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Crocco P, De Rango F, Bruno F, Malvaso A, Maletta R, Bruni AC, Passarino G, Rose G, Dato S. Genetic variability of FOXP2 and its targets CNTNAP2 and PRNP in frontotemporal dementia: A pilot study in a southern Italian population. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31624. [PMID: 38828303 PMCID: PMC11140708 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) is an evolutionary conserved transcription factor involved in the maintenance of neuronal networks, implicated in language disorders. Some evidence suggests a possible link between FOXP2 genetic variability and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) pathology and related endophenotypes. To shed light on this issue, we analysed the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FOXP2 and FTD in 113 patients and 223 healthy controls. In addition, we investigated SNPs in two putative targets of FOXP2, CNTNAP2, Contactin-associated protein-like 2 and PRNP, prion protein genes. Overall, 27 SNPs were selected by a tagging approach. FOXP2-rs17213159-C/T resulted associated with disease risk (OR = 2.16, P = 0.0004), as well as with age at onset and severity of dementia. Other FOXP2 markers were associated with semantic and phonological fluency scores, cognitive levels (MMSE) and neuropsychological tests. Associations with language, cognitive and brain atrophy measures were found with CNTNAP2 and PRNP genetic variability. Overall, although preliminary, results here presented suggest an influence of regulatory pathways centred on FOXP2 as a molecular background of FTD affecting neurological function of multiple brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolina Crocco
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco De Rango
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvaso
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation – National Neurological Institute, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Maletta
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Amalia C. Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rose
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Serena Dato
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Ehweiner A, Duch C, Brembs B. Wings of Change: aPKC/FoxP-dependent plasticity in steering motor neurons underlies operant self-learning in Drosophila. F1000Res 2024; 13:116. [PMID: 38779314 PMCID: PMC11109550 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.146347.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Motor learning is central to human existence, such as learning to speak or walk, sports moves, or rehabilitation after injury. Evidence suggests that all forms of motor learning share an evolutionarily conserved molecular plasticity pathway. Here, we present novel insights into the neural processes underlying operant self-learning, a form of motor learning in the fruit fly Drosophila. Methods We operantly trained wild type and transgenic Drosophila fruit flies, tethered at the torque meter, in a motor learning task that required them to initiate and maintain turning maneuvers around their vertical body axis (yaw torque). We combined this behavioral experiment with transgenic peptide expression, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated, spatio-temporally controlled gene knock-out and confocal microscopy. Results We find that expression of atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) in direct wing steering motoneurons co-expressing the transcription factor FoxP is necessary for this type of motor learning and that aPKC likely acts via non-canonical pathways. We also found that it takes more than a week for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of FoxP in adult animals to impair motor learning, suggesting that adult FoxP expression is required for operant self-learning. Conclusions Our experiments suggest that, for operant self-learning, a type of motor learning in Drosophila, co-expression of atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) and the transcription factor FoxP is necessary in direct wing steering motoneurons. Some of these neurons control the wing beat amplitude when generating optomotor responses, and we have discovered modulation of optomotor behavior after operant self-learning. We also discovered that aPKC likely acts via non-canonical pathways and that FoxP expression is also required in adult flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ehweiner
- Institut für Zoologie - Neurogenetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Bavaria, 93040, Germany
| | - Carsten Duch
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology (iDN), Johannes Gutenberg Universitat Mainz, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
| | - Björn Brembs
- Institut für Zoologie - Neurogenetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Bavaria, 93040, Germany
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Ahmed NI, Khandelwal N, Anderson AG, Oh E, Vollmer RM, Kulkarni A, Gibson JR, Konopka G. Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114257. [PMID: 38761373 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114257] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factors Foxp1 and Foxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN-specific loss of Foxp1, Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type-specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral-mediated re-expression of Foxp1 into the double knockouts is sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles between Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the D1-SPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newaz I Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily Oh
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Rachael M Vollmer
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jay R Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA.
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Xie X, Wei Y, Cui Y, Zhang Q, Lu H, Chen L, He J. Transcriptomics reveals age-related changes in ion transport-related factors in yak lungs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374794. [PMID: 38779034 PMCID: PMC11110679 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaks inhabit high-altitude, low-oxygen regions, where ion transport functions play a crucial role in maintaining intracellular and extracellular ionic balance and regulating pulmonary vascular tension. These functions affect pulmonary ventilation and blood flow rate, aiding tissue development and enhancing oxygen transfer efficiency, thus facilitating better adaptation to hypoxic environments. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of ion transport-related factors on the growth and development of yak lungs, we employed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)for sequencing the transcriptome in the lung tissues of neonatal (1-day-old), juvenile (1-year-old), and adult (4-year-old) yaks. We also performed differential gene expression and functional analyses. The results yielded 26 genes associated with ion transport, mainly enriched in the salivary and pancreatic secretion pathways. Finally, we used several methods including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining to determine the distribution of the expression of the ion transport genes FOXI1, KCNMA1, and SLC12A2 in yak lung tissues. qRT-PCR and WB results indicated that mRNA and protein relative expression levels of FOXI1 and SLC12A2 were significantly higher in neonatal yaks than in juvenile and adult yaks (all p < 0.05), whereas those of KCNMA1 were significantly higher in adult yaks than in neonatal and juvenile yaks (all p < 0.05). IHC and IF results demonstrated that FOXI1, KCNMA1, and SLC12A2 were distributed among the epithelial mucosal layers (including ciliated, goblet, and Clara cells) of the yaks' bronchi and their branches in the lungs across different age groups of yak. Therefore, our results suggested that FOXI1, KCNMA1, and SLC12A2 may be strongly associated with the development and aging processes in yak lungs. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the yak's adaptation to high-altitude environments and valuable references for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiating Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yating Wei
- Laboratory Animal, Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongqin Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junfeng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Che F, Li C, Zhang L, Qian C, Mo L, Li B, Wu H, Wang L, Yang Y. Novel FOXP2 variant associated with speech and language dysfunction in a Chinese family and literature review. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:367-373. [PMID: 38418803 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00849-0] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Since its initial identification, the Forkhead Box P2 gene (FOXP2) has maintained its singular status as the archetypal monogenic determinant implicated in Mendelian forms of human speech and language impairments. Despite the passage of two decades subsequent to its discovery, extant literature remains disproportionately sparse with regard to case-specific instances and loci of mutational perturbations. The objective of the current investigation centers on furnishing an enriched delineation of both its clinical manifestations and its mutational heterogeneity. Clinical phenotypes and peripheral blood samples were assiduously amassed from familial subjects. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing methodologies were deployed for the unambiguous identification of potential genetic variants and for corroborating their co-segregation within the family pedigree. An exhaustive review of published literature focusing on patients manifesting speech and language disorders consequent to FOXP2 genetic anomalies was also undertaken. The investigation yielded the identification of a novel heterozygous variant, c.661del (p.L221Ffs*41), localized within the FOXP2 gene in the proband, an inheritance from his symptomatic mother. The proband presented with an array of symptoms, encompassing dysarthric speech, deficits in instruction comprehension, and communicative impediments. In comparison, the mother exhibited attenuated symptoms, including rudimentary verbalization capabilities punctuated by pronounced stuttering and dysarthria. A comprehensive analysis of articles archived in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) classified under "DM" disclosed the existence of 74 patients inclusive of the subjects under current examination, sub-divided into 19 patients with null variants, 5 patients with missense variants, and 50 patients with gross deletions or complex genomic rearrangements. A conspicuous predominance of delayed speech, impoverished current verbal abilities, verbal comprehension deficits, and learning difficulties were observed in patients harboring null or missense FOXP2 variants, as compared to their counterparts with gross deletions or complex rearrangements. Developmental delays, hypotonia, and craniofacial aberrations were exclusive to the latter cohort. The elucidated findings augment the existing corpus of knowledge on the genetic architecture influencing both the proband and his mother within this specified familial context. Of critical importance, these discoveries furnish a robust molecular framework conducive to the prenatal diagnostic evaluations of prospective progeny within this familial lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Che
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenhao Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Liyu Zhang
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lidangzhi Mo
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Benchang Li
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
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Wang B, Vartak R, Zaltsman Y, Naing ZZC, Hennick KM, Polacco BJ, Bashir A, Eckhardt M, Bouhaddou M, Xu J, Sun N, Lasser MC, Zhou Y, McKetney J, Guiley KZ, Chan U, Kaye JA, Chadha N, Cakir M, Gordon M, Khare P, Drake S, Drury V, Burke DF, Gonzalez S, Alkhairy S, Thomas R, Lam S, Morris M, Bader E, Seyler M, Baum T, Krasnoff R, Wang S, Pham P, Arbalaez J, Pratt D, Chag S, Mahmood N, Rolland T, Bourgeron T, Finkbeiner S, Swaney DL, Bandyopadhay S, Ideker T, Beltrao P, Willsey HR, Obernier K, Nowakowski TJ, Hüttenhain R, State MW, Willsey AJ, Krogan NJ. A foundational atlas of autism protein interactions reveals molecular convergence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.03.569805. [PMID: 38076945 PMCID: PMC10705567 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.03.569805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Translating high-confidence (hc) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes into viable treatment targets remains elusive. We constructed a foundational protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in HEK293T cells involving 100 hcASD risk genes, revealing over 1,800 PPIs (87% novel). Interactors, expressed in the human brain and enriched for ASD but not schizophrenia genetic risk, converged on protein complexes involved in neurogenesis, tubulin biology, transcriptional regulation, and chromatin modification. A PPI map of 54 patient-derived missense variants identified differential physical interactions, and we leveraged AlphaFold-Multimer predictions to prioritize direct PPIs and specific variants for interrogation in Xenopus tropicalis and human forebrain organoids. A mutation in the transcription factor FOXP1 led to reconfiguration of DNA binding sites and altered development of deep cortical layer neurons in forebrain organoids. This work offers new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and describes a powerful platform to develop and test therapeutic strategies for many genetically-defined conditions.
