1
|
Reid M, Lin A, Farhat LC, Fernandez TV, Olfson E. The genetics of trichotillomania and excoriation disorder: A systematic review. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 133:152506. [PMID: 38833896 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152506] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichotillomania (TTM) and excoriation disorder (ED) are impairing obsessive-compulsive related disorders that are common in the general population and for which there are no clear first-line medications, highlighting the need to better understand the underlying biology of these disorders to inform treatments. Given the importance of genetics in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), evaluating genetic factors underlying TTM and ED may advance knowledge about the pathophysiology of these body-focused repetitive behaviors. AIM In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence on the genetics of TTM and ED and highlight gaps in the field warranting further research. METHOD We systematically searched Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for original studies in genetic epidemiology (family or twin studies) and molecular genetics (candidate gene and genome-wide) published up to June 2023. RESULTS Of the 3536 records identified, 109 studies were included in this review. These studies indicated that genetic factors play an important role in the development of TTM and ED, some of which may be shared across the OCD spectrum, but there are no known high-confidence specific genetic risk factors for either TTM or ED. CONCLUSIONS Our review underscores the need for additional genome-wide research conducted on the genetics of TTM and ED, for instance, genome-wide association and whole-genome/whole-exome DNA sequencing studies. Recent advances in genomics have led to the discovery of risk genes in several psychiatric disorders, including related conditions such as OCD, but to date, TTM and ED have remained understudied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison Reid
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; The University of the South, USA
| | - Ashley Lin
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Luis C Farhat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas V Fernandez
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily Olfson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hatayama M, Aruga J. Developmental control of noradrenergic system by SLITRK1 and its implications in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1080739. [PMID: 36683853 PMCID: PMC9846221 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1080739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SLITRK1 is a neuronal transmembrane protein with neurite development-and synaptic formation-controlling abilities. Several rare variants of SLITRK1 have been identified and implicated in the pathogenesis of Tourette's syndrome, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can be collectively referred to as obsessive-compulsive-spectrum disorders. Recent studies have reported a possible association between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, including a revertant of modern human-specific amino acid residues. Although the mechanisms underlying SLITRK1-associated neuropsychiatric disorders are yet to be fully clarified, rodent studies may provide some noteworthy clues. Slitrk1-deficient mice show neonatal dysregulation of the noradrenergic system, and later, anxiety-like behaviors that can be attenuated by an alpha 2 noradrenergic receptor agonist. The noradrenergic abnormality is characterized by the excessive growth of noradrenergic fibers and increased noradrenaline content in the medial prefrontal cortex, concomitant with enlarged serotonergic varicosities. Slitrk1 has both cell-autonomous and cell-non-autonomous functions in controlling noradrenergic fiber development, and partly alters Sema3a-mediated neurite control. These findings suggest that transiently enhanced noradrenergic signaling during the neonatal stage could cause neuroplasticity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies adopting noradrenergic signal perturbation via pharmacological or genetic means support this hypothesis. Thus, Slitrk1 is a potential candidate genetic linkage between the neonatal noradrenergic signaling and the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders involving anxiety-like or depression-like behaviors.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao M, Lin H, Li B, Wen J, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Chen W. Lack of Association of FLT3 rs2504235 and Absence of SLITRK1 var321 in Patients with Tic Disorders from Guangdong Province, China. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:155-161. [PMID: 35140465 PMCID: PMC8818983 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s340197] [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: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tic disorders (TDs) are highly polygenic and heritable neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by the presence of movements (motor tics) and/or vocalizations (phonic tics). SLITRK1 is a pathogenic variation of TD, and in a recent genome-wide association study in those of European ancestry, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2504235) in the FLT3 gene was significantly associated with TDs/Tourette's syndrome. However, these results need to be proved in different populations. This study aimed to determine whether these two genetic variants were also associated with TD patients in south China. METHODS A total of 116 child TD patients and 114 healthy controls were included. All children underwent peripheral blood sampling for genomic DNA extraction. Gene fragments with two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were amplified by PCR and sequenced by Sanger chain termination before genotype analysis. RESULTS SLITRK1 var321 was not observed in any of the TD patients or controls. No significant difference was observed in allelic frequencies or genotypic distributions of rs2504235 between TD patients and controls. CONCLUSION Our results provide no evidence to support the previous conclusion that SLITRK1 var321 plays a major role in TDs, and FLT3 rs2504235 was not significantly associated with TDs in our cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Haisheng Lin
- Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingxiao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanhui Zhang
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Juvale IIA, Che Has AT. The Potential Role of miRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1338-1355. [PMID: 33774758 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01825-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined as a set of abnormal brain developmental conditions marked by the early childhood onset of cognitive, behavioral, and functional deficits leading to memory and learning problems, emotional instability, and impulsivity. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Down's syndrome are a few known examples of neurodevelopmental disorders. Although they are relatively common in both developed and developing countries, very little is currently known about their underlying molecular mechanisms. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Current diagnostic and screening tests for neurodevelopmental disorders are not reliable; hence, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders are often diagnosed in the later stages. This negatively affects their prognosis and quality of life, prompting the need for a better diagnostic biomarker. Recent studies on microRNAs and their altered regulation in diseases have shed some light on the possible role they could play in the development of the central nervous system. This review attempts to elucidate our current understanding of the role that microRNAs play in neurodevelopmental disorders with the hope of utilizing them as potential biomarkers in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Berardelli I, Pasquini M, Conte A, Bologna M, Berardelli A, Fabbrini G. Treatment of psychiatric disturbances in common hyperkinetic movement disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 19:55-65. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1555475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Berardelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed
| | - Matteo Bologna
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed
| | - Giovanni Fabbrini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qi Y, Zheng Y, Li Z, Xiong L. Progress in Genetic Studies of Tourette's Syndrome. Brain Sci 2017; 7:E134. [PMID: 29053637 PMCID: PMC5664061 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is a complex disorder characterized by repetitive, sudden, and involuntary movements or vocalizations, called tics. Tics usually appear in childhood, and their severity varies over time. In addition to frequent tics, people with TS are at risk for associated problems including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, and problems with sleep. TS occurs in most populations and ethnic groups worldwide, and it is more common in males than in females. Previous family and twin studies have shown that the majority of cases of TS are inherited. TS was previously thought to have an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. However, several decades of research have shown that this is unlikely the case. Instead TS most likely results from a variety of genetic and environmental factors, not changes in a single gene. In the past decade, there has been a rapid development of innovative genetic technologies and methodologies, as well as significant progresses in genetic studies of psychiatric disorders. In this review, we will briefly summarize previous genetic epidemiological studies of TS and related disorders. We will also review previous genetic studies based on genome-wide linkage analyses and candidate gene association studies to comment on problems of previous methodological and strategic issues. Our main purpose for this review will be to summarize the new genetic discoveries of TS based on novel genetic methods and strategies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs), whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We will also compare the new genetic discoveries of TS with other major psychiatric disorders in order to understand the current status of TS genetics and its relationship with other psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Qi
- Laboratoire de Neurogénétique, Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Yi Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China.
- Center of Schizophrenia, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Zhanjiang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China.
- Center of Schizophrenia, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Lan Xiong
- Laboratoire de Neurogénétique, Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada.
- Département de Psychiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kang H, Han KA, Won SY, Kim HM, Lee YH, Ko J, Um JW. Slitrk Missense Mutations Associated with Neuropsychiatric Disorders Distinctively Impair Slitrk Trafficking and Synapse Formation. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:104. [PMID: 27812321 PMCID: PMC5071332 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Slit- and Trk-like (Slitrks) are a six-member family of synapse organizers that control excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation by forming trans-synaptic adhesions with LAR receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Intriguingly, genetic mutations of Slitrks have been associated with a multitude of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, nothing is known about the neuronal and synaptic consequences of these mutations. Here, we report the structural and functional effects on synapses of various rare de novo mutations identified in patients with schizophrenia or Tourette syndrome. A number of single amino acid substitutions in Slitrk1 (N400I or T418S) or Slitrk4 (V206I or I578V) reduced their surface expression levels. These substitutions impaired glycosylation of Slitrks expressed in HEK293T cells, caused retention of Slitrks in the endoplasmic reticulum and cis-Golgi compartment in COS-7 cells and neurons, and abolished Slitrk binding to PTPδ. Furthermore, these substitutions eliminated the synapse-inducing activity of Slitrks, abolishing their functional effects on synapse density in cultured neurons. Strikingly, a valine-to-methionine mutation in Slitrk2 (V89M) compromised synapse formation activity in cultured neuron, without affecting surface transport, expression, or synapse-inducing activity in coculture assays. Similar deleterious effects were observed upon introduction of the corresponding valine-to-methionine mutation into Slitrk1 (V85M), suggesting that this conserved valine residue plays a key role in maintaining the synaptic functions of Slitrks. Collectively, these data indicate that inactivation of distinct cellular mechanisms caused by specific Slitrk dysfunctions may underlie Slitrk-associated neuropsychiatric disorders in humans, and provide a robust cellular readout for the development of knowledge-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeyeon Kang
