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Alammari F, Al-Hujaily EM, Alshareeda A, Albarakati N, Al-Sowayan BS. Hidden regulators: the emerging roles of lncRNAs in brain development and disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1392688. [PMID: 38841098 PMCID: PMC11150811 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1392688] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical players in brain development and disease. These non-coding transcripts, which once considered as "transcriptional junk," are now known for their regulatory roles in gene expression. In brain development, lncRNAs participate in many processes, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and synaptogenesis. They employ their effect through a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through interactions with chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and other regulatory molecules. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been associated with certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altered expression and function of specific lncRNAs have been implicated with disrupted neuronal connectivity, impaired synaptic plasticity, and aberrant gene expression pattern, highlighting the functional importance of this subclass of brain-enriched RNAs. Moreover, lncRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurological diseases. Here, we give a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge of lncRNAs. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the diversity of lncRNA structure and functions in brain development and disease. This holds promise for unravelling the complexity of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Alammari
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ensaf M. Al-Hujaily
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alshareeda
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Biobank Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Albarakati
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Batla S. Al-Sowayan
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Cánepa ET, Berardino BG. Epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life adversities and mental health. Biochem J 2024; 481:615-642. [PMID: 38722301 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversities, whether prenatal or postnatal exposure, have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes later in life increasing the risk of several psychiatric disorders. Research on its neurobiological consequences demonstrated an association between exposure to adversities and persistent alterations in the structure, function, and connectivity of the brain. Consistent evidence supports the idea that regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms are involved in embedding the impact of early-life experiences in the genome and mediate between social environments and later behavioral phenotypes. In addition, studies from rodent models and humans suggest that these experiences and the acquired risk factors can be transmitted through epigenetic mechanisms to offspring and the following generations potentially contributing to a cycle of disease or disease risk. However, one of the important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms, unlike genetic sequences that are fixed and unchangeable, is that although the epigenetic markings are long-lasting, they are nevertheless potentially reversible. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the mental health consequences derived from early-life exposure to malnutrition, maltreatment and poverty, adversities with huge and pervasive impact on mental health. We also discuss the evidence about transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and experimental data suggesting that suitable social and pharmacological interventions could reverse adverse epigenetic modifications induced by early-life negative social experiences. In this regard, these studies must be accompanied by efforts to determine the causes that promote these adversities and that result in health inequity in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo T Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno G Berardino
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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Li S, Qiu N, Ni A, Hamblin MH, Yin KJ. Role of regulatory non-coding RNAs in traumatic brain injury. Neurochem Int 2024; 172:105643. [PMID: 38007071 PMCID: PMC10872636 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105643] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a potentially fatal health event that cannot be predicted in advance. After TBI occurs, it can have enduring consequences within both familial and social spheres. Yet, despite extensive efforts to improve medical interventions and tailor healthcare services, TBI still remains a major contributor to global disability and mortality rates. The prompt and accurate diagnosis of TBI in clinical contexts, coupled with the implementation of effective therapeutic strategies, remains an arduous challenge. However, a deeper understanding of changes in gene expression and the underlying molecular regulatory processes may alleviate this pressing issue. In recent years, the study of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a diverse class of RNA molecules with regulatory functions, has been a potential game changer in TBI research. Notably, the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other ncRNAs has revealed their potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TBI, owing to their ability to regulate the expression of numerous genes. In this review, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of the functions of regulatory ncRNAs in TBI. We also summarize regulatory ncRNAs used for treatment in animal models, as well as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs that served as biomarkers for TBI diagnosis and prognosis. Finally, we discuss future challenges and prospects in diagnosing and treating TBI patients in the clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S514 BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Na Qiu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S514 BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Andrew Ni
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Milton H Hamblin
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 1212 Webber Hall, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Ke-Jie Yin
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S514 BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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4
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Jiang M, Wang Z, Lu T, Li X, Yang K, Zhao L, Zhang D, Li J, Wang L. Integrative analysis of long noncoding RNAs dysregulation and synapse-associated ceRNA regulatory axes in autism. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:375. [PMID: 38057311 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02662-5] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder of neurodevelopment, the function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in ASD remains essentially unknown. In the present study, gene networks were used to explore the ASD disease mechanisms integrating multiple data types (for example, RNA expression, whole-exome sequencing signals, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and protein-protein interaction) and datasets (five human postmortem datasets). A total of 388 lncRNAs and five co-expression modules were found to be altered in ASD. The downregulated co-expression M4 module was significantly correlated with ASD, enriched with autism susceptibility genes and synaptic signaling. Integrating lncRNAs from the M4 module and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation data from the literature identified competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. We identified the downregulated mRNAs that interact with miRNAs by the miRTarBase, miRDB, and TargetScan databases. Our analysis reveals that MIR600HG was downregulated in multiple brain tissue datasets and was closely associated with 9 autism-susceptible miRNAs in the ceRNA network. MIR600HG and target mRNAs (EPHA4, MOAP1, MAP3K9, STXBP1, PRKCE, and SCAMP5) were downregulated in the peripheral blood by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis (false discovery rate <0.05). Subsequently, we assessed the role of lncRNA dysregulation in altered mRNA levels. Experimental verification showed that some synapse-associated mRNAs were downregulated after the MIR600HG knockdown. BrainSpan project showed that the expression patterns of MIR600HG (primate-specific lncRNA) and synapse-associated mRNA were similar in different human brain regions and at different stages of development. A combination of support vector machine and random forest machine learning algorithms retrieved the marker gene for ASD in the ceRNA network, and the area under the curve of the diagnostic nomogram was 0.851. In conclusion, dysregulation of MIR600HG, a novel specific lncRNA associated with ASD, is responsible for the ASD-associated miRNA-mRNA axes, thereby potentially regulating synaptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Jiang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianlan Lu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xianjing Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Liyang Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation (IBRR), South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Lifang Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.
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Ming Y, Deng Z, Tian X, Jia Y, Ning M, Cheng S. Anti-apoptotic capacity of MALAT1 on hippocampal neurons correlates with CASP3 DNA methylation in a mouse model of autism. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2591-2602. [PMID: 37751122 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01285-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Prior evidence has suggested the alleviatory effect of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. This study primarily investigates the underlying mechanism of how the long non-coding RNA MALAT1 affects neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of mice with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings demonstrate that CASP3 is highly expressed while MALAT1 is downregulated in the hippocampal neurons of autistic mice. MALAT1 mainly localizes within the cell nucleus and recruits DNA methyltransferases (including DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b) to the promoter region of CASP3, promoting its methylation and further inhibiting its expression. In vitro experiments reveal that reducing MALAT1 expression promotes the expression of CASP3 and Bax while suppressing Bcl-2 expression, thereby enhancing cellular apoptosis. Conversely, increasing MALAT1 expression yields the opposite effect. Consequently, these results further confirm the role of MALAT1 in suppressing neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of mice with ASD through the regulation of CASP3 promoter methylation. Thus, this research unveils the significant roles of MALAT1 and CASP3 in the pathogenesis of ASD, offering new possibilities for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ming
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Deng
- Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Xianhua Tian
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Yuerong Jia
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Meng Ning
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Shuhua Cheng
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China.
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Pandini C, Rey F, Cereda C, Carelli S, Gandellini P. Study of lncRNAs in Pediatric Neurological Diseases: Methods, Analysis of the State-of-Art and Possible Therapeutic Implications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1616. [PMID: 38004481 PMCID: PMC10675345 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in various cellular processes, and their roles in pediatric neurological diseases are increasingly being explored. This review provides an overview of lncRNA implications in the central nervous system, both in its physiological state and when a pathological condition is present. We describe the role of lncRNAs in neural development, highlighting their significance in processes such as neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and synaptogenesis. Dysregulation of specific lncRNAs is associated with multiple pediatric neurological diseases, such as neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders and brain tumors. The collected evidence indicates that there is a need for further research to uncover the full spectrum of lncRNA involvement in pediatric neurological diseases and brain tumors. While challenges exist, ongoing advancements in technology and our understanding of lncRNA biology offer hope for future breakthroughs in the field of pediatric neurology, leveraging lncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pandini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (S.C.)
