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Loan A, Leung JWH, Cook DP, Ko C, Vanderhyden BC, Wang J, Chan HM. Prenatal low-dose methylmercury exposure causes premature neuronal differentiation and autism-like behaviors in a rodent model. iScience 2023; 26:106093. [PMID: 36843845 PMCID: PMC9947313 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106093] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neurodevelopment is a core deficit of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we ask whether a non-genetic factor, prenatal exposure to the environmental pollutant methylmercury (MeHg), is a contributing factor in ASD onset. We showed that adult mice prenatally exposed to non-apoptotic MeHg exhibited key ASD characteristics, including impaired communication, reduced sociability, and increased restrictive repetitive behaviors, whereas in the embryonic cortex, prenatal MeHg exposure caused premature neuronal differentiation. Further single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis disclosed that prenatal exposure to MeHg resulted in cortical radial glial precursors (RGPs) favoring asymmetric differentiation to directly generate cortical neurons, omitting the intermediate progenitor stage. In addition, MeHg exposure in cultured RGPs increased CREB phosphorylation and enhanced the interaction between CREB and CREB binding protein (CBP). Intriguingly, metformin, an FDA-approved drug, can reverse MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation via CREB/CBP repulsion. These findings provide insights into ASD etiology, its underlying mechanism, and a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Loan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Joseph Wai-Hin Leung
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David P. Cook
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Chelsea Ko
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Barbara C. Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jing Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada,University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada,Corresponding author
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada,Corresponding author
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2
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Integrative Functional Genomic Analysis in Multiplex Autism Families from Kazakhstan. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1509994. [PMID: 36199823 PMCID: PMC9529466 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1509994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The study of extended pedigrees containing autism spectrum disorder- (ASD-) related broader autism phenotypes (BAP) offers a promising approach to the search for ASD candidate variants. Here, a total of 650,000 genetic markers were tested in four Kazakhstani multiplex families with ASD and BAP to obtain data on de novo mutations (DNMs), common, and rare inherited variants that may contribute to the genetic risk for developing autistic traits. The variants were analyzed in the context of gene networks and pathways. Several previously well-described enriched pathways were identified, including ion channel activity, regulation of synaptic function, and membrane depolarization. Perhaps these pathways are crucial not only for the development of ASD but also for ВАР. The results also point to several additional biological pathways (circadian entrainment, NCAM and BTN family interactions, and interaction between L1 and Ankyrins) and hub genes (CFTR, NOD2, PPP2R2B, and TTR). The obtained results suggest that further exploration of PPI networks combining ASD and BAP risk genes can be used to identify novel or overlooked ASD molecular mechanisms.
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3
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Implications of Genetic Factors and Modifiers in Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00333-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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4
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Willsey HR, Willsey AJ, Wang B, State MW. Genomics, convergent neuroscience and progress in understanding autism spectrum disorder. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:323-341. [PMID: 35440779 PMCID: PMC10693992 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
More than a hundred genes have been identified that, when disrupted, impart large risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current knowledge about the encoded proteins - although incomplete - points to a very wide range of developmentally dynamic and diverse biological processes. Moreover, the core symptoms of ASD involve distinctly human characteristics, presenting challenges to interpreting evolutionarily distant model systems. Indeed, despite a decade of striking progress in gene discovery, an actionable understanding of pathobiology remains elusive. Increasingly, convergent neuroscience approaches have been recognized as an important complement to traditional uses of genetics to illuminate the biology of human disorders. These methods seek to identify intersection among molecular-level, cellular-level and circuit-level functions across multiple risk genes and have highlighted developing excitatory neurons in the human mid-gestational prefrontal cortex as an important pathobiological nexus in ASD. In addition, neurogenesis, chromatin modification and synaptic function have emerged as key potential mediators of genetic vulnerability. The continued expansion of foundational 'omics' data sets, the application of higher-throughput model systems and incorporating developmental trajectories and sex differences into future analyses will refine and extend these results. Ultimately, a systems-level understanding of ASD genetic risk holds promise for clarifying pathobiology and advancing therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Jeremy Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Belinda Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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5
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Maier S, Düppers AL, Runge K, Dacko M, Lange T, Fangmeier T, Riedel A, Ebert D, Endres D, Domschke K, Perlov E, Nickel K, Tebartz van Elst L. Increased prefrontal GABA concentrations in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2022; 15:1222-1236. [PMID: 35587691 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The excitatory-inhibitory imbalance hypothesis postulates dysregulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) neurotransmitter systems as a common underlying deficit in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies suggest an important role of these systems in the pathophysiology of ASD, including a study of our group reporting decreased glutamate concentrations in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of adults with ASD. The aim of this study was to replicate our previous findings of impaired glutamate metabolism in ASD in a new sample and to additionally quantify GABA in the ACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Concentrations of GABA and glutamate-glutamine (Glx; combined glutamate and glutamine signal) were quantified in the ACC and dlPFC of 43 adults with ASD and 43 neurotypical controls (NTC) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The ASD group showed increased absolute GABA concentrations and elevated GABA/creatine ratios in the left dlPFC compared to NTC, while no group differences were detected in the pregenual and dorsal ACC. Previous findings of altered Glx concentration in the pregenual ACC of the ASD group could not be replicated. Regarding Glx concentrations and Glx/creatine ratios, there were no significant differences in the dlPFC and ACC either. The study supports the hypothesis of an altered GABA and glutamate equilibrium, indicating an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory metabolism in ASD patients. However, inconsistent results across studies and brain regions suggest a complex underlying phenomenon. LAY SUMMARY: Adults of the autism spectrum exhibit elevated levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory equilibrium in patients with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Kimon Runge