- Department of Physiology and BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Ah Han
- Department of Physiology and BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, Korea
| | - Seoung Youn Won
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ho Min Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology and BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Physiology and BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alexander J, Potamianou H, Xing J, Deng L, Karagiannidis I, Tsetsos F, Drineas P, Tarnok Z, Rizzo R, Wolanczyk T, Farkas L, Nagy P, Szymanska U, Androutsos C, Tsironi V, Koumoula A, Barta C, Sandor P, Barr CL, Tischfield J, Paschou P, Heiman GA, Georgitsi M. Targeted Re-Sequencing Approach of Candidate Genes Implicates Rare Potentially Functional Variants in Tourette Syndrome Etiology. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:428. [PMID: 27708560 PMCID: PMC5030307 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the genetic basis of Tourette Syndrome (TS) remains unclear, several candidate genes have been implicated. Using a set of 382 TS individuals of European ancestry we investigated four candidate genes for TS (HDC, SLITRK1, BTBD9, and SLC6A4) in an effort to identify possibly causal variants using a targeted re-sequencing approach by next generation sequencing technology. Identification of possible disease causing variants under different modes of inheritance was performed using the algorithms implemented in VAAST. We prioritized variants using Variant ranker and validated five rare variants via Sanger sequencing in HDC and SLITRK1, all of which are predicted to be deleterious. Intriguingly, one of the identified variants is in linkage disequilibrium with a variant that is included among the top hits of a genome-wide association study for response to citalopram treatment, an antidepressant drug with off-label use also in obsessive compulsive disorder. Our findings provide additional evidence for the implication of these two genes in TS susceptibility and the possible role of these proteins in the pathobiology of TS should be revisited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Alexander
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Hera Potamianou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Li Deng
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Iordanis Karagiannidis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Fotis Tsetsos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Petros Drineas
- Computer Science Department, Purdue University West Lafayette, USA
| | - Zsanett Tarnok
- Vadaskert Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Tomasz Wolanczyk
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luca Farkas
- Vadaskert Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Nagy
- Vadaskert Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Budapest, Hungary
| | - Urszula Szymanska
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christos Androutsos
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica Athens, Greece
| | - Vaia Tsironi
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Koumoula
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica Athens, Greece
| | - Csaba Barta
- Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Institute of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Paul Sandor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cathy L Barr
- Genetics and Development Division, Krembil Research Institute, University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada; Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jay Tischfield
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Peristera Paschou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Gary A Heiman
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Marianthi Georgitsi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of ThraceAlexandroupoli, Greece; Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of ThessalonikiThessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Israelashvili M, Loewenstern Y, Bar-Gad I. Abnormal neuronal activity in Tourette syndrome and its modulation using deep brain stimulation. J Neurophysiol 2015; 114:6-20. [PMID: 25925326 PMCID: PMC4493664 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00277.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a common childhood-onset disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics that are typically accompanied by a multitude of comorbid symptoms. Pharmacological treatment options are limited, which has led to the exploration of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a possible treatment for severe cases. Multiple lines of evidence have linked TS with abnormalities in the motor and limbic cortico-basal ganglia (CBG) pathways. Neurophysiological data have only recently started to slowly accumulate from multiple sources: noninvasive imaging and electrophysiological techniques, invasive electrophysiological recordings in TS patients undergoing DBS implantation surgery, and animal models of the disorder. These converging sources point to system-level physiological changes throughout the CBG pathway, including both general altered baseline neuronal activity patterns and specific tic-related activity. DBS has been applied to different regions along the motor and limbic pathways, primarily to the globus pallidus internus, thalamic nuclei, and nucleus accumbens. In line with the findings that also draw on the more abundant application of DBS to Parkinson's disease, this stimulation is assumed to result in changes in the neuronal firing patterns and the passage of information through the stimulated nuclei. We present an overview of recent experimental findings on abnormal neuronal activity associated with TS and the changes in this activity following DBS. These findings are then discussed in the context of current models of CBG function in the normal state, during TS, and finally in the wider context of DBS in CBG-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Israelashvili
