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Yim G, Roberts A, Lyall K, Ascherio A, Weisskopf MG. Multigenerational association between smoking and autism spectrum disorder: findings from a nationwide prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:1115-1126. [PMID: 38583942 PMCID: PMC11299032 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy can induce neurobehavioral anomalies in multiple subsequent generations. However, little work has examined such effects in humans. We examined the risk of grandchild autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in association with grandmother's smoking during pregnancy, using data from 53 562 mothers and grandmothers and 120 267 grandchildren in Nurses' Health Study II. In 1999, Nurses' Health Study II participants with children reported on their mothers' smoking. Grandchildren's ASD diagnoses were reported by the mothers in 2005 and 2009. Among grandmothers, 13 383 (25.0%) smoked during pregnancy, and 509 (0.4%) grandchildren were diagnosed with ASD. The adjusted odds ratio for ASD for grandmother smoking during pregnancy was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.06-2.20). Results were similar with direct grandmother reporting in 2001 of her smoking during pregnancy from the Nurses' Mothers Cohort Study subgroup (n = 22 167 grandmothers, n = 49 917 grandchildren) and were stronger among grandmothers who smoked ≥15 cigarettes per day during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 1.93 [95% CI, 1.10-3.40]; n = 1895 grandmothers, n = 4212 grandchildren). Results were similar when we adjusted for mother's smoking during pregnancy. There was no association with grandfather's smoking as reported by the grandmother. Our results suggest a potential persistent impact of gestational exposure to environmental insults across 3 generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeyoon Yim
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Andrea Roberts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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2
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Sultana OF, Bandaru M, Islam MA, Reddy PH. Unraveling the complexity of human brain: Structure, function in healthy and disease states. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102414. [PMID: 39002647 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102414] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The human brain stands as an intricate organ, embodying a nexus of structure, function, development, and diversity. This review delves into the multifaceted landscape of the brain, spanning its anatomical intricacies, diverse functional capacities, dynamic developmental trajectories, and inherent variability across individuals. The dynamic process of brain development, from early embryonic stages to adulthood, highlights the nuanced changes that occur throughout the lifespan. The brain, a remarkably complex organ, is composed of various anatomical regions, each contributing uniquely to its overall functionality. Through an exploration of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and electrophysiology, this review elucidates how different brain structures interact to support a wide array of cognitive processes, sensory perception, motor control, and emotional regulation. Moreover, it addresses the impact of age, sex, and ethnic background on brain structure and function, and gender differences profoundly influence the onset, progression, and manifestation of brain disorders shaped by genetic, hormonal, environmental, and social factors. Delving into the complexities of the human brain, it investigates how variations in anatomical configuration correspond to diverse functional capacities across individuals. Furthermore, it examines the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on the structural and functional integrity of the brain. Specifically, our article explores the pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, shedding light on the structural alterations and functional impairments that accompany these conditions. We will also explore the current research trends in neurodegenerative diseases and identify the existing gaps in the literature. Overall, this article deepens our understanding of the fundamental principles governing brain structure and function and paves the way for a deeper understanding of individual differences and tailored approaches in neuroscience and clinical practice-additionally, a comprehensive understanding of structural and functional changes that manifest in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omme Fatema Sultana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Madhuri Bandaru
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Md Ariful Islam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA 5. Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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3
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Hart DA. The Heterogeneity of Post-Menopausal Disease Risk: Could the Basis for Why Only Subsets of Females Are Affected Be Due to a Reversible Epigenetic Modification System Associated with Puberty, Menstrual Cycles, Pregnancy and Lactation, and, Ultimately, Menopause? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3866. [PMID: 38612676 PMCID: PMC11011715 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073866] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
For much of human evolution, the average lifespan was <40 years, due in part to disease, infant mortality, predators, food insecurity, and, for females, complications of childbirth. Thus, for much of evolution, many females did not reach the age of menopause (45-50 years of age) and it is mainly in the past several hundred years that the lifespan has been extended to >75 years, primarily due to public health advances, medical interventions, antibiotics, and nutrition. Therefore, the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for disease risk following menopause must have evolved during the complex processes leading to Homo sapiens to serve functions in the pre-menopausal state. Furthermore, as a primary function for the survival of the species is effective reproduction, it is likely that most of the advantages of having such post-menopausal risks relate to reproduction and the ability to address environmental stresses. This opinion/perspective will be discussed in the context of how such post-menopausal risks could enhance reproduction, with improved survival of offspring, and perhaps why such risks are preserved. Not all post-menopausal females exhibit risk for this set of diseases, and those who do develop such diseases do not have all of the conditions. The diseases of the post-menopausal state do not operate as a unified complex, but as independent variables, with the potential for some overlap. The how and why there would be such heterogeneity if the risk factors serve essential functions during the reproductive years is also discussed and the concept of sets of reversible epigenetic changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and lactation is offered to explain the observations regarding the distribution of post-menopausal conditions and their potential roles in reproduction. While the involvement of an epigenetic system with a dynamic "modification-demodification-remodification" paradigm contributing to disease risk is a hypothesis at this point, validation of it could lead to a better understanding of post-menopausal disease risk in the context of reproduction with commonalities may also lead to future improved interventions to control such risk after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hart
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Kinesiology, and McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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4
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Geleta U, Prajapati P, Bachstetter A, Nelson PT, Wang WX. Sex-Biased Expression and Response of microRNAs in Neurological Diseases and Neurotrauma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2648. [PMID: 38473893 PMCID: PMC10931569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases and neurotrauma manifest significant sex differences in prevalence, progression, outcome, and therapeutic responses. Genetic predisposition, sex hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among many physiological and pathological factors that impact the sex disparity in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a powerful class of gene expression regulator that are extensively involved in mediating biological pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the sex dimorphism observed in various human diseases, including neurological diseases. Understanding the sex differences in miRNA expression and response is believed to have important implications for assessing the risk of neurological disease, defining therapeutic intervention strategies, and advancing both basic research and clinical investigations. However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which miRNAs contribute to the sex disparities observed in various neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge related to the sexual dimorphism in miRNAs in neurological diseases and neurotrauma research. We also discuss how sex chromosomes may contribute to the miRNA sexual dimorphism phenomenon. We attempt to emphasize the significance of sexual dimorphism in miRNA biology in human diseases and to advocate a gender/sex-balanced science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urim Geleta