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Dacko
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lange
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fangmeier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Riedel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Luzerner Psychiatrie, Ambulante Dienste, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Perlov
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Clinic for Psychiatry Luzern, Hospital St. Urban, St. Urban, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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6
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Lin Y, Yerukala Sathipati S, Ho SY. Predicting the Risk Genes of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Genet 2021; 12:665469. [PMID: 34194469 PMCID: PMC8236850 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.665469] [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: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders that emerge during infancy and continue throughout a lifespan. Although substantial efforts have been made to develop therapeutic approaches, core symptoms persist lifelong in ASD patients. Identifying the brain temporospatial regions where the risk genes are expressed in ASD patients may help to improve the therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, this work aims to predict the risk genes of ASD and identify the temporospatial regions of the brain structures at different developmental time points for exploring the specificity of ASD gene expression in the brain that would help in possible ASD detection in the future. A dataset consisting of 13 developmental stages ranging from 8 weeks post-conception to 8 years from 26 brain structures was retrieved from the BrainSpan atlas. This work proposes a support vector machine–based risk gene prediction method ASD-Risk to distinguish the risk genes of ASD and non-ASD genes. ASD-Risk used an optimal feature selection algorithm called inheritable bi-objective combinatorial genetic algorithm to identify the brain temporospatial regions for prediction of the risk genes of ASD. ASD-Risk achieved a 10-fold cross-validation accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under a receiver operating characteristic curve, and a test accuracy of 81.83%, 0.84, 0.79, 0.84, and 72.27%, respectively. We prioritized the temporospatial features according to their contribution to the prediction accuracy. The top identified temporospatial regions of the brain for risk gene prediction included the posteroventral parietal cortex at 13 post-conception weeks feature. The identified temporospatial features would help to explore the risk genes that are specifically expressed in different brain regions of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenching Lin
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Srinivasulu Yerukala Sathipati
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Ying Ho
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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7
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Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3447. [PMID: 31843864 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with reported prevalence in the United States of 1 in 59 children (approximately 1.7%). Core deficits are identified in 2 domains: social communication/interaction and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. Children and youth with ASD have service needs in behavioral, educational, health, leisure, family support, and other areas. Standardized screening for ASD at 18 and 24 months of age with ongoing developmental surveillance continues to be recommended in primary care (although it may be performed in other settings), because ASD is common, can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age, and has evidenced-based interventions that may improve function. More accurate and culturally sensitive screening approaches are needed. Primary care providers should be familiar with the diagnostic criteria for ASD, appropriate etiologic evaluation, and co-occurring medical and behavioral conditions (such as disorders of sleep and feeding, gastrointestinal tract symptoms, obesity, seizures, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and wandering) that affect the child's function and quality of life. There is an increasing evidence base to support behavioral and other interventions to address specific skills and symptoms. Shared decision making calls for collaboration with families in evaluation and choice of interventions. This single clinical report updates the 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical reports on the evaluation and treatment of ASD in one publication with an online table of contents and section view available through the American Academy of Pediatrics Gateway to help the reader identify topic areas within the report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Hyman
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York;
| | - Susan E Levy
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Scott M Myers
- Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania
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8
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Maia FA, Oliveira LMM, Almeida MTC, Alves MR, Saeger VSDA, Silva VBD, Oliveira VSDD, Martelli Junior H, Brito MFSF, Silveira MFD. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND POSTNATAL FACTORS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN BRAZIL. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2019; 37:398-405. [PMID: 31340243 PMCID: PMC6821480 DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/;2019;37;4;00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To estimate the magnitude of the association between Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) and postnatal factors in a Brazilian population. Methods: A case-control study was performed with 253 individuals diagnosed with ASD
and 886 individuals without signs of the disorder. A semi-structured
questionnaire and the multiple logistic regression model were adopted in the
data analysis. To estimate the magnitude of associations, the crude and
adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) was used. Results: An association with the following factors was found: having been born with
congenital malformation (OR 4.24; confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI
1.92-9.34), neonatal jaundice (OR 1.43; 95%CI 1.01-2.02), absence of crying
at birth and seizure episode in childhood (OR 5.75; 95%CI 3.37-9.81). The
magnitude of the association was higher in the children/adolescents who had
two or more postnatal complications (OR 6.39; 95%CI 4.10-10.00). Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that malformation, neonatal
jaundice, absence of crying at birth and seizure episodes in childhood are
important factors to be considered when studying the etiology of ASD.
