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Schubert T, Schaaf CP. MAGEL2 (patho-)physiology and Schaaf-Yang syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38950199 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.16018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by autism spectrum disorder, joint contractures, and profound hypothalamic dysfunction. SYS is caused by variants in MAGEL2, a gene within the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) locus on chromosome 15. In this review, we consolidate decades of research on MAGEL2 to elucidate its physiological functions. Moreover, we synthesize current knowledge on SYS, suggesting that while MAGEL2 loss-of-function seems to underlie several SYS and PWS phenotypes, additional pathomechanisms probably contribute to the distinct and severe phenotype observed in SYS. In addition, we highlight recent therapeutic advances and identify promising avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schubert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Tota M, Karska J, Kowalski S, Piątek N, Pszczołowska M, Mazur K, Piotrowski P. Environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions: insights into the effect on mental health. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1389051. [PMID: 38863619 PMCID: PMC11165707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution exposures, including air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, are critical issues that may implicate adverse mental health outcomes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, may also cause long-term severe concerns. However, the knowledge about possible psychiatric disorders associated with these exposures is currently not well disseminated. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions on mental health, focusing on anxiety spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. In air pollution studies, increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most strongly associated with the exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms. We provide an overview of the suggested underlying pathomechanisms involved. We highlight that the pathogenesis of environmental pollution-related diseases is multifactorial, including increased oxidative stress, systematic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and epigenetic dysregulation. Light pollution and noise pollution were correlated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the impact of soil and water pollution is discussed. Such compounds as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos were associated with detrimental impact on mental health. Extreme weather conditions were linked to depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, namely PTSD. Several policy recommendations and awareness campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the advancement of high-quality urbanization, the mitigation of environmental pollution, and, consequently, the enhancement of residents' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julia Karska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Kowalski
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Piątek
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Tian Y, Yu F, Yun E, Lin JW, Man HY. mRNA nuclear retention reduces AMPAR expression and promotes autistic behavior in UBE3A-overexpressing mice. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1282-1309. [PMID: 38316900 PMCID: PMC10933332 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00073-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a common genetic factor in ASD etiology, and transgenic mice overexpressing UBE3A exhibit typical autistic-like behaviors. Because AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate most of the excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain, and synaptic dysregulation is considered one of the primary cellular mechanisms in ASD pathology, we investigate here the involvement of AMPARs in UBE3A-dependent ASD. We show that expression of the AMPAR GluA1 subunit is decreased in UBE3A-overexpressing mice, and that AMPAR-mediated neuronal activity is reduced. GluA1 mRNA is trapped in the nucleus of UBE3A-overexpressing neurons, suppressing GluA1 protein synthesis. Also, SARNP, an mRNA nuclear export protein, is downregulated in UBE3A-overexpressing neurons, causing GluA1 mRNA nuclear retention. Restoring SARNP levels not only rescues GluA1 mRNA localization and protein expression, but also normalizes neuronal activity and autistic behaviors in mice overexpressing UBE3A. These findings indicate that SARNP plays a crucial role in the cellular and behavioral phenotypes of UBE3A-induced ASD by regulating nuclear mRNA trafficking and protein translation of a key AMPAR subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Feiyuan Yu
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Eunice Yun
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jen-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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Morozova YV, Smirnov VN, Makarov IV, Emelina DA. The Use of Umbilical Cord Blood Nucleated Cells in the Treatment of Regressive Autism: A Case Report. CONSORTIUM PSYCHIATRICUM 2023; 4:39-47. [PMID: 38618635 PMCID: PMC11009972 DOI: 10.17816/cp9300] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in the issue of childhood autism has surged in the recent decades. At the same time, despite the significant progress achieved in understanding the etiological and pathogenetic aspects of the condition, effective ways to treat it have continued to elude us. Stem cell therapy appears to hold great promise in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with both neurological diseases (cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus) and mental disorders (autism, schizophrenia). METHODS This article presents a case report describing the use of nucleated cord blood cells in a patient with regressive autism and resistance to standard therapies. The child's condition was assessed before treatment and 6 and 12 months after. RESULTS Clinical observation, psychometric, and instrumental diagnostic methods led to a significant improvement in the child's condition in the form of perception development, reduction of somatosensory disorders, normalization of emotional status, and a development of social and communication skills. CONCLUSION We assume that the result obtained may be associated with the normalization of the immunological status of our patient thanks to the cord blood cells therapy and consider it necessary to conduct further studies into the effectiveness of the method, taking the pathogenic mechanisms of autism into account.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Igor V. Makarov
- V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology
- North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov
| | - Darya A. Emelina
- V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology
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Zambrano S, Parma B, Morabito V, Borini S, Romaniello R, Molteni M, Mani E, Selicorni A. Celiac disease in autism spectrum disorder: data from an Italian child cohort. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:79. [PMID: 37400878 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01484-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades some studies described the frequent co-occurrence of celiac disease autoimmunity and overt celiac disease in patients with autism. Therefore, it was suggested that celiac disease could play a possible role in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. However, several other studies have not confirmed this association. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential association between autism spectrum disorder and celiac disease. METHODS We prospectively collected data from an Italian cohort of 223 children at the time of their clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the 2019-2020 period. A serological celiac disease screening was performed and data were available for 196 patients; male (M):female (F) ratio = 4.4:1; median age = 3.6 years; age range = 1.6-12.8 years. Full-blown celiac disease was established according to the diagnostic algorithm of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2012 or 2019 guidelines. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the celiac disease seroprevalence and prevalence in our autism spectrum disorder cohort and in the Italian healthy pediatric population studied by Gatti et al. to highlight the possible differences between the two groups. RESULTS A not statistically significant difference between the celiac disease seroprevalence in our autism spectrum disorder cohort (4.08%) and Gatti's Italian healthy group (2.22%) was found, p = 0.0810; OR = 1.871. A similar result emerged for overt celiac disease prevalences (2.24% versus 1.58%, respectively), p = 0.2862; OR = 1.431. CONCLUSIONS Our data validates a weakness of association between autism spectrum disorder and celiac disease. On the basis of our results, a regular screening for CD in patients with ASD is not recommended to a greater extent than in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zambrano
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
- Postgraduate Specialization School in Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Barbara Parma
- Department of Pediatric, Mariani Foundation Center for Fragile Child ASST-Lariana, Sant'Anna Hospital, San Fermo della Battaglia, Como, Italy
| | - Valeria Morabito
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Mental Health, ASST-Lariana, Sant'Anna Hospital, San Fermo della Battaglia, Como, Italy
| | - Silvia Borini
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Roberta Romaniello
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Elisa Mani
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Angelo Selicorni
- Department of Pediatric, Mariani Foundation Center for Fragile Child ASST-Lariana, Sant'Anna Hospital, San Fermo della Battaglia, Como, Italy