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.R.); (S.C.)
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Paolo Gandellini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Jiang M, Chen G. Investigation of LncRNA PVT1 and MiR-21-5p Expression as Promising Novel Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:865-873. [PMID: 37828403 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of ncRNA in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were observed to disclose a theoretical basis for further research on molecular markers for early warning of ASD. Children with ASD and normal control children were recruited to collect peripheral blood RNA samples. The concentration of PVT1 and miR-21-5p was quantitatively analyzed by qRT-PCR. Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to evaluate the link between PVT1 level and miR-21-5p level of the children. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to reckon the predictive value of PVT1, miR-21-5p, and their combination in ASD. The interconnection of PVT1 with miR-21-5p was represented by luciferase reporter assay. The targeted genes of miR-21-5p were predicted. The enrichment and protein interaction analysis of these genes was carried out to find the important core genes and analyze their value in ASD. In the disease group, the level of PVT1 was downregulated, while the content of miR-21-5p was upregulated. The expression level of serum miR-21-5p was negatively correlated with the level of PVT1. Luciferase reporter gene assay documented that PVT1 directly targeted miR-21-5p. ROC curve showed that PVT1, miR-21-5p, and their combination showed clinical value for disease diagnosis. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the targets of miR-21-5p participated in ASD by regulating related functions and pathways. Reduced expression of PVT1 and raised miR-21-5p were good diagnostic markers for ASD, which would provide a basis for effective prevention, early diagnosis, and early intervention of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Jiang
- Shenzhen Polytechnic University, No.7098 Liuxian Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guanwen Chen
- Guangdong Nantian Institute of Forensic Science, No.5003 Binhe Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Tokunaga M, Imamura T. Emerging concepts involving inhibitory and activating RNA functionalization towards the understanding of microcephaly phenotypes and brain diseases in humans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1168072. [PMID: 37408531 PMCID: PMC10318543 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1168072] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcephaly is characterized as a small head circumference, and is often accompanied by developmental disorders. Several candidate risk genes for this disease have been described, and mutations in non-coding regions are occasionally found in patients with microcephaly. Various non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), SINEUPs, telomerase RNA component (TERC), and promoter-associated lncRNAs (pancRNAs) are now being characterized. These ncRNAs regulate gene expression, enzyme activity, telomere length, and chromatin structure through RNA binding proteins (RBPs)-RNA interaction. Elucidating the potential roles of ncRNA-protein coordination in microcephaly pathogenesis might contribute to its prevention or recovery. Here, we introduce several syndromes whose clinical features include microcephaly. In particular, we focus on syndromes for which ncRNAs or genes that interact with ncRNAs may play roles. We discuss the possibility that the huge ncRNA field will provide possible new therapeutic approaches for microcephaly and also reveal clues about the factors enabling the evolutionary acquisition of the human-specific "large brain."
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Dominguez-Alonso S, Carracedo A, Rodriguez-Fontenla C. The non-coding genome in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104752. [PMID: 37023975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104752] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. While ASD have been proven to have a strong genetic component, current research largely focuses on coding regions of the genome. However, non-coding DNA, which makes up for ∼99% of the human genome, has recently been recognized as an important contributor to the high heritability of ASD, and novel sequencing technologies have been a milestone in opening up new directions for the study of the gene regulatory networks embedded within the non-coding regions. Here, we summarize current progress on the contribution of non-coding alterations to the pathogenesis of ASD and provide an overview of existing methods allowing for the study of their functional relevance, discussing potential ways of unraveling ASD's "missing heritability".
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dominguez-Alonso
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Rodriguez-Fontenla
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Wang H, Wu X, Chen Y, Hou F, Zhu K, Jiang Q, Xiao P, Zhang Q, Xiang Z, Fan Y, Xie X, Li L, Song R. Combining multi-omics approaches to prioritize the variant-regulated functional long non-coding RNAs in autism spectrum disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 80:103357. [PMID: 36462391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103357] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rising evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may play an essential role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, identifying the lncRNAs associated with ASD and the risk loci on them remains a major challenge. This study aims to identify potential causative variants and explore the related mechanisms. METHODS By leveraging differential expression analysis, WGCNA analysis and cis-expression quantitative analysis, our study mined functional SNPs with the regulated long non-coding RNA genes in brain tissues. We recruited 611 ASD children and 645 healthy children in the case-control study. RESULTS Total 68 different expressed lncRNAs were validated by calculating the brain tissue-specific expression using RNA-seq data. By the WGCNA method, 9 functional lncRNAs classified as e-lncRNA were found to interact with 976 ASD risk genes. Furthermore, we mined functional SNPs regulated long non-coding RNAs in brain tissues. We analyzed the association between candidate SNPs and ASD risks in Chinese children, which showed BDNF-AS rs1565228 allele G to C reduced the risk of ASD (OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.66-0.98). Further bioinformatics analysis showed that the variant rs1565228 C>G with the low binding affinity of transcription factor SRF caused the decreased expression of lncRNA BDNF-AS. Our study revealed that rs2295412 in the non-coding sequence of the lncRNA gene region was significantly associated with the risk of ASD. DISCUSSION These findings suggested that the SNPs in the non-coding region of lncRNA may play important roles in the genetic susceptibility of ASD, which may facilitate the early screening of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxue Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xvfang Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yanlin Chen
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen 518019, China
| | - Fang Hou
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen 518019, China
| | - Kaiheng Zhu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Pei Xiao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhen Xiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yixi Fan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xinyan Xie
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) 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.