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Paresh Prajapati
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Adam Bachstetter
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peter T. Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Wang-Xia Wang
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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5
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Xiao F, Caciagli L, Wandschneider B, Sone D, Young AL, Vos SB, Winston GP, Zhang Y, Liu W, An D, Kanber B, Zhou D, Sander JW, Thom M, Duncan JS, Alexander DC, Galovic M, Koepp MJ. Identification of different MRI atrophy progression trajectories in epilepsy by subtype and stage inference. Brain 2023; 146:4702-4716. [PMID: 37807084 PMCID: PMC10629797 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools are widely employed, but their use for diagnosis and prognosis of neurological disorders is still evolving. Here we analyse a cross-sectional multicentre structural MRI dataset of 696 people with epilepsy and 118 control subjects. We use an innovative machine-learning algorithm, Subtype and Stage Inference, to develop a novel data-driven disease taxonomy, whereby epilepsy subtypes correspond to distinct patterns of spatiotemporal progression of brain atrophy.In a discovery cohort of 814 individuals, we identify two subtypes common to focal and idiopathic generalized epilepsies, characterized by progression of grey matter atrophy driven by the cortex or the basal ganglia. A third subtype, only detected in focal epilepsies, was characterized by hippocampal atrophy. We corroborate external validity via an independent cohort of 254 people and confirm that the basal ganglia subtype is associated with the most severe epilepsy.Our findings suggest fundamental processes underlying the progression of epilepsy-related brain atrophy. We deliver a novel MRI- and AI-guided epilepsy taxonomy, which could be used for individualized prognostics and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglai Xiao
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lorenzo Caciagli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy-Center, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Wandschneider
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Daichi Sone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Alexandra L Young
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Departments of Computer Science, Medical Physics, and Biomedical Engineering, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sjoerd B Vos
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Departments of Computer Science, Medical Physics, and Biomedical Engineering, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation, and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Gavin P Winston
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Queen’s University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Dongmei An
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Baris Kanber
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Departments of Computer Science, Medical Physics, and Biomedical Engineering, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland – (SEIN), Heemstede, 2103SW, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Thom
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - John S Duncan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Departments of Computer Science, Medical Physics, and Biomedical Engineering, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Marian Galovic
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Matthias J Koepp
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL-Epilepsy Society MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ, UK
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6
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Willekens J, Mosca P, Burt-Oberecken N, Laugeais E, Kaoma T, Bernardin F, Vallar L, Dimofski P, Renaud M, Lambert L, Leheup B, Guéant JL, Leininger-Muller B, Dreumont N. Cross-Talk between miRNAs from the Dlk1-Dio3 Locus and Histone Methylation to Protect Male Cerebellum from Methyl Donor Deficiency. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2300040. [PMID: 37672803 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Disruption of the one carbon metabolism during development, i.e., following a gestational vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies, is involved in birth defects and brain development delay. Using a rat nutritional model, consisting of pups born to dams fed a vitamin B9 and B12 deficient diet (MDD), the study previously reports molecular and cellular alterations in the brain, in a sex dependent manner, with females being more affected than males. The study hypothesizes that epigenetic modifications could participate in the sex differences is observed. METHODS AND RESULTS The study investigates lysine methylation of histones and expression of microRNAs in the cerebellum of MDD male and female pups. The study reports a differential regulation of H3K36Me2 and H4K20Me3 between males and females, in response to MDD. Moreover, distinct regulation of Kmt5b and Kdm2a expression by miR-134-5p and miR-369-5p from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus, contributes to the maintenance of expression of genes involved in synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION These results could explain the neuroprotection to MDD that male pups display. The work will contribute to the understanding of the consequences of vitamin starvation on brain development, as well as how the epigenome is affected by one carbon metabolism disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Willekens
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, Nancy, F-54000, France
- CINJ, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Pauline Mosca
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | | | - Edgar Laugeais
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Tony Kaoma
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Bioinformatics Platform, 1 A-B, Luxembourg, L-1445, Luxembourg
| | - François Bernardin
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, L-1210, Luxembourg
| | - Laurent Vallar
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Bioinformatics Platform, 1 A-B, Luxembourg, L-1445, Luxembourg
| | | | - Mathilde Renaud
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, Nancy, F-54000, France
- CHRU Nancy, Hôpital d'enfants, Service de Génétique Clinique, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Laetitia Lambert
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, Nancy, F-54000, France
- CHRU Nancy, Hôpital d'enfants, Service de Génétique Clinique, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Bruno Leheup
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, Nancy, F-54000, France
- CHRU Nancy, Hôpital d'enfants, Service de Génétique Clinique, Nancy, F-54000, France
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7
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Zhou J, Xia Y, Li M, Chen Y, Dai J, Liu C, Chen C. A higher dysregulation burden of brain DNA methylation in female patients implicated in the sex bias of Schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4842-4852. [PMID: 37696874 PMCID: PMC10925554 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02243-4] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences are pervasive in schizophrenia (SCZ), but the extent and magnitude of DNA methylation (DNAm) changes underlying these differences remain uncharacterized. In this study, sex-stratified differential DNAm analysis was performed in postmortem brain samples from 117 SCZ and 137 controls, partitioned into discovery and replication datasets. Three differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were identified (adj.p < 0.05) in females and 29 DMPs in males without overlap between them. Over 81% of these sex-stratified DMPs were directionally consistent between sexes but with different effect sizes. Females experienced larger magnitude of DNAm changes and more DMPs (based on data of equal sample size) than males, contributing to a higher dysregulation burden of DNAm in females SCZ. Additionally, despite similar proportions of female-related DMPs (fDMPs, 8%) being under genetic control compared with males (10%), significant enrichment of DMP-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in signals of genome-wide association studies was identified only in fDMPs. One DMP in each sex connected the SNPs and gene expression of CALHM1 in females and CCDC149 in males. PPI subnetworks revealed that both female- and male-related differential DNAm interacted with synapse-related dysregulation. Immune-related pathways were unique for females and neuron-related pathways were associated with males. This study reveals remarkable quantitative differences in DNAm-related sexual dimorphism in SCZ and that females have a higher dysregulation burden of SCZ-associated DNAm than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02114, USA.