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Sandhu A, Kumar A, Rawat K, Gautam V, Sharma A, Saha L. Modernising autism spectrum disorder model engineering and treatment via CRISPR-Cas9: A gene reprogramming approach. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3114-3127. [PMID: 37274051 PMCID: PMC10237133 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i14.3114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A neurological abnormality called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person perceives and interacts with others, leading to social interaction and communication issues. Limited and recurring behavioural patterns are another feature of the illness. Multiple mutations throughout development are the source of the neurodevelopmental disorder autism. However, a well-established model and perfect treatment for this spectrum disease has not been discovered. The rising era of the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system can streamline the complexity underlying the pathogenesis of ASD. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful genetic engineering tool used to edit the genome at the targeted site in a precise manner. The major hurdle in studying ASD is the lack of appropriate animal models presenting the complex symptoms of ASD. Therefore, CRISPR-Cas9 is being used worldwide to mimic the ASD-like pathology in various systems like in vitro cell lines, in vitro 3D organoid models and in vivo animal models. Apart from being used in establishing ASD models, CRISPR-Cas9 can also be used to treat the complexities of ASD. The aim of this review was to summarize and critically analyse the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated discoveries in the field of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kajal Rawat
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vipasha Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Antika Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
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Munz M, Bharioke A, Kosche G, Moreno-Juan V, Brignall A, Rodrigues TM, Graff-Meyer A, Ulmer T, Haeuselmann S, Pavlinic D, Ledergerber N, Gross-Scherf B, Rózsa B, Krol J, Picelli S, Cowan CS, Roska B. Pyramidal neurons form active, transient, multilayered circuits perturbed by autism-associated mutations at the inception of neocortex. Cell 2023; 186:1930-1949.e31. [PMID: 37071993 PMCID: PMC10156177 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Cortical circuits are composed predominantly of pyramidal-to-pyramidal neuron connections, yet their assembly during embryonic development is not well understood. We show that mouse embryonic Rbp4-Cre cortical neurons, transcriptomically closest to layer 5 pyramidal neurons, display two phases of circuit assembly in vivo. At E14.5, they form a multi-layered circuit motif, composed of only embryonic near-projecting-type neurons. By E17.5, this transitions to a second motif involving all three embryonic types, analogous to the three adult layer 5 types. In vivo patch clamp recordings and two-photon calcium imaging of embryonic Rbp4-Cre neurons reveal active somas and neurites, tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated conductances, and functional glutamatergic synapses, from E14.5 onwards. Embryonic Rbp4-Cre neurons strongly express autism-associated genes and perturbing these genes interferes with the switch between the two motifs. Hence, pyramidal neurons form active, transient, multi-layered pyramidal-to-pyramidal circuits at the inception of neocortex, and studying these circuits could yield insights into the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Munz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arjun Bharioke
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georg Kosche
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verónica Moreno-Juan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Brignall
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tiago M Rodrigues
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Graff-Meyer
- Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Talia Ulmer
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Haeuselmann
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dinko Pavlinic
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ledergerber
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Gross-Scherf
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Balázs Rózsa
- Two-Photon Imaging Center, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jacek Krol
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Picelli
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cameron S Cowan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Botond Roska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Durankuş F, Budak K, Albayrak Y, Sever İH, Özkul B, Uyanıkgil Y, Albayrak N, Erbas O. Atorvastatin Improves the Propionic Acid-Induced Autism in Rats: The Roles of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Anti-inflammatory Action. Cureus 2023; 15:e36870. [PMID: 37123681 PMCID: PMC10147056 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits of atorvastatin on the propionic acid-induced autism model via increasing sphingosine-1-phosphate and anti-inflammatory actions with imaging and brain tissue investigations. Materials and methods Twenty-five mg/kg/day/rat of propionic acid (PPA) was administered intraperitoneally to 20 male Wistar rats, and 10 male Wistar rats were fed orally. Study groups were designed as follows: Group 1: Control Group (orally fed control, n=10); Group 2 (PPA+saline, n=10); Group 3 (PPA+Atorvastatin, n=10). The brain biochemical and histopathology assessments and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were conducted across groups in order to compare them. Results The PPA+Atorvastatin group was found to have significantly lower levels of brain malondialdehyde, IL-2 level, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and lactate compared to the PPA+saline group. The PPA+Atorvastatin group had higher levels of nerve growth factor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) and sphingosine-1-phosphate. In histopathology assessments, the PPA+Atorvastatin group was found to have significantly higher neuronal counts of CA1 and CA2 in the hippocampus, and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Conclusions Current findings suggest that atorvastatin increases sphingosine-1-phosphate levels and decreases inflammatory actions which characterize the autism rodent model implemented in this study. These preliminary results have to be confirmed by further experimental and clinical studies.
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Pang S, Luo Z, Dong W, Gao S, Chen W, Liu N, Zhang X, Gao X, Li J, Gao K, Shi X, Guan F, Zhang L, Zhang L. Integrin β1/FAK/SRC signal pathway is involved in autism spectrum disorder in Tspan7 knockout rats. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/3/e202201616. [PMID: 36625203 PMCID: PMC9768919 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TSPAN7 is related to various neurological disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the underlying synaptic mechanism of TSPAN7 in ASD is still unclear. Here, we showed that Tspan7 knockout rats exhibited ASD-like and ID-like behavioral phenotypes, brain structure alterations including decreased hippocampal and cortical volume, and related pathological changes including reduced hippocampal neurons number, neuronal complexity, dendritic spines, and synapse-associated proteins. Then, we found that TSPAN7 deletion interrupted the integrin β1/FAK/SRC signal pathway that was followed by the down-regulation of PSD95, SYN, and GluR1/2, which are key synaptic integrity-related proteins. Furthermore, reactivation of SRC restored the expression of synaptic integrity-related proteins in primary neurons of TSPAN7 knockout brains. Taken together, our results suggested that TSPAN7 knockout caused ASD-like and ID-like behaviors in rats and impaired neuronal synapses possibly through the down-regulation of the integrin β1/FAK/SRC signal pathway, which might be a new mechanism on regulation of synaptic proteins expression and on ASD pathogenesis by mutated TSPAN7. These findings provide novel insights into the role of TSPAN7 in psychiatric diseases and highlight integrin β1/FAK/SRC as a potential target for ASD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Pang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Gao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Shi
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Guan
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, National Health Commission of China, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China .,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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EEG Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis in a Cohort of Preschool Children. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020345. [PMID: 36831889 PMCID: PMC9954463 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can be associated with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy (E). The etiology and the pathogenesis of this disorder is in most cases still to be clarified. Several studies have underlined that the EEG recordings in children with these clinical pictures are abnormal, however the precise frequency of these abnormalities and their relationship with the pathogenic mechanisms and in particular with epileptic seizures are still unknown. We retrospectively reviewed 292 routine polysomnographic EEG tracings of preschool children (age < 6 years) who had received a first multidisciplinary diagnosis of ASD according to DSM-5 clinical criteria. Children (mean age: 34.6 months) were diagnosed at IRCCS E. Medea (Bosisio Parini, Italy). We evaluated: the background activity during wakefulness and sleep, the presence and the characteristics (focal or diffuse) of the slow-waves abnormalities and the interictal epileptiform discharges. In 78.0% of cases the EEG recordings were found to be abnormal, particularly during sleep. Paroxysmal slowing and epileptiform abnormalities were found in the 28.4% of the subjects, confirming the high percentage of abnormal polysomnographic EEG recordings in children with ASD. These alterations seem to be more correlated with the characteristics of the underlying pathology than with intellectual disability and epilepsy. In particular, we underline the possible significance of the prevalence of EEG abnormalities during sleep. Moreover, we analyzed the possibility that EEG data reduces the ASD clinical heterogeneity and suggests the exams to be carried out to clarify the etiology of the disorder.