| | - Ranran Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) 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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11
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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12
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Huang M, Ma J, Zhang J. Inferring cell developmental stage-specific lncRNA regulation in the developing human neocortex with CDSlncR. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1037565. [PMID: 36710930 PMCID: PMC9880432 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1037565] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) occupy ~98% of the transcriptome in human, and are usually not translated into proteins. Among ncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, >200 nucleotides) are important regulators to modulate gene expression, and are involved in many biological processes (e.g., cell development). To study lncRNA regulation, many computational approaches or tools have been proposed by using bulk transcriptomics data. Nevertheless, previous bulk data-driven methods are mostly limited to explore the lncRNA regulation regarding all of cells, instead of the lncRNA regulation specific to cell developmental stages. Fortunately, recent advance in single-cell sequencing data has provided a way to investigate cell developmental stage-specific lncRNA regulation. In this work, we present a novel computational method, CDSlncR (Cell Developmental Stage-specific lncRNA regulation), which combines putative lncRNA-target binding information with single-cell transcriptomics data to infer cell developmental stage-specific lncRNA regulation. For each cell developmental stage, CDSlncR constructs a cell developmental stage-specific lncRNA regulatory network in the cell developmental stage. To illustrate the effectiveness of CDSlncR, we apply CDSlncR into single-cell transcriptomics data of the developing human neocortex for exploring lncRNA regulation across different human neocortex developmental stages. Network analysis shows that the lncRNA regulation is unique in each developmental stage of human neocortex. As a case study, we also perform particular analysis on the cell developmental stage-specific lncRNA regulation related to 18 known lncRNA biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder. Finally, the comparison result indicates that CDSlncR is an effective method for predicting cell developmental stage-specific lncRNA targets. CDSlncR is available at https://github.com/linxi159/CDSlncR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huang
- Department of Automation, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,Department of Computer Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Jiangtao Ma
- Department of Automation, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Junpeng Zhang
- School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali, China,*Correspondence: Junpeng Zhang, ✉
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13
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Sun JJ, Chen B, Yu T. Construction of an immune-related ceRNA network to screen for potential diagnostic markers for autism spectrum disorder. Front Genet 2022; 13:1025813. [PMID: 36468003 PMCID: PMC9713698 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1025813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is reliant on evaluation of patients' behavior. We screened the potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets of ASD through bioinformatics analysis. Methods: Four ASD-related datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The "limma" package was employed to analyze differentially expressed messenger (m)RNAs, long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, and micro (mi)RNAs between ASD patients and healthy volunteers (HVs). We constructed a competing endogenous-RNA (ceRNA) network. Enrichment analyses of key genes were undertaken using the Gene Ontology database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. The ImmucellAI database was used to analyze differences in immune-cell infiltration (ICI) in ASD and HV samples. Synthetic analyses of the ceRNA network and ICI was done to obtain a diagnostic model using LASSO regression analysis. Analyses of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were done for model verification. Results: The ceRNA network comprised 49 lncRNAs, 30 miRNAs, and 236 mRNAs. mRNAs were associated with 41 cellular components, 208 biological processes, 39 molecular functions, and 35 regulatory signaling pathways. Significant differences in the abundance of 10 immune-cell species between ASD patients and HVs were noted. Using the ceRNA network and ICI results, we constructed a diagnostic model comprising five immune cell-associated genes: adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), DiGeorge syndrome critical region 2 (DGCR2), glucose-fructose oxidoreductase structural domain gene 1 (GFOD1), glutaredoxin (GLRX), and SEC16 homolog A (SEC16A). The diagnostic performance of our model was revealed by an area under the ROC curve of 0.923. Model verification was done using the validation dataset and serum samples of patients. Conclusion: ABCA1, DGCR2, GFOD1, GLRX, and SEC16A could be diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Disabled Service Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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14
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Baruah C, Nath P, Barah P. LncRNAs in neuropsychiatric disorders and computational insights for their prediction. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11515-11534. [PMID: 36097122 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are 200 nucleotide extended transcripts that do not encode proteins or possess limited coding ability. LncRNAs epigenetically control several biological functions such as gene regulation, transcription, mRNA splicing, protein interaction, and genomic imprinting. Over the years, drastic progress in understanding the role of lncRNAs in diverse biological processes has been made. LncRNAs are reported to show tissue-specific expression patterns suggesting their potential as novel candidate biomarkers for diseases. Among all other non-coding RNAs, lncRNAs are highly expressed within the brain-enriched or brain-specific regions of the neural tissues. They are abundantly expressed in the neocortex and pre-mature frontal regions of the brain. LncRNAs are co-expressed with the protein-coding genes and have a significant role in the evolution of functions of the brain. Any deregulation in the lncRNAs contributes to disruptions in normal brain functions resulting in multiple neurological disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety are associated with the abnormal expression and regulation of lncRNAs. This review aims to highlight the understanding of lncRNAs concerning normal brain functions and their deregulation associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We have also provided a survey on the available computational tools for the prediction of lncRNAs, their protein coding potentials, and sub-cellular locations, along with a section on existing online databases with known lncRNAs, and their interactions with other molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinmoyee Baruah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, 784028, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam, India
| | - Prangan Nath
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, 784028, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam, India
| | - Pankaj Barah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, 784028, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam, India.
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15
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McAfee JC, Bell JL, Krupa O, Matoba N, Stein JL, Won H. Focus on your locus with a massively parallel reporter assay. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:50. [PMID: 36085003 PMCID: PMC9463819 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09461-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of variants associated with risk for neurodevelopmental disorders have been identified by genome-wide association and whole genome sequencing studies. As common risk variants often fall within large haplotype blocks covering long stretches of the noncoding genome, the causal variants within an associated locus are often unknown. Similarly, the effect of rare noncoding risk variants identified by whole genome sequencing on molecular traits is seldom known without functional assays. A massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) is an assay that can functionally validate thousands of regulatory elements simultaneously using high-throughput sequencing and barcode technology. MPRA has been adapted to various experimental designs that measure gene regulatory effects of genetic variants within cis- and trans-regulatory elements as well as posttranscriptional processes. This review discusses different MPRA designs that have been or could be used in the future to experimentally validate genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Though MPRA has limitations such as it does not model genomic context, this assay can help narrow down the underlying genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders by screening thousands of sequences in one experiment. We conclude by describing future directions of this technique such as applications of MPRA for gene-by-environment interactions and pharmacogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. McAfee
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Jessica L. Bell
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Oleh Krupa
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Nana Matoba
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Jason L. Stein
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Hyejung Won
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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16
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Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhang D, Yang Q, Hu P, Li F. LncRNA MEG3 activates CDH2 expression by recruitment of EP300 in valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder. Neurosci Lett 2022; 783:136726. [PMID: 35697159 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
LncRNAs partake in the biological processes contributing to development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) on viability and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons from ASD rats. Rats with ASD were induced using valproic acid (VPA) with normal saline (NS) as control. We performed microarray analysis on hippocampal tissues of NS rats and ASD rats to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs. MEG3 loss in rats alleviated the impairment of learning and memory abilities induced by VPA, and promoted neuronal viability and inhibited apoptosis. MEG3 could recruit the transcription factor E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) in the nucleus and promote the cadherin 2 (CDH2) expression. CDH2 depletion in rats ameliorated the impairment of learning and memory capacities in ASD rats. After upregulation of CDH2 in neurons with sh-MEG3, we found diminished viability and increased apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of ASD rats. Taken together, MEG3 supports activation of CDH2 via EP300, thus repressing the viability of hippocampal neurons. Therefore, MEG3 upregulation may be partially responsible for the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Zhenfang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Dingxiang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Qinghua Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Pengjuan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030025, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030013, Shanxi, PR China.
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17
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Mechanisms and functions of long noncoding RNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 235:153959. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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18
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The Role of Genetics, Epigenetics, and the Environment in ASD: A Mini Review. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6020015. [PMID: 35735472 PMCID: PMC9222497 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
According to recent findings, variances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk factors might be determined by several factors, including molecular genetic variants. Accumulated evidence has also revealed the important role of biological and chemical pathways in ASD aetiology. In this paper, we assess several reviews with regard to their quality of evidence and provide a brief outline of the presumed mechanisms of the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors of ASD. We also review some of the critical literature, which supports the basis of each factor in the underlying and specific risk patterns of ASD. Finally, we consider some of the implications of recent research regarding potential molecular targets for future investigations.
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The Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Intellectual Disability and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116118. [PMID: 35682796 PMCID: PMC9181295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116118] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human brain, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed in an exquisitely temporally and spatially regulated manner, thus suggesting their contribution to normal brain development and their probable involvement in the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Bypassing the classic protein-centric conception of disease mechanisms, some studies have been conducted to identify and characterize the putative roles of non-coding sequences in the genetic pathogenesis and diagnosis of complex diseases. However, their involvement in NDD, and more specifically in intellectual disability (ID), is still poorly documented and only a few genomic alterations affecting the lncRNAs function and/or expression have been causally linked to the disease endophenotype. Considering that a significant fraction of patients still lacks a genetic or molecular explanation, we expect that a deeper investigation of the non-coding genome will unravel novel pathogenic mechanisms, opening new translational opportunities. Here, we present evidence of the possible involvement of many lncRNAs in the etiology of different forms of ID and NDD, grouping the candidate disease-genes in the most frequently affected cellular processes in which ID-risk genes were previously collected. We also illustrate new approaches for the identification and prioritization of NDD-risk lncRNAs, together with the current strategies to exploit them in diagnosis.