- The Leslie & Susan Goldschmied (Gonda) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yocheved Loewenstern
- The Leslie & Susan Goldschmied (Gonda) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Izhar Bar-Gad
- The Leslie & Susan Goldschmied (Gonda) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Berardelli I, Pasquini M, Roselli V, Biondi M, Berardelli A, Fabbrini G. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Movement Disorders: A Review. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2015; 2:107-115. [PMID: 30363949 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to motor symptoms, patients with movement disorders often complain of psychiatric disturbances, including mood, anxiety, and impulse-control disorders and psychosis. These abnormalities are often misdiagnosed and left untreated, thus resulting in a worse prognosis and lower quality of life. Besides the use of standard pharmacological treatments, psychiatric abnormalities can be treated by means of nonpharmacological approaches. These approaches include various types of psychological therapies, the most widely used being cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We reviewed all articles, conducted until 2014, that contained primary data derived from clinical trials and case reports on the effect of CBT in the most common movement disorders. One randomized, controlled study and several uncontrolled studies on the efficacy of CBT in Parkinson's disease (PD) have shown a short-term benefit of depression and anxiety. In Tourette's syndrome (TS), CBT has been assessed in a number of large controlled clinical trials that have demonstrated an improvement in psychiatric disturbances and tics. There are no controlled studies on the efficacy of CBT in other types of movement disorders, such as dystonia, Huntington's disease, and essential tremor. Only a limited number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of CBT in the management of psychiatric disorders in movement disorders. The evidence available suggests that CBT is useful in TS and probably useful in PD. We recommend the planning of randomized, controlled clinical trials to investigate the effects of CBT and group CBT in the treatment of psychiatric disturbances in movement disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Berardelli
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Valentina Roselli
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed Pozzilli (IS) Italy
| | - Giovanni Fabbrini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed Pozzilli (IS) Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Tourette syndrome is a childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. Although many youth experience attenuation or even remission of tics in adolescence and young adulthood, some individuals experience persistent tics, which can be debilitating or disabling. Most patients also have 1 or more psychiatric comorbid disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment is multimodal, including both pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral treatment, and requires disentanglement of tics and the comorbid symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoey A Shaw
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Barbara J Coffey
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kawahara Y. Human diseases caused by germline and somatic abnormalities in microRNA and microRNA-related genes. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2014; 54:12-21. [PMID: 24330020 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The human genome harbors approximately 2000 genes that encode microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs of approximately 20-22 nt that mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing. MiRNAs are generated from long transcripts through stepwise processing by the Drosha/DGCR8, Exportin-5/RanGTP and Dicer/TRBP complexes. Given that the expression of each individual miRNA is tightly regulated, the altered expression of certain miRNAs plays a pivotal role in human diseases. For instance, germline and somatic mutations in the genes encoding the miRNA processing machinery have been reported in different cancers. Furthermore, certain miRNA genes are encoded within regions that are deleted or duplicated in individuals with chromosomal abnormalities, and the fact that the knockout of these miRNAs in animal models results in lethality or the abnormal development of certain tissues indicates that these miRNA genes contribute to the disease phenotypes. It has also been reported that mutations in miRNA genes or in miRNA-binding sites, which result in the impairment of tight regulation of target mRNA expression, cause human genetic diseases, although these cases are rare. This is in contrast to the aberrant expression of certain miRNAs that results from the impairment of transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation, which has been reported frequently in various human diseases. The present review focuses on human diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding miRNAs and the miRNA processing machinery as well as in miRNA-binding sites. Furthermore, human diseases caused by chromosomal abnormalities that involve the deletion or duplication of regions harboring genes that encode miRNAs or the miRNA processing machinery are also introduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Kawahara