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9
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Maia FA, Almeida MTC, Alves MR, Bandeira LVS, Silva VBD, Nunes NF, Cardoso LCG, Silveira MF. Transtorno do espectro do autismo e idade dos genitores: estudo de caso-controle no Brasil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2018; 34:e00109917. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00109917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
O transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) tem se tornado um problema de saúde pública, com grande impacto familiar, social e econômico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a associação entre o TEA e a idade dos genitores no momento do parto. Realizou-se um estudo de caso-controle constituído por 243 indivíduos com o TEA (casos) e 886 neurotípicos (controles). Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado e realizada a regressão logística múltipla. Associações entre o TEA e as idades paterna (em anos) entre 25 e 34 (OR = 1,65; IC95%: 1,01-2,71), 35 e 44 (OR = 1,62; IC95%: 0,96-2,73) e ≥ 45 (OR = 2,44; IC95%: 1,14-5,00); e materna entre 25 e 34 (OR = 2,38; IC95%: 1,54-3,37) e ≥ 35 (OR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,29-3,39) foram significativas quando avaliadas em modelos independentes. Porém, quando incluídas em um mesmo modelo apenas as idades maternas entre 25 e 34 (OR = 2,27; IC95%: 1,45-3,55) e ≥ 35 (OR = 2,15; IC95%: 1,21-3,83) se mantiveram associadas. A magnitude da associação foi maior quando ambos os genitores apresentavam idades avançadas (OR = 4,87; IC95%: 1,71-13,80). Os resultados encontrados podem ter importantes implicações para a psiquiatria clínica e a saúde pública, pois a idade dos genitores, no momento do parto, tem aumentado. Deve-se enfatizar a prevenção da idade reprodutiva tardia e o rastreamento e o acompanhamento das crianças geradas por estes casais.
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10
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Rogozin IB, Gertz EM, Baranov PV, Poliakov E, Schaffer AA. Genome-Wide Changes in Protein Translation Efficiency Are Associated with Autism. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1902-1919. [PMID: 29986017 PMCID: PMC6086092 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously proposed that changes in the efficiency of protein translation are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This hypothesis connects environmental factors and genetic factors because each can alter translation efficiency. For genetic factors, we previously tested our hypothesis using a small set of ASD-associated genes, a small set of ASD-associated variants, and a statistic to quantify by how much a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in a protein coding region changes translation speed. In this study, we confirm and extend our hypothesis using a published set of 1,800 autism quartets (parents, one affected child and one unaffected child) and genome-wide variants. Then, we extend the test statistic to combine translation efficiency with other possibly relevant variables: ribosome profiling data, presence/absence of CpG dinucleotides, and phylogenetic conservation. The inclusion of ribosome profiling abundances strengthens our results for male-male sibling pairs. The inclusion of CpG information strengthens our results for female-female pairs, giving an insight into the significant gender differences in autism incidence. By combining the single-variant test statistic for all variants in a gene, we obtain a single gene score to evaluate how well a gene distinguishes between affected and unaffected siblings. Using statistical methods, we compute gene sets that have some power to distinguish between affected and unaffected siblings by translation efficiency of gene variants. Pathway and enrichment analysis of those gene sets suggest the importance of Wnt signaling pathways, some other pathways related to cancer, ATP binding, and ATP-ase pathways in the etiology of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor B Rogozin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - E Michael Gertz
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Pasha V Baranov
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugenia Poliakov
- National Eye Institute, NIH, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alejandro A Schaffer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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11
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Psychiatry in a Dish: Stem Cells and Brain Organoids Modeling Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:558-568. [PMID: 29295738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of pervasive neurodevelopmental conditions with heterogeneous etiology, characterized by deficits in social cognition, communication, and behavioral flexibility. Despite an increasing scientific effort to find the pathophysiological explanations for the disease, the neurobiological links remain unclear. A large amount of evidence suggests that pathological processes taking place in early embryonic neurodevelopment might be responsible for later manifestation of autistic symptoms. This dysfunctional development includes altered maturation/differentiation processes, disturbances in cell-cell communication, and an unbalanced ratio between certain neuronal populations. All those processes are highly dependent on the interconnectivity and three-dimensional organizations of the brain. Moreover, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complex neurobiology of autism spectrum disorders, valid disease models are pivotal. Induced pluripotent stem cells could potentially help to elucidate the complex mechanisms of the disease and lead to the development of more effective individualized treatment. The induced pluripotent stem cells approach allows comparison between the development of various cellular phenotypes generated from cell lines of patients and healthy individuals. A newly advanced organoid technology makes it possible to create three-dimensional in vitro models of brain development and structural interconnectivity, based on induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the respective individuals. The biggest challenge for modeling psychiatric diseases in vitro is finding and establishing the link between cellular and molecular findings with the clinical symptoms, and this review aims to give an overview over the feasibility and applicability of this new tissue engineering tool in psychiatry.
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12
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Loomes R, Hull L, Mandy WPL. What Is the Male-to-Female Ratio in Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:466-474. [PMID: 28545751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1145] [Impact Index Per Article: 163.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To derive the first systematically calculated estimate of the relative proportion of boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a meta-analysis of prevalence studies conducted since the introduction of the DSM-IV and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. METHOD Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched, and study quality was rated using a risk-of-bias tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was used. The pooled outcome measurement was the male-to-female odds ratio (MFOR), namely the odds of being male in the group with ASD compared with the non-ASD group. In effect, this is the ASD male-to-female ratio, controlling for the male-to-female ratio among participants without ASD. RESULTS Fifty-four studies were analyzed, with 13,784,284 participants, of whom 53,712 had ASD (43,972 boys and 9,740 girls). The overall pooled MFOR was 4.20 (95% CI 3.84-4.60), but there was very substantial between-study variability (I2 = 90.9%). High-quality studies had a lower MFOR (3.32; 95% CI 2.88-3.84). Studies that screened the general population to identify participants regardless of whether they already had an ASD diagnosis showed a lower MFOR (3.25; 95% CI 2.93-3.62) than studies that only ascertained participants with a pre-existing ASD diagnosis (MFOR 4.56; 95% CI 4.10-5.07). CONCLUSION Of children meeting criteria for ASD, the true male-to-female ratio is not 4:1, as is often assumed; rather, it is closer to 3:1. There appears to be a diagnostic gender bias, meaning that girls who meet criteria for ASD are at disproportionate risk of not receiving a clinical diagnosis.