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20
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Liu Z, Wang J, Xu Q, Wu Z, You L, Hong Q, Zhu J, Chi X. Vitamin A supplementation ameliorates prenatal valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviors in rats. Neurotoxicology 2022; 91:155-165. [PMID: 35594946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is reported to induce ASD in human and ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Unfortunately, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear. METHODS Pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA on E12.5 to construct the ASD rat model in offspring. The different expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA profiles in the hippocampus were determined by RNA sequencing to investigate potential mechanisms of VPA-induced ASD. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to predict the function of dysregulated lncRNAs. Co-expression network and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis were conducted to validate the potential regulatory lncRNA-mRNA network. RESULTS VPA increased the total distance, time spent in the central zone and self-grooming (open field test) in rats. Meanwhile, VPA induced social impairment (three-chamber sociability test) and repetitive behaviors (marble burying test). A total of 238 lncRNAs and 354 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the VPA group. In addition, the dysregulated lncRNAs were involved in neural function and developmental processes of ASD. 5 lncRNAs and 7 mRNAs were differently expressed and included in the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of 4 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs, and identified a potential regulatory network of NONRATT021475.2 (lncRNA) and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). Moreover, VPA decreased the serum vitamin A (VA) levels in offspring rats on postnatal day (PND) 21 and 49. Importantly, VA supplementation significantly restored VPA-induced autism-related behaviors and upregulation of NONRATT021475.2 and Dhh in the hippocampus of ASD rats. CONCLUSION This study not only contributed to understand the importance of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the progression of ASD, but also identified VA as a potential therapy for the condition. DATA AVAILABILITY The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author with reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Liu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Qu Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Zhenggang Wu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Lianghui You
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Qin Hong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China.
| | - Xia Chi
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China.
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21
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Gupta C, Chandrashekar P, Jin T, He C, Khullar S, Chang Q, Wang D. Bringing machine learning to research on intellectual and developmental disabilities: taking inspiration from neurological diseases. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:28. [PMID: 35501679 PMCID: PMC9059371 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09438-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs), such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder, usually manifest at birth or early childhood. IDDs are characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning, and both genetic and environmental factors underpin IDD biology. Molecular and genetic stratification of IDDs remain challenging mainly due to overlapping factors and comorbidity. Advances in high throughput sequencing, imaging, and tools to record behavioral data at scale have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular, cellular, structural, and environmental basis of some IDDs. Fueled by the "big data" revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies have brought a whole new paradigm shift in computational biology. Evidently, the ML-driven approach to clinical diagnoses has the potential to augment classical methods that use symptoms and external observations, hoping to push the personalized treatment plan forward. Therefore, integrative analyses and applications of ML technology have a direct bearing on discoveries in IDDs. The application of ML to IDDs can potentially improve screening and early diagnosis, advance our understanding of the complexity of comorbidity, and accelerate the identification of biomarkers for clinical research and drug development. For more than five decades, the IDDRC network has supported a nexus of investigators at centers across the USA, all striving to understand the interplay between various factors underlying IDDs. In this review, we introduced fast-increasing multi-modal data types, highlighted example studies that employed ML technologies to illuminate factors and biological mechanisms underlying IDDs, as well as recent advances in ML technologies and their applications to IDDs and other neurological diseases. We discussed various molecular, clinical, and environmental data collection modes, including genetic, imaging, phenotypical, and behavioral data types, along with multiple repositories that store and share such data. Furthermore, we outlined some fundamental concepts of machine learning algorithms and presented our opinion on specific gaps that will need to be filled to accomplish, for example, reliable implementation of ML-based diagnosis technology in IDD clinics. We anticipate that this review will guide researchers to formulate AI and ML-based approaches to investigate IDDs and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Gupta
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Pramod Chandrashekar
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Ting Jin
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Chenfeng He
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Saniya Khullar
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Qiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA. .,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA. .,Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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22
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Zarantonello G, Arnoldi M, Filosi M, Tebaldi T, Spirito G, Barbieri A, Gustincich S, Sanges R, Domenici E, Di Leva F, Biagioli M. Natural SINEUP RNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorders: RAB11B-AS1 Dysregulation in a Neuronal CHD8 Suppression Model Leads to RAB11B Protein Increase. Front Genet 2021; 12:745229. [PMID: 34880900 PMCID: PMC8647803 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.745229] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD8 represents one of the highest confidence genetic risk factors implied in Autism Spectrum Disorders, with most mutations leading to CHD8 haploinsufficiency and the insurgence of specific phenotypes, such as macrocephaly, facial dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, and gastrointestinal complaints. While extensive studies have been conducted on the possible consequences of CHD8 suppression and protein coding RNAs dysregulation during neuronal development, the effects of transcriptional changes of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) remain unclear. In this study, we focused on a peculiar class of natural antisense lncRNAs, SINEUPs, that enhance translation of a target mRNA through the activity of two RNA domains, an embedded transposable element sequence and an antisense region. By looking at dysregulated transcripts following CHD8 knock down (KD), we first identified RAB11B-AS1 as a potential SINEUP RNA for its domain configuration. Then we demonstrated that such lncRNA is able to increase endogenous RAB11B protein amounts without affecting its transcriptional levels. RAB11B has a pivotal role in vesicular trafficking, and mutations on this gene correlate with intellectual disability and microcephaly. Thus, our study discloses an additional layer of molecular regulation which is altered by CHD8 suppression. This represents the first experimental confirmation that naturally occurring SINEUP could be involved in ASD pathogenesis and underscores the importance of dysregulation of functional lncRNAs in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zarantonello
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Arnoldi
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Filosi
- Laboratory of Neurogenomic Biomarkers, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Toma Tebaldi
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.,Laboratory of RNA and Disease Data Science, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Spirito
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Area of Neuroscience, International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.,Central RNA Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Barbieri
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central RNA Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Area of Neuroscience, International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.,Central RNA Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Laboratory of Neurogenomic Biomarkers, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Fondazione The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Rovereto, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Leva
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marta Biagioli
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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23
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Taheri M, Honarmand Tamizkar K, Omrani S, Arsang-Jang S, Ghafouri-Fard S, Omrani MD. MEG3 lncRNA is over-expressed in autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:2235-2242. [PMID: 34115273 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00764-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a group of regulatory transcripts which partake in the biological processes leading to development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We measured circulatory levels of MEG3, GAS5, CYTOR, UCA1 lncRNAs and CRYBG3 gene in children with ASD and controls. Expression of MEG3 was remarkably higher in children with ASD when compared with controls (Posterior Beta = 2.919, SE = 0.51, P value < 0.0001). This difference was significant among male subgroups (Posterior Beta = 2.913, SE = 0.56, P value < 0.0001) as well as female subgroups (95% CrI for Beta = [0.29, 2.4], SE = 0.53, P value < 0.0001). Expression levels of other lncRNAs or CRYBG3 were not different between children with ASD and controls. Among children with ASD, the most robust correlations were found between GAS5/CYTOR, CYTOR/UCA1 and GAS5/UCA1 with correlation coefficients of 0.83, 0.83 and 0.73, respectively. Among controls, GAS5/UCA1, MEG3/UCA1 and GAS5/MEG3 pairs had the highest correlation coefficients (0.89, 0.84 and 0.80, respectively). ROC curve analysis revealed that MEG3 can distinguish children with ASD from controls with diagnostic power of 0.792 (P value < 0.0001). This value was higher among male subgroups (AUC = 0.84, P value < 0.0001) compared with female subgroups (AUC = 0.727, P value = 0.0727). The current research highlights the role of MEG3 in ASD and provides clues for depiction of an lncRNA network with possible contribution in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taheri
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shaghayegh Omrani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Loke YJ, Muggli E, Saffery R, Ryan J, Lewis S, Elliott EJ, Halliday J, Craig JM. Sex- and tissue-specific effects of binge-level prenatal alcohol consumption on DNA methylation at birth. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1921-1938. [PMID: 34841896 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Binge-level prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes developmental abnormalities, which may be mediated in part by epigenetic mechanisms. Despite this, few studies have characterised the association of binge PAE with DNA methylation in offspring. Methods: We investigated the association between binge PAE and genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in a sex-specific manner in neonatal buccal and placental samples. Results: We identified no differentially methylated CpGs or differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at false discovery rate <0.05. However, using a sum-of-ranks approach, we identified a DMR in each tissue of female offspring. The DMR identified in buccal samples is located near regions with previously-reported associations to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and binge PAE. Conclusion: Our findings warrant further replication and highlight a potential epigenetic link between binge PAE and FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuk Jing Loke
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Evelyne Muggli
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health, Monash University, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, NSW, 2045, Australia
| | - Jane Halliday
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,The Institute of Mental & Physical Health & Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Victoria, 3220, Australia
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25
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Li D, Xu J, Yang MQ. Gene Regulation Analysis Reveals Perturbations of Autism Spectrum Disorder during Neural System Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121901. [PMID: 34946850 PMCID: PMC8700980 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impedes patients' cognition, social, speech and communication skills. ASD is highly heterogeneous with a variety of etiologies and clinical manifestations. The prevalence rate of ASD increased steadily in recent years. Presently, molecular mechanisms underlying ASD occurrence and development remain to be elucidated. Here, we integrated multi-layer genomics data to investigate the transcriptome and pathway dysregulations in ASD development. The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) expression profiles of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neuron cells from ASD and normal samples were compared in our study. We found that substantially more genes were differentially expressed in the NPCs than the iPSCs. Consistently, gene set variation analysis revealed that the activity of the known ASD pathways in NPCs and neural cells were significantly different from the iPSCs, suggesting that ASD occurred at the early stage of neural system development. We further constructed comprehensive brain- and neural-specific regulatory networks by incorporating transcription factor (TF) and gene interactions with long 5 non-coding RNA(lncRNA) and protein interactions. We then overlaid the transcriptomes of different cell types on the regulatory networks to infer the regulatory cascades. The variations of the regulatory cascades between ASD and normal samples uncovered a set of novel disease-associated genes and gene interactions, particularly highlighting the functional roles of ELF3 and the interaction between STAT1 and lncRNA ELF3-AS 1 in the disease development. These new findings extend our understanding of ASD and offer putative new therapeutic targets for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA;
| | - Joshua Xu
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA;
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (M.Q.Y.)