- Analytic and Translational Genetics unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Miao Li
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jiacheng Dai
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
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8
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Kim SR, Eom Y, Lee SH. Comprehensive analysis of sex differences in the function and ultrastructure of hippocampal presynaptic terminals. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105570. [PMID: 37451344 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105570] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in the brain, encompassing variations in specific brain structures, size, cognitive function, and synaptic connections, have been identified across numerous species. While previous research has explored sex differences in postsynaptic structures, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampus-dependent functions, the hippocampal presynaptic terminals remain largely uninvestigated. The hippocampus is a critical structure responsible for multiple brain functions. This study examined presynaptic differences in cultured hippocampal neurons derived from male and female mice using a combination of biochemical assays, functional analyses measuring exocytosis and endocytosis of synaptic vesicle proteins, ultrastructural analyses via electron microscopy, and presynaptic Ca2+-specific optical probes. Our findings revealed that female neurons exhibited a higher number of synaptic vesicles at presynaptic terminals compared to male neurons. However, no significant differences were observed in presynaptic protein expression, presynaptic terminal ultrastructure, synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis, or presynaptic Ca2+ alterations between male and female neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Rae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Brain Research Core Facilities of Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yunkyung Eom
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Sommer AJ, Okonkwo J, Monteiro J, Bind MAC. A permutation-based approach using a rank-based statistic to identify sex differences in epigenetics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14838. [PMID: 37684282 PMCID: PMC10491832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic sex differences and their resulting implications for human health have been studied for about a decade. The objective of this paper is to use permutation-based inference and a new ranked-based test statistic to identify sex-based epigenetic differences in the human DNA methylome. In particular, we examine whether we could identify separations between the female and male distributions of DNA methylation across hundred of thousands CpG sites in two independent cohorts, the Swedish Adoption Twin study and the Lamarck study. Based on Fisherian p-values, we set a threshold for methylation differences "worth further scrutiny". At this threshold, we were able to confirm previously-found CpG sites that stratify with respect to sex. These CpG sites with sex differences in DNA methylation should be further investigated for their possible contribution to various physiological and pathological functions in the human body. We followed-up our statistical analyses with a literature review in order to inform the proposed disease implications for the loci we uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice J Sommer
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jude Okonkwo
- Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Monteiro
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marie-Abèle C Bind
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Dennison J, Mendez A, Szeto A, Lohse I, Wahlestedt C, Volmar CH. Low-Dose Chidamide Treatment Displays Sex-Specific Differences in the 3xTg-AD Mouse. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1324. [PMID: 37759724 PMCID: PMC10526199 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic compounds have become attractive small molecules for targeting the multifaceted aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although AD disproportionately affects women, most of the current literature investigating epigenetic compounds for the treatment of AD do not report sex-specific results. This is remarkable because there is rising evidence that epigenetic compounds intrinsically affect males and females differently. This manuscript explores the sexual dimorphism observed after chronic, low-dose administration of a clinically relevant histone deacetylase inhibitor, chidamide (Tucidinostat), in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. We found that chidamide treatment significantly improves glucose tolerance and increases expression of glucose transporters in the brain of males. We also report a decrease in total tau in chidamide-treated mice. Differentially expressed genes in chidamide-treated mice were much greater in males than females. Genes involved in the neuroinflammatory pathway and amyloid processing pathway were mostly upregulated in chidamide-treated males while downregulated in chidamide-treated females. This work highlights the need for drug discovery projects to consider sex as a biological variable to facilitate translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dennison
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Armando Mendez
- Diabetes Research Institute, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Angela Szeto
- Diabetes Research Institute, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ines Lohse
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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11
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Chen C, Zhou J, Xia Y, Li M, Chen Y, Dai J, Liu C. A Higher Dysregulation Burden of Brain DNA Methylation in Female Patients Implicated in the Sex Bias of Schizophrenia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2496133. [PMID: 36778507 PMCID: PMC9915764 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2496133/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences are pervasive in schizophrenia (SCZ), but the extent and magnitude of DNA methylation (DNAm) changes underlying these differences remain uncharacterized. In this study, sex-stratified differential DNAm analysis was performed in postmortem brain samples from 117 SCZ and 137 controls, partitioned into discovery and replication datasets. Three differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were identified (adj. p < 0.05) in females and 29 DMPs in males without overlap between them. Over 81% of these sex-stratified DMPs were directionally consistent between sexes but with different effect sizes. Down-sampling analysis revealed more DMPs in females than in males when the sample sizes matched. Females had higher DNAm levels in healthy individuals and larger magnitude of DNAm changes in patients than males. Despite similar proportions of female-related DMPs (fDMPs, 8%) being under genetic control compared with males (10%), significant enrichment of DMP-related SNPs in signals of genome-wide association studies was identified only in fDMPs. One DMP in each sex connected the SNPs and gene expression of CALHM1 in females and CCDC149 in males. PPI subnetworks revealed that both female- and male-related differential DNAm interacted with synapse-related dysregulation. Immune-related pathways were unique for females and neuron-related pathways were associated with males. This study reveals remarkable quantitative differences in DNAm-related sexual dimorphism in SCZ and that females have a higher dysregulation burden of SCZ-associated DNAm than males.