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Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043287. [PMID: 36834699 PMCID: PMC9965966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3-4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
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Rihar N, Krgovic D, Kokalj-Vokač N, Stangler-Herodez S, Zorc M, Dovc P. Identification of potentially pathogenic variants for autism spectrum disorders using gene-burden analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0273957. [PMID: 37167322 PMCID: PMC10174571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene- burden analyses have lately become a very successful way for the identification of genes carrying risk variants underlying the analysed disease. This approach is also suitable for complex disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The gene-burden analysis using Testing Rare Variants with Public Data (TRAPD) software was conducted on whole exome sequencing data of Slovenian patients with ASD to determine potentially novel disease risk variants in known ASD-associated genes as well as in others. To choose the right control group for testing, principal component analysis based on the 1000 Genomes and ASD cohort samples was conducted. The subsequent protein structure and ligand binding analysis usingI-TASSER package were performed to detect changes in protein structure and ligand binding to determine a potential pathogenic consequence of observed mutation. The obtained results demonstrate an association of two variants-p.Glu198Lys (PPP2R5D:c.592G>A) and p.Arg253Gln (PPP2R5D:c.758G>A) with the ASD. Substitution p.Glu198Lys (PPP2R5D:c.592G>A) is a variant, previously described as pathogenic in association with ASD combined with intellectual disability, whereas p.Arg253Gln (PPP2R5D:c.758G>A) has not been described as an ASD-associated pathogenic variant yet. The results indicate that the filtering process was suitable and could be used in the future for detection of novel pathogenic variants when analysing groups of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Rihar
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijela Krgovic
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Maribor Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nadja Kokalj-Vokač
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Maribor Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Spela Stangler-Herodez
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Maribor Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Minja Zorc
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Dovc
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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TEZCAN T, ŞENER EF, DEMİRCİ E, ŞAHİN N, HAMURCU Z, ÖZTOP D. EXPRESSION PROFILES OF PTEN AND POGZ GENES IN TURKISH PATIENTS WITH AUTISM. ACTA MEDICA ALANYA 2022. [DOI: 10.30565/medalanya.1148353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaç: Otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB), karmaşık davranışsal fenotiplerle teşhis edilen, etiyolojik ve klinik olarak heterojen bir grup nörogelişimsel bozukluktur. Uzun yıllar boyunca yapılan kapsamlı çalışmalara rağmen, OSB'nin nedenleri hala bilinmemektedir. PTEN ve POGZ genleri, OSB fenotipinden sorumlu olabilecek aday genler olarak gösterilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, otistik hastalarda PTEN ve POGZ genlerinin ekspresyon düzeylerini araştırmaktır.
Yöntem: DSM-IV ve DSM-V tanı kriterlerine göre OSB tanılı 50 hastada ve yaş-cinsiyet uyumlu 50 sağlıklı kontrolde PTEN, POGZ gen ekspresyonları kantitatif real time PCR (QRT-PCR) ile araştırıldı. Bu çalışma Erciyes Üniversitesi Genom ve Kök Hücre Merkezi'nde (GENKOK) yapılmıştır.
Bulgular: POGZ geninin hastalarda kontrollere göre daha fazla eksprese olduğu ve otistik erkeklerde bu genin ekspresyonunun anlamlı olduğu bulundu. PTEN gen ekspresyonu istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildi ancak hastalarda kontrollere göre daha düşük bulundu (p=0.7884). Bu genlerin ekspresyonu ile bilişsel geriliği olan hastalar arasındaki ilişki anlamlı değildi.
Sonuç: Daha büyük hasta grupları ile diğer olası aday genlerin araştırılmasını ve sonuçların farklı klinik belirtilerle karşılaştırılmasını öneriyoruz.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Otizm, Otizm Spektrum Bozuklukları, PTEN, POGZ, Ekspresyon
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba TEZCAN
- KAPADOKYA VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, KAPADOKYA VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
| | - Elif Funda ŞENER
- Erciyes Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Tıbbi Biyoloji Anabilim Dalı
| | | | - Nilfer ŞAHİN
- MUGLA SITKI KOCMAN UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE
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Damianidou E, Mouratidou L, Kyrousi C. Research models of neurodevelopmental disorders: The right model in the right place. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1031075. [PMID: 36340790 PMCID: PMC9630472 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1031075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of impairments that affect the development of the central nervous system leading to abnormal brain function. NDDs affect a great percentage of the population worldwide, imposing a high societal and economic burden and thus, interest in this field has widely grown in recent years. Nevertheless, the complexity of human brain development and function as well as the limitations regarding human tissue usage make their modeling challenging. Animal models play a central role in the investigation of the implicated molecular and cellular mechanisms, however many of them display key differences regarding human phenotype and in many cases, they partially or completely fail to recapitulate them. Although in vitro two-dimensional (2D) human-specific models have been highly used to address some of these limitations, they lack crucial features such as complexity and heterogeneity. In this review, we will discuss the advantages, limitations and future applications of in vivo and in vitro models that are used today to model NDDs. Additionally, we will describe the recent development of 3-dimensional brain (3D) organoids which offer a promising approach as human-specific in vitro models to decipher these complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Damianidou
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
| | - Lidia Mouratidou
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Kyrousi
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Christina Kyrousi,
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15
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Wang T, Zhao PA, Eichler EE. Rare variants and the oligogenic architecture of autism. Trends Genet 2022; 38:895-903. [PMID: 35410794 PMCID: PMC9378350 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most large-scale genetic studies of autism have focused on the discovery of genes by proving an enrichment of de novo mutations (DNMs) in autism probands or characterizing polygenic risk based on the association of common variants. We present evidence in support of an oligogenic model where two or more ultrarare mutations of more modest effect are preferentially transmitted to children with autism. Such private gene-disruptive mutations are enriched in families where there are multiple affected individuals, emerged two or three generations ago, and map to genes not previously associated with autism. Although no single gene has reached statistical significance, this class of variation should be considered along with genetic and nongenetic factors to better explain the etiology of this complex trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyun Wang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Peiyao A Zhao
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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16
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Sachdeva P, Mehdi I, Kaith R, Ahmad F, Anwar MS. Potential natural products for the management of autism spectrum disorder. IBRAIN 2022; 8:365-376. [PMID: 37786737 PMCID: PMC10528773 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism in a broader sense is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which frequently occurs during early childhood and can last for a lifetime. This condition is primarily defined by difficulties with social engagement, with individuals displaying repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Numerous neuroanatomical investigations on autistic children have revealed that their brains grow atypically, resulting in atypical neurogenesis, neuronal migration, maturation, differentiation, and degeneration. Special education programs, speech therapy, and occupational therapy have all been used to address autism-related behavioral problems. While widely prescribed antidepressant drugs, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and stimulants have demonstrated response in autistic individuals. However, these medications do not fully reverse the core symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The adverse reactions of ASD medicines and an increased risk of developing various other problems, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders, prompted the researchers to investigate herbal medicines for the treatment of autistic individuals. Clinical trials are now being done to establish the efficacy of alternative techniques based on natural substances and to understand better the context in which they may be used to treat autism. This review of literature will look at crucial natural compounds derived from animals and plants that have shown promise as safe and effective autism treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punya Sachdeva