| | - Mary Qu Yang
- MidSouth Bioinformatics Center, Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program of University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (M.Q.Y.)
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26
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Noroozi R, Brand S, Hussen BM, Eghtedarian R, Taheri M, Ebrahimzadeh K. Emerging Role of Non-coding RNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 72:201-216. [PMID: 34767189 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) embrace a diverse set of neurodevelopmental diseases with a multifaceted genetic basis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are among putative loci with critical participation in the development of ASD. Expression of some lncRNAs, namely RP11-466P24.2, SYP-AS1, STXBP5-AS1, and IFNG-AS1 has been decreased in ASD, while AK128569, CTD-2516F10.2, MSNP1AS, RPS10P2-AS1, LINC00693, LINC00689, NEAT1, TUG1, and Shank2-AS lncRNAs have been over-expressed in ASD. Expression of several miRNAs which are implicated in the immunological developmental, immune responses, and protein synthesis as well as those participating in the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and EGFR signaling pathways is dysregulated in the context of ASD. In the present article, we describe investigations which appraised the role of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs in the pathobiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvan Noroozi
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Serge Brand
- Psychiatric Clinics, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Reyhane Eghtedarian
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Kaveh Ebrahimzadeh
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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27
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Reichard J, Zimmer-Bensch G. The Epigenome in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:776809. [PMID: 34803599 PMCID: PMC8595945 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.776809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental diseases (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, are characterized by diverse facets of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, differing in etiology, onset and severity. Such symptoms include mental delay, cognitive and language impairments, or restrictions to adaptive and social behavior. Nevertheless, all have in common that critical milestones of brain development are disrupted, leading to functional deficits of the central nervous system and clinical manifestation in child- or adulthood. To approach how the different development-associated neuropathologies can occur and which risk factors or critical processes are involved in provoking higher susceptibility for such diseases, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying proper brain formation is required. NDDs rely on deficits in neuronal identity, proportion or function, whereby a defective development of the cerebral cortex, the seat of higher cognitive functions, is implicated in numerous disorders. Such deficits can be provoked by genetic and environmental factors during corticogenesis. Thereby, epigenetic mechanisms can act as an interface between external stimuli and the genome, since they are known to be responsive to external stimuli also in cortical neurons. In line with that, DNA methylation, histone modifications/variants, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, as well as regulatory non-coding RNAs regulate diverse aspects of neuronal development, and alterations in epigenomic marks have been associated with NDDs of varying phenotypes. Here, we provide an overview of essential steps of mammalian corticogenesis, and discuss the role of epigenetic mechanisms assumed to contribute to pathophysiological aspects of NDDs, when being disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reichard
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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28
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Havdahl A, Niarchou M, Starnawska A, Uddin M, van der Merwe C, Warrier V. Genetic contributions to autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2260-2273. [PMID: 33634770 PMCID: PMC8477228 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by early childhood-onset impairments in communication and social interaction alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. This review summarizes recent developments in human genetics research in autism, complemented by epigenetic and transcriptomic findings. The clinical heterogeneity of autism is mirrored by a complex genetic architecture involving several types of common and rare variants, ranging from point mutations to large copy number variants, and either inherited or spontaneous (de novo). More than 100 risk genes have been implicated by rare, often de novo, potentially damaging mutations in highly constrained genes. These account for substantial individual risk but a small proportion of the population risk. In contrast, most of the genetic risk is attributable to common inherited variants acting en masse, each individually with small effects. Studies have identified a handful of robustly associated common variants. Different risk genes converge on the same mechanisms, such as gene regulation and synaptic connectivity. These mechanisms are also implicated by genes that are epigenetically and transcriptionally dysregulated in autism. Major challenges to understanding the biological mechanisms include substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, large locus heterogeneity, variable penetrance, and widespread pleiotropy. Considerable increases in sample sizes are needed to better understand the hundreds or thousands of common and rare genetic variants involved. Future research should integrate common and rare variant research, multi-omics data including genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics, and refined phenotype assessment with multidimensional and longitudinal measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Havdahl
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M. Niarchou
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, USA
| | - A. Starnawska
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Center for Genomics for Personalized Medicine, CGPM, and Center for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M. Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - C. van der Merwe
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, MA, USA
| | - V. Warrier
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
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29
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Bhattacharyya N, Pandey V, Bhattacharyya M, Dey A. Regulatory role of long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in neurological disorders: From novel biomarkers to promising therapeutic strategies. Asian J Pharm Sci 2021; 16:533-550. [PMID: 34849161 PMCID: PMC8609388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein or low-protein coding transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides. They representing a large share of the cell's transcriptional output, demonstrate functional attributes viz. tissue-specific expression, determination of cell fate, controlled expression, RNA processing and editing, dosage compensation, genomic imprinting, conserved evolutionary traits etc. These long non coding variants are well associated with pathogenicity of various diseases including the neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease etc. Neurological disorders are widespread and there knowing the underlying mechanisms become crucial. The lncRNAs take part in the pathogenesis by a plethora of mechanisms like decoy, scaffold, mi-RNA sequestrator, histone modifiers and in transcriptional interference. Detailed knowledge of the role of lncRNAs can help to use them further as novel biomarkers for therapeutic aspects. Here, in this review we discuss regulation and functional roles of lncRNAs in eight neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders, and the mechanisms by which they act. With these, we try to establish their roles as potential markers and viable diagnostic tools in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vedansh Pandey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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30
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Gill PS, Clothier JL, Veerapandiyan A, Dweep H, Porter-Gill PA, Schaefer GB. Molecular Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:848. [PMID: 34575625 PMCID: PMC8466026 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comprises a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders with a strong heritable genetic component. At present, ASD is diagnosed solely by behavioral criteria. Advances in genomic analysis have contributed to numerous candidate genes for the risk of ASD, where rare mutations and s common variants contribute to its susceptibility. Moreover, studies show rare de novo variants, copy number variation and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) also impact neurodevelopment signaling. Exploration of rare and common variants involved in common dysregulated pathways can provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ASD. Contributions of current innovative molecular strategies to understand etiology of ASD will be explored which are focused on whole exome sequencing (WES), whole genome sequencing (WGS), microRNA, long non-coding RNAs and CRISPR/Cas9 models. Some promising areas of pharmacogenomic and endophenotype directed therapies as novel personalized treatment and prevention will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritmohinder S. Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, 13 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
| | - Jeffery L. Clothier
- Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
- Pediatric Neurology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
| | - Harsh Dweep
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | | | - G. Bradley Schaefer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
- Genetics and Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital NW, Springdale, AR 72762, USA
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31
