A new interaction between SLC6A4 variation and child abuse is associated with resting heart rate

Compound heterozygous mutation of the ASXL3 gene causes autosomal recessive congenital heart disease

To explore mutations in the additional sex combs-like 3 (ASXL3) gene in two Chinese families with congenital heart disease (CHD). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to reveal a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the ASXL3 gene that was associated with CHD. Sanger sequencing of a further 122 CHD patients was used to determine an additional compound heterozygous mutation in the ASXL3 gene. Cell apoptosis was examined by MTS assay and flow cytometry. The cardiac structure was identified via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and ultrasound scanning. RNA sequencing was performed to identify a series of differentially expressed mRNAs. The mRNA and protein expressions were identified by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. A compound heterozygous mutation c.2168C > G (p.Pro723Arg) and c.5449C > G (p.Pro1817Ala) in the ASXL3 gene associated with CHD was identified. Overexpression of this compound heterozygous mutation in HL-1 cells resulted in increased apoptosis and reduced cell viability. Moreover, it affected cardiac structure and fibrosis in mice. There were 126 downregulated mRNAs and 117 upregulated mRNAs between the ASXL3 compound heterozygous mutation c.2168C > G (p.Pro723Arg) and c.5449C > G (p.Pro1817Ala) mice and wild-type mice. Ezh2, Slc6a4, and Socs3, which could interact with ASXL3 through proteins, were all upregulated. Another compound heterozygous mutation c.3526C > T (p.Arg1176Trp) and c.4643A > G (p.Asp1548Gly) in the ASXL3 gene was identified by screening a further 122 patients with CHD. The ASXL3 gene is important in cardiac development and may exert this influence by affecting the expression of mRNAs associated with cell apoptosis and cell proliferation.

The genetics of anxiety-related negative valence system traits

NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) domain of negative valence systems (NVS) captures constructs of negative affect such as fear and distress traditionally subsumed under the various internalizing disorders. Through its aims to capture dimensional measures that cut across diagnostic categories and are linked to underlying neurobiological systems, a large number of phenotypic constructs have been proposed as potential research targets. Since "genes" represent a central "unit of analysis" in the RDoC matrix, it is important for studies going forward to apply what is known about the genetics of these phenotypes as well as fill in the gaps of existing knowledge. This article reviews the extant genetic epidemiological data (twin studies, heritability) and molecular genetic association findings for a broad range of putative NVS phenotypic measures. We find that scant genetic epidemiological data is available for experimentally derived measures such as attentional bias, peripheral physiology, or brain-based measures of threat response. The molecular genetic basis of NVS phenotypes is in its infancy, since most studies have focused on a small number of candidate genes selected for putative association to anxiety disorders (ADs). Thus, more research is required to provide a firm understanding of the genetic aspects of anxiety-related NVS constructs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Does 5HTTLPR long allele prevent hospitalization? Test of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Many studies suggest an association of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5HTTLPR) long allele with better antidepressant treatment response than the short allele. However, there is controversy over these findings. We hypothesized that if the long allele is associated with a better outcome, we would find fewer inpatients with the long allele compared with the short allele. Chart review identified 925 depressed inpatients and 201 outpatients genotyped for 5HTTLPR. The sample was primarily White (>90%). We tested potential departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each sample. We analyzed three independent sets of inpatient samples separately and combined, a White subgroup of 791 patients of the total 925 inpatients, and 201 outpatients. There was no departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with any of these samples. We also compared 5HTTLPR genotype prevalence between 925 inpatients and 201 outpatients, which showed no statistically significant difference.

State dependent gene-environment interaction: serotonin transporter gene-child abuse interaction associated with suicide attempt history among depressed psychiatric inpatients

BACKGROUND

The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5HTTLPR) and child abuse history have been associated with an increased suicide risk for general population, but such association is not clear among psychiatric depressed inpatients.

METHODS

A chart review identified 422 depressed inpatients genotyped for 5HTTLPR. Child abuse and suicide attempt history were recorded. The relationship between 5HTTLPR, child abuse, and suicide attempts were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a significant relationship between 5HTTLPR and history of suicide attempt (the long/long versus the short carriers, 47.9% versus 31.8%, p=0.0015). There was also a significant main effect from child abuse history (abused versus not abused, 45.1% versus 28.6%, p=0.0001). The likelihood ratio test showed a significant result for the l/l genotype group with child abuse history (odds ratio 4.11, χ2 = 23.5, p<0.0001). No significant result was obtained from other groups.

LIMITATIONS

This is a retrospective study based on chart review. Replication with more standardized research setting for measurements of child abuse history and suicide attempt history is needed. The rs25531 variant among a long allele (long-A and long-G) of 5HTTLPR was not genotyped.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the direct effect from 5HTTLPR and child abuse history, an interaction between the 5HTTLPR gene and child abuse history influenced psychiatric profiles of depressed inpatients. Contrary to the widely recognized "reactivity" associated with the short allele, our patients with the l/l genotype and child abuse history showed significantly severer psychiatric pathology than short carriers with child abuse history.