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology and NeurosciencesAmity UniversityNoidaUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Intizaar Mehdi
- School of Studies in NeuroscienceJiwaji UniversityGwaliorMadhya PradeshIndia
| | - Rohit Kaith
- School of Studies in NeuroscienceJiwaji UniversityGwaliorMadhya PradeshIndia
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and ToxicologyJamia Hamdard UniversityDelhiIndia
| | - Md Sheeraz Anwar
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CampaniaLuigi VanvitelliCasertaItaly
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17
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Silverman JL, Thurm A, Ethridge SB, Soller MM, Petkova SP, Abel T, Bauman MD, Brodkin ES, Harony‐Nicolas H, Wöhr M, Halladay A. Reconsidering animal models used to study autism spectrum disorder: Current state and optimizing future. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12803. [PMID: 35285132 PMCID: PMC9189007 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), are pervasive, often lifelong disorders, lacking evidence-based interventions for core symptoms. With no established biological markers, diagnoses are defined by behavioral criteria. Thus, preclinical in vivo animal models of NDDs must be optimally utilized. For this reason, experts in the field of behavioral neuroscience convened a workshop with the goals of reviewing current behavioral studies, reports, and assessments in rodent models. Goals included: (a) identifying the maximal utility and limitations of behavior in animal models with construct validity; (b) providing recommendations for phenotyping animal models; and (c) guidelines on how in vivo models should be used and reported reliably and rigorously while acknowledging their limitations. We concluded by recommending minimal criteria for reporting in manuscripts going forward. The workshop elucidated a consensus of potential solutions to several problems, including revisiting claims made about animal model links to ASD (and related conditions). Specific conclusions included: mice (or other rodent or preclinical models) are models of the neurodevelopmental insult, not specifically any disorder (e.g., ASD); a model that perfectly recapitulates a disorder such as ASD is untenable; and greater attention needs be given to validation of behavioral testing methods, data analysis, and critical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Sarah B. Ethridge
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Makayla M. Soller
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stela P. Petkova
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyIowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research LaboratoryPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological PsychologySocial and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Leuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral NeurosciencePhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany,Center for Mind, Brain, and BehaviorPhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science FoundationUSA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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18
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A multifactorial model for the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders: the role of advanced paternal age. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:757-770. [PMID: 33674740 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mental or neuropsychiatric disorders are widespread within our societies affecting one in every four people in the world. Very often the onset of a mental disorder (MD) occurs in early childhood and substantially reduces the quality of later life. Although the global burden of MDs is rising, mental health care is still suboptimal, partly due to insufficient understanding of the processes of disease development. New insights are needed to respond to this worldwide health problem. Next to the growing burden of MDs, there is a tendency to postpone pregnancy for various economic and practical reasons. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the potential effect from advanced paternal age (APA) on development of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette syndrome. Although literature did not clearly define an age cut-off for APA, we here present a comprehensive multifactorial model for the development of MDs, including the role of aging, de novo mutations, epigenetic mechanisms, psychosocial environment, and selection into late fatherhood. Our model is part of the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease paradigm and may serve as a foundation for future epidemiological research designs. This blueprint will increase the understanding of the etiology of MDs and can be used as a practical guide for clinicians favoring early detection and developing a tailored treatment plan. Ultimately, this will help health policy practitioners to prevent the development of MDs and to inform health-care workers and the community about disease determinants. Better knowledge of the proportion of all risk factors, their interactions, and their role in the development of MDs will lead to an optimization of mental health care and management. IMPACT: We design a model of causation for MDs, integrating male aging, (epi)genetics, and environmental influences. It adds new insights into the current knowledge about associations between APA and MDs. In clinical practice, this comprehensive model may be helpful in early diagnosis and in treatment adopting a personal approach. It may help in identifying the proximate cause on an individual level or in a specific subpopulation. Besides the opportunity to measure the attributed proportions of risk factors, this model may be used as a blueprint to design prevention strategies for public health purposes.
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A recurrent SHANK1 mutation implicated in autism spectrum disorder causes autistic-like core behaviors in mice via downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2985-2998. [PMID: 35388181 PMCID: PMC9205781 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genetic etiology and underlying mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. SHANK family genes (SHANK1/2/3) are well known ASD-related genes. However, little is known about how SHANK missense mutations contribute to ASD. Here, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of and the multilevel neuropathological features induced by Shank1 mutations in knock-in (KI) mice. In this study, by sequencing the SHANK1 gene in a cohort of 615 ASD patients and 503 controls, we identified an ASD-specific recurrent missense mutation, c.2621 G > A (p.R874H). This mutation demonstrated strong pathogenic potential in in vitro experiments, and we generated the corresponding Shank1 R882H-KI mice. Shank1 R882H-KI mice displayed core symptoms of ASD, namely, social disability and repetitive behaviors, without confounding comorbidities of abnormal motor function and heightened anxiety. Brain structural changes in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex were observed in Shank1 R882H-KI mice via structural magnetic resonance imaging. These key brain regions also showed severe and consistent downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling, which subsequently affected the release of intracellular calcium. Corresponding cellular structural and functional changes were present in Shank1 R882H-KI mice, including decreased spine size, reduced spine density, abnormal morphology of postsynaptic densities, and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and basal excitatory transmission. These findings demonstrate the causative role of SHANK1 in ASD and elucidate the underlying biological mechanism of core symptoms of ASD. We also provide a reliable model of ASD with core symptoms for future studies, such as biomarker identification and therapeutic intervention studies.