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Usui N. Possible roles of deep cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes in the neural basis of human sociality. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:34-47. [PMID: 38010534 PMCID: PMC10771383 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00747-1] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sociality is an instinctive property of organisms that live in relation to others and is a complex characteristic of higher order brain functions. However, the evolution of the human brain to acquire higher order brain functions, such as sociality, and the neural basis for executing these functions and their control mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have attempted to evaluate how human sociality was acquired during the course of evolution and the mechanisms controlling sociality from a neurodevelopment viewpoint. This review discusses these findings in the context of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comparative genomic studies of postmortem primate brains have demonstrated human-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying higher order brain functions, providing evidence for the contribution of oligodendrocytes to human brain function. Functional analyses of the causative genes of ASD in animal models have demonstrated that the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes. These findings demonstrate that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to the neural basis and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution and social functioning. This review provides novel insights into sociability and the corresponding neural bases of brain disorders and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Omics Center, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
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Yan L, Sun H, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhang J, Li P. FOXP2 suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the KDM5A/FBP1 axis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:341-356. [PMID: 37713600 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The Warburg effect is the preference of cancer cells to use glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation to generate energy. Accumulating evidence suggests that aerobic glycolysis is widespread in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and closely related to tumorigenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) in aerobic glycolysis and tumorigenesis in HCC. Here, we found that FOXP2 was lower expressed in HCC tissues and cells than in nontumor tissues and normal hepatocytes. Overexpression of FOXP2 suppressed cell proliferation and invasion of HCC cells and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro, and hindered the growth of mouse xenograft tumors in vivo. Further researches showed that FOXP2 inhibited the Warburg effect in HCC cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that FOXP2 up-regulated the expression of fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase (FBP1), and the inhibitory effect of FOXP2 on glycolysis was dependent on FBP1. Mechanistically, as a transcription factor, FOXP2 negatively regulated the transcription of lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A), and then blocked KDM5A-induced H3K4me3 demethylation in FBP1 promoter region, thereby promoting the expression of FBP1. Consistently, overexpressing KDM5A or silencing FBP1 effectively reversed the inhibitory effect of FOXP2 on HCC progression. Together, our findings revealed the mechanistic role of the FOXP2/KDM5A/FBP1 axis in glycolysis and malignant progression of HCC cells, providing a potential molecular target for the therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanhuan Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuling Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peijie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Gao C, Zhu H, Gong P, Wu C, Xu X, Zhu X. The functions of FOXP transcription factors and their regulation by post-translational modifications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194992. [PMID: 37797785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box subfamily P (FOXP) of transcription factors, consisting of FOXP1, FOXP2, FOXP3, and FOXP4, is involved in the regulation of multisystemic functioning. Disruption of the transcriptional activity of FOXP proteins leads to neurodevelopmental disorders and immunological diseases, as well as the suppression or promotion of carcinogenesis. The transcriptional activities of FOXP proteins are directly or indirectly regulated by diverse post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, and methylation. Here, we discuss how post-translational modifications modulate the multiple functions of FOXP proteins and examine the implications for tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwen Gao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Chen Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China.
| | - Xuefei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China.
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10
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Merritt VC, Maihofer AX, Gasperi M, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Stein MB, Panizzon MS, Hauger RL, Logue MW, Delano-Wood L, Nievergelt CM. Genome-wide association study of traumatic brain injury in U.S. military veterans enrolled in the VA million veteran program. Mol Psychiatry 2023:10.1038/s41380-023-02304-8. [PMID: 37875548 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale genetic studies of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are lacking; thus, our understanding of the influence of genetic factors on TBI risk and recovery is incomplete. This study aimed to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of TBI in VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) enrollees. Participants included a multi-ancestry cohort (European, African, and Hispanic ancestries; N = 304,485; 111,494 TBI cases, 192,991 controls). TBI was assessed using MVP survey data and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes from the Veterans Health Administration's electronic health record. GWAS was performed using logistic regression in PLINK, and meta-analyzed in METAL. FUMA was used for post-GWAS analysis. Genomic structural equation modeling (gSEM) was conducted to investigate underlying genetic associations with TBI, and bivariate MiXeR was used to estimate phenotype specific and shared polygenicity. SNP-based heritability was 0.060 (SE = 0.004, p = 7.83×10-66). GWAS analysis identified 15 genome-wide significant (GWS) loci at p < 5×10-8. Gene-based analyses revealed 14 gene-wide significant genes; top genes included NCAM1, APOE, FTO, and FOXP2. Gene tissue expression analysis identified the brain as significantly enriched, particularly in the frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and nucleus accumbens. Genetic correlations with TBI were significant for risk-taking behaviors and psychiatric disorders, but generally not significant for the neurocognitive variables investigated. gSEM analysis revealed stronger associations with risk-taking traits than with psychiatric traits. Finally, the genetic architecture of TBI was similar to polygenic psychiatric disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease showed much less polygenicity, however, the proportion of shared variance with TBI was high. This first well-powered GWAS of TBI identified 15 loci including genes relevant to TBI biology, and showed that TBI is a heritable trait with comparable genetic architecture and high genetic correlation with psychiatric traits. Our findings set the stage for future TBI GWASs that focus on injury severity and diversity and chronicity of symptom sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Merritt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Adam X Maihofer
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marianna Gasperi
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Murray B Stein
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Hauger
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark W Logue
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Biomedical Genetics, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caroline M Nievergelt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
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11
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Vaglietti S, Villeri V, Dell’Oca M, Marchetti C, Cesano F, Rizzo F, Miller D, LaPierre L, Pelassa I, Monje FJ, Colnaghi L, Ghirardi M, Fiumara F. PolyQ length-based molecular encoding of vocalization frequency in FOXP2. iScience 2023; 26:108036. [PMID: 37860754 PMCID: PMC10582585 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108036] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXP2, a regulator of vocalization- and speech/language-related phenotypes, contains two long polyQ repeats (Q1 and Q2) displaying marked, still enigmatic length variation across mammals. We found that the Q1/Q2 length ratio quantitatively encodes vocalization frequency ranges, from the infrasonic to the ultrasonic, displaying striking convergent evolution patterns. Thus, species emitting ultrasonic vocalizations converge with bats in having a low ratio, whereas species vocalizing in the low-frequency/infrasonic range converge with elephants and whales, which have higher ratios. Similar, taxon-specific patterns were observed for the FOXP2-related protein FOXP1. At the molecular level, we observed that the FOXP2 polyQ tracts form coiled coils, assembling into condensates and fibrils, and drive liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). By integrating evolutionary and molecular analyses, we found that polyQ length variation related to vocalization frequency impacts FOXP2 structure, LLPS, and transcriptional activity, thus defining a novel form of polyQ length-based molecular encoding of vocalization frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Vaglietti
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Veronica Villeri
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Dell’Oca
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Marchetti
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Cesano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China
| | - Dave Miller
- Cascades Pika Watch, Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR 97221, USA
| | - Louis LaPierre
- Deptartment of Natural Science, Lower Columbia College, Longview, WA 98632, USA
| | - Ilaria Pelassa
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Francisco J. Monje
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Luca Colnaghi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirella Ghirardi
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiumara
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
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12