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13
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Yin P, Hou X, Qin Q, Deng W, Hu H, Luo Q, Du L, Qiu H, Qiu T, Fu Y, Meng H, Li T. Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Mental Health of Children: A Twin Study. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2016; 54:29-34. [DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20160725-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Tick B, Bolton P, Happé F, Rutter M, Rijsdijk F. Heritability of autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis of twin studies. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2016; 57:585-95. [PMID: 26709141 PMCID: PMC4996332 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been recently debated due to emerging findings on the importance of shared environmental influences. However, two recent twin studies do not support this and instead re-affirm strong genetic effects on the liability to ASD, a finding consistent with previous reports. This study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis of all twin studies of ASD published to date and explores the etiology along the continuum of a quantitative measure of ASD. METHODS A PubMed Central, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge structured search conducted online, to identify all twin studies on ASD published to date. Thirteen primary twin studies were identified, seven were included in the meta-analysis by meeting Systematic Recruitment criterion; correction for selection and ascertainment strategies, and applied prevalences were assessed for these studies. In addition, a quantile DF extremes analysis was carried out on Childhood Autism Spectrum Test scores measured in a population sample of 6,413 twin pairs including affected twins. RESULTS The meta-analysis correlations for monozygotic twins (MZ) were almost perfect at .98 (95% Confidence Interval, .96-.99). The dizygotic (DZ) correlation, however, was .53 (95% CI .44-.60) when ASD prevalence rate was set at 5% (in line with the Broad Phenotype of ASD) and increased to .67 (95% CI .61-.72) when applying a prevalence rate of 1%. The meta-analytic heritability estimates were substantial: 64-91%. Shared environmental effects became significant as the prevalence rate decreased from 5-1%: 07-35%. The DF analyses show that for the most part, there is no departure from linearity in heritability. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that: (a) ASD is due to strong genetic effects; (b) shared environmental effects become significant as a function of lower prevalence rate; (c) previously reported significant shared environmental influences are likely a statistical artefact of overinclusion of concordant DZ twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Tick
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreIOPPNKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Patrick Bolton
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreIOPPNKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Francesca Happé
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreIOPPNKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Michael Rutter
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreIOPPNKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Frühling Rijsdijk
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreIOPPNKing's College LondonLondonUK
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15
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Wang J, Li L, Shao SS, He Z, Chen YL, Kong R, Zhang XH, Gong JH, Song RR. Association analysis of genetic variant of rs13331 in PSD95 gene with autism spectrum disorders: A case-control study in a Chinese population. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 36:285-288. [PMID: 27072977 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-016-1581-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by high heritability. Recently, autism, the most profound form of ASD, has been increasingly attributed to synaptic abnormalities. Postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), encoding PSD protein-95, was found essential for synaptic formation, maturation and plasticity at a PSD of excitatory synapse. It is possibly a crucial candidate gene for the pathogenesis of ASD. To identify the relationship between the rs13331 of PSD95 gene and ASD, we performed a case-control study in 212 patients and 636 controls in a Chinese population by using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymerase (PCR-RFLP) assay. The results showed that in genetic analysis of the heterozygous model, an association between the T allele of the rs13331 and ASD was found in the dominant model (OR=1.709, 95% CI 1.227-2.382, P=0.002) and the additive model (OR=1.409, 95% CI=1.104-1.800, P=0.006). Our data indicate that the genetic mutation C>T at the rs13331 in the PSD95 gene is strikingly associated with an increased risk of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li Li
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, 518019, China
| | - Shan-Shan Shao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhen He
- Central Hospital of Longhua New District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Yan-Lin Chen
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, 518019, China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Hua Gong
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, 518019, China.
| | - Ran-Ran Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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16
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Navon D, Eyal G. Looping Genomes: Diagnostic Change and the Genetic Makeup of the Autism Population. AJS; AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY 2016; 121:1416-1471. [PMID: 27092389 DOI: 10.1086/684201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This article builds on Hacking's framework of "dynamic nominalism" to show how knowledge about biological etiology can interact with the "kinds of people" delineated by diagnostic categories in ways that "loop" or modify both over time. The authors use historical materials to show how "geneticization" played a crucial role in binding together autism as a biosocial community and how evidence from genetics research later made an important contribution to the diagnostic expansion of autism. In the second part of the article, the authors draw on quantitative and qualitative analyses of autism rates over time in several rare conditions that are delineated strictly according to genomic mutations in order to demonstrate that these changes in diagnostic practice helped to both increase autism's prevalence and create its enormous genetic heterogeneity. Thus, a looping process that began with geneticization and involved the social effects of genetics research itself transformed the autism population and its genetic makeup.