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12
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Shirokova O, Zaborskaya O, Pchelin P, Kozliaeva E, Pershin V, Mukhina I. Genetic and Epigenetic Sexual Dimorphism of Brain Cells during Aging. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020195. [PMID: 36831738 PMCID: PMC9954625 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020195] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, much of the attention paid to theoretical and applied biomedicine, as well as neurobiology, has been drawn to various aspects of sexual dimorphism due to the differences that male and female brain cells demonstrate during aging: (a) a dimorphic pattern of response to therapy for neurodegenerative disorders, (b) different age of onset and different degrees of the prevalence of such disorders, and (c) differences in their symptomatic manifestations in men and women. The purpose of this review is to outline the genetic and epigenetic differences in brain cells during aging in males and females. As a result, we hereby show that the presence of brain aging patterns in males and females is due to a complex of factors associated with the effects of sex chromosomes, which subsequently entails a change in signal cascades in somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya Shirokova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Olga Zaborskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Pavel Pchelin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University, 23 Gagarin Avenue, Nizhny Novgorod 603002, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Kozliaeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Vladimir Pershin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University, 23 Gagarin Avenue, Nizhny Novgorod 603002, Russia
| | - Irina Mukhina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University, 23 Gagarin Avenue, Nizhny Novgorod 603002, Russia
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13
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Chen X, Yang Z, Shao Y, Kim K, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wu H, Xu X, Le W. Pitx3 deficiency promotes age-dependent alterations in striatal medium spiny neurons. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:960479. [PMID: 36158557 PMCID: PMC9490232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.960479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The classical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are tightly linked to the gradual loss of dopamine within the striatum. Concomitantly, medium spiny neurons (MSNs) also experience morphological changes, such as reduced dendritic complexity and spine density, which may be potentially associated with motor dysfunction as well. Thus, MSNs may serve as the emerging targets for PD therapy besides the midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Results To comprehensively examine pathological alterations of MSNs longitudinally, we established a TH Cre/ Pitx3 fl/fl (Pitx3cKO ) mouse model that developed canonical PD features, including a significant loss of SNc DAergic neurons and motor deficits. During aging, the targeted neurotransmitter, MSNs morphology and DNA methylation profile were significantly altered upon Pitx3 deficiency. Specifically, dopamine, GABA and glutamate decreased in the model at the early stage. While nuclear, soma and dendritic atrophy, as well as nuclear invaginations increased in the aged MSNs of Pitx3cko mice. Furthermore, more nuclear DNA damages were characterized in MSNs during aging, and Pitx3 deficiency aggravated this phenomenon, together with alterations of DNA methylation profiling associated with lipoprotein and nucleus pathway at the late stage. Conclusion The early perturbations of the neurotransmitters within MSNs may potentially contribute to the alterations of metabolism, morphology and epigenetics within the striatum at the late stage, which may provide new perspectives on the diagnosis and pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaofei Yang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yaping Shao
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kunhyok Kim
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haifeng Wu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaolan Xu
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Weidong Le
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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14
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Tantiwisawaruji S, Rocha MJ, Silva A, Pardal MA, Kovitvadhi U, Rocha E. A Stereological Study of the Three Types of Ganglia of Male, Female, and Undifferentiated Scrobicularia plana (Bivalvia). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172248. [PMID: 36077968 PMCID: PMC9454602 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters modulate gonadal maturation in bivalves. However, it remains unclear whether there are differences in the nervous system structure between sexes, maturation, and ganglia. Therefore, a stereological study was conducted on the ganglia of adult peppery furrow shell (Scrobicularia plana). Equal-sized males, females, and undifferentiated (gamete absence) animals were fixed with 10% formalin and processed for light microscopy. They were serially cut into 35 µm paraffin thick sections and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Sections with cerebral (cerebropleural), pedal, and visceral ganglia were studied. The parameters estimated were the volumes of the ganglia, the total and relative volumes of their cortex (outer layer) and medulla (neuropil), and the total number of cells (neurons, glia, and pigmented) per ganglia and compartment. The volumes and numbers were estimated, respectively, by the Cavalieri principle and by the optical fractionator. Females show a larger glia to neuron numerical ratio. Further, females have a greater ganglionic volume than undifferentiated adults, with males showing intermediate values. These facts indicate that the ganglia size is related somehow to maturation. The cell size forms the basis of the differences because total cellularity is equal among the groups. The three ganglion types differ in total volumes and the volume ratio of the cortex versus the medulla. The greater volumes of the pedal ganglia (vis-a-vis the cerebral ones) and of the visceral ganglia (in relation to all others) imply more voluminous cortexes and medullae, but more neuronal and non-neuronal cells only in the visceral. The new fundamental data can help interpret bivalve neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanlaya Tantiwisawaruji
- Learning Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology Group, CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Rocha
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology Group, CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Ana Silva
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. Pardal
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Uthaiwan Kovitvadhi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University (KU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Learning Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology Group, CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (U.Porto), 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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15
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Winek K, Tzur Y, Soreq H. Biological underpinnings of sex differences in neurological disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 164:27-67. [PMID: 36038206 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The importance of sex differences in neurological disorders has been increasingly acknowledged in recent clinical and basic research studies, but the complex biology and genetics underlying sex-linked biological heterogeneity and its brain-to-body impact remained incompletely understood. Men and women differ substantially in their susceptibility to certain neurological diseases, in the severity of symptoms, prognosis as well as the nature and efficacy of their response to treatments. The detailed mechanisms underlying these differences, especially at the molecular level, are being addressed in many studies but leave a lot to be further revealed. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of how sex differences in the brain and brain-body signaling contribute to neurological disorders and further present some future prospects entailed in terms of diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Winek
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yonat Tzur
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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16