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20
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Hu X, Yang J, Zhang M, Fang T, Gao Q, Liu X. Clinical Feature, Treatment, and KCNH5 Mutations in Epilepsy. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:858008. [PMID: 35874597 PMCID: PMC9301331 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.858008] [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: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated Kv10.2 potassium channel, encoded by KCNH5, is broadly expressed in mammalian tissues, including the brain. Its potential mechanism remains unclear. According to previous studies, dysfunction of Kv10.2 may be associated with epileptic encephalopathies and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, only one disease-causing mutation of KCNH5 has been reported, and it involves a case that presented with seizures and autism symptoms. In this study, we discovered and characterized three de novo mutations in KCNH5 that potentially caused severe conditions observed in three Chinese children. All of them experienced seizures, two of them presented with epileptic encephalopathy, one of them presented with ASD, and one did not relapse after drug withdrawal. Notably, treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) was effective in all patients whose epileptic seizures were controlled. The structures of the proteins resulting from the mutations were predicted in two of the three cases. This provides powerful insight into clinical heterogeneity and genotype-phenotype correlation in KCNH5-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufu Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junli Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Man Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tie Fang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Gao
- Beijing MyGenostics Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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21
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Erbay MF, Karayağmurlu A. Two siblings with autism spectrum disorder and two different genetic abnormalities: paternal 16p11.2 microdeletion and maternal 17q12 microduplication. Psychiatr Genet 2021; 31:246-249. [PMID: 34538867 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heterogeneous. Genetic factors play a major role in the etiology of ASD, and 16p11.2 microdeletion is one of the best-known genetic abnormalities thought to be strongly linked to ASD. Conversely, 17q12 microduplication is observed relatively rarely, yet it is reported that 17q12 recurrent duplication also results in a predisposition to ASD. Additionally, 16p11.2 microdeletion is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, ASD and seizures, while 17q12 recurrent duplication is thought to be related to intellectual disability, seizures, eye or vision problems and, rarely, cardiac and renal anomalies. It also has been linked to ASD, schizophrenia, aggression and self-injury. This paper presents two different genetic abnormalities and their relations to ASD. Two siblings were studied; in one of the siblings, maternally originated 17q12 duplication was identified, and paternally originated 16p11.2 microdeletion was identified in the other sibling. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present paper is a rare case report which shows the coexistence of 17q12 duplication, clubfoot deformity and ASD as well as 16p11.2 microdeletion, spina bifida occulta and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Furkan Erbay
- Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic İstanbul, Turkey
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22
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Koire A, Katsonis P, Kim YW, Buchovecky C, Wilson SJ, Lichtarge O. A method to delineate de novo missense variants across pathways prioritizes genes linked to autism. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/594/eabc1739. [PMID: 34011629 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abc1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genotype-phenotype relationships shape health and population fitness but remain difficult to predict and interpret. Here, we apply an evolutionary action method to de novo missense variants in whole-exome sequences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to unravel genes and pathways connected to ASD. Evolutionary action predicts the impact of missense variants on protein function by measuring the fitness effect based on phylogenetic distances and substitution odds in homologous gene sequences. By examining de novo missense variants in 2384 individuals with ASD (probands) compared to matched siblings without ASD, we found missense variants in 398 genes representing 23 pathways that were biased toward higher evolutionary action scores than expected by random chance; these pathways were involved in axonogenesis, synaptic transmission, and neurodevelopment. The predicted fitness impact of de novo and inherited missense variants in candidate genes correlated with the IQ of individuals with ASD, even for new gene candidates. Taking an evolutionary action method, we detected those missense variants most likely to contribute to ASD pathogenesis and elucidated their phenotypic impact. This approach could be applied to integrate missense variants across a patient cohort to identify genes contributing to a shared phenotype in other complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Koire
- Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Panagiotis Katsonis
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Young Won Kim
- Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christie Buchovecky
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Division of Carrier Screening and Prenatal Testing, SEMA4, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Stephen J Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Olivier Lichtarge
- Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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23
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Emerging mechanisms of valproic acid-induced neurotoxic events in autism and its implications for pharmacological treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111322. [PMID: 33761592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a sort of mental disorder marked by deficits in cognitive and communication abilities. To date no effective cure for this pernicious disease has been available. Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum, antiepileptic drug, and it is also a potent teratogen. Epidemiological studies have shown that children exposed to VPA are at higher risk for ASD during the first trimester of their gestational development. Several animal and human studies have demonstrated important behavioral impairments and morphological changes in the brain following VPA treatment. However, the mechanism of VPA exposure-induced ASD remains unclear. Several factors are involved in the pathological phase of ASD, including aberrant excitation/inhibition of synaptic transmission, neuroinflammation, diminished neurogenesis, oxidative stress, etc. In this review, we aim to outline the current knowledge of the critical pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VPA exposure-induced ASD. This review will give insight toward understanding the complex nature of VPA-induced neuronal toxicity and exploring a new path toward the development of novel pharmacological treatment against ASD.
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Masini E, Loi E, Vega-Benedetti AF, Carta M, Doneddu G, Fadda R, Zavattari P. An Overview of the Main Genetic, Epigenetic and Environmental Factors Involved in Autism Spectrum Disorder Focusing on Synaptic Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218290. [PMID: 33167418 PMCID: PMC7663950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction and communication, with restricted interests, activity and behaviors. ASD is highly familial, indicating that genetic background strongly contributes to the development of this condition. However, only a fraction of the total number of genes thought to be associated with the condition have been discovered. Moreover, other factors may play an important role in ASD onset. In fact, it has been shown that parental conditions and in utero and perinatal factors may contribute to ASD etiology. More recently, epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and micro RNA alterations, have been associated with ASD and proposed as potential biomarkers. This review aims to provide a summary of the literature regarding ASD candidate genes, mainly focusing on synapse formation and functionality and relevant epigenetic and environmental aspects acting in concert to determine ASD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Masini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
| | - Ana Florencia Vega-Benedetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
| | - Marinella Carta
- Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Doneddu
- Centro per l’Autismo e Disturbi correlati (CADc), Nuovo Centro Fisioterapico Sardo, 09131 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Roberta Fadda
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Male preconception antioxidant supplementation may lower autism risk: a call for studies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2955-2962. [PMID: 32949003 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01949-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Current research indicates that a sizable number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases arise from de novo mutations (DNMs) occurring within the paternal germline, usually in an age-dependent manner. Andrologists have reported that somatic cells and gametes share the same pathologies that generate these DNMs-specifically, DNA hypomethylation caused by oxidative nucleoside base damage. Because many ASD researchers seek to identify genetic risk factors, teams are developing methods of assessing aberrant DNA patterns, such as parental gonadal mosaicism. Several studies propose antioxidant supplementation as a strategy to lower autism risk, and/or suggest connections between childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and paternally-derived DNMs. Actual data, however, are currently not available to determine whether male preconception antioxidant supplementation effectively lowers autism risk. The purpose of this paper is to (1) explore the mechanisms causing DNMs, specifically DNA hypomethylation; (2) explain how antioxidant supplementation may lower the risk of having a child with ASD; and, (3) advocate for the implementation of large prospective studies testing (2). These studies may very well find that male preconception supplementation with antioxidants prevents neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, in much the same way that female prenatal consumption of folate was found to decrease the risk of birth defects. If this is indeed the case, the alarming rise in autism prevalence rates of the past few decades will slow-or even cease-upon the initiation of public awareness campaigns.