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17
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Crawley JN. Behavioral phenotypes of genetic mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:7-26. [PMID: 26403076 PMCID: PMC4775274 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
More than a hundred de novo single gene mutations and copy-number variants have been implicated in autism, each occurring in a small subset of cases. Mutant mouse models with syntenic mutations offer research tools to gain an understanding of the role of each gene in modulating biological and behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism. Knockout, knockin and transgenic mice incorporating risk gene mutations detected in autism spectrum disorder and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders are now widely available. At present, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed solely by behavioral criteria. We developed a constellation of mouse behavioral assays designed to maximize face validity to the types of social deficits and repetitive behaviors that are central to an autism diagnosis. Mouse behavioral assays for associated symptoms of autism, which include cognitive inflexibility, anxiety, hyperactivity, and unusual reactivity to sensory stimuli, are frequently included in the phenotypic analyses. Over the past 10 years, we and many other laboratories around the world have employed these and additional behavioral tests to phenotype a large number of mutant mouse models of autism. In this review, we highlight mouse models with mutations in genes that have been identified as risk genes for autism, which work through synaptic mechanisms and through the mTOR signaling pathway. Robust, replicated autism-relevant behavioral outcomes in a genetic mouse model lend credence to a causal role for specific gene contributions and downstream biological mechanisms in the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. M. Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - P. T. Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J. N. Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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18
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Yang M, Silverman JL, Solomon M, Crawley JN. Translational Mouse Models of Autism: Advancing Toward Pharmacological Therapeutics. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 28:1-52. [PMID: 27305922 PMCID: PMC5116923 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_5003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal models provide preclinical tools to investigate the causal role of genetic mutations and environmental factors in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Knockout and humanized knock-in mice, and more recently knockout rats, have been generated for many of the de novo single gene mutations and copy number variants (CNVs) detected in ASD and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. Mouse models incorporating genetic and environmental manipulations have been employed for preclinical testing of hypothesis-driven pharmacological targets, to begin to develop treatments for the diagnostic and associated symptoms of autism. In this review, we summarize rodent behavioral assays relevant to the core features of autism, preclinical and clinical evaluations of pharmacological interventions, and strategies to improve the translational value of rodent models of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Prescott T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mu Yang
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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19
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Yau VM, Lutsky M, Yoshida CK, Lasley B, Kharrazi M, Windham G, Gee N, Croen LA. Prenatal and neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:719-30. [PMID: 25178989 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are critical for normal brain development. This study examined autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels measured in mid-pregnancy maternal serum and infant blood after birth. Three groups of children born in Orange County, CA in 2000-2001 were identified: ASD (n = 78), developmental delay (n = 45), and general population controls (GP) (n = 149). Samples were retrieved from prenatal and newborn screening specimen archives. Adjusted logistic regression models showed inverse associations between ASD and log transformed TSH levels in maternal serum samples (ASD vs. GP: OR [95 % CI] 0.33 [0.12-0.91], Early Onset ASD vs. GP: 0.31 [0.10-0.98]). Results for thyroid levels in newborn blood samples were similar though not significant (ASD vs. GP: 0.61 [0.18-2.04]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Yau
- Autism Research Program, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
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20
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Simms MD, Jin XM. Autism, Language Disorder, and Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder: DSM-V and Differential Diagnoses. Pediatr Rev 2015; 36:355-62; quiz 363. [PMID: 26232465 DOI: 10.1542/pir.36-8-355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
• Based on strong research evidence (1), the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased over the past decade, with a 2010 prevalence of 1:68 (1.5%) in children age 8 years. • Based on some research evidence as well as consensus (3), the most recent revision of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) identifies two core dimensions for the diagnosis of ASD: social (social communication and social interaction) and nonsocial (restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities). • Based on some research evidence as well as consensus (3) (31) (32) (33) (34), DSM-V identifies social pragmatic communication disorder (SPCD) as a dissociable dimension of language and communication ability that affects how individuals use language for social exchanges. SPCD is often found in children with language impairments and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other genetic/neurologic conditions. • Based on strong research evidence (2) (26) (27) (28), childhood language disorders affect 7.4% of kindergarteners, and 50% to 80% of these children experience persistent language, academic, and social-emotional difficulties into their adult years, despite having normal nonverbal cognitive abilities. • Based primarily on consensus due to lack of relevant clinical studies, differential diagnosis of autism and language disorders may require a multidisciplinary evaluation that takes into account a child’s overall development, including cognitive, communication, and social abilities. Monitoring the response to appropriate interventions and trajectory of development over time may improve the accuracy of diagnosis, especially in very young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Simms
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Xing Ming Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