- Laboratory of RNA Function, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chao TK, Hu J, Pringsheim T. Prenatal risk factors for Tourette Syndrome: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:53. [PMID: 24479407 PMCID: PMC4015943 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tourette Syndrome (TS) appears to be an inherited disorder, although genetic abnormalities have been identified in less than 1% of patients, and the mode of inheritance is uncertain. Many studies have investigated environmental factors that might contribute to the onset and severity of tics and associated comorbidities such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). A systematic review and qualitative analysis were performed to provide a broad view of the association between pre- and perinatal factors and TS. METHODS The Medline, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched using terms specific to Tourette's syndrome and keywords such as "pregnancy", "prenatal", "perinatal", "birth" and "neonatal". Studies were limited to studies on human subjects published in English or French through October 2012. RESULTS 22 studies were included. Studies were of limited methodological quality, with most samples derived from specialty clinics, and most exposures ascertained retrospectively. The majority of the results for demographic factors of parents, including age, education, socioeconomic status, and marital status, revealed no significant association with the onset of TS, or the presence of comorbidity. Many factors were reported to be significantly associated with the onset of TS, the presence of comorbidity and symptom severity, but the most consistently reported factors were maternal smoking and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS There are few studies evaluating the relationship between pre and perinatal events and TS, and existing studies have major limitations, including the use of clinic rather than epidemiologically derived samples, retrospective data collection on pre and perinatal events and multiple hypothesis testing without appropriate statistical correction. The mechanism by which prenatal and perinatal adversities could lead to TS onset or symptom severity is unknown, but may be related to changes in the dopaminergic system as a result of early brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tamara Pringsheim
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Winther M, Walmod PS. Neural cell adhesion molecules belonging to the family of leucine-rich repeat proteins. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 8:315-95. [PMID: 25300143 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8090-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) are motifs that form protein-ligand interaction domains. There are approximately 140 human genes encoding proteins with extracellular LRRs. These encode cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), proteoglycans, G-protein-coupled receptors, and other types of receptors. Here we give a brief description of 36 proteins with extracellular LRRs that all can be characterized as CAMs or putative CAMs expressed in the nervous system. The proteins are involved in multiple biological processes in the nervous system including the proliferation and survival of cells, neuritogenesis, axon guidance, fasciculation, myelination, and the formation and maintenance of synapses. Moreover, the proteins are functionally implicated in multiple diseases including cancer, hearing impairment, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Thus, LRR-containing CAMs constitute a large group of proteins of pivotal importance for the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the nervous system.
Collapse
|
15
|
Sequence analysis of SLITRK1 for var321 in Danish patients with Tourette syndrome and review of the literature. Psychiatr Genet 2013; 23:130-3. [PMID: 23528612 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0b013e328360c880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics and is often accompanied by comorbidities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The complex etiology of TS and its co-occurrence with other disorders impedes linking genetic changes with disease segregation. One of the few genes that has been linked to TS is the SLITRK1 (Slit and Trk-like 1) gene, where four variations have been suggested as possible disease-associated changes. One of these variations, which has been reported in six unrelated TS patients, was a noncoding variant (var321) at the 3'-untranslated region of SLITRK1 within a conserved binding site for microRNA has-mir-189. To elucidate the potential role of var321 in disease pathogenesis, a cohort of 112 deeply phenotyped Danish TS patients was investigated for this variation. We could not detect var321 in the present cohort, suggesting that this is not a common variant among Danish TS patients.
Collapse
|
16
|
Characterization of SLITRK1 variation in obsessive-compulsive disorder. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70376. [PMID: 23990902 PMCID: PMC3749144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent and intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform. Twin studies, family studies, and segregation analyses provide compelling evidence that OCD has a strong genetic component. The SLITRK1 gene encodes a developmentally regulated stimulator of neurite outgrowth and previous studies have implicated rare variants in this gene in disorders in the OC spectrum, specifically Tourette syndrome (TS) and trichotillomania (TTM). The objective of the current study was to evaluate rare genetic variation in SLITRK1 in risk for OCD and to functionally characterize associated coding variants. We sequenced SLITRK1 coding exons in 381 individuals with OCD as well as in 356 control samples and identified three novel variants in seven individuals. We found that the combined mutation load in OCD relative to controls was significant (p = 0.036). We identified a missense N400I change in an individual with OCD, which was not found in more than 1000 control samples (P<0.05). In addition, we showed the the N400I variant failed to enhance neurite outgrowth in primary neuronal cultures, in contrast to wildtype SLITRK1, which enhanced neurite outgrowth in this assay. These important functional differences in the N400I variant, as compared to the wildtype SLITRK1 sequence, may contribute to OCD and OC spectrum symptoms. A synonymous L63L change identified in an individual with OCD and an additional missense change, T418S, was found in four individuals with OCD and in one individual without an OCD spectrum disorder. Examination of additional samples will help assess the role of rare SLITRK1 variation in OCD and in related psychiatric illness.