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26
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Fertan E, Wong AA, Purdon MK, Weaver ICG, Brown RE. The effect of background strain on the behavioral phenotypes of the MDGA2 +/- mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12696. [PMID: 32808443 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-associated mucin (MAM) domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 protein single knock-out mice (MDGA2+/- ) are models of ASD. We examined the behavioral phenotypes of male and female MDGA2+/- and wildtype mice on C57BL6/NJ and C57BL6/N backgrounds at 2 months of age and measured MDGA2, neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 2 levels at 7 months. Mice on the C57BL6/NJ background performed better than those on the C57BL6/N background in visual ability and in learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze and differed in measures of motor behavior and anxiety. Mice with the MDGA2+/- genotype differed from WT mice in motor, social and repetitive behavior and anxiety, but most of these effects involved interactions between MDGA2+/- genotype and background strain. The background strain also influenced MDGA2 levels and NLGN2 association in MDGA2+/- mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of the background strain used in studies of genetically modified mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michaela K Purdon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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27
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Washington P, Park N, Srivastava P, Voss C, Kline A, Varma M, Tariq Q, Kalantarian H, Schwartz J, Patnaik R, Chrisman B, Stockham N, Paskov K, Haber N, Wall DP. Data-Driven Diagnostics and the Potential of Mobile Artificial Intelligence for Digital Therapeutic Phenotyping in Computational Psychiatry. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:759-769. [PMID: 32085921 PMCID: PMC7292741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Data science and digital technologies have the potential to transform diagnostic classification. Digital technologies enable the collection of big data, and advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence enable scalable, rapid, and automated classification of medical conditions. In this review, we summarize and categorize various data-driven methods for diagnostic classification. In particular, we focus on autism as an example of a challenging disorder due to its highly heterogeneous nature. We begin by describing the frontier of data science methods for the neuropsychiatry of autism. We discuss early signs of autism as defined by existing pen-and-paper-based diagnostic instruments and describe data-driven feature selection techniques for determining the behaviors that are most salient for distinguishing children with autism from neurologically typical children. We then describe data-driven detection techniques, particularly computer vision and eye tracking, that provide a means of quantifying behavioral differences between cases and controls. We also describe methods of preserving the privacy of collected videos and prior efforts of incorporating humans in the diagnostic loop. Finally, we summarize existing digital therapeutic interventions that allow for data capture and longitudinal outcome tracking as the diagnosis moves along a positive trajectory. Digital phenotyping of autism is paving the way for quantitative psychiatry more broadly and will set the stage for more scalable, accessible, and precise diagnostic techniques in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Washington
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Natalie Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Parishkrita Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Catalin Voss
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Aaron Kline
- Department of Pediatrics (Systems Medicine), Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Maya Varma
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Qandeel Tariq
- Department of Pediatrics (Systems Medicine), Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Haik Kalantarian
- Department of Pediatrics (Systems Medicine), Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jessey Schwartz
- Department of Pediatrics (Systems Medicine), Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ritik Patnaik
- Department of Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Brianna Chrisman
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Kelley Paskov
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Nick Haber
- School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Dennis P Wall
- Department of Pediatrics (Systems Medicine), Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (by courtesy), Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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28
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Yin J, Chun CA, Zavadenko NN, Pechatnikova NL, Naumova OY, Doddapaneni HV, Hu J, Muzny DM, Schaaf CP, Grigorenko EL. Next Generation Sequencing of 134 Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Regression. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080853. [PMID: 32722525 PMCID: PMC7463850 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience developmental regression, the etiology of which remains largely unknown. We performed a complete literature search and identified 47 genes that had been implicated in such cases. We sequenced these genes in a preselected cohort of 134 individuals with regressive autism. In total, 16 variants in 12 genes with evidence supportive of pathogenicity were identified. They were classified as variants of uncertain significance based on ACMG standards and guidelines. Among these were recurring variants in GRIN2A and PLXNB2, variants in genes that were linked to syndromic forms of ASD (GRIN2A, MECP2, CDKL5, SCN1A,PCDH19, UBE3A, and SLC9A6), and variants in the form of oligogenic heterozygosity (EHMT1, SLC9A6, and MFSD8).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Yin
- Molecular and Human Genetics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.); (C.-A.C.); (C.P.S.)
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chun-An Chun
- Molecular and Human Genetics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.); (C.-A.C.); (C.P.S.)
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nikolay N. Zavadenko
- Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.N.Z.); (N.L.P.)
| | - Natalia L. Pechatnikova
- Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.N.Z.); (N.L.P.)
| | - Oxana Yu. Naumova
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA;
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Translational Developmental Sciences, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Harsha V. Doddapaneni
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.V.D.); (J.H.); (D.M.M.)
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.V.D.); (J.H.); (D.M.M.)
| | - Donna M. Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.V.D.); (J.H.); (D.M.M.)
| | - Christian P. Schaaf
- Molecular and Human Genetics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.); (C.-A.C.); (C.P.S.)
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena L. Grigorenko
- Molecular and Human Genetics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.); (C.-A.C.); (C.P.S.)
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Translational Developmental Sciences, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-743-7983
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29
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Alcott CE, Yalamanchili HK, Ji P, van der Heijden ME, Saltzman A, Elrod N, Lin A, Leng M, Bhatt B, Hao S, Wang Q, Saliba A, Tang J, Malovannaya A, Wagner EJ, Liu Z, Zoghbi HY. Partial loss of CFIm25 causes learning deficits and aberrant neuronal alternative polyadenylation. eLife 2020; 9:e50895. [PMID: 32319885 PMCID: PMC7176433 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that NUDT21-spanning copy-number variations (CNVs) are associated with intellectual disability (Gennarino et al., 2015). However, the patients' CNVs also included other genes. To determine if reduced NUDT21 function alone can cause disease, we generated Nudt21+/- mice to mimic NUDT21-deletion patients. We found that although these mice have 50% reduced Nudt21 mRNA, they only have 30% less of its cognate protein, CFIm25. Despite this partial protein-level compensation, the Nudt21+/- mice have learning deficits, cortical hyperexcitability, and misregulated alternative polyadenylation (APA) in their hippocampi. Further, to determine the mediators driving neural dysfunction in humans, we partially inhibited NUDT21 in human stem cell-derived neurons to reduce CFIm25 by 30%. This induced APA and protein level misregulation in hundreds of genes, a number of which cause intellectual disability when mutated. Altogether, these results show that disruption of NUDT21-regulated APA events in the brain can cause intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callison E Alcott
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Hari Krishna Yalamanchili
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Ping Ji
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonUnited States
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Alexander Saltzman
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Nathan Elrod
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonUnited States
| | - Ai Lin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonUnited States
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Mei Leng
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Bhoomi Bhatt
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Shuang Hao
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Qi Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Afaf Saliba
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Jianrong Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonUnited States
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
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30
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Al-Dewik N, Al-Jurf R, Styles M, Tahtamouni S, Alsharshani D, Alsharshani M, Ahmad AI, Khattab A, Al Rifai H, Walid Qoronfleh M. Overview and Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:3-42. [PMID: 32006355 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder generally manifesting in the first few years of life and tending to persist into adolescence and adulthood. It is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. It is a disorder with multifactorial etiology. In this chapter, we will focus on the most important and common epidemiological studies, pathogenesis, screening, and diagnostic tools along with an explication of genetic testing in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Al-Dewik
- Clinical and Metabolic Genetics Section, Pediatrics Department, Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Women's Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) and Interim Translational Research Institute (iTRI), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar. .,Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, Kingston University, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Rana Al-Jurf
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Meghan Styles
- Health Profession Awareness Program, Health Facilities Development, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Sona Tahtamouni
- Child Development Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dalal Alsharshani
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Alsharshani