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21
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Colvert E, Tick B, McEwen F, Stewart C, Curran SR, Woodhouse E, Gillan N, Hallett V, Lietz S, Garnett T, Ronald A, Plomin R, Rijsdijk F, Happé F, Bolton P. Heritability of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a UK Population-Based Twin Sample. JAMA Psychiatry 2015; 72:415-23. [PMID: 25738232 PMCID: PMC4724890 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.3028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Most evidence to date highlights the importance of genetic influences on the liability to autism and related traits. However, most of these findings are derived from clinically ascertained samples, possibly missing individuals with subtler manifestations, and obtained estimates may not be representative of the population. OBJECTIVES To establish the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in liability to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a broader autism phenotype in a large population-based twin sample and to ascertain the genetic/environmental relationship between dimensional trait measures and categorical diagnostic constructs of ASD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We used data from the population-based cohort Twins Early Development Study, which included all twin pairs born in England and Wales from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 1996. We performed joint continuous-ordinal liability threshold model fitting using the full information maximum likelihood method to estimate genetic and environmental parameters of covariance. Twin pairs underwent the following assessments: the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) (6423 pairs; mean age, 7.9 years), the Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) (359 pairs; mean age, 10.3 years), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) (203 pairs; mean age, 13.2 years), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) (205 pairs; mean age, 13.2 years), and a best-estimate diagnosis (207 pairs). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Participants underwent screening using a population-based measure of autistic traits (CAST assessment), structured diagnostic assessments (DAWBA, ADI-R, and ADOS), and a best-estimate diagnosis. RESULTS On all ASD measures, correlations among monozygotic twins (range, 0.77-0.99) were significantly higher than those for dizygotic twins (range, 0.22-0.65), giving heritability estimates of 56% to 95%. The covariance of CAST and ASD diagnostic status (DAWBA, ADOS and best-estimate diagnosis) was largely explained by additive genetic factors (76%-95%). For the ADI-R only, shared environmental influences were significant (30% [95% CI, 8%-47%]) but smaller than genetic influences (56% [95% CI, 37%-82%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The liability to ASD and a more broadly defined high-level autism trait phenotype in this large population-based twin sample derives primarily from additive genetic and, to a lesser extent, nonshared environmental effects. The largely consistent results across different diagnostic tools suggest that the results are generalizable across multiple measures and assessment methods. Genetic factors underpinning individual differences in autismlike traits show considerable overlap with genetic influences on diagnosed ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Colvert
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Beata Tick
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Fiona McEwen
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, K
| | - Catherine Stewart
- South London and Maudsley NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London, England4Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Sarah R. Curran
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England5Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, East Sussex, England6Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Headquart
| | - Emma Woodhouse
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Nicola Gillan
- South London and Maudsley NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London, England
| | - Victoria Hallett
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Stephanie Lietz
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England
| | - Tracy Garnett
- South London and Maudsley NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London, England
| | - Angelica Ronald
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England9Department of Psychological Sciences, University of London, London, England
| | - Robert Plomin
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Frühling Rijsdijk
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Francesca Happé
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Patrick Bolton
- MRC Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, K
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22
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Kim YS, Leventhal BL. Genetic epidemiology and insights into interactive genetic and environmental effects in autism spectrum disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:66-74. [PMID: 25483344 PMCID: PMC4260177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders has proven to be challenging. Using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a paradigmatic neurodevelopmental disorder, this article reviews the existing literature on the etiological substrates of ASD and explores how genetic epidemiology approaches including gene-environment interactions (G×E) can play a role in identifying factors associated with ASD etiology. New genetic and bioinformatics strategies have yielded important clues to ASD genetic substrates. The next steps for understanding ASD pathogenesis require significant effort to focus on how genes and environment interact with one another in typical development and its perturbations. Along with larger sample sizes, future study designs should include sample ascertainment that is epidemiologic and population-based to capture the entire ASD spectrum with both categorical and dimensional phenotypic characterization; environmental measurements with accuracy, validity, and biomarkers; statistical methods to address population stratification, multiple comparisons, and G×E of rare variants; animal models to test hypotheses; and new methods to broaden the capacity to search for G×E, including genome-wide and environment-wide association studies, precise estimation of heritability using dense genetic markers, and consideration of G×E both as the disease cause and a disease course modifier. Although examination of G×E appears to be a daunting task, tremendous recent progress in gene discovery has opened new horizons for advancing our understanding of the role of G×E in the pathogenesis of ASD and ultimately identifying the causes, treatments, and even preventive measures for ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Shin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California..