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Li Y, Changhong Y, Liyu Y, Changchang M, Zeng L, Yue L, Jing Z. Transcription Factor Forkhead Box P (Foxp) 1 Reduces Brain Damage During Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice Through FUN14 Domain-containing Protein 1. Neuroscience 2023; 530:1-16. [PMID: 37625686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Mitophagy plays a significant role in modulating the activation of pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which is a major contributor to the inflammatory response that exacerbates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Despite this, the transcriptional regulation mechanism that governs mitophagy remains unclear. This study sought to explore the potential mechanism of Forkhead Box P1 (Foxp1) and its impact on cerebral I/R injury. We investigated the potential neuroprotective role of Foxp1 in cerebral I/R injury by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. Additionally, we assessed whether FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) could rescue the protective effect of Foxp1. Our results showed that overexpression of Foxp1 prevented brain damage during cerebral I/R injury and promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation, whereas knockdown of Foxp1 had the opposite effect. Notably, Foxp1 overexpression directly promotes FUNDC1 expression, enhanced mitophagy activation, and inhibited the inflammatory response mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, we confirmed through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays that FUNDC1 is a direct target gene of Foxp1 downstream. Furthermore, the knockdown of FUNDC1 reversed the increased activation of mitophagy and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by Foxp1 overexpression. Collectively, our findings suggest that Foxp1 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation through FUNDC1 to reduce cerebral I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yang Changhong
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Liyu
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Meng Changchang
- Department of Pathophysiology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Linggao Zeng
- Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chongqing 401121, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Chongqing 401121, China
| | - Li Yue
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhao Jing
- Department of Pathophysiology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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13
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Salvato I, Ricciardi L, Dal Col J, Nigro A, Giurato G, Memoli D, Sellitto A, Lamparelli EP, Crescenzi MA, Vitale M, Vatrella A, Nucera F, Brun P, Caicci F, Dama P, Stiff T, Castellano L, Idrees S, Johansen MD, Faiz A, Wark PA, Hansbro PM, Adcock IM, Caramori G, Stellato C. Expression of targets of the RNA-binding protein AUF-1 in human airway epithelium indicates its role in cellular senescence and inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192028. [PMID: 37483631 PMCID: PMC10360199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192028] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The RNA-binding protein AU-rich-element factor-1 (AUF-1) participates to posttranscriptional regulation of genes involved in inflammation and cellular senescence, two pathogenic mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Decreased AUF-1 expression was described in bronchiolar epithelium of COPD patients versus controls and in vitro cytokine- and cigarette smoke-challenged human airway epithelial cells, prompting the identification of epithelial AUF-1-targeted transcripts and function, and investigation on the mechanism of its loss. Results RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-Seq) identified, in the human airway epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, 494 AUF-1-bound mRNAs enriched in their 3'-untranslated regions for a Guanine-Cytosine (GC)-rich binding motif. AUF-1 association with selected transcripts and with a synthetic GC-rich motif were validated by biotin pulldown. AUF-1-targets' steady-state levels were equally affected by partial or near-total AUF-1 loss induced by cytomix (TNFα/IL1β/IFNγ/10 nM each) and siRNA, respectively, with differential transcript decay rates. Cytomix-mediated decrease in AUF-1 levels in BEAS-2B and primary human small-airways epithelium (HSAEC) was replicated by treatment with the senescence- inducer compound etoposide and associated with readouts of cell-cycle arrest, increase in lysosomal damage and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, and with AUF-1 transfer in extracellular vesicles, detected by transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting. Extensive in-silico and genome ontology analysis found, consistent with AUF-1 functions, enriched RIP-Seq-derived AUF-1-targets in COPD-related pathways involved in inflammation, senescence, gene regulation and also in the public SASP proteome atlas; AUF-1 target signature was also significantly represented in multiple transcriptomic COPD databases generated from primary HSAEC, from lung tissue and from single-cell RNA-sequencing, displaying a predominant downregulation of expression. Discussion Loss of intracellular AUF-1 may alter posttranscriptional regulation of targets particularly relevant for protection of genomic integrity and gene regulation, thus concurring to airway epithelial inflammatory responses related to oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Exosomal-associated AUF-1 may in turn preserve bound RNA targets and sustain their function, participating to spreading of inflammation and senescence to neighbouring cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Salvato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Jessica Dal Col
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Annunziata Nigro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Domenico Memoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Crescenzi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Monica Vitale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Paola Dama
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Stiff
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Castellano
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Sobia Idrees
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matt D. Johansen
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alen Faiz
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter A. Wark
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian M. Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristiana Stellato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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14
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Chen Z, Xiao Z, Tian W, Li Z, Wu T. Two Enhances the Cisplatin Sensitivity of Cervical Cancer Cells via Suppression of c-MET Expression. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:1476-1486. [PMID: 37593506 PMCID: PMC10430408 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i7.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Background The drug resistance of chemotherapeutic agents leads to unsatisfactory survival rates for cervical cancer (CC) patients. We aimed to explore the effect of FOXP2 on the sensitivity of CC cells to cisplatin (DDP) and its mechanism in Changde, China in 2018. Methods A Total of 6 cervical cancer tissue samples including 3 patients with cisplatin sensitivity and 3 patients with cisplatin resistance, who received DDP-based treatment, were obtained from Changde First People's Hospital, Changde City during 2021, and FOXP2 level was detected by Western blot. The expression levels of FOXP2 and c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor, c-MET) in cells were determined by q-PCR and Western blot analysis. The cell survival, apoptosis, and clone formation were analyzed by flow cytometry, MTT assay, or clone formation assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and Chromatin immunoprecipitation were applied to verify the regulation between FOXP2 and c-MET. Results FOXP2 was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer tissues and cells compared with control. FOXP2 overexpression in SiHa/DDP cells inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis, whereas down-regulation of FOXP2 in SiHa cells had the opposite result. FOXP2 enhanced chemosensitive to DDP in CC cells. FOXP2 is negatively correlated with c-MET expression level in SiHa and SiHa/DDP cells. Mechanistically, FOXP2 binds to the promoter region of c-MET to regulate its expression in CC cells negatively. Overexpression of c-MET can attenuate the enhancement of DDP-induced apoptosis caused by FOXP2 overexpression. Conclusion This is a novel study on the role of FOXP2 in promoting the DDP sensitivity of CC cells by inhibiting c-MET. The FOXP2/c-MET signaling axis uncovered in the present study may be a novel therapeutic target for the DDP therapy resistance of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Chen
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Zemin Xiao
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Zongjuan Li
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
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15
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Ahmed NI, Khandelwal N, Anderson AG, Kulkarni A, Gibson J, Konopka G. Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.546567. [PMID: 37425820 PMCID: PMC10327074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.546567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factors Foxp1 and Foxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN specific loss of Foxp1, Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral mediated re-expression of Foxp1 into the double knockouts was sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles between Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the D1-SPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newaz I. Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashley G. Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jay Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Lead Contact
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16
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Kaplow IM, Lawler AJ, Schäffer DE, Srinivasan C, Sestili HH, Wirthlin ME, Phan BN, Prasad K, Brown AR, Zhang X, Foley K, Genereux DP, Karlsson EK, Lindblad-Toh K, Meyer WK, Pfenning AR, Andrews G, Armstrong JC, Bianchi M, Birren BW, Bredemeyer KR, Breit AM, Christmas MJ, Clawson H, Damas J, Di Palma F, Diekhans M, Dong MX, Eizirik E, Fan K, Fanter C, Foley NM, Forsberg-Nilsson K, Garcia CJ, Gatesy J, Gazal S, Genereux DP, Goodman L, Grimshaw J, Halsey MK, Harris AJ, Hickey G, Hiller M, Hindle AG, Hubley RM, Hughes GM, Johnson J, Juan D, Kaplow IM, Karlsson EK, Keough KC, Kirilenko B, Koepfli KP, Korstian JM, Kowalczyk A, Kozyrev SV, Lawler AJ, Lawless C, Lehmann T, Levesque DL, Lewin HA, Li X, Lind A, Lindblad-Toh K, Mackay-Smith A, Marinescu VD, Marques-Bonet T, Mason VC, Meadows JRS, Meyer WK, Moore JE, Moreira LR, Moreno-Santillan DD, Morrill KM, Muntané G, Murphy WJ, Navarro A, Nweeia M, Ortmann S, Osmanski A, Paten B, Paulat NS, Pfenning AR, Phan BN, Pollard KS, Pratt HE, Ray DA, Reilly SK, Rosen JR, Ruf I, Ryan L, Ryder OA, Sabeti PC, Schäffer DE, Serres A, Shapiro B, Smit AFA, Springer M, Srinivasan C, Steiner C, Storer JM, Sullivan KAM, Sullivan PF, Sundström E, Supple MA, Swofford R, Talbot JE, Teeling E, Turner-Maier J, Valenzuela A, Wagner F, Wallerman O, Wang C, Wang J, Weng Z, Wilder AP, Wirthlin ME, Xue JR, Zhang X. Relating enhancer genetic variation across mammals to complex phenotypes using machine learning. Science 2023; 380:eabm7993. [PMID: 37104615 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm7993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Protein-coding differences between species often fail to explain phenotypic diversity, suggesting the involvement of genomic elements that regulate gene expression such as enhancers. Identifying associations between enhancers and phenotypes is challenging because enhancer activity can be tissue-dependent and functionally conserved despite low sequence conservation. We developed the Tissue-Aware Conservation Inference Toolkit (TACIT) to associate candidate enhancers with species' phenotypes using predictions from machine learning models trained on specific tissues. Applying TACIT to associate motor cortex and parvalbumin-positive interneuron enhancers with neurological phenotypes revealed dozens of enhancer-phenotype associations, including brain size-associated enhancers that interact with genes implicated in microcephaly or macrocephaly. TACIT provides a foundation for identifying enhancers associated with the evolution of any convergently evolved phenotype in any large group of species with aligned genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene M Kaplow
