs and a previously identified haplotype (rs2056202-rs2292813). We examined associations in our University of Illinois at Chicago-University of Florida (UIC-UF) sample (179 unrelated individuals with an ASD), and then attempted to replicate our findings in the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) sample (720 ASD families). Results In the UIC-UF sample, three RBS-R scores (ritualistic, sameness, sum) had positive associations with the A allele of rs2292813 (p = 0.006-0.012) and with the rs2056202-rs2292813 haplotype (omnibus test, p = 0.025-0.040). The SSC sample had positive associations between the A allele of rs2056202 and four RBS-R scores (stereotyped, sameness, restricted, sum) (p = 0.006-0.010), between the A allele of rs908670 and three RBS-R scores (stereotyped, self-injurious, sum) (p = 0.003-0.015), and between the rs2056202-rs2292813 haplotype and six RBS-R scores (stereotyped, self-injurious, compulsive, sameness, restricted, sum)(omnibus test, p = 0.002-0.028). Taken together, the A alleles of rs2056202 and rs2292813 were consistently and positively associated with RRB traits in both the UIC-UF and SSC samples, but the most significant SNP with phenotype association varied in each dataset. Conclusions This study confirmed an association between SLC25A12 and RRB traits in ASDs, but the direction of the association was different from that in the initial study. This could be due to the examined SLC25A12 SNPs being in linkage disequilibrium with another risk allele, and/or genetic/phenotypic heterogeneity of the ASD samples across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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30
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Finsterer J. Treatment of central nervous system manifestations in mitochondrial disorders. Eur J Neurol 2010; 18:28-38. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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31
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Key role for gene dosage and synaptic homeostasis in autism spectrum disorders. Trends Genet 2010; 26:363-72. [PMID: 20609491 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2010.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in reciprocal social communication, and repetitive, stereotyped verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Genetic studies have provided a relatively large number of genes that constitute a comprehensive framework to better understand this complex and heterogeneous syndrome. Based on the most robust findings, three observations can be made. First, genetic contributions to ASD are highly heterogeneous and most probably involve a combination of alleles with low and high penetrance. Second, the majority of the mutations apparently affect a single allele, suggesting a key role for gene dosage in susceptibility to ASD. Finally, the broad expression and function of the causative genes suggest that alteration of synaptic homeostasis could be a common biological process associated with ASD. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate synaptic homeostasis should shed new light on the causes of ASD and could provide a means to modulate the severity of the symptoms.
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Sakurai T, Ramoz N, Barreto M, Gazdoiu M, Takahashi N, Gertner M, Dorr N, Gama Sosa MA, De Gasperi R, Perez G, Schmeidler J, Mitropoulou V, Le HC, Lupu M, Hof PR, Elder GA, Buxbaum JD. Slc25a12 disruption alters myelination and neurofilaments: a model for a hypomyelination syndrome and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 67:887-94. [PMID: 20015484 PMCID: PMC4067545 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Revised: 07/23/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SLC25A12, a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorders that is mutated in a neurodevelopmental syndrome, encodes a mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier (aspartate-glutamate carrier isoform 1 [AGC1]). AGC1 is an important component of the malate/aspartate shuttle, a crucial system supporting oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate production. METHODS We characterized mice with a disruption of the Slc25a12 gene, followed by confirmatory in vitro studies. RESULTS Slc25a12-knockout mice, which showed no AGC1 by immunoblotting, were born normally but displayed delayed development and died around 3 weeks after birth. In postnatal day 13 to 14 knockout brains, the brains were smaller with no obvious alteration in gross structure. However, we found a reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive fibers, consistent with a previous report. Furthermore, the neocortex of knockout mice contained abnormal neurofilamentous accumulations in neurons, suggesting defective axonal transport and/or neurodegeneration. Slice cultures prepared from knockout mice also showed a myelination defect, and reduction of Slc25a12 in rat primary oligodendrocytes led to a cell-autonomous reduction in MBP expression. Myelin deficits in slice cultures from knockout mice could be reversed by administration of pyruvate, indicating that reduction in AGC1 activity leads to reduced production of aspartate/N-acetylaspartate and/or alterations in the dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(+) ratio, resulting in myelin defects. CONCLUSIONS Our data implicate AGC1 activity in myelination and in neuronal structure and indicate that while loss of AGC1 leads to hypomyelination and neuronal changes, subtle alterations in AGC1 expression could affect brain development, contributing to increased autism susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Sakurai
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
| | - Marta Barreto
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Nathan Dorr
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Gissel Perez
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
| | | | | | - H. Carl Le
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Mihaela Lupu
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
| | - Gregory A. Elder
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Neurology Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
| | - Joseph D. Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,Department of Genetics and Genomics Science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
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Chien WH, Wu YY, Gau SSF, Huang YS, Soong WT, Chiu YN, Chen CH. Association study of the SLC25A12 gene and autism in Han Chinese in Taiwan. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2010; 34:189-92. [PMID: 19913066 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autism is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component in its etiology. Several studies reported that the solute carrier family 25 member A12 (SLC25A12) gene was associated with autism. This study aimed to replicate this finding in a Han Chinese sample from Taiwan using a population-based case-control approach. METHODS We genotyped two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs2056202 and rs2292813) of the SLC25A12 gene that were previously reported to be associated with autism in 465 patients (402 males and 63 females) and 450 control subjects (227 males and 223 females) from Taiwan. Differences in the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies between the two groups were compared. RESULTS We found no differences in the allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies of these two SNPs between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS Our data do not support that the SLC25A12 gene is associated with autism in our population. The discrepant results of other studies may come from the clinical heterogeneity of patients recruited for studies, or the genetic heterogeneity of autism in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsien Chien
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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