| | - Bennett L Leventhal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Hernandez LM, Rudie JD, Green SA, Bookheimer S, Dapretto M. Neural signatures of autism spectrum disorders: insights into brain network dynamics. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:171-89. [PMID: 25011468 PMCID: PMC4262896 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimaging investigations of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have advanced our understanding of atypical brain function and structure, and have recently converged on a model of altered network-level connectivity. Traditional task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volume-based structural MRI studies have identified widespread atypicalities in brain regions involved in social behavior and other core ASD-related behavioral deficits. More recent advances in MR-neuroimaging methods allow for quantification of brain connectivity using diffusion tensor imaging, functional connectivity, and graph theoretic methods. These newer techniques have moved the field toward a systems-level understanding of ASD etiology, integrating functional and structural measures across distal brain regions. Neuroimaging findings in ASD as a whole have been mixed and at times contradictory, likely due to the vast genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity characteristic of the disorder. Future longitudinal studies of brain development will be crucial to yield insights into mechanisms of disease etiology in ASD sub-populations. Advances in neuroimaging methods and large-scale collaborations will also allow for an integrated approach linking neuroimaging, genetics, and phenotypic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanna M Hernandez
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rudie
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shulamite A Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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24
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Using extended pedigrees to identify novel autism spectrum disorder (ASD) candidate genes. Hum Genet 2014; 134:191-201. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-014-1513-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Shen J, Lincoln S, Miller DT. Advances in Genetic Discovery and Implications for Counseling of Patients and Families with Autism Spectrum Disorders. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2014; 2:124-134. [PMID: 30345165 PMCID: PMC6192539 DOI: 10.1007/s40142-014-0047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to increase. Genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of ASD, although specific genetic causes are identified in only a minority of cases. Recent advances have accelerated the discovery of genes implicated in ASD through convergent genomic analysis of genome-wide association studies, chromosomal microarray, exome sequencing, genome sequencing, and gene networks. Hundreds of candidate genes for ASD have been reported, yet only a handful have proven causative. Symptoms are complex and highly variable, and most cases are likely due to cumulative genetic factors, the interactions among them, as well as environmental factors. Here we summarize recent findings in genomic research regarding discovery of candidate genes, describe the major molecular processes in neural development that may be disrupted in ASD, and discuss the implication of research findings in clinical genetic diagnostic testing and counseling. Continued advances in genetic research will eventually translate into innovative approaches to prevention and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sharyn Lincoln
- Division of Genetics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - David T Miller
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Division of Genetics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
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26
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Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Ji J. Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among individuals with a family history of alcohol use disorders. eLife 2014; 3:e02917. [PMID: 25139954 PMCID: PMC4135348 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest de novo mutations may involve the pathogenesis of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on the evidence that excessive alcohol consumption may be associated with an increased rate of de novo mutations in germ cells (sperms or eggs), we examine here whether the risks of autism and ADHD are increased among individuals with a family history of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of autism and ADHD among individuals with a biological parental history of AUDs were 1.39 (95% CI 1.34–1.44) and 2.19 (95% CI 2.15–2.23), respectively, compared to individuals without an affected parent. Among offspring whose parents were diagnosed with AUDs before their birth, the corresponding risks were 1.46 (95% CI 1.36–1.58) and 2.70 (95% CI 2.59–2.81), respectively. Our study calls for extra surveillance for children with a family history of AUDs, and further studies examining the underlying mechanisms are needed. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02917.001 Children learn to talk, manage their emotions, and control their behavior in a period when the brain is developing rapidly. The first signs of several developmental disorders, such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may also emerge during this period. Children with autism may have difficulties with social interactions and communication, while those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may struggle to pay attention to a task and may be more active than other children. Autism or ADHD are diagnosed based on the child's behavior because the underlying causes of the disorders are not well understood. Both genes and the environment have been linked to the conditions; and it was recently suggested that certain common genetic mutations are more common in children with ADHD or autism. However, as some of the mutations linked to autism are not found in the genes of the affected children's parents, it is likely that they occurred in either of the sperm or the egg cell from the parents. Exposure to harmful substances in the environment can cause mutations in egg or sperm cells, or alter the expression of genes without changing the gene sequence. Excessive alcohol consumption is one environmental factor that can mutate genes or alter gene expression. Here, Sundquist et al. have looked to see if there is a relationship between a child having a parent with an alcohol use problem and the child's risk of developing autism or ADHD. Examining national medical registries identified 24,157 people with autism and 49,348 with ADHD in Sweden between 1987 and 2010. Sundquist et al. discovered that autism and ADHD were more common in individuals who had a parent with a history of an alcohol use disorder than in those whose parents had no history of an alcohol use disorder. There was also an even greater risk of either condition if the parent had been diagnosed with an alcohol use problem before the birth of the child. Adopted children who had a biological parent with an alcohol use disorder were at a greater risk of autism and ADHD than those whose adoptive parent had an alcohol use disorder. However, as very few adopted parents were diagnosed with an alcohol use problem, it is important to be cautious about drawing firm conclusions from this observation. Sundquist et al. estimate that around 4% of autism cases and 11% of ADHD cases could be avoided if parents abstained from heavy alcohol consumption. Though these findings are consistent with parents with an alcohol use disorder being more likely to pass on mutations to their children, there are also other possible explanations. As such, further research examining the underlying cause is still needed. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02917.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Jianguang Ji
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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27
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Tordjman S, Somogyi E, Coulon N, Kermarrec S, Cohen D, Bronsard G, Bonnot O, Weismann-Arcache C, Botbol M, Lauth B, Ginchat V, Roubertoux P, Barburoth M, Kovess V, Geoffray MM, Xavier J. Gene × Environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders: role of epigenetic mechanisms. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:53. [PMID: 25136320 PMCID: PMC4120683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies support currently the hypothesis that autism etiology is based on a polygenic and epistatic model. However, despite advances in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics, the genetic risk factors remain difficult to identify, with the exception of a few chromosomal disorders and several single gene disorders associated with an increased risk for autism. Furthermore, several studies suggest a role of environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). First, arguments for a genetic contribution to autism, based on updated family and twin studies, are examined. Second, a review of possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental risk factors for ASD are presented. Then, the hypotheses are discussed concerning the underlying mechanisms related to a role of environmental factors in the development of ASD in association with genetic factors. In particular, epigenetics as a candidate biological mechanism for gene × environment interactions is considered and the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms reported in genetic disorders associated with ASD is discussed. Furthermore, the example of in utero exposure to valproate provides a good illustration of epigenetic mechanisms involved in ASD and innovative therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic remodeling by environmental factors opens new perspectives for a better understanding, prevention, and early therapeutic intervention of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Tordjman