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alyssa J Lawler
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel E Schäffer
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chaitanya Srinivasan
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heather H Sestili
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Morgan E Wirthlin
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - BaDoi N Phan
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kavya Prasad
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashley R Brown
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen Foley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Diane P Genereux
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wynn K Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Andreas R Pfenning
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Zhang J, Roberts JM, Chang F, Schwakopf J, Vetter ML. Jarid2 promotes temporal progression of retinal progenitors via repression of Foxp1. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112237. [PMID: 36924502 PMCID: PMC10210259 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transitions in competence underlie the ability of CNS progenitors to generate a diversity of neurons and glia. Retinal progenitor cells in mouse generate early-born cell types embryonically and late-born cell types largely postnatally. We find that the transition from early to late progenitor competence is regulated by Jarid2. Loss of Jarid2 results in extended production of early cell types and extended expression of early progenitor genes. Jarid2 can regulate histone modifications, and we find reduction of repressive mark H3K27me3 on a subset of early progenitor genes with loss of Jarid2, most notably Foxp1. We show that Foxp1 regulates the competence to generate early-born retinal cell types, promotes early and represses late progenitor gene expression, and is required for extending early retinal cell production after loss of Jarid2. We conclude that Jarid2 facilitates progression of retinal progenitor temporal identity by repressing Foxp1, which is a primary regulator of early temporal patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Roberts
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Fei Chang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Joon Schwakopf
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Monica L Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Ba R, Yang L, Zhang B, Jiang P, Ding Z, Zhou X, Yang Z, Zhao C. FOXG1 drives transcriptomic networks to specify principal neuron subtypes during the development of the medial pallium. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade2441. [PMID: 36791184 PMCID: PMC9931217 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The medial pallium (MP) is the major forebrain region underlying learning and memory, spatial navigation, and emotion; however, the mechanisms underlying the specification of its principal neuron subtypes remain largely unexplored. Here, by postmitotic deletion of FOXG1 (a transcription factor linked to autism spectrum disorders and FOXG1 syndrome) and single-cell RNA sequencing of E17.5 MP in mice, we found that FOXG1 controls the specification of upper-layer retrosplenial cortical pyramidal neurons [RSC-PyNs (UL)], subiculum PyNs (SubC-PyNs), CA1-PyNs, CA3-PyNs, and dentate gyrus granule cells (DG-GCs) in the MP. We uncovered subtype-specific and subtype-shared FOXG1-regulated transcriptomic networks orchestrating MP neuron specification. We further demonstrated that FOXG1 transcriptionally represses Zbtb20, Prox1, and Epha4 to prevent CA3-PyN and DG-GC identities during the specification of RSC-PyNs (UL) and SubC-PyNs; FOXG1 directly activates Nr4a2 to promote SubC-PyN identity. We showed that TBR1, controlled by FOXG1 during CA1-PyN specification, was down-regulated. Thus, our study illuminates MP principal neuron subtype specification and related neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Ba
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Research Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Baoshen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Pengfei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhipeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Research Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Chunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Meyer GP, da Silva BS, Bandeira CE, Tavares MEA, Cupertino RB, Oliveira EP, Müller D, Kappel DB, Teche SP, Vitola ES, Rohde LA, Rovaris DL, Grevet EH, Bau CHD. Dissecting the cross-trait effects of the FOXP2 GWAS hit on clinical and brain phenotypes in adults with ADHD. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:15-24. [PMID: 35279744 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) encodes for a transcription factor with a broad role in embryonic development. It is especially represented among GWAS hits for neurodevelopmental disorders and related traits, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, neuroticism, and risk-taking behaviors. While several functional studies are underway to understand the consequences of FOXP2 variation, this study aims to expand previous findings to clinically and genetically related phenotypes and neuroanatomical features among subjects with ADHD. The sample included 407 adults with ADHD and 463 controls. Genotyping was performed on the Infinium PsychArray-24 BeadChip, and the FOXP2 gene region was extracted. A gene-wide approach was adopted to evaluate the combined effects of FOXP2 variants (n = 311) on ADHD status, severity, comorbidities, and personality traits. Independent risk variants presenting potential functional effects were further tested for association with cortical surface areas in a subsample of cases (n = 87). The gene-wide analyses within the ADHD sample showed a significant association of the FOXP2 gene with harm avoidance (P = 0.001; PFDR = 0.015) and nominal associations with hyperactivity symptoms (P = 0.026; PFDR = 0.130) and antisocial personality disorder (P = 0.026; PFDR = 0.130). An insertion/deletion variant (rs79622555) located downstream of FOXP2 was associated with the three outcomes and nominally with the surface area of superior parietal and anterior cingulate cortices. Our results extend and refine previous GWAS findings pointing to a role of FOXP2 in several neurodevelopment-related phenotypes, mainly those involving underlying symptomatic domains of self-regulation and inhibitory control. Taken together, the available evidence may constitute promising insights into the puzzle of the FOXP2-related pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pessin Meyer
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna Santos da Silva
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Cibele Edom Bandeira
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Araujo Tavares
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Eduarda Pereira Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diana Müller
- ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Djenifer B Kappel
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales
| | - Stefania Pigatto Teche
- ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Schneider Vitola
- ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luis Augusto Rohde
- ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diego Luiz Rovaris
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eugenio Horacio Grevet
- ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Claiton Henrique Dotto Bau
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. .,ADHD Outpatient Program, Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil. .,Developmental Psychiatry Program, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil. .,Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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20
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Gao M, Wang K, Zhao H. GABAergic neurons maturation is regulated by a delicate network. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:3-15. [PMID: 36401305 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid-expressing (GABAergic) neurons are implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, anxiety, autism, and other pathological processes, including cerebral ischemia injury and drug addiction. Therefore, GABAergic neuronal processes warrant further research. The development of GABAergic neurons is a tightly controlled process involving the activity of multiple transcription and growth factors. Here, we focus on the gene expression pathways and the molecular modulatory networks that are engaged during the development of GABAergic neurons with the goal of exploring regulatory mechanisms that influence GABAergic neuron fate (i.e., maturation). Overall, we hope to provide a basis for clarifying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Kaizhong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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21
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A Patient with Corticobasal Syndrome and Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia (CBS-PNFA), with Variants in ATP7B, SETX, SORL1, and FOXP1 Genes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122361. [PMID: 36553628 PMCID: PMC9778325 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122361] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to analyze the phenotypic-genetic correlations in a patient diagnosed with early onset corticobasal syndrome with progressive non-fluent aphasia (CBS-PNFA), characterized by predominant apraxia of speech, accompanied by prominent right-sided upper-limb limb-kinetic apraxia, alien limb phenomenon, synkinesis, myoclonus, mild cortical sensory loss, and right-sided hemispatial neglect. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified rare single heterozygous variants in ATP7B (c.3207C>A), SORL1 (c.352G>A), SETX (c.2385_2387delAAA), and FOXP1 (c.1762G>A) genes. The functional analysis revealed that the deletion in the SETX gene changed the splicing pattern, which was accompanied by lower SETX mRNA levels in the patient's fibroblasts, suggesting loss-of-function as the underlying mechanism. In addition, the patient's fibroblasts demonstrated altered mitochondrial architecture with decreased connectivity, compared to the control individuals. This is the first association of the CBS-PNFA phenotype with the most common ATP7B pathogenic variant p.H1069Q, previously linked to Wilson's disease, and early onset Parkinson's disease. This study expands the complex clinical spectrum related to variants in well-known disease genes, such as ATP7B, SORL1, SETX, and FOXP1, corroborating the hypothesis of oligogenic inheritance. To date, the FOXP1 gene has been linked exclusively to neurodevelopmental speech disorders, while our study highlights its possible relevance for adult-onset progressive apraxia of speech, which guarantees further study.