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Zhan J, Wang S, Wei X, Feng M, Yin X, Yu J, Han T, Liu G, Xuan W, Wang X, Xie R, Sun K, Zhu L. Systematic analysis of Long non-coding RNAs reveals diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic drugs for intervertebral disc degeneration. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5069-5084. [PMID: 34402383 PMCID: PMC8806434 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1950258] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to a variety of human diseases. However, little is known about the role of lncRNA in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). LncRNA expression profile of human IDD were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Potential biomarkers and therapeutic drugs for IDD were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), R software package Limma, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We identified 1455 differentially expressed genes and 423 differentially expressed lncRNAs. Twenty-six co-expression modules were obtained, among them, the tan, brown, and turquoise modules were most closely related to IDD. The turquoise module contained a large number of differential expressed lncRNAs and genes, these genes were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway. Furthermore, we obtained 11,857 LmiRM-Degenerated, these lncRNAs and genes showed higher differential expression multiples and higher expression correlation. After constructing a disease-gene interaction network, 25 disease-specific genes and 9 disease-specific lncRNAs were identified. Combined with the drug-target gene interaction network, three drugs, namely, Calcium citrate, Calcium Phosphate, and Calcium phosphate dihydrate, which may have curative effects on IDD, were determined. Finally, a genetic diagnosis model and lncRNA diagnosis model with 100% diagnostic performance in both the training data set and the validation data set were established based on these genes and lncRNA. This study provided new diagnostic features for IDD and could help design personalized treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Zhan
- General Orthopedic, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shangquan Wang
- General Orthopedic, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wei
- Scientific Research, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minshan Feng
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xunlu Yin
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Han
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wangwen Xuan
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Orthopedic, Tianjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liguo Zhu
- Spine Department2, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Fetit R, Hillary RF, Price DJ, Lawrie SM. The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:35-62. [PMID: 34273379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
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33
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Aliperti V, Skonieczna J, Cerase A. Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Roles in Cell Biology, Neurodevelopment and Neurological Disorders. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:36. [PMID: 34204536 PMCID: PMC8293397 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is a complex process regulated both by genetic and epigenetic and environmental clues. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in several tissues including the brain. Altered expression of lncRNAs has been linked to several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. The identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are deregulated or mutated in neurodevelopmental and mental health diseases are fundamental to understanding the complex transcriptional processes in brain function. Crucially, lncRNAs can be exploited as a novel target for treating neurological disorders. In our review, we first summarize the recent advances in our understanding of lncRNA functions in the context of cell biology and then discussing their association with selected neuronal development and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Aliperti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Justyna Skonieczna
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
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34
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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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Sas-Nowosielska H, Magalska A. Long Noncoding RNAs-Crucial Players Organizing the Landscape of the Neuronal Nucleus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073478. [PMID: 33801737 PMCID: PMC8037058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate chromatin organization is particularly important in neurons, which dynamically respond to external stimuli. Accumulating evidence shows that lncRNAs play important architectural roles in organizing different nuclear domains like inactive chromosome X, splicing speckles, paraspeckles, and Gomafu nuclear bodies. LncRNAs are abundantly expressed in the nervous system where they may play important roles in compartmentalization of the cell nucleus. In this review we will describe the architectural role of lncRNAs in the nuclei of neuronal cells.
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Barros II, Leão V, Santis JO, Rosa RCA, Brotto DB, Storti CB, Siena ÁDD, Molfetta GA, Silva WA. Non-Syndromic Intellectual Disability and Its Pathways: A Long Noncoding RNA Perspective. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:ncrna7010022. [PMID: 33799572 PMCID: PMC8005948 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7010022] [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: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-syndromic intellectual disability (NS-ID or idiopathic) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that represents a global health issue. Although many efforts have been made to characterize it and distinguish it from syndromic intellectual disability (S-ID), the highly heterogeneous aspect of this disorder makes it difficult to understand its etiology. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a large group of transcripts that can act through various mechanisms and be involved in important neurodevelopmental processes. In this sense, comprehending the roles they play in this intricate context is a valuable way of getting new insights about how NS-ID can arise and develop. In this review, we attempt to bring together knowledge available in the literature about lncRNAs involved with molecular and cellular pathways already described in intellectual disability and neural function, to better understand their relevance in NS-ID and the regulatory complexity of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela I. Barros
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Vitor Leão
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Jessica O. Santis
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Reginaldo C. A. Rosa
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Danielle B. Brotto
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Camila B. Storti
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Ádamo D. D. Siena
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Greice A. Molfetta
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
| | - Wilson A. Silva
- Department of Genetics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.I.B.); (V.L.); (J.O.S.); (R.C.A.R.); (D.B.B.); (C.B.S.); (Á.D.D.S.); (G.A.M.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy and Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Rua Tenente Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14051-140, Brazil
- Center for Integrative Systems Biology-CISBi, NAP/USP, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Rua Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14051-140, Brazil
- Department of Medicine at the Midwest State University of Paraná-UNICENTRO, and Guarapuava Institute for Cancer Research, Rua Fortim Atalaia, 1900, Cidade dos Lagos, Guarapuava 85100-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-3293
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Rontani P, Perche O, Greetham L, Jullien N, Gepner B, Féron F, Nivet E, Erard-Garcia M. Impaired expression of the COSMOC/MOCOS gene unit in ASD patient stem cells. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1606-1618. [PMID: 32327736 PMCID: PMC8159765 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0728-2] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders with a very large number of risk loci detected in the genome. However, at best, each of them explains rare cases, the majority being idiopathic. Genomic data on ASD derive mostly from post-mortem brain analyses or cell lines derived from blood or patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCS). Therefore, the transcriptional and regulatory architecture of the nervous system, particularly during early developmental periods, remains highly incomplete. To access the critical disturbances that may have occurred during pregnancy or early childhood, we recently isolated stem cells from the nasal cavity of anesthetized patients diagnosed for ASD and compared them to stem cells from gender-matched control individuals without neuropsychiatric disorders. This allowed us to discover MOCOS, a non-mutated molybdenum cofactor sulfurase-coding gene that was under-expressed in the stem cells of most ASD patients of our cohort, disturbing redox homeostasis and synaptogenesis. We now report that a divergent transcription upstream of MOCOS generates an antisense long noncoding RNA, to which we coined the name COSMOC. Surprisingly, COSMOC is strongly under-expressed in all ASD patients of our cohort with the exception of a patient affected by Asperger syndrome. Knockdown studies indicate that loss of COSMOC reduces MOCOS expression, destabilizes lipid and energy metabolisms of stem cells, but also affects neuronal maturation and splicing of synaptic genes. Impaired expression of the COSMOC/MOCOS bidirectional unit might shed new lights on the origins of ASD that could be of importance for future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rontani
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051 Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Perche
- grid.112485.b0000 0001 0217 6921Orléans University, CNRS, INEM, UMR 7355 Orleans, France ,Department of Genetics, Regional Hospital, Orleans, France
| | - Louise Greetham
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Jullien
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Gepner
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051 Marseille, France
| | - François Féron
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051 Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuel Nivet
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051 Marseille, France
| | - Madeleine Erard-Garcia
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INP, UMR 7051, Marseille, France. .,Orléans University, CNRS, INEM, UMR 7355, Orleans, France.