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Rennes, France
| | - Eszter Somogyi
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Coulon
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Solenn Kermarrec
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Rennes, France
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bronsard
- Laboratoire de Santé Publique (EA3279), School of Medicine of La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Bonnot
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Weismann-Arcache
- Laboratoire Psychologie et Neurosciences de la Cognition et de l’Affectivité, Université de Rouen, Mont Saint Aignan, France
| | - Michel Botbol
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Bertrand Lauth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Vincent Ginchat
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Roubertoux
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, Génomique Fonctionnelle, INSERM U 910, Université d’Aix-Marseille 2, Marseille, France
| | - Marianne Barburoth
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Kovess
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EHESP School for Public Health, EA 4057 University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Maude Geoffray
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Jean Xavier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
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28
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Davis JM, Searles VB, Anderson N, Keeney J, Dumas L, Sikela JM. DUF1220 dosage is linearly associated with increasing severity of the three primary symptoms of autism. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004241. [PMID: 24651471 PMCID: PMC3961203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the three most frequently documented copy number variations associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a 1q21.1 duplication that encompasses sequences encoding DUF1220 protein domains, the dosage of which we previously implicated in increased human brain size. Further, individuals with ASD frequently display accelerated brain growth and a larger brain size that is also associated with increased symptom severity. Given these findings, we investigated the relationship between DUF1220 copy number and ASD severity, and here show that in individuals with ASD (n = 170), the copy number (dosage) of DUF1220 subtype CON1 is highly variable, ranging from 56 to 88 copies following a Gaussian distribution. More remarkably, in individuals with ASD CON1 copy number is also linearly associated, in a dose-response manner, with increased severity of each of the three primary symptoms of ASD: social deficits (p = 0.021), communicative impairments (p = 0.030), and repetitive behaviors (p = 0.047). These data indicate that DUF1220 protein domain (CON1) dosage has an ASD-wide effect and, as such, is likely to be a key component of a major pathway underlying ASD severity. Finally, these findings, by implicating the dosage of a previously unexamined, copy number polymorphic and brain evolution-related gene coding sequence in ASD severity, provide an important new direction for further research into the genetic factors underlying ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common behaviorally defined condition noted by impairments in social reciprocity and communicative abilities and exaggerated repetitive behaviors and stereotyped interests. Individuals with ASD frequently have a larger and more rapidly growing brain than their typically developing peers. Given the widely documented heritability suggesting that ASD is predominantly a genetic condition and the well-established link between ASD and abnormal brain growth patterns, genes involved in brain growth would be excellent candidates to study regarding ASD. One such candidate is DUF1220, a highly copy number polymorphic protein domain that we have previously linked to brain evolution and brain size. However, due to the extreme copy number variability of DUF1220, it has not been directly investigated in previous genome wide polymorphism studies searching for genes important in ASD. Here we show that, in individuals with ASD, 1) DUF1220 subtype CON1 is highly variable, ranging from 56 to 88 copies, and 2) the copy number of CON1 is associated, in a linear dose-response manner, with increased severity of each of the three primary symptoms of ASD: as CON1 copy number increases each of the three primary symptoms of ASD (impaired social reciprocity, impaired communicative ability and increased repetitive behaviors) become incrementally worse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Davis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program & Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Veronica B. Searles
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program & Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nathan Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program & Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jonathon Keeney
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program & Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Laura Dumas
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program & Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - James M. Sikela
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program & Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Carayol J, Schellenberg GD, Dombroski B, Amiet C, Génin B, Fontaine K, Rousseau F, Vazart C, Cohen D, Frazier TW, Hardan AY, Dawson G, Rio Frio T. A scoring strategy combining statistics and functional genomics supports a possible role for common polygenic variation in autism. Front Genet 2014; 5:33. [PMID: 24600472 PMCID: PMC3927086 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heritable complex neurodevelopmental disorders with a 4:1 male: female ratio. Common genetic variation could explain 40-60% of the variance in liability to autism. Because of their small effect, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have only identified a small number of individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To increase the power of GWASs in complex disorders, methods like convergent functional genomics (CFG) have emerged to extract true association signals from noise and to identify and prioritize genes from SNPs using a scoring strategy combining statistics and functional genomics. We adapted and applied this approach to analyze data from a GWAS performed on families with multiple children affected with autism from Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE). We identified a set of 133 candidate markers that were localized in or close to genes with functional relevance in ASD from a discovery population (545 multiplex families); a gender specific genetic score (GS) based on these common variants explained 1% (P = 0.01 in males) and 5% (P = 8.7 × 10(-7) in females) of genetic variance in an independent sample of multiplex families. Overall, our work demonstrates that prioritization of GWAS data based on functional genomics identified common variants associated with autism and provided additional support for a common polygenic background in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard D. Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beth Dombroski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David Cohen
- Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, Université Pierre et Marie CurieParis, France
| | - Thomas W. Frazier
- Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Center for Autism, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, OH, USA
| | - Antonio Y. Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford UniversityStanford, CA, USA
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
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30
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Roessner V. Research in child and adolescent psychiatry: a multi-disciplinary, many-faceted endeavor. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 23:1-2. [PMID: 24384625 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-013-0506-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany,
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