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22
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Transcriptional Profile of the Developing Subthalamic Nucleus. eNeuro 2022; 9:9/5/ENEURO.0193-22.2022. [PMID: 36257692 PMCID: PMC9581575 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0193-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a small, excitatory nucleus that regulates the output of basal ganglia motor circuits. The functions of the STN and its role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease are now well established. However, some basic characteristics like the developmental origin and molecular phenotype of neuronal subpopulations are still being debated. The classical model of forebrain development attributed the origin of STN within the diencephalon. Recent studies of gene expression patterns exposed shortcomings of the classical model. To accommodate these findings, the prosomeric model was developed. In this concept, STN develops within the hypothalamic primordium, which is no longer a part of the diencephalic primordium. This concept is further supported by the expression patterns of many transcription factors. It is interesting to note that many transcription factors involved in the development of the STN are also involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, the study of neurodevelopmental disorders could provide us with valuable information on the roles of these transcription factors in the development and maintenance of STN phenotype. In this review, we summarize historical theories about the developmental origin of the STN and interpret the gene expression data within the prosomeric conceptual framework. Finally, we discuss the importance of neurodevelopmental disorders for the development of the STN and its potential role in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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23
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Chen M, Sun Y, Qian Y, Chen N, Li H, Wang L, Dong M. Case report: FOXP1 syndrome caused by a de novo splicing variant (c.1652+5 G>A) of the FOXP1 gene. Front Genet 2022; 13:926070. [PMID: 35991577 PMCID: PMC9388729 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.926070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and language delay, with or without autistic features. Several splicing variants have been reported for this condition, but most of them lack functional evidence, and the actual effects of the sequence changes are still unknown. In this study, a de novo splicing variant (c.1652 + 5 G>A) of the FOXP1 gene was identified in a patient with global developmental delay, mild intellectual disability, speech delay, and autistic features. Assessed by TA-cloning, the variant promoted the skipping of exon 18 and a premature stop codon (p.Asn511*), resulting in a predicted truncated protein. This variant, that is lacking the forkhead-box DNA-binding domain and nuclear localization signal 2, may disrupt the protein function and thus cause FOXP1 syndrome-related symptoms. Our study extends the phenotypic and allelic spectra of the FOXP1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yixi Sun
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeqing Qian
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Chen
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongge Li
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minyue Dong
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women’s Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Minyue Dong,
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24
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Yang F, Xiao Z, Zhang S. FOXP2 regulates thyroid cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via transcriptional activation of RPS6KA6. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:434. [PMID: 35607372 PMCID: PMC9121208 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor, forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) has tumor-suppressive effects in several types of cancer. However, the regulatory role and underlying mechanism of FOXP2 in thyroid cancer (THCA) is not completely understood. In the present study, the mRNA expression levels of FOXP2 and ribosomal protein S6 kinase A6 (RPS6KA6) were evaluated using the GEPIA database and THCA cell lines. The association between FOXP2 and RPS6KA6 was analyzed using the LinkedOmics, and GEPIA databases. Then, the binding sites of FOXP2 and the RPS6KA6 promotor was predicted using the JASPAR database, and verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. In addition, functional assays investigating FOXP2 and RPS6KA6 were conducted in the TPC-1 cell line. The data showed that FOXP2 and RPS6KA6 mRNA expression levels were decreased in the THCA tissues, and cell lines. Overexpression of FOXP2 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in the THCA cell lines. Furthermore, RPS6KA6 mRNA expression levels were reduced in THCA and were correlated with FOXP2 expression level. Mechanistic studies revealed that FOXP2 binds directly to the promotor region of RPS6KA6 and modulated the expression level of RPS6KA6 transcriptionally. In addition, rescue experiments showed that knockdown of RPS6KA6 expression reversed the effects of FOXP2 overexpression on THCA cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the regulation of FOXP2/RPS6KA6 may be associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. In summary, FOXP2 was associated with the proliferation and apoptosis of human THCA cells via the transcriptional activation of RPS6KA6. The FOXP2/RPS6KA6 axis could be a promising target for the treatment of THCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feibiao Yang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
| | - Zhangsheng Xiao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
| | - Songze Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
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25
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Abstract
Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder) are a heterogeneous class of complex illnesses marked by weight and appetite dysregulation coupled with distinctive behavioral and psychological features. Our understanding of their genetics and neurobiology is evolving thanks to global cooperation on genome-wide association studies, neuroimaging, and animal models. Until now, however, these approaches have advanced the field in parallel, with inadequate cross-talk. This review covers overlapping advances in these key domains and encourages greater integration of hypotheses and findings to create a more unified science of eating disorders. We highlight ongoing and future work designed to identify implicated biological pathways that will inform staging models based on biology as well as targeted prevention and tailored intervention, and will galvanize interest in the development of pharmacologic agents that target the core biology of the illnesses, for which we currently have few effective pharmacotherapeutics.
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Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to cognitive and motor impairment in FOXP1 syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2112852119. [PMID: 35165191 PMCID: PMC8872729 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112852119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 haploinsufficiency underlies cognitive and motor impairments in individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Here, we show that mice lacking one Foxp1 copy exhibit similar behavioral deficits, which may be caused by striatal dysfunction. Indeed, Foxp1+/− striatal medium spiny neurons display reduced neurite branching, and we show altered mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics; increased mitophagy; reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, structure, and motility; and elevated oxygen species in the striatum of these animals. As FOXP1 is highly conserved, our data strongly suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive oxidative stress contribute to the motor and cognitive impairments seen in individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Thus, mitochondrial homeostasis is critical for normal development and can explain deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders. FOXP1 syndrome caused by haploinsufficiency of the forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) gene is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests motor dysfunction, intellectual disability, autism, and language impairment. In this study, we used a Foxp1+/− mouse model to address whether cognitive and motor deficits in FOXP1 syndrome are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Here, we show that genes with a role in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics (e.g., Foxo1, Pgc-1α, Tfam, Opa1, and Drp1) were dysregulated in the striatum of Foxp1+/− mice at different postnatal stages. Furthermore, these animals exhibit a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I activity, as well as decreased expression of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) and glutathione (GSH), resulting in increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. These features can explain the reduced neurite branching, learning and memory, endurance, and motor coordination that we observed in these animals. Taken together, we provide strong evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in Foxp1+/− mice, suggesting that insufficient energy supply and excessive oxidative stress underlie the cognitive and motor impairment in FOXP1 deficiency.
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27
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Valle-Bautista R, Márquez-Valadez B, Herrera-López G, Griego E, Galván EJ, Díaz NF, Arias-Montaño JA, Molina-Hernández A. Long-Term Functional and Cytoarchitectonic Effects of the Systemic Administration of the Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist/Inverse Agonist Chlorpheniramine During Gestation in the Rat Offspring Primary Motor Cortex. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:740282. [PMID: 35140581 PMCID: PMC8820484 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.740282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient histaminergic system is among the first neurotransmitter systems to appear during brain development in the rat mesencephalon/rhombencephalon. Histamine increases FOXP2-positive deep-layer neuron differentiation of cortical neural stem cells through H1 receptor activation in vitro. The in utero or systemic administration of chlorpheniramine (H1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist) during deep-layer cortical neurogenesis decreases FOXP2 neurons in the developing cortex, and H1R- or histidine decarboxylase-knockout mice show impairment in learning and memory, wakefulness and nociception, functions modulated by the cerebral cortex. Due to the role of H1R in cortical neural stem cell neurogenesis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the postnatal impact of the systemic administration of chlorpheniramine during deep-layer cortical neuron differentiation (E12–14) in the primary motor cortex (M1) of neonates (P0) and 21-day-old pups (P21). Chlorpheniramine or vehicle were systemically administered (5 mg/kg, i.p.) to pregnant Wistar rats at gestational days 12–14, and the expression and distribution of deep- (FOXP2 and TBR1) and superficial-layer (SATB2) neuronal cortical markers were analyzed in neonates from both groups. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed a reduction in the expression of Satb2 and FoxP2. However, Western blot and immunofluorescence showed increased protein levels in the chlorpheniramine-treated group. In P21 pups, the three markers showed impaired distribution and increased immunofluorescence in the experimental group. The Sholl analysis evidenced altered dendritic arborization of deep-layer neurons, with lower excitability in response to histamine, as evaluated by whole-cell patch-clamp recording, as well as diminished depolarization-evoked [3H]-glutamate release from striatal slices. Overall, these results suggest long-lasting effects of blocking H1Rs during early neurogenesis that may impact the pathways involved in voluntary motor activity and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Valle-Bautista
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Células Troncales y Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Subdirección de Investigación Biomédica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Berenice Márquez-Valadez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Células Troncales y Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Subdirección de Investigación Biomédica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Herrera-López
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Griego
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Emilio J. Galván
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Néstor-Fabián Díaz
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Células Troncales y Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Subdirección de Investigación Biomédica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José-Antonio Arias-Montaño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Anayansi Molina-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Células Troncales y Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Subdirección de Investigación Biomédica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Anayansi Molina-Hernández, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-4787-312X
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28
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Wang J, Rappold GA, Fröhlich H. Disrupted Mitochondrial Network Drives Deficits of Learning and Memory in a Mouse Model of FOXP1 Haploinsufficiency. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:127. [PMID: 35052467 PMCID: PMC8775322 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced cognitive flexibility, characterized by restricted interests and repetitive behavior, is associated with atypical memory performance in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting hippocampal dysfunction. FOXP1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by ASD, language deficits, global developmental delay, and mild to moderate intellectual disability. Strongly reduced Foxp1 expression has been detected in the hippocampus of Foxp1+/- mice, a brain region required for learning and memory. To investigate learning and memory performance in these animals, fear conditioning tests were carried out, which showed impaired associative learning compared with wild type (WT) animals. To shed light on the underlying mechanism, we analyzed various components of the mitochondrial network in the hippocampus. Several proteins regulating mitochondrial biogenesis (e.g., Foxo1, Pgc-1α, Tfam) and dynamics (Mfn1, Opa1, Drp1 and Fis1) were significantly dysregulated, which may explain the increased mitophagy observed in the Foxp1+/- hippocampus. The reduced activity of complex I and decreased expression of Sod2 most likely increase the production of reactive oxygen species and the expression of the pre-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bax in this tissue. In conclusion, we provide evidence that a disrupted mitochondrial network and the resulting oxidative stress in the hippocampus contribute to the altered learning and cognitive impairment in Foxp1+/- mice, suggesting that similar alterations also play a major role in patients with FOXP1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.W.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Gudrun A. Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.W.); (G.A.R.)
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henning Fröhlich
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.W.); (G.A.R.)
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Structure, Function, and Genetics of the Cerebellum in Autism. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2022; 7:e220008. [PMID: 36425354 PMCID: PMC9683352 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20220008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are common neurodevelopmental disorders that are defined by core behavioral symptoms but have diverse genetic and environmental risk factors. Despite its etiological heterogeneity, several unifying theories of autism have been proposed, including a central role for cerebellar dysfunction. The cerebellum follows a protracted course of development that culminates in an exquisitely crafted brain structure containing over half of the neurons in the entire brain densely packed into a highly organized structure. Through its complex network of connections with cortical and subcortical brain regions, the cerebellum acts as a sensorimotor regulator and affects changes in executive and limbic processing. In this review, we summarize the structural, functional, and genetic contributions of the cerebellum to autism.