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Banerjee B, Koner D, Karasik D, Saha N. Genome-wide identification of novel long non-coding RNAs and their possible roles in hypoxic zebrafish brain. Genomics 2020; 113:29-43. [PMID: 33264657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the master regulators of numerous biological processes. Hypoxia causes oxidative stress with severe and detrimental effects on brain function and acts as a critical initiating factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). From the RNA-Seq in the forebrain (Fb), midbrain (Mb), and hindbrain (Hb) regions of hypoxic and normoxic zebrafish, we identified novel lncRNAs, whose potential cis targets showed involvement in neuronal development and differentiation pathways. Under hypoxia, several lncRNAs and mRNAs were differentially expressed. Co-expression studies indicated that the Fb and Hb regions' potential lncRNA target genes were involved in the AD pathogenesis. In contrast, those in Mb (cry1b, per1a, cipca) was responsible for regulating circadian rhythm. We identified specific lncRNAs present in the syntenic regions between zebrafish and humans, possibly functionally conserved. We thus identified several conserved lncRNAs as the probable regulators of AD genes (adrb3b, cav1, stat3, bace2, apoeb, psen1, s100b).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodhisattwa Banerjee
- Musculoskeletal Genetics Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Debaprasad Koner
- Biochemical Adaptation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India
| | - David Karasik
- Musculoskeletal Genetics Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Nirmalendu Saha
- Biochemical Adaptation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India.
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LINC00473 as an Immediate Early Gene under the Control of the EGR1 Transcription Factor. Noncoding RNA 2020; 6:ncrna6040046. [PMID: 33198374 PMCID: PMC7712511 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna6040046] [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: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immediate early genes play an essential role in cellular responses to different stimuli. Many of them are transcription factors that regulate the secondary response gene expression. Non-coding RNAs may also be involved in this regulatory cascade. In fact, they are emerging as key actors of gene expression regulation, and evidence suggests that their dysregulation may underly pathological states. We previously took a snapshot of both coding and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in neuronal cells after brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulation. Among these, the transcription factor EGR1 (a well-known immediate early gene) and LINC00473 (a primate-specific long non-coding RNA) that has emerged as an interesting RNA candidate involved in neuronal function and in cancer. In this work, we demonstrated that LINC00473 gene expression kinetics resembled that of immediate early genes in SH-SY5Y and HEK293T cells under different cell stimulation conditions. Moreover, we showed that the expression of LINC00473 is under the control of the transcription factor EGR1, providing evidence for an interesting functional relationship in neuron function.
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Wang J, Wang L. Prediction and prioritization of autism-associated long non-coding RNAs using gene expression and sequence features. BMC Bioinformatics 2020; 21:505. [PMID: 33160303 PMCID: PMC7648398 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-020-03843-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refer to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, which are genetically complex and heterogeneous with most of the genetic risk factors also found in the unaffected general population. Although all the currently known ASD risk genes code for proteins, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as essential regulators of gene expression have been implicated in ASD. Some lncRNAs show altered expression levels in autistic brains, but their roles in ASD pathogenesis are still unclear. Results In this study, we have developed a new machine learning approach to predict candidate lncRNAs associated with ASD. Particularly, the knowledge learnt from protein-coding ASD risk genes was transferred to the prediction and prioritization of ASD-associated lncRNAs. Both developmental brain gene expression data and transcript sequence were found to contain relevant information for ASD risk gene prediction. During the pre-training phase of model construction, an autoencoder network was implemented for a representation learning of the gene expression data, and a random-forest-based feature selection was applied to the transcript-sequence-derived k-mers. Our models, including logistic regression, support vector machine and random forest, showed robust performance based on tenfold cross-validations as well as candidate prioritization with hypothetical loci. We then utilized the models to predict and prioritize a list of candidate lncRNAs, including some reported to be cis-regulators of known ASD risk genes, for further investigation.
Conclusions Our results suggest that ASD risk genes can be accurately predicted using developmental brain gene expression data and transcript sequence features, and the models may provide useful information for functional characterization of the candidate lncRNAs associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Liangjiang Wang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA. .,Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
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Bai M, Ye D, Guo X, Xi J, Liu N, Wu Y, Jia W, Wang G, Chen W, Li G, Jiapaer Z, Kang J. Critical regulation of a NDIME/MEF2C axis in embryonic stem cell neural differentiation and autism. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50283. [PMID: 33016573 PMCID: PMC7645248 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A microdeletion within human chromosome 5q14.3 has been associated with the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and intellectual disability, and MEF2C haploinsufficiency was identified as main cause. Here, we report that a brain-enriched long non-coding RNA, NDIME, is located near the MEF2C locus and is required for normal neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). NDIME interacts with EZH2, the major component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and blocks EZH2-mediated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) at the Mef2c promoter, promoting MEF2C transcription. Moreover, the expression levels of both NDIME and MEF2C were strongly downregulated in the hippocampus of a mouse model of autism, and the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of NDIME in the hippocampus of these mice significantly increased MEF2C expression and ameliorated autism-like behaviors. The results of this study reveal an epigenetic mechanism by which NDIME regulates MEF2C transcription and neural differentiation and suggest potential effects and therapeutic approaches of the NDIME/MEF2C axis in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Bai
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Dan Ye
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xudong Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute for Advanced StudyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiajie Xi
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Nana Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yukang Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenwen Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Regenerative MedicineShanghai East HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guiying Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wen Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guoping Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zeyidan Jiapaer
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biology Resources and Genetic EngineeringCollege of Life Science and TechnologyXinjiang UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant HospitalShanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Tsingtao Advanced Research InstituteTongji UniversityQingdaoChina
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Interpreting the impact of noncoding structural variation in neurodevelopmental disorders. Genet Med 2020; 23:34-46. [PMID: 32973355 PMCID: PMC7790743 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-00974-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of novel sequencing technologies has greatly improved the identification of structural variation, revealing that a human genome harbors tens of thousands of structural variants (SVs). Since these SVs primarily impact noncoding DNA sequences, the next challenge is one of interpretation, not least to improve our understanding of human disease etiology. However, this task is severely complicated by the intricacy of the gene regulatory landscapes embedded within these noncoding regions, their incomplete annotation, as well as their dependence on the three-dimensional (3D) conformation of the genome. Also in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), reports of putatively causal, noncoding SVs are accumulating and understanding their impact on transcriptional regulation is presenting itself as the next step toward improved genetic diagnosis.