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Velmans C, O'Donnell-Luria AH, Argilli E, Tran Mau-Them F, Vitobello A, Chan MC, Fung JLF, Rech M, Abicht A, Aubert Mucca M, Carmichael J, Chassaing N, Clark R, Coubes C, Denommé-Pichon AS, de Dios JK, England E, Funalot B, Gerard M, Joseph M, Kennedy C, Kumps C, Willems M, van de Laar IMBH, Aarts-Tesselaar C, van Slegtenhorst M, Lehalle D, Leppig K, Lessmeier L, Pais LS, Paterson H, Ramanathan S, Rodan LH, Superti-Furga A, Chung BHY, Sherr E, Netzer C, Schaaf CP, Erger F. O'Donnell-Luria-Rodan syndrome: description of a second multinational cohort and refinement of the phenotypic spectrum. J Med Genet 2022; 59:697-705. [PMID: 34321323 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107470] [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: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND O'Donnell-Luria-Rodan syndrome (ODLURO) is an autosomal-dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic, mostly truncating variants in KMT2E. It was first described by O'Donnell-Luria et al in 2019 in a cohort of 38 patients. Clinical features encompass macrocephaly, mild intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) susceptibility and seizure susceptibility. METHODS Affected individuals were ascertained at paediatric and genetic centres in various countries by diagnostic chromosome microarray or exome/genome sequencing. Patients were collected into a case cohort and were systematically phenotyped where possible. RESULTS We report 18 additional patients from 17 families with genetically confirmed ODLURO. We identified 15 different heterozygous likely pathogenic or pathogenic sequence variants (14 novel) and two partial microdeletions of KMT2E. We confirm and refine the phenotypic spectrum of the KMT2E-related neurodevelopmental disorder, especially concerning cognitive development, with rather mild ID and macrocephaly with subtle facial features in most patients. We observe a high prevalence of ASD in our cohort (41%), while seizures are present in only two patients. We extend the phenotypic spectrum by sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION Our study, bringing the total of known patients with ODLURO to more than 60 within 2 years of the first publication, suggests an unexpectedly high relative frequency of this syndrome worldwide. It seems likely that ODLURO, although just recently described, is among the more common single-gene aetiologies of neurodevelopmental delay and ASD. We present the second systematic case series of patients with ODLURO, further refining the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of this not-so-rare syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Velmans
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Anne H O'Donnell-Luria
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emanuela Argilli
- Brain Development Research Program, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco Division of Hospital Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Frederic Tran Mau-Them
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM UMR1231 GAD Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, FHU-TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, Bourgogne, France.,Unité Fonctionnelle d'Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Antonio Vitobello
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM UMR1231 GAD Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, FHU-TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, Bourgogne, France.,Unité Fonctionnelle d'Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Marcus Cy Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jasmine Lee-Fong Fung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Megan Rech
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Marion Aubert Mucca
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Centre Toulouse, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France
| | - Jason Carmichael
- Department of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, California, USA
| | - Nicolas Chassaing
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Centre Toulouse, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France
| | - Robin Clark
- Pediatrics Specialty Clinics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Christine Coubes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Center Montpellier, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Denommé-Pichon
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM UMR1231 GAD Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, FHU-TRANSLAD, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, Bourgogne, France.,Unité Fonctionnelle d'Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - John Karl de Dios
- Department of Medical Genetics, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Eleina England
- Center for Mendelian Genomics and Medical and Population Genetics Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benoit Funalot
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Hopital Henri Mondor, Creteil, Île-de-France, France
| | - Marion Gerard
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, Caen, Basse-Normandie, France
| | - Maries Joseph
- Department of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, California, USA
| | - Colleen Kennedy
- Department of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, California, USA
| | - Camille Kumps
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, VD, Switzerland
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Medical Genetic Department for Rare Diseases and Personalized Medicine, Reference Center AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, Groupe DI, Inserm U1298, Montpellier University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ingrid M B H van de Laar
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marjon van Slegtenhorst
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daphné Lehalle
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Hopital Henri Mondor, Creteil, Île-de-France, France
| | - Kathleen Leppig
- Genetic Services, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lennart Lessmeier
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Lynn S Pais
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heather Paterson
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Subhadra Ramanathan
- Pediatrics Specialty Clinics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Lance H Rodan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea Superti-Furga
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, VD, Switzerland
| | - Brian H Y Chung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elliott Sherr
- Brain Development Research Program, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco Division of Hospital Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christian Netzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Florian Erger
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
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17
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Ghai M, Kader F. A Review on Epigenetic Inheritance of Experiences in Humans. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:1107-1140. [PMID: 34792705 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
If genetics defines the inheritance of DNA, epigenetics aims to regulate and make it adaptable. Epigenetic alterations include DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling, post-translational modifications of histone proteins and activity of non-coding RNAs. Several studies, especially in animal models, have reported transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic marks. However, evidence of transgenerational inheritance in humans via germline in the absence of any direct exposure to the driving external stimulus remains controversial. Most of the epimutations exist in relation with genetic variants. The present review looks at intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance in humans, (both father and mother) in response to diet, exposure to chemicals, stress, exercise, and disease status. If not transgenerational, at least intergenerational human studies could help to understand early processes of inheritance. In humans, female and male germline development follow separate paths of epigenetic events and both oocyte and sperm possess their own unique epigenomes. While DNA methylation alterations are reset during epigenetic reprogramming, non-coding RNAs via human sperm provide evidence of being reliable carriers for transgenerational inheritance. Human studies reveal that one mechanism of epigenetic inheritance cannot be applied to the complete human genome. Multiple factors including time, type, and tissue of exposure determine if the modified epigenetic mark could be transmissible and till which generation. Population-specific differences should also be taken into consideration while associating inheritance to an environmental exposure. A longitudinal study targeting one environmental factor, but different population groups should be conducted at a specific geographical location to pinpoint heritable epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Ghai
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
| | - Farzeen Kader
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
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18