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Bokulić E, Medenica T, Knezović V, Štajduhar A, Almahariq F, Baković M, Judaš M, Sedmak G. The Stereological Analysis and Spatial Distribution of Neurons in the Human Subthalamic Nucleus. Front Neuroanat 2022; 15:749390. [PMID: 34970124 PMCID: PMC8712451 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.749390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a small, ovoid structure, and an important site of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Although the STN is a clinically important structure, there are many unresolved issues with regard to it. These issues are especially related to the anatomical subdivision, neuronal phenotype, neuronal composition, and spatial distribution. In this study, we have examined the expression pattern of 8 neuronal markers [nNOS, NeuN, parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), FOXP2, NKX2.1, and PAX6] in the adult human STN. All of the examined markers, except CB, were present in the STN. To determine the neuronal density, we have performed stereological analysis on Nissl-stained and immunohistochemical slides of positive markers. The stereology data were also used to develop a three-dimensional map of the spatial distribution of neurons within the STN. The nNOS population exhibited the largest neuronal density. The estimated total number of nNOS STN neurons is 281,308 ± 38,967 (± 13.85%). The STN neuronal subpopulations can be divided into two groups: one with a neuronal density of approximately 3,300 neurons/mm3 and the other with a neuronal density of approximately 2,200 neurons/mm3. The largest density of STN neurons was observed along the ventromedial border of the STN and the density gradually decreased toward the dorsolateral border. In this study, we have demonstrated the presence of 7 neuronal markers in the STN, three of which were not previously described in the human STN. The human STN is a collection of diverse, intermixed neuronal subpopulations, and our data, as far as the cytoarchitectonics is concerned, did not support the tripartite STN subdivision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Bokulić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tila Medenica
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vinka Knezović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrija Štajduhar
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Public Health "Andrija Štampar," University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Fadi Almahariq
- Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Hospital "Dubrava," Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Baković
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miloš Judaš
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Sedmak
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Zagreb, Croatia
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31
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Tabrizi ZB, Ahmed NS, Horder JL, Storr SJ, Benest AV. Transcription Factor Control of Lymphatic Quiescence and Maturation of Lymphatic Neovessels in Development and Physiology. Front Physiol 2021; 12:672987. [PMID: 34795596 PMCID: PMC8593113 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.672987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is a vascular system comprising modified lymphatic endothelial cells, lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs. The system has diverse, but critical functions in both physiology and pathology, and forms an interface between the blood vascular and immune system. It is increasingly evident that remodelling of the lymphatic system occurs alongside remodelling of the blood microvascular system, which is now considered a hallmark of most pathological conditions as well as being critical for normal development. Much attention has focussed on how the blood endothelium undergoes phenotypic switching in development and disease, resulting in over two decades of research to probe the mechanisms underlying the resulting heterogeneity. The lymphatic system has received less attention, and consequently there are fewer descriptions of functional and molecular heterogeneity, but differential transcription factor activity is likely an important control mechanism. Here we introduce and discuss significant transcription factors of relevance to coordinating cellular responses during lymphatic remodelling as the lymphatic endothelium dynamically changes from quiescence to actively remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarah B Tabrizi
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nada S Ahmed
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph L Horder
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Storr
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Centre for Cancer Sciences School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew V Benest
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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32
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Increased locomotor activity via regulation of GABAergic signalling in foxp2 mutant zebrafish-implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:529. [PMID: 34650032 PMCID: PMC8517032 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01651-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have identified the transcription factor FOXP2 as one of numerous risk genes, e.g. in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). FOXP2 function is suggested to be involved in GABAergic signalling and numerous studies demonstrate that GABAergic function is altered in NDDs, thus disrupting the excitation/inhibition balance. Interestingly, GABAergic signalling components, including glutamate-decarboxylase 1 (Gad1) and GABA receptors, are putative transcriptional targets of FOXP2. However, the specific role of FOXP2 in the pathomechanism of NDDs remains elusive. Here we test the hypothesis that Foxp2 affects behavioural dimensions via GABAergic signalling using zebrafish as model organism. We demonstrate that foxp2 is expressed by a subset of GABAergic neurons located in brain regions involved in motor functions, including the subpallium, posterior tuberculum, thalamus and medulla oblongata. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing we generated a novel foxp2 zebrafish loss-of-function mutant that exhibits increased locomotor activity. Further, genetic and/or pharmacological disruption of Gad1 or GABA-A receptors causes increased locomotor activity, resembling the phenotype of foxp2 mutants. Application of muscimol, a GABA-A receptor agonist, rescues the hyperactive phenotype induced by the foxp2 loss-of-function. By reverse translation of the therapeutic effect on hyperactive behaviour exerted by methylphenidate, we note that application of methylphenidate evokes different responses in wildtype compared to foxp2 or gad1b loss-of-function animals. Together, our findings support the hypothesis that foxp2 regulates locomotor activity via GABAergic signalling. This provides one targetable mechanism, which may contribute to behavioural phenotypes commonly observed in NDDs.
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33
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Tyndall J. Prairie and tree planting tool-PT 2 (1.0): a conservation decision support tool for Iowa, USA. AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS 2021; 96:49-64. [PMID: 38624922 PMCID: PMC8507355 DOI: 10.1007/s10457-021-00686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
This article overviews the prairie and tree planting tool or PT2 (1.0), an online GIS-based decision support tool for landowners interested in exploring opportunities to plant prairie or trees in and around their farm fields for conservation or production purposes. PT2 1.0 can be found online at: https://pt2.nrem.iastate.edu/. With the PT2 (1.0) users locate farm fields of interest in an online aerial photograph and mapping geographic information system (GIS). Users explore areas they are considering for prairie or tree cover by examining different data layers: soil maps, 2-foot contour topography maps, LiDAR hillshade maps, and a map of current land values based on estimated land rent. Users then utilize scaled dimensional drawing tools to measure and delineate areas of interest for planting trees and or prairie. Once an area is delineated, users select from drop-down menus prairie seed mixes or woody species that are suitable for the soils present, and users can select basic long-term management options. PT2 (1.0) estimates total annualized costs for tree or prairie establishment, long-term management, and opportunity costs (based on area weighted expected soil rent), and factors in the potential benefit of utilizing government cost-share programming, e.g., Environmental Quality Incentive Program or the Conservation Reserve Program. Key data layers are currently functional in Iowa, likewise the financial data underlying the cost analysis are specific to Iowa. PT2 (1.0) is, however, open source and open code and guidance is provided regarding how to access and adapt the data for use in other states. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10457-021-00686-8.
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34
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Trelles MP, Levy T, Lerman B, Siper P, Lozano R, Halpern D, Walker H, Zweifach J, Frank Y, Foss-Feig J, Kolevzon A, Buxbaum J. Individuals with FOXP1 syndrome present with a complex neurobehavioral profile with high rates of ADHD, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and sensory symptoms. Mol Autism 2021; 12:61. [PMID: 34588003 PMCID: PMC8482569 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FOXP1 syndrome is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, speech and language delays, and externalizing behaviors. We previously evaluated nine children and adolescents with FOXP1 syndrome to better characterize its phenotype. We identified specific areas of interest to be further explored, namely autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and internalizing and externalizing behaviors.
Methods Here, we assess a prospective cohort of additional 17 individuals to expand our initial analyses and focus on these areas of interest. An interdisciplinary group of clinicians evaluated neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and medical features in participants. We report results from this cohort both alone, and in combination with the previous cohort, where possible.
Results Previous observations of intellectual disability, motor delays, and language deficits were confirmed. In addition, 24% of the cohort met criteria for ASD. Seventy-five percent of individuals met DSM-5 criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and 38% for an anxiety disorder. Repetitive behaviors were almost universally present (95%) even without a diagnosis of ASD. Sensory symptoms, in particular sensory seeking, were common. Limitations As FOXP1 syndrome is a rare disorder, sample size is limited. Conclusions These findings have important implications for the treatment and care of individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Notably, standardized testing for ASD showed high sensitivity, but low specificity, when compared to expert consensus diagnosis. Furthermore, many individuals in our cohort who received diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety disorder were not being treated for these symptoms; therefore, our findings suggest that there may be immediate areas for improvements in treatment for some individuals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00469-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilar Trelles
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tess Levy
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bonnie Lerman
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paige Siper
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Halpern
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Walker
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Zweifach
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yitzchak Frank
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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35
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The Forkhead Box Transcription Factor FoxP4 Regulates Thermogenic Programs in Adipocytes. J Lipid Res 2021; 62:100102. [PMID: 34384787 PMCID: PMC8411233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box transcription factors have been shown to be involved in various developmental and differentiation processes. In particular, members of the FoxP family have been previously characterized in depth for their participation in the regulation of lung and neuronal cell differentiation and T-cell development and function; however, their role in adipocyte functionality has not yet been investigated. Here, we report for the first time that Forkhead box P4 (FoxP4) is expressed at high levels in subcutaneous fat depots and mature thermogenic adipocytes. Through molecular and gene expression analyses, we revealed that FoxP4 is induced in response to thermogenic stimuli, both in vivo and in isolated cells, and is regulated directly by the heat shock factor protein 1 through a heat shock response element identified in the proximal promoter region of FoxP4. Further detailed analysis involving chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays demonstrated that FoxP4 directly controls the levels of uncoupling protein 1, a key regulator of thermogenesis that uncouples fatty acid oxidation from ATP production. In addition, through our gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies, we showed that FoxP4 regulates the expression of a number of classic brown and beige fat genes and affects oxygen consumption in isolated adipocytes. Overall, our data demonstrate for the first time the novel role of FoxP4 in the regulation of thermogenic adipocyte functionality.