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Genetic animal models of Tourette syndrome: The long and winding road from lab to clinic. Transl Neurosci 2012. [DOI: 10.2478/s13380-012-0020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTourette syndrome (TS) is a disabling neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by persistent motor and vocal tics. TS is a highly comorbid state, hence, patients might experience anxiety, obsessions, compulsions, sleep abnormalities, depression, emotional liability, learning problems, and attention deficits in addition to tics. In spite of its complex heterogeneous genetic aetiology, recent studies highlighted a strong link between TS and genetic lesions in the HDC (L-histidine decarboxylase) gene, which encodes the enzyme that synthetises histamine, and the SLITRK1 (SLIT and TRK-like family member 1) gene, which encodes a transmembrane protein that was found to regulate neurite outgrowth. In addition to validating the contribution of a specific genetic aberration to the development of a particular pathology, animal models are crucial to dissect the function of disease-linked proteins, expose disease pathways through examination of genetic modifiers and discover as well as assess therapeutic strategies. Mice with a knockout of either Hdc or Slitrk1 exhibit anxiety and those lacking Hdc, display dopamine agonist-triggered stereotypic movements. However, the mouse knockouts do not spontaneously display tics, which are recognised as the hallmark of TS. In this review, we explore the features of the present genetic animal models of TS and identify reasons for their poor resemblance to the human condition. Importantly, we highlight ways forward aimed at developing a valuable genetic model of TS or a model that has good predictive validity in developing therapeutic drugs for the treatment of tics, hence potentially accelerating the arduous journey from lab to clinic.
Collapse
|
19
|
Liao IH, Sharp FR. Tourette syndrome: gene expression as a tool to discover drug targets. Neurotherapeutics 2010; 7:302-6. [PMID: 20643383 PMCID: PMC5084234 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2010.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression microarrays are a high-throughput, cost-effective method for measuring the expression of all genes in a sample. By comparing the expression patterns of healthy controls to diseased subjects, the genetic regulatory pathways underlying and affected by the disease can be elucidated. Furthermore, dysregulated genes are possible candidates for pharmaceutical therapy. Here, we consider the possibility of applying this approach to Tourette syndrome. We also review current theories of Tourette syndrome etiology and pharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac H Liao
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute and Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Breedveld GJ, Fabbrini G, Oostra BA, Berardelli A, Bonifati V. Tourette disorder spectrum maps to chromosome 14q31.1 in an Italian kindred. Neurogenetics 2010; 11:417-23. [PMID: 20437249 PMCID: PMC2956568 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-010-0244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a frequent neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown etiology. A number of chromosomal regions have been nominated as TS loci in linkage studies, but confirmation has met with limited success and causative mutations have not yet been definitely identified. Furthermore, TS, chronic tics, and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) occur at increased frequencies among TS relatives, supporting the view that these phenotypes represent parts of the same genetically determined spectrum. We ascertained a four-generation Italian kindred segregating TS, chronic multiple motor tics (CMT), and OCD, and we performed a ten-centimorgan (cM) genome-wide linkage scan in order to map the underlying genetic defect. Suggestive linkage to chromosome 14q31.1 (multipoint LOD = 2.4) was detected by affected-only analysis under an autosomal dominant model and a narrower phenotype definition (only the subjects with TS and CMT were considered as affected). The linkage peak increased and it approached genome-wide significance (LOD = 3.29) when a broader phenotype definition was adopted (subjects with TS, CMT, and OCD considered as affected). Haplotype analysis defined a ∼2.3 cM critical region, shared by all the relatives with TS, CMT, or OCD. In conclusion, we provide strong evidence for linkage of TS spectrum to chromosome 14q31.1. Suggestive linkage to an overlapping region of chromosome 14q was reported in a recent scan of TS sibling pairs. This region might therefore contain an important gene for TS, and it should be prioritized for further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guido J Breedveld
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