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Engdahl E, Svensson K, Lin PID, Alavian-Ghavanini A, Lindh C, Rüegg J, Bornehag CG. DNA methylation at GRIN2B partially mediates the association between prenatal bisphenol F exposure and cognitive functions in 7-year-old children in the SELMA study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106617. [PMID: 34015668 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that prenatal chemical exposure triggers epigenetic modifications that could influence health outcomes later in life. In this study, we investigated whether DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at the glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B) gene underlies the association between prenatal exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), bisphenol F (BPF), and lower cognitive functions in 7-year-old children. METHODS Data from 799 children participating in the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and child Asthma and allergy (SELMA) pregnancy cohort was analyzed. Prenatal BPF exposure was assessed by measuring BPF levels in maternal urine. At age 7, DNAm of three CpG sites in a regulatory region of the GRIN2B gene was analyzed from buccal swabs using bisulfite-Pyrosequencing. Cognitive functions, including full-scale IQ and four subscales, were evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV). Associations between prenatal BPF exposure and GRIN2B DNAm, as well as between GRIN2B DNAm and cognitive functions, were determined using regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Generalized structural equation models (gSEM) were used to evaluate if GRIN2B DNAm mediates the association between prenatal BPF exposure and cognitive functions at 7 years of age. RESULTS Prenatal BPF exposure was positively associated with GRIN2B DNAm levels at the third CpG site (CpG3), while CpG3 methylation was inversely associated with cognitive test scores. Mediation analyses showed that CpG3 methylation exerted 6-9% of the association between BPF exposure and full-scale IQ, as well as verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning in boys, while not significant in girls. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify locus-specific DNAm as a mediating factor underlying an epidemiological association between prenatal EDC exposure and cognitive functions in childhood. It also confirms previous findings, that GRIN2B DNAm is responsive to environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Engdahl
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Katherine Svensson
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ping-I Daniel Lin
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ali Alavian-Ghavanini
- Karolinska Institutet, Swetox, Unit of Toxicology Sciences, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Christian Lindh
- Lund University, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
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19
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Gade M, Comfort N, Re DB. Sex-specific neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants: Epidemiological, experimental evidence and candidate mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111558. [PMID: 34224706 PMCID: PMC8478794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and are known to exert severe adverse impacts on the nervous system even at low concentrations. In contrast, the heavy metal manganese (Mn) is first and foremost an essential nutrient, but it becomes neurotoxic at high levels. Neurotoxic metals also include the less prevalent metalloid arsenic (As) which is found in excessive concentrations in drinking water and food sources in many regions of the world. Males and females often differ in how they respond to environmental exposures and adverse effects on their nervous systems are no exception. Here, we review the different types of sex-specific neurotoxic effects, such as cognitive and motor impairments, that have been attributed to Pb, Hg, Mn, Cd, and As exposure throughout the life course in epidemiological as well as in experimental toxicological studies. We also discuss differential vulnerability to these metals such as distinctions in behaviors and occupations across the sexes. Finally, we explore the different mechanisms hypothesized to account for sex-based differential susceptibility including hormonal, genetic, metabolic, anatomical, neurochemical, and epigenetic perturbations. An understanding of the sex-specific effects of environmental heavy metal neurotoxicity can aid in the development of more efficient systematic approaches in risk assessment and better exposure mitigation strategies with regard to sex-linked susceptibilities and vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meethila Gade
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Comfort
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; NIEHS Center of Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Motor Neuron Center for Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Sex-differential DNA methylation and associated regulation networks in human brain implicated in the sex-biased risks of psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:835-848. [PMID: 30976086 PMCID: PMC6788945 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Many psychiatric disorders are characterized by a strong sex difference, but the mechanisms behind sex-bias are not fully understood. DNA methylation plays important roles in regulating gene expression, ultimately impacting sexually different characteristics of the human brain. Most previous literature focused on DNA methylation alone without considering the regulatory network and its contribution to sex-bias of psychiatric disorders. Since DNA methylation acts in a complex regulatory network to connect genetic and environmental factors with high-order brain functions, we investigated the regulatory networks associated with different DNA methylation and assessed their contribution to the risks of psychiatric disorders. We compiled data from 1408 postmortem brain samples in 3 collections to identify sex-differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs). We identified and replicated thousands of DMPs and DMRs. The DMR genes were enriched in neuronal related pathways. We extended the regulatory networks related to sex-differential methylation and psychiatric disorders by integrating methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs), gene expression, and protein-protein interaction data. We observed significant enrichment of sex-associated genes in psychiatric disorder-associated gene sets. We prioritized 2080 genes that were sex-biased and associated with psychiatric disorders, such as NRXN1, NRXN2, NRXN3, FDE4A, and SHANK2. These genes are enriched in synapse-related pathways and signaling pathways, suggesting that sex-differential genes of these neuronal pathways may cause the sex-bias of psychiatric disorders.
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21
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Lasrado N, Jia T, Massilamany C, Franco R, Illes Z, Reddy J. Mechanisms of sex hormones in autoimmunity: focus on EAE. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:50. [PMID: 32894183 PMCID: PMC7475723 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-related differences in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases is well documented, with females showing a greater propensity to develop these diseases than their male counterparts. Sex hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone and estrogens, have been shown to ameliorate the severity of inflammatory diseases. Immunologically, the beneficial effects of sex hormones have been ascribed to the suppression of effector lymphocyte responses accompanied by immune deviation from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In this review, we present our view of the mechanisms of sex hormones that contribute to their ability to suppress autoimmune responses with an emphasis on the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninaad Lasrado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Ting Jia
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | | | - Rodrigo Franco
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jay Reddy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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22
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Sampathkumar NK, Bravo JI, Chen Y, Danthi PS, Donahue EK, Lai RW, Lu R, Randall LT, Vinson N, Benayoun BA. Widespread sex dimorphism in aging and age-related diseases. Hum Genet 2020; 139:333-356. [PMID: 31677133 PMCID: PMC7031050 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02082-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although aging is a conserved phenomenon across evolutionary distant species, aspects of the aging process have been found to differ between males and females of the same species. Indeed, observations across mammalian studies have revealed the existence of longevity and health disparities between sexes, including in humans (i.e. with a female or male advantage). However, the underlying mechanisms for these sex differences in health and lifespan remain poorly understood, and it is unclear which aspects of this dimorphism stem from hormonal differences (i.e. predominance of estrogens vs. androgens) or from karyotypic differences (i.e. XX vs. XY sex chromosome complement). In this review, we discuss the state of the knowledge in terms of sex dimorphism in various aspects of aging and in human age-related diseases. Where the interplay between sex differences and age-related differences has not been explored fully, we present the state of the field to highlight important future research directions. We also discuss various dietary, drug or genetic interventions that were shown to improve longevity in a sex-dimorphic fashion. Finally, emerging tools and models that can be leveraged to decipher the mechanisms underlying sex differences in aging are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal K Sampathkumar
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Juan I Bravo
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Graduate Program in the Biology of Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yilin Chen