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36
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von Merten S, Pfeifle C, Künzel S, Hoier S, Tautz D. A humanized version of Foxp2 affects ultrasonic vocalization in adult female and male mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12764. [PMID: 34342113 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor FoxP2 is involved in setting up the neuronal circuitry for vocal learning in mammals and birds and is thought to have played a special role in the evolution of human speech and language. It has been shown that an allele with a humanized version of the murine Foxp2 gene changes the ultrasonic vocalization of mouse pups compared to pups of the wild-type inbred strain. Here we tested if this humanized allele would also affect the ultrasonic vocalization of adult female and male mice. In a previous study, in which only male vocalization was considered and the mice were recorded under a restricted spatial and temporal regime, no difference in adult vocalization between genotypes was found. Here, we use a different test paradigm in which both female and male vocalizations are recorded in extended social contact. We found differences in temporal, spectral and syntactical parameters between the genotypes in both sexes, and between sexes. Mice carrying the humanized Foxp2 allele were using higher frequencies and more complex syllable types than mice of the corresponding wildtype inbred strain. Our results support the notion that the humanized Foxp2 allele has a differential effect on mouse ultrasonic vocalization. As mice carrying the humanized version of the Foxp2 gene show effects opposite to those of mice carrying disrupted or mutated alleles of this gene, we conclude that this mouse line represents an important model for the study of human speech and language evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie von Merten
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Christine Pfeifle
- Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Sven Künzel
- Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Svenja Hoier
- Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Diethard Tautz
- Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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37
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den Hoed J, Devaraju K, Fisher SE. Molecular networks of the FOXP2 transcription factor in the brain. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52803. [PMID: 34260143 PMCID: PMC8339667 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the FOXP2 transcription factor, and its implication in a rare severe human speech and language disorder, has led to two decades of empirical studies focused on uncovering its roles in the brain using a range of in vitro and in vivo methods. Here, we discuss what we have learned about the regulation of FOXP2, its downstream effectors, and its modes of action as a transcription factor in brain development and function, providing an integrated overview of what is currently known about the critical molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joery den Hoed
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- International Max Planck Research School for Language SciencesMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Karthikeyan Devaraju
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
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38
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Ortiz-Juza MM, Alghorazi RA, Rodriguez-Romaguera J. Cell-type diversity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to regulate motivated behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113401. [PMID: 34090941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) gained popularity as a unique brain region involved in regulating motivated behaviors related to neuropsychiatric disorders. The BNST, a component of the extended amygdala, consists of a variety of subnuclei and neuronal ensembles. Multiple studies have highlighted the BNST as playing a fundamental role in integrating information by interfacing with other brain regions to regulate distinct aspects of motivated behaviors associated with stress, anxiety, depression, and decision-making. However, due to the high molecular heterogeneity found within BNST neurons, the precise mechanisms by which this region regulates distinct motivational states remains largely unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing data have revealed that the BNST consists of multiple genetically identifiable cell-type clusters. Contemporary tools can therefore be leveraged to target and study such cell-types and elucidate their precise functional role. In this review, we discuss the different subsets of neurons found in the BNST, their anatomical distribution, and what is currently known about BNST cell-types in regulating motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Ortiz-Juza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rizk A Alghorazi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jose Rodriguez-Romaguera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Stress Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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39
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Hernández Vásquez MN, Ulvmar MH, González-Loyola A, Kritikos I, Sun Y, He L, Halin C, Petrova TV, Mäkinen T. Transcription factor FOXP2 is a flow-induced regulator of collecting lymphatic vessels. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107192. [PMID: 33934370 PMCID: PMC8204859 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is composed of a hierarchical network of fluid absorbing lymphatic capillaries and transporting collecting vessels. Despite distinct functions and morphologies, molecular mechanisms that regulate the identity of the different vessel types are poorly understood. Through transcriptional analysis of murine dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), we identified Foxp2, a member of the FOXP family of transcription factors implicated in speech development, as a collecting vessel signature gene. FOXP2 expression was induced after initiation of lymph flow in vivo and upon shear stress on primary LECs in vitro. Loss of FOXC2, the major flow-responsive transcriptional regulator of lymphatic valve formation, abolished FOXP2 induction in vitro and in vivo. Genetic deletion of Foxp2 in mice using the endothelial-specific Tie2-Cre or the tamoxifen-inducible LEC-specific Prox1-CreERT2 line resulted in enlarged collecting vessels and defective valves characterized by loss of NFATc1 activity. Our results identify FOXP2 as a new flow-induced transcriptional regulator of collecting lymphatic vessel morphogenesis and highlight the existence of unique transcription factor codes in the establishment of vessel-type-specific endothelial cell identities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria H Ulvmar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alejandra González-Loyola
- Vascular and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Kritikos
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- Vascular and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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40
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Colquitt BM, Merullo DP, Konopka G, Roberts TF, Brainard MS. Cellular transcriptomics reveals evolutionary identities of songbird vocal circuits. Science 2021; 371:371/6530/eabd9704. [PMID: 33574185 DOI: 10.1126/science.abd9704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Birds display advanced behaviors, including vocal learning and problem-solving, yet lack a layered neocortex, a structure associated with complex behavior in mammals. To determine whether these behavioral similarities result from shared or distinct neural circuits, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the neuronal repertoire of the songbird song motor pathway. Glutamatergic vocal neurons had considerable transcriptional similarity to neocortical projection neurons; however, they displayed regulatory gene expression patterns more closely related to neurons in the ventral pallium. Moreover, while γ-aminobutyric acid-releasing neurons in this pathway appeared homologous to those in mammals and other amniotes, the most abundant avian class is largely absent in the neocortex. These data suggest that songbird vocal circuits and the mammalian neocortex have distinct developmental origins yet contain transcriptionally similar neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M Colquitt
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.,Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Devin P Merullo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Todd F Roberts
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Michael S Brainard
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA. .,Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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41
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Extrinsic Regulators of mRNA Translation in Developing Brain: Story of WNTs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020253. [PMID: 33525513 PMCID: PMC7911671 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrinsic molecules such as morphogens can regulate timed mRNA translation events in developing neurons. In particular, Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3 (Wnt3), was shown to regulate the translation of Foxp2 mRNA encoding a Forkhead transcription factor P2 in the neocortex. However, the Wnt receptor that possibly mediates these translation events remains unknown. Here, we report Frizzled member 7 (Fzd7) as the Wnt3 receptor that lays downstream in Wnt3-regulated mRNA translation. Fzd7 proteins co-localize with Wnt3 ligands in developing neocortices. In addition, the Fzd7 proteins overlap in layer-specific neuronal subpopulations expressing different transcription factors, Foxp1 and Foxp2. When Fzd7 was silenced, we found decreased Foxp2 protein expression and increased Foxp1 protein expression, respectively. The Fzd7 silencing also disrupted the migration of neocortical glutamatergic neurons. In contrast, Fzd7 overexpression reversed the pattern of migratory defects and Foxp protein expression that we found in the Fzd7 silencing. We further discovered that Fzd7 is required for Wnt3-induced Foxp2 mRNA translation. Surprisingly, we also determined that the Fzd7 suppression of Foxp1 protein expression is not Wnt3 dependent. In conclusion, it is exhibited that the interaction between Wnt3 and Fzd7 regulates neuronal identity and the Fzd7 receptor functions as a downstream factor in ligand Wnt3 signaling for mRNA translation. In particular, the Wnt3-Fzd7 signaling axis determines the deep layer Foxp2-expressing neurons of developing neocortices. Our findings also suggest that Fzd7 controls the balance of the expression for Foxp transcription factors in developing neocortical neurons. These discoveries are presented in our manuscript within a larger framework of this review on the role of extrinsic factors in regulating mRNA translation.