O’Rourke JA, Scharf JM, Yu D, Pauls DL. The genetics of Tourette syndrome: a review. J Psychosom Res 2009; 67:533-45. [PMID: 19913658 PMCID: PMC2778609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article summarizes and evaluates recent advances in the genetics of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). METHODS This is a review of recent literature focusing on (1) the genetic etiology of GTS; (2) common genetic components of GTS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); (3) recent linkage studies of GTS; (4) chromosomal translocations in GTS; and (5) candidate gene studies. RESULTS Family, twin, and segregation studies provide strong evidence for the genetic nature of GTS. GTS is a heterogeneous disorder with complex inheritance patterns and phenotypic manifestations. Family studies of GTS and OCD indicate that an early-onset form of OCD is likely to share common genetic factors with GTS. While there apparently is an etiological relationship between GTS and ADHD, it appears that the common form of ADHD does not share genetic factors with GTS. The largest genome wide linkage study to date observed evidence for linkage on chromosome 2p23.2 (P=3.8x10(-5)). No causative candidate genes have been identified, and recent studies suggest that the newly identified candidate gene SLITRK1 is not a significant risk gene for the majority of individuals with GTS. CONCLUSION The genetics of GTS are complex and not well understood. The Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) design can hopefully overcome the limitations of linkage and candidate gene studies. However, large-scale collaborations are needed to provide enough power to utilize the GWAS design for discovery of causative mutations. Knowledge of susceptibility mutations and biological pathways involved should eventually lead to new treatment paradigms for GTS.
Collapse
|
22
|
Hiard S, Charlier C, Coppieters W, Georges M, Baurain D. Patrocles: a database of polymorphic miRNA-mediated gene regulation in vertebrates. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:D640-51. [PMID: 19906729 PMCID: PMC2808989 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Patrocles database (http://www.patrocles.org/) compiles DNA sequence polymorphisms (DSPs) that are predicted to perturb miRNA-mediated gene regulation. Distinctive features include: (i) the coverage of seven vertebrate species in its present release, aiming for more when information becomes available, (ii) the coverage of the three compartments involved in the silencing process (i.e. targets, miRNA precursors and silencing machinery), (iii) contextual information that enables users to prioritize candidate ‘Patrocles DSPs’, including graphical information on miRNA-target coexpression and eQTL effect of genotype on target expression levels, (iv) the inclusion of Copy Number Variants and eQTL information that affect miRNA precursors as well as genes encoding components of the silencing machinery and (v) a tool (Patrocles finder) that allows the user to determine whether her favorite DSP may perturb miRNA-mediated gene regulation of custom target sequences. To support the biological relevance of Patrocles' content, we searched for signatures of selection acting on ‘Patrocles single nucleotide polymorphisms (pSNPs)’ in human and mice. As expected, we found a strong signature of purifying selection against not only SNPs that destroy conserved target sites but also against SNPs that create novel, illegitimate target sites, which is reminiscent of the Texel mutation in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hiard
- Unit of Animal Genomics, GIGA-RSystems and Modeling, Montefiore Institute, University of Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
Pasquini M, Fabbrini G, Berardelli I, Bonifati V, Biondi M, Berardelli A. Psychopathological features of obsessive-compulsive disorder in an Italian family with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome not linked to the SLITRK1 gene. Psychiatry Res 2008; 161:109-11. [PMID: 18722020 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2008.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2007] [Revised: 12/19/2007] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the psychopathological features in a large Italian family with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome not linked to the SLITRK1 gene. Of the 23 living family members, 14 were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Clinical Global Impression and the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Ten patients were found to have obsessive-compulsive disorder in which tic-like compulsions predominated. The distinctive feature of this family is the high frequency of obsessive-compulsive disorder with various clinical phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Psychiatric Science and Psychological Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sethupathy P, Collins FS. MicroRNA target site polymorphisms and human disease. Trends Genet 2008; 24:489-97. [PMID: 18778868 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2008] [Revised: 07/29/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. They have been implicated in a broad range of biological processes, and miRNA-related genetic alterations probably underlie more human diseases than currently appreciated. Several studies have identified genetic variants in miRNA target sites that are claimed to be associated with disorders ranging from Parkinson's disease to cancer. However, careful assessment of these studies indicates that very few provide a combination of rigorous genetic and functional evidence. We therefore suggest a set of concrete recommendations to guide future investigations. Specifically, we highlight the importance of unbiased association studies and follow-up functional experiments for providing a clearer picture of the extent to which microRNA target site variations are relevant in various human diseases.
Collapse
|