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Aristizabal MJ, Anreiter I, Halldorsdottir T, Odgers CL, McDade TW, Goldenberg A, Mostafavi S, Kobor MS, Binder EB, Sokolowski MB, O'Donnell KJ. Biological embedding of experience: A primer on epigenetics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:23261-23269. [PMID: 31624126 PMCID: PMC7519272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820838116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological embedding occurs when life experience alters biological processes to affect later life health and well-being. Although extensive correlative data exist supporting the notion that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation underlie biological embedding, causal data are lacking. We describe specific epigenetic mechanisms and their potential roles in the biological embedding of experience. We also consider the nuanced relationships between the genome, the epigenome, and gene expression. Our ability to connect biological embedding to the epigenetic landscape in its complexity is challenging and complicated by the influence of multiple factors. These include cell type, age, the timing of experience, sex, and DNA sequence. Recent advances in molecular profiling and epigenome editing, combined with the use of comparative animal and human longitudinal studies, should enable this field to transition from correlative to causal analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Aristizabal
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V52 4H4, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Ina Anreiter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Thorhildur Halldorsdottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Candice L Odgers
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Anna Goldenberg
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Hospital for Sick Children, Vector Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G OA4, Canada
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Statistics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V52 4H4, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada;
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada;
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
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44
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Tong Z, Zhou Y, Wang J. Identification and Functional Analysis of Long Non-coding RNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Genet 2020; 11:849. [PMID: 33193567 PMCID: PMC7525012 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors, alone or in combination, contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although many protein-coding genes have now been identified as disease risk genes for ASD, a detailed illustration of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with ASD remains elusive. In this study, we first identified ASD-related lncRNAs based on genomic variant data of individuals with ASD from a twin study. In total, 532 ASD-related lncRNAs were identified, and 86.7% of these ASD-related lncRNAs were further validated by an independent copy number variant (CNV) dataset. Then, the functions and associated biological pathways of ASD-related lncRNAs were explored by enrichment analysis of their three different types of functional neighbor genes (i.e., genomic neighbors, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) neighbors, and gene co-expression neighbors in the cortex). The results have shown that most of the functional neighbor genes of ASD-related lncRNAs were enriched in nervous system development, inflammatory responses, and transcriptional regulation. Moreover, we explored the differential functions of ASD-related lncRNAs in distinct brain regions by using gene co-expression network analysis based on tissue-specific gene expression profiles. As a set, ASD-related lncRNAs were mainly associated with nervous system development and dopaminergic synapse in the cortex, but associated with transcriptional regulation in the cerebellum. In addition, a functional network analysis was conducted for the highly reliable functional neighbor genes of ASD-related lncRNAs. We found that all the highly reliable functional neighbor genes were connected in a single functional network, which provided additional clues for the action mechanisms of ASD-related lncRNAs. Finally, we predicted several potential drugs based on the enrichment of drug-induced pathway sets in the ASD-altered biological pathway list. Among these drugs, several (e.g., amoxapine, piperine, and diflunisal) were partly supported by the previous reports. In conclusion, ASD-related lncRNAs participated in the pathogenesis of ASD through various known biological pathways, which may be differential in distinct brain regions. Detailed investigation into ASD-related lncRNAs can provide clues for developing potential ASD diagnosis biomarkers and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Tong
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
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45
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Chen X, Sun YZ, Guan NN, Qu J, Huang ZA, Zhu ZX, Li JQ. Computational models for lncRNA function prediction and functional similarity calculation. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 18:58-82. [PMID: 30247501 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/ely031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
From transcriptional noise to dark matter of biology, the rapidly changing view of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) leads to deep understanding of human complex diseases induced by abnormal expression of lncRNAs. There is urgent need to discern potential functional roles of lncRNAs for further study of pathology, diagnosis, therapy, prognosis, prevention of human complex disease and disease biomarker detection at lncRNA level. Computational models are anticipated to be an effective way to combine current related databases for predicting most potential lncRNA functions and calculating lncRNA functional similarity on the large scale. In this review, we firstly illustrated the biological function of lncRNAs from five biological processes and briefly depicted the relationship between mutations or dysfunctions of lncRNAs and human complex diseases involving cancers, nervous system disorders and others. Then, 17 publicly available lncRNA function-related databases containing four types of functional information content were introduced. Based on these databases, dozens of developed computational models are emerging to help characterize the functional roles of lncRNAs. We therefore systematically described and classified both 16 lncRNA function prediction models and 9 lncRNA functional similarity calculation models into 8 types for highlighting their core algorithm and process. Finally, we concluded with discussions about the advantages and limitations of these computational models and future directions of lncRNA function prediction and functional similarity calculation. We believe that constructing systematic functional annotation systems is essential to strengthen the prediction accuracy of computational models, which will accelerate the identification process of novel lncRNA functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Zhou Sun
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Na-Na Guan
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-An Huang
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Zhu
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Li
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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46
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New Horizons for Molecular Genetics Diagnostic and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:43-81. [PMID: 32006356 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, heterogeneous, and complex pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder (PND) characterized by distinctive abnormalities of human cognitive functions, social interaction, and speech development.Nowadays, several genetic changes including chromosome abnormalities, genetic variations, transcriptional epigenetics, and noncoding RNA have been identified in ASD. However, the association between these genetic modifications and ASDs has not been confirmed yet.The aim of this review is to summarize the key findings in ASD from genetic viewpoint that have been identified from the last few decades of genetic and molecular research.
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47
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Grassi DA, Brattås PL, Jönsson ME, Atacho D, Karlsson O, Nolbrant S, Parmar M, Jakobsson J. Profiling of lincRNAs in human pluripotent stem cell derived forebrain neural progenitor cells. Heliyon 2019; 6:e03067. [PMID: 31909251 PMCID: PMC6940631 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into many different cell types of the central nervous system. One challenge when using pluripotent stem cells is to develop robust and efficient differentiation protocols that result in homogenous cultures of the desired cell type. Here, we have utilized the SMAD-inhibitors SB431542 and Noggin in a fully defined monolayer culture model to differentiate human pluripotent cells into homogenous forebrain neural progenitors. Temporal fate analysis revealed that this protocol results in forebrain-patterned neural progenitor cells that start to express early neuronal markers after two weeks of differentiation, allowing for the analysis of gene expression changes during neurogenesis. Using this system, we were able to identify many previously uncharacterized long intergenic non-coding RNAs that display dynamic expression during human forebrain neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Grassi
- Lab of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per Ludvik Brattås
- Lab of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie E Jönsson
- Lab of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Diahann Atacho
- Lab of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ofelia Karlsson
- Lab of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Nolbrant
- Lab of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Lab of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Lab of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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48
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Gudenas BL, Wang J, Kuang SZ, Wei AQ, Cogill SB, Wang LJ. Genomic data mining for functional annotation of human long noncoding RNAs. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2019; 20:476-487. [PMID: 31090273 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1900162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Life may have begun in an RNA world, which is supported by increasing evidence of the vital role that RNAs perform in biological systems. In the human genome, most genes actually do not encode proteins; they are noncoding RNA genes. The largest class of noncoding genes is known as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are transcripts greater in length than 200 nucleotides, but with no protein-coding capacity. While some lncRNAs have been demonstrated to be key regulators of gene expression and 3D genome organization, most lncRNAs are still uncharacterized. We thus propose several data mining and machine learning approaches for the functional annotation of human lncRNAs by leveraging the vast amount of data from genetic and genomic studies. Recent results from our studies and those of other groups indicate that genomic data mining can give insights into lncRNA functions and provide valuable information for experimental studies of candidate lncRNAs associated with human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Gudenas
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Shu-Zhen Kuang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - An-Qi Wei
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Steven B Cogill
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Liang-Jiang Wang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
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49
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The importance of long non-coding RNAs in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2019; 70:127-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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50
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Namvar A, Arsang-Jang S, Komaki A, Taheri M. Expression Analysis of BDNF, BACE1, and Their Natural Occurring Antisenses in Autistic Patients. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 70:194-200. [PMID: 31760580 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a multifaceted neurological syndrome affects many aspects of neuropsychologic functions. Dysregulated expressions of several genes have been documented in ASD patients. The current project aimed at comparison of transcript levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and their natural occurring antisenses in the peripheral blood of ASD individuals (n = 50, male/female = 38/12, age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)): 6 ± 1.4, age range: 3-8) and matched healthy persons (n = 50, male/female = 37/13, age (mean ± SD): 6 ± 1.74, age range: 3-8). We demonstrated remarkable higher levels of these genes in ASD patients. BACE1 transcript levels were correlated with transcript levels of BACE1-AS in all study participants. However, BACE1 transcript levels were not correlated with participants' age. BACE1-AS and BDNF transcript levels were correlated with age in female participants. Significant correlations were detected between transcript levels of BDNF and those of other genes in all study groups. The current results render further indications for contribution of BDNF, BACE1, and their antisenses in the course of ASD and suggested expression levels of these transcripts as putative markers for this neurobehavioral disorder. Such results might be applied in clinical setting for diagnosis of complicated ASD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Namvar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Clinical Research Development Center (CRDU), Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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