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Masters Program in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Prakroothi S Danthi
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Erin K Donahue
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Rochelle W Lai
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Ryan Lu
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Graduate Program in the Biology of Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Lewis T Randall
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Graduate Program in the Biology of Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Nika Vinson
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Bérénice A Benayoun
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- USC Stem Cell Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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23
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Amiri S, Davie JR, Rastegar M. Chronic Ethanol Exposure Alters DNA Methylation in Neural Stem Cells: Role of Mouse Strain and Sex. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:650-667. [PMID: 31414368 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is considered as a risk factor for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Evidence indicates that PAE affects epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation) and alters the normal differentiation and development of neural stem cells (NSC) in the fetal brain. However, PAE effects depend on several factors such as sex and strain of the studied subjects. Here, we investigated whether murine sex and strain contribute to the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on DNA methylation machinery of differentiating NSC. Further, the effects of PAE on glial lineage (including both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) in a sex- and strain-dependent manner have not been studied yet. To examine the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on gliogenesis, we exposed differentiating NSC to glio-inductive culture conditions. Applying a standard in vitro model system, we treated male and female differentiating NSC (obtained from the forebrain of CD1 and C57BL/6 embryos at embryonic day 14.5) with chronic ethanol exposure (70 mM) for 8 days. We show that ethanol induces global DNA hypomethylation, while altering the expression of DNA methylation-related genes in a sex- and strain-specific manner. The observed change in cellular DNA methylation levels was associated with altered expression of glial markers CNPASE, GFAP, and OLIG2 in CD1 (but not C57BL/6) cells. We conclude that the impact of ethanol effect on DNA methylation is dependent on cellular sex and strain. Also, ethanol impact on neural stem cell fate commitment was only detected in cells isolated from CD1 mouse strain, but not in C57BL/6 cells. The results of the current study provide evidence that sex and strain of rodents (C57BL/6 and CD1) during gestation are important factors, which affect alcohol effects on NSC differentiation and DNA methylation. Results of this study may also help in interpreting data on the developmental toxicity of many compounds during the gestational period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Amiri
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - James R Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
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24
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García-Acero M, Moreno O, Suárez F, Rojas A. Disorders of Sexual Development: Current Status and Progress in the Diagnostic Approach. Curr Urol 2020; 13:169-178. [PMID: 31998049 DOI: 10.1159/000499274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are conditions with an atypical chromosomal, gonadal or phenotypic sex, which leads to differences in the development of the urogenital tract and different clinical phenotypes. Some genes have been implicated in the sex development during gonadal and functional differentiation where the maintenance of the somatic sex of the gonad as either male or female is achieved by suppression of the alternate route. The diagnosis of DSD requires a structured approach, involving a multidisciplinary team and different molecular techniques. We discuss the dimorphic genes and the specific pathways involved in gonadal differentiation, as well as new techniques for genetic analysis and their diagnostic value including epigenetic mechanisms, expanding the evidence in the diagnostic approach of individuals with DSD to increase knowledge of the etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary García-Acero
- Human Genetic Institute, Medicine Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Olga Moreno
- Human Genetic Institute, Medicine Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Fernando Suárez
- Human Genetic Institute, Medicine Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Rojas
- Human Genetic Institute, Medicine Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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25
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Sigurdardottir HL, Lanzenberger R, Kranz GS. Genetics of sex differences in neuroanatomy and function. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:179-193. [PMID: 33008524 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences are observed at many distinct biologic levels, such as in the anatomy and functioning of the brain, behavior, and susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Previously, these differences were believed to entirely result from the secretion of gonadal hormones; however, recent research has demonstrated that differences are also the consequence of direct or nonhormonal effects of genes located on the sex chromosomes. This chapter reviews the four core genotype model that separates the effects of hormones and sex chromosomes and highlights a few genes that are believed to be partly responsible for sex dimorphism of the brain, in particular, the Sry gene. Genetics of the brain's neurochemistry is discussed and the susceptibility to certain neurologic and psychiatric disorders is reviewed. Lastly, we discuss the sex-specific genetic contribution in disorders of sexual development. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are currently not entirely known. An increased knowledge and understanding of the role of candidate genes will undeniably be of great aid in elucidating the molecular basis of sex-biased disorders and potentially allow for more sex-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Sigurdardottir
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg S Kranz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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26
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Post-translational histone modifications and their interaction with sex influence normal brain development and elaboration of neuropsychiatric disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1968-1981. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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27
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Douzgou S, Liang HW, Metcalfe K, Somarathi S, Tischkowitz M, Mohamed W, Kini U, McKee S, Yates L, Bertoli M, Lynch SA, Holder S, Banka S. The clinical presentation caused by truncating CHD8 variants. Clin Genet 2019; 96:72-84. [PMID: 31001818 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Variants in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) have been associated with intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and overgrowth and CHD8 is one of the causative genes for OGID (overgrowth and ID). We investigated 25 individuals with CHD8 protein truncating variants (PTVs), including 10 previously unreported patients and found a male to female ratio of 2.7:1 (19:7) and a pattern of common features: macrocephaly (62.5%), tall stature (47%), developmental delay and/or intellectual disability (81%), ASDs (84%), sleep difficulties (50%), gastrointestinal problems (40%), and distinct facial features. Most of the individuals in this cohort had moderate-to-severe ID, some had regression of speech (37%), seizures (27%) and hypotonia (27%) and two individuals were non-ambulant. Our study shows that haploinsufficiency of CHD8 is associated with a distinctive OGID syndrome with pronounced autistic traits and supports a sex-dependent penetrance of CHD8 PTVs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Douzgou
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hui Wen Liang
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Suresh Somarathi
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Marc Tischkowitz
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wafik Mohamed
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Usha Kini
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Shane McKee
- Northern Ireland Regional Genetics Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Laura Yates
- West of Scotland Regional Genetics Service, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Institute of Medical Genetics, Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK.,KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (KRISP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Marta Bertoli
- West of Scotland Regional Genetics Service, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Institute of Medical Genetics, Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sally Ann Lynch