- Diagnostic Genetics Division (DGD), Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Amal I Ahmad
- Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Azhar Khattab
- Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Hilal Al Rifai
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Newborn Screening Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - M Walid Qoronfleh
- Research and Policy Department, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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31
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Munnich A, Demily C, Frugère L, Duwime C, Malan V, Barcia G, Vidal C, Throo É, Besmond C, Hubert L, Roland-Manuel G, Malen JP, Ferreri M, Hanein S, Boddaert N, Assouline M. [Twenty years of on-site clinical genetics consultations for people with ASD]. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:843-851. [PMID: 31845875 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in neurogenetics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), many patients fail to be systematically investigated, owing to preconceived ideas, limited access to genetics facilities and inadequacy of consultations to children with behavioural problems. To improve access to services, we reversed the paradigm and delivered on-site genetics consultations to ASD children of Greater Paris day care hospitals and specialized institutions. Since 1998, an ambulatory medical genetics team has been in operation, offering on-site consultations and services to patients and relatives in their usual environment. Because the mobile medical genetics unit operates under the umbrella of a university hospital, service laboratories were shared, including molecular cytogenetics and next generation sequencing (NGS). For the past 20 years, 502 patients from 26 institutions benefited from on-site consultations and genetics services in their usual environment. Less than 1 % of parents declined the offer. Previously undiagnosed genetics conditions were recognized in 71 ASD children, including pathogenic CNV variants (34/388 : 8.8 ; de novo : 19, inherited : 4), Fragile X (4/312 : 1.3 %) and deleterious variants in disease causing genes (33/141 ; 23.4 % : de novo : 23 ; inherited : 10, including 5 X-linked and 5 compound heterozygote mutations). Brain MRI were possible in 347 patients and 42 % were considered abnormal (146/347). All diagnosed patients presented atypical/syndromic ASD with moderate to severe intellectual disability. Thanks to such flexible organisation, a considerable number of missed consultations were tracked and families first benefited from medical genetics services. Owing to constraints imposed by behavioural problems in ASD, we suggest considering on-site genetics services to implement standard of care and counteract the loss of chance to patients and relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Munnich
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Demily
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lisa Frugère
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charlyne Duwime
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Valérie Malan
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Giulia Barcia
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Céline Vidal
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Émeline Throo
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Claude Besmond
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Laurence Hubert
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Roland-Manuel
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Malen
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Ferreri
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Hanein
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Boddaert
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Moise Assouline
- Fédération de Génétique Médicale et Institute Imagine, UMR Inserm 1163, Université Paris-Descartes, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades et Fondation Elan Retrouvé, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
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Impact of on-site clinical genetics consultations on diagnostic rate in children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2019; 10:33. [PMID: 31406558 PMCID: PMC6686526 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurogenetics investigations and diagnostic yield in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significantly improved over the last few years. Yet, many patients still fail to be systematically investigated. Methods To improve access to services, an ambulatory team has been established since 1998, delivering on-site clinical genetics consultations and gradually upgrading services to 502 children and young adults with ASD in their standard environment across 26 day-care hospitals and specialized institutions within the Greater Paris region. The evaluation included a clinical genetics consultation, screening for fragile X syndrome, metabolic workup, chromosomal microarray analysis, and, in a proportion of patients, next-generation sequencing of genes reported in ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Results Fragile X syndrome and pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) accounted for the disease in 10% of cases, including 4/312 (1.3%) with fragile X syndrome and 34/388 (8.8%) with pathogenic CNVs (19 de novo and 4 inherited). Importantly, adding high-throughput resequencing of reported intellectual disability/ASD genes to the screening procedure had a major impact on diagnostic yield in the 141 patients examined most recently. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic sequence variants in 27 disease genes were identified in 33/141 patients (23.4%; 23 were de novo and 10 inherited, including five X-linked and five recessive compound heterozygous variants). Diagnosed cases presented atypical and/or syndromic ASD with moderate to severe intellectual disability. The diagnostic yield of fragile X syndrome and array CGH testing combined with next-generation sequencing was significantly higher than fragile X syndrome and array CGH alone (p value 0.009). No inborn errors of metabolism were detected with the metabolic screening. Conclusion Based on the diagnostic rate observed in this cohort, we suggest that a stepwise procedure be considered, first screening pathogenic CNVs and a limited number of disease genes in a much larger number of patients, especially those with syndromic ASD and intellectual disability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-019-0284-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Bacchelli E, Loi E, Cameli C, Moi L, Vega-Benedetti AF, Blois S, Fadda A, Bonora E, Mattu S, Fadda R, Chessa R, Maestrini E, Doneddu G, Zavattari P. Analysis of a Sardinian Multiplex Family with Autism Spectrum Disorder Points to Post-Synaptic Density Gene Variants and Identifies CAPG as a Functionally Relevant Candidate Gene. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E212. [PMID: 30736458 PMCID: PMC6406497 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with high heritability, although their underlying genetic factors are still largely unknown. Here we present a comprehensive genetic characterization of two ASD siblings from Sardinia by genome-wide copy number variation analysis and whole exome sequencing (WES), to identify novel genetic alterations associated with this disorder. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data revealed a rare microdeletion involving CAPG, ELMOD3, and SH2D6 genes, in both siblings. CAPG encodes for a postsynaptic density (PSD) protein known to regulate spine morphogenesis and synaptic formation. The reduced CAPG mRNA and protein expression levels in ASD patients, in the presence of hemizygosity or a particular genetic and/or epigenetic background, highlighted the functional relevance of CAPG as a candidate gene for ASD. WES analysis led to the identification in both affected siblings of a rare frameshift mutation in VDAC3, a gene intolerant to loss of function mutation, encoding for a voltage-dependent anion channel localized on PSD. Moreover, four missense damaging variants were identified in genes intolerant to loss of function variation encoding for PSD proteins: PLXNA2, KCTD16, ARHGAP21, and SLC4A1. This study identifies CAPG and VDAC3 as candidate genes and provides additional support for genes encoding PSD proteins in ASD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bacchelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cameli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Loredana Moi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | - Sylvain Blois
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Elena Bonora
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sandra Mattu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Roberta Fadda
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Rita Chessa
- Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, AO Brotzu, 09134 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Elena Maestrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Doneddu
- Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, AO Brotzu, 09134 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
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Zhang L, Qin Y, Gong X, Peng R, Cai C, Zheng Y, Du Y, Wang H. A promoter variant in ZNF804A decreasing its expression increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder in the Han Chinese population. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:31. [PMID: 30670685 PMCID: PMC6342935 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0369-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic pathology may be one of the cellular substrates underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ZNF804A is a transcription factor that can affect or regulate the expression of many candidate genes involved in ASD. It also localizes at synapses and regulates neuronal and synaptic morphology. So far, few reports have addressed possible associations between ZNF804A polymorphisms and ASD. This study aimed to investigate whether ZNF804A genetic variants contribute to ASD susceptibility and its possible pathological role in the disorder. We analyzed the relationship of two polymorphisms (rs10497655 and rs34714481) in ZNF804A promoter region with ASD in 854 cases versus 926 controls. The functional analyses of rs10497655 were then performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assays. The variant rs10497655 was significantly associated with ASD (P = 0.007851), which had a significant effect on ZNF804A expression, with the T risk allele homozygotes related with reduced ZNF804A expression in human fetal brains. HSF2 acted as a suppressor by down-regulating ZNF804A expression and had a stronger binding affinity for the T allele of rs10497655 than for the C allele. This was the first experiment to elucidate the process in which a disease-associated SNP affects the level of ZNF804A expression by binding with the upstream regulation factor HSF2. This result indicates that the rs10497655 allelic expression difference of ZNF804A during the critical period of brain development may have an effect on postnatal phenotypes of ASD. It reveals new roles of ZNF804A polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Zhang
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yue Qin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xiaohong Gong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Yufang Zheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yasong Du