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Gİrgİn B, KaradaĞ-Alpaslan M, KocabaŞ F. Oncogenic and tumor suppressor function of MEIS and associated factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:328-355. [PMID: 33402862 PMCID: PMC7759197 DOI: 10.3906/biy-2006-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MEIS proteins are historically associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and invasion in cancer. MEIS and associated PBX-HOX proteins may act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in different cellular settings. Their expressions tend to be misregulated in various cancers. Bioinformatic analyses have suggested their upregulation in leukemia/lymphoma, thymoma, pancreas, glioma, and glioblastoma, and downregulation in cervical, uterine, rectum, and colon cancers. However, every cancer type includes, at least, a subtype with high MEIS expression. In addition, studies have highlighted that MEIS proteins and associated factors may function as diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers for various diseases. Herein, MEIS proteins and associated factors in tumorigenesis are discussed with recent discoveries in addition to how they could be modulated by noncoding RNAs or newly developed small-molecule MEIS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birkan Gİrgİn
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul Turkey.,Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, İstanbul Turkey.,Meinox Pharma Technologies, İstanbul Turkey
| | - Medine KaradaĞ-Alpaslan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun Turkey
| | - Fatih KocabaŞ
- Regenerative Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul Turkey.,Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Yeditepe University, İstanbul Turkey.,Meinox Pharma Technologies, İstanbul Turkey
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43
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The influence of various regions of the FOXP2 sequence on its structure and DNA-binding function. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227301. [PMID: 33319247 PMCID: PMC7789814 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
FOX proteins are a superfamily of transcription factors which share a DNA-binding domain referred to as the forkhead domain. Our focus is on the FOXP subfamily members, which are involved in language and cognition amongst other things. The FOXP proteins contain a conserved zinc finger and a leucine zipper motif in addition to the forkhead domain. The remainder of the sequence is predicted to be unstructured and includes an acidic C-terminal tail. In the present study, we aim to investigate how both the structured and unstructured regions of the sequence cooperate so as to enable FOXP proteins to perform their function. We do this by studying the effect of these regions on both oligomerisation and DNA binding. Structurally, the FOXP proteins appear to be comparatively globular with a high proportion of helical structure. The proteins multimerise via the leucine zipper, and the stability of the multimers is controlled by the unstructured interlinking sequence including the acid rich tail. FOXP2 is more compact than FOXP1, has a greater propensity to form higher order oligomers, and binds DNA with stronger affinity. We conclude that while the forkhead domain is necessary for DNA binding, the affinity of the binding event is attributable to the leucine zipper, and the unstructured regions play a significant role in the specificity of binding. The acid rich tail forms specific contacts with the forkhead domain which may influence oligomerisation and DNA binding, and therefore the acid rich tail may play an important regulatory role in FOXP transcription.
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Herrero MJ, Wang L, Hernandez-Pineda D, Banerjee P, Matos HY, Goodrich M, Panigrahi A, Smith NA, Corbin JG. Sex-Specific Social Behavior and Amygdala Proteomic Deficits in Foxp2 +/- Mutant Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:706079. [PMID: 34421555 PMCID: PMC8374433 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.706079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, mutations in the transcription factor encoding gene, FOXP2, are associated with language and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the latter characterized by deficits in social interactions. However, little is known regarding the function of Foxp2 in male or female social behavior. Our previous studies in mice revealed high expression of Foxp2 within the medial subnucleus of the amygdala (MeA), a limbic brain region highly implicated in innate social behaviors such as mating, aggression, and parental care. Here, using a comprehensive panel of behavioral tests in male and female Foxp2 +/- heterozygous mice, we investigated the role Foxp2 plays in MeA-linked innate social behaviors. We reveal significant deficits in olfactory processing, social interaction, mating, aggressive, and parental behaviors. Interestingly, some of these deficits are displayed in a sex-specific manner. To examine the consequences of Foxp2 loss of function specifically in the MeA, we conducted a proteomic analysis of microdissected MeA tissue. This analyses revealed putative sex differences expression of a host of proteins implicated in neuronal communication, connectivity, and dopamine signaling. Consistent with this, we discovered that MeA Foxp2-lineage cells were responsive to dopamine with differences between males and females. Thus, our findings reveal a central and sex-specific role for Foxp2 in social behavior and MeA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Herrero
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Li Wang
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Li Wang Joshua G. Corbin
| | - David Hernandez-Pineda
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Payal Banerjee
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Heidi Y. Matos
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Meredith Goodrich
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Aswini Panigrahi
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nathan Anthony Smith
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joshua G. Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Li Wang Joshua G. Corbin
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Nagy O, Kárteszi J, Elmont B, Ujfalusi A. Case Report: Expressive Speech Disorder in a Family as a Hallmark of 7q31 Deletion Involving the FOXP2 Gene. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:664548. [PMID: 34490154 PMCID: PMC8417935 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.664548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants of FOXP2 gene were identified first as a monogenic cause of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a complex disease that is associated with an impairment of the precision and consistency of movements underlying speech, due to deficits in speech motor planning and programming. FOXP2 variants are heterogenous; single nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions, intragenic and large-scale deletions, as well as disruptions by structural chromosomal aberrations and uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 are the most common types of mutations. FOXP2-related speech and language disorders can be classified as "FOXP2-only," wherein intragenic mutations result in haploinsufficiency of the FOXP2 gene, or "FOXP2-plus" generated by structural genomic variants (i.e., translocation, microdeletion, etc.) and having more likely developmental and behavioral disturbances adjacent to speech and language impairment. The additional phenotypes are usually related to the disruption/deletion of multiple genes neighboring FOXP2 in the affected chromosomal region. We report the clinical and genetic findings in a family with four affected individuals having expressive speech impairment as the dominant symptom and additional mild dysmorphic features in three. A 7.87 Mb interstitial deletion of the 7q31.1q31.31 region was revealed by whole genome diagnostic microarray analysis in the proband. The FOXP2 gene deletion was confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and all family members were screened by this targeted method. The FOXP2 deletion was detected in the mother and two siblings of the proband using MLPA. Higher resolution microarray was performed in all the affected individuals to refine the extent and breakpoints of the 7q31 deletion and to exclude other pathogenic copy number variants. To the best of our knowledge, there are only two family-studies reported to date with interstitial 7q31 deletion and showing the core phenotype of FOXP2 haploinsufficiency. Our study may contribute to a better understanding of the behavioral phenotype of FOXP2 disruptions and aid in the identification of such patients. We illustrate the importance of a targeted MLPA analysis suitable for the detection of FOXP2 deletion in selected cases with a specific phenotype of expressive speech disorder. The "phenotype first" and targeted diagnostic strategy can improve the diagnostic yield of speech disorders in the routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Nagy
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Beatrix Elmont
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital of Zala County, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
| | - Anikó Ujfalusi
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Palazzo O, Rass M, Brembs B. Identification of FoxP circuits involved in locomotion and object fixation in Drosophila. Open Biol 2020; 10:200295. [PMID: 33321059 PMCID: PMC7776582 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The FoxP family of transcription factors is necessary for operant self-learning, an evolutionary conserved form of motor learning. The expression pattern, molecular function and mechanisms of action of the Drosophila FoxP orthologue remain to be elucidated. By editing the genomic locus of FoxP with CRISPR/Cas9, we find that the three different FoxP isoforms are expressed in neurons, but not in glia and that not all neurons express all isoforms. Furthermore, we detect FoxP expression in, e.g. the protocerebral bridge, the fan-shaped body and in motor neurons, but not in the mushroom bodies. Finally, we discover that FoxP expression during development, but not adulthood, is required for normal locomotion and landmark fixation in walking flies. While FoxP expression in the protocerebral bridge and motor neurons is involved in locomotion and landmark fixation, the FoxP gene can be excised from dorsal cluster neurons and mushroom-body Kenyon cells without affecting these behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Palazzo
- Institut für Zoologie - Neurogenetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Rass
- Institut für Zoologie - Neurogenetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Björn Brembs
- Institut für Zoologie - Neurogenetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Heterozygous variants that disturb the transcriptional repressor activity of FOXP4 cause a developmental disorder with speech/language delays and multiple congenital abnormalities. Genet Med 2020; 23:534-542. [PMID: 33110267 PMCID: PMC7935712 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-01016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heterozygous pathogenic variants in various FOXP genes cause specific developmental disorders. The phenotype associated with heterozygous variants in FOXP4 has not been previously described. METHODS We assembled a cohort of eight individuals with heterozygous and mostly de novo variants in FOXP4: seven individuals with six different missense variants and one individual with a frameshift variant. We collected clinical data to delineate the phenotypic spectrum, and used in silico analyses and functional cell-based assays to assess pathogenicity of the variants. RESULTS We collected clinical data for six individuals: five individuals with a missense variant in the forkhead box DNA-binding domain of FOXP4, and one individual with a truncating variant. Overlapping features included speech and language delays, growth abnormalities, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cervical spine abnormalities, and ptosis. Luciferase assays showed loss-of-function effects for all these variants, and aberrant subcellular localization patterns were seen in a subset. The remaining two missense variants were located outside the functional domains of FOXP4, and showed transcriptional repressor capacities and localization patterns similar to the wild-type protein. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings show that heterozygous loss-of-function variants in FOXP4 are associated with an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder with speech/language delays, growth defects, and variable congenital abnormalities.
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Vaid S, Huttner WB. Transcriptional Regulators and Human-Specific/Primate-Specific Genes in Neocortical Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134614. [PMID: 32610533 PMCID: PMC7369782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, starting from a pool of pluripotent stem cells, tissue-specific genetic programs help to shape and develop functional organs. To understand the development of an organ and its disorders, it is important to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of the gene expression profiles that occur during its development. Modifications in existing genes, the de-novo appearance of new genes, or, occasionally, even the loss of genes, can greatly affect the gene expression profile of any given tissue and contribute to the evolution of organs or of parts of organs. The neocortex is evolutionarily the most recent part of the brain, it is unique to mammals, and is the seat of our higher cognitive abilities. Progenitors that give rise to this tissue undergo sequential waves of differentiation to produce the complete sets of neurons and glial cells that make up a functional neocortex. We will review herein our understanding of the transcriptional regulators that control the neural precursor cells (NPCs) during the generation of the most abundant class of neocortical neurons, the glutametergic neurons. In addition, we will discuss the roles of recently-identified human- and primate-specific genes in promoting neurogenesis, leading to neocortical expansion.
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