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Wu J, Yu P, Jin X, Xu X, Li J, Li Z, Wang M, Wang T, Wu X, Jiang Y, Cai W, Mei J, Min Q, Xu Q, Zhou B, Guo H, Wang P, Zhou W, Hu Z, Li Y, Cai T, Wang Y, Xia K, Jiang YH, Sun ZS. Genomic landscapes of Chinese sporadic autism spectrum disorders revealed by whole-genome sequencing. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:527-538. [PMID: 30392784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In this study, we identified all classes of genomic variants from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) dataset of 32 Chinese trios with ASD, including de novo mutations, inherited variants, copy number variants (CNVs) and genomic structural variants. A higher mutation rate (Poisson test, P < 2.2 × 10-16) in exonic (1.37 × 10-8) and 3'-UTR regions (1.42 × 10-8) was revealed in comparison with that of whole genome (1.05 × 10-8). Using an integrated model, we identified 87 potentially risk genes (P < 0.01) from 4832 genes harboring various rare deleterious variants, including CHD8 and NRXN2, implying that the disorders may be in favor to multiple-hit. In particular, frequent rare inherited mutations of several microcephaly-associated genes (ASPM, WDR62, and ZNF335) were found in ASD. In chromosomal structure analyses, we found four de novo CNVs and one de novo chromosomal rearrangement event, including a de novo duplication of UBE3A-containing region at 15q11.2-q13.1, which causes Angelman syndrome and microcephaly, and a disrupted TNR due to de novo chromosomal translocation t(1; 5)(q25.1; q33.2). Taken together, our results suggest that abnormalities of centrosomal function and chromatin remodeling of the microcephaly-associated genes may be implicated in pathogenesis of ASD. Adoption of WGS as a new yet efficient technique to illustrate the full genetic spectrum in complex disorders, such as ASD, could provide novel insights into pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Wu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xin Jin
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xiu Xu
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhongshan Li
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | | | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xueli Wu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Wanshi Cai
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junpu Mei
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Qingjie Min
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qiong Xu
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bingrui Zhou
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | | | - Tao Cai
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Dubourg C, Kim A, Watrin E, de Tayrac M, Odent S, David V, Dupé V. Recent advances in understanding inheritance of holoprosencephaly. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2018; 178:258-269. [PMID: 29785796 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a complex genetic disorder of the developing forebrain characterized by high phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. HPE was initially defined as an autosomal dominant disease, but recent research has shown that its mode of transmission is more complex. The past decade has witnessed rapid development of novel genetic technologies and significant progresses in clinical studies of HPE. In this review, we recapitulate genetic epidemiological studies of the largest European HPE cohort and summarize the novel genetic discoveries of HPE based on recently developed diagnostic methods. Our main purpose is to present different inheritance patterns that exist for HPE with a particular emphasis on oligogenic inheritance and its implications in genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christèle Dubourg
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France.,Service de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique, CHU, Rennes, France
| | - Artem Kim
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Erwan Watrin
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Marie de Tayrac
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France.,Service de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique, CHU, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Odent
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France.,Service de Génétique Clinique, CHU, Rennes, France
| | - Véronique David
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France.,Service de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique, CHU, Rennes, France
| | - Valérie Dupé
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de génétique et développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F - 35000, Rennes, France
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In case you missed it: The Prenatal Diagnosis
editors bring you the most significant advances of 2017. Prenat Diagn 2018; 38:83-90. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.5210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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38
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Godar DE, Merrill SJ. Untangling the most probable role for vitamin D 3 in autism. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2017; 9:e1387702. [PMID: 29484101 PMCID: PMC5821151 DOI: 10.1080/19381980.2017.1387702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate an important role for vitamin D3 in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although its mechanism is not completely understood. The most puzzling aspect of ASD is that identical twins, who share identical DNA, do not have 100% concordance rates (∼88% for identical and ∼31% for fraternal twins). These findings provide major clues into the etiology: ASD must involve an environmental factor present in the prenatal milieu that both identical twins are not always exposed to because they do not always share it (i.e., placentas). Combined with the exponential increasing rates of ASD around the world, these observations suggest a contagious disease is probably transferred to the fetus via the placenta becoming infected by a cervical virus. Vitamin D3 boosts immune responses clearing viral infections and increases serotonin and estrogen brain levels. Here we review the different roles and untangle the most probable one vitamin D3 plays in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne E. Godar
- Body of Knowledge, Inc., Division of Human Disease Research Worldwide, Racine, WI, USA
| | - Stephen J. Merrill
- Marquette University, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Hosseinpour M, Mashayekhi F, Bidabadi E, Salehi Z. Neuropilin-2 rs849563 gene variations and susceptibility to autism in Iranian population: A case-control study. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1471-1474. [PMID: 28484884 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disruptions usually diagnosed in the first three years of child's life that characterized by some impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication, problems in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The neuropilin-2 (NRP2) gene has been shown to both guide axons and control neuronal migration in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study the association between the NRP2 gene and autism using a cohort of 120 Iranian children (50 cases with autism and 70 control cases) was analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analyses. There was significant difference between the genotype and allele frequency between control and patient groups (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01, respectively). The prevalence of genotype frequencies of TT and TG in autistic children were 40% and 60%, respectively, while in controls were 68.5% and 31.5%, respectively. The heterozyote TG was associated with an increased risk of autism compared with TT genotype (OR = 3.72, 95%CI = 1.53-6.95, P = 0.02). The allele frequencies of T and G in autistic children were 78.5% and 21.4%, respectively and in controls were 84.2% and 15.7%, respectively. The NRP2 G allele conferred a 2.29-fold increased risk to autism relative to the T allele (OR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.23-4.29, P = 0.009). The results of this study showed that there is a significant association between rs849563 polymorphism and autism in the studied population. However in order to obtain a definitive conclusion larger studies with more samples are required to confirm the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhad Mashayekhi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Elham Bidabadi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Neurology, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zivar Salehi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
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Bridging Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia through inflammation and biomarkers - pre-clinical and clinical investigations. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:179. [PMID: 28870209 PMCID: PMC5584030 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, evidence supporting a link between inflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders has been mounting. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia share some clinical similarities which we hypothesize might reflect the same biological basis, namely, in terms of inflammation. However, the diagnosis of ASD and schizophrenia relies solely on clinical symptoms, and to date, there is no clinically useful biomarker to diagnose or monitor the course of such illnesses. The focus of this review is the central role that inflammation plays in ASD and schizophrenia. It spans from pre-clinical animal models to clinical research and excludes in vitro studies. Four major areas are covered: (1) microglia, the inflammatory brain resident myeloid cells, (2) biomarkers, including circulating cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and microRNA players, known to influence cellular processes at brain and immune levels, (3) effect of anti-psychotics on biomarkers and other predictors of response, and (4) impact of gender on response to immune activation, biomarkers, and response to anti-psychotic treatments.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide a brief description of the complex etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with special emphasis on the recent findings of impaired redox control in ASD, and to suggest a possible model of oxidative stress-specific gene-environment interaction in this group of disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Recent findings point out to the significance of environmental, prenatal, and perinatal factors in ASD but, at the same time, are in favor of the potentially significant oxidative stress-specific gene-environment interaction in ASD. Available evidence suggests an association between both the identified environmental factors and genetic susceptibility related to the increased risk of ASD and the oxidative stress pathway. There might be a potentially significant specific gene-environment interaction in ASD, which is associated with oxidative stress. Revealing novel susceptibility genes (including those encoding for antioxidant enzymes), or environmental factors that might increase susceptibility to ASD in carriers of a specific genotype, might enable the stratification of individuals more prone to developing ASD and, eventually, the possibility of applying preventive therapeutic actions.
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Ghidini A, Bianchi DW. Prenatal testing for neuropsychiatric disorders. Prenat Diagn 2017; 37:3-5. [PMID: 28097708 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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