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan Holder
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, London, UK
| | -
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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28
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Lai RW, Lu R, Danthi PS, Bravo JI, Goumba A, Sampathkumar NK, Benayoun BA. Multi-level remodeling of transcriptional landscapes in aging and longevity. BMB Rep 2019. [PMID: 30526773 PMCID: PMC6386224 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2019.52.1.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In multi-cellular organisms, the control of gene expression is key not only for development, but also for adult cellular homeostasis, and gene expression has been observed to be deregulated with aging. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the transcriptional alterations that have been described to occur with age in metazoans. First, we discuss age-related transcriptional changes in protein-coding genes, the expected functional impact of such changes, and how known pro-longevity interventions impact these changes. Second, we discuss the changes and impact of emerging aspects of transcription in aging, including age-related changes in splicing, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Third, we discuss the changes and potential impact of transcription of transposable elements with aging. Fourth, we highlight small ncRNAs and their potential impact on the regulation of aging phenotypes. Understanding the aging transcriptome will be key to identify important regulatory targets, and ultimately slow-down or reverse aging and extend healthy lifespan in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle W Lai
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ryan Lu
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Prakroothi S Danthi
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Juan I Bravo
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Graduate program in the Biology of Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Alexandre Goumba
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | - Bérénice A Benayoun
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Los Angeles, CA 90089; USC Stem Cell Initiative, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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29
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Sayad A, Taheri M, Azari I, Oskoei VK, Ghafouri-Fard S. PIAS genes as disease markers in bipolar disorder. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:12937-12942. [PMID: 30861611 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS) are involved in regulation of many transcription factors and signaling pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of bipolar disease (BD). In the current study, we evaluated the expression of four PIAS genes (PIAS1-4) in peripheral blood of BD patients and healthy subjects to explore their contribution in the pathogenesis of BD and their suitability as peripheral biomarkers for this disorder. All PIAS genes were significantly upregulated in total BD patients compared with total controls. The sex-based analysis confirmed upregulation of PIAS1-4 genes in male BD patients compared with male controls (P < 0.001). However, PIAS1 was significantly downregulated in female patients compared with female controls (P = 0.02). Expression levels of other PIAS genes were not significantly different between female patients and female controls. There were no significant correlations between expression levels of PIAS genes and any of the clinical data of study participants after adjustment of the effects of the sex. On the basis of the area under the curve (AUC) values in receiver operating characteristic curves, PIAS4 had the best performance in the differentiation of disease status between study participants (AUC = 0.81). PIAS3 and PIAS4 genes had the best sensitivity and specificity values, respectively. Combination of expression levels of four genes resulted in the improvement of diagnostic power (AUC = 0.82). The current data implies the role of PIAS genes in the pathogenesis of BD and denotes their suitability as peripheral markers for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezou Sayad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Azari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Kholghi Oskoei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Lai RW, Lu R, Danthi PS, Bravo JI, Goumba A, Sampathkumar NK, Benayoun BA. Multi-level remodeling of transcriptional landscapes in aging and longevity. BMB Rep 2019; 52:86-108. [PMID: 30526773 PMCID: PMC6386224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In multi-cellular organisms, the control of gene expression is key not only for development, but also for adult cellular homeostasis, and gene expression has been observed to be deregulated with aging. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the transcriptional alterations that have been described to occur with age in metazoans. First, we discuss age-related transcriptional changes in protein-coding genes, the expected functional impact of such changes, and how known pro-longevity interventions impact these changes. Second, we discuss the changes and impact of emerging aspects of transcription in aging, including age-related changes in splicing, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Third, we discuss the changes and potential impact of transcription of transposable elements with aging. Fourth, we highlight small ncRNAs and their potential impact on the regulation of aging phenotypes. Understanding the aging transcriptome will be key to identify important regulatory targets, and ultimately slow-down or reverse aging and extend healthy lifespan in humans. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(1): 86-108].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Prakroothi S. Danthi
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
| | - Juan I. Bravo
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
- Graduate program in the Biology of Aging, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
| | - Alexandre Goumba
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
| | | | - Bérénice A. Benayoun
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
- USC Stem Cell Initiative, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
USA
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31
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Xu SQ, Zhang Y, Wang P, Liu W, Wu XB, Zhou JY. A statistical measure for the skewness of X chromosome inactivation based on family trios. BMC Genet 2018; 19:109. [PMID: 30518319 PMCID: PMC6282303 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an important gene regulation mechanism in females to equalize the expression levels of X chromosome between two sexes. Generally, one of two X chromosomes in females is randomly chosen to be inactivated. Nonrandom XCI (XCI skewing) is also observed in females, which has been reported to play an important role in many X-linked diseases. However, there is no statistical measure available for the degree of the XCI skewing based on family data in population genetics. RESULTS In this article, we propose a statistical approach to measure the degree of the XCI skewing based on family trios, which is represented by a ratio of two genotypic relative risks in females. The point estimate of the ratio is obtained from the maximum likelihood estimates of two genotypic relative risks. When parental genotypes are missing in some family trios, the expectation-conditional-maximization algorithm is adopted to obtain the corresponding maximum likelihood estimates. Further, the confidence interval of the ratio is derived based on the likelihood ratio test. Simulation results show that the likelihood-based confidence interval has an accurate coverage probability under the situations considered. Also, we apply our proposed method to the rheumatoid arthritis data from USA for its practical use, and find out that a locus, rs2238907, may undergo the XCI skewing against the at-risk allele. But this needs to be further confirmed by molecular genetics. CONCLUSIONS The proposed statistical measure for the skewness of XCI is applicable to complete family trio data or family trio data with some paternal genotypes missing. The likelihood-based confidence interval has an accurate coverage probability under the situations considered. Therefore, our proposed statistical measure is generally recommended in practice for discovering the potential loci which undergo the XCI skewing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian-Bo Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ji-Yuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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32
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Volgin AD, Yakovlev OA, Demin KA, de Abreu MS, Alekseeva PA, Friend AJ, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Bao W, Song C, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish models for personalized psychiatry: Insights from individual, strain and sex differences, and modeling gene x environment interactions. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:402-413. [PMID: 30320468 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Currently becoming widely recognized, personalized psychiatry focuses on unique physiological and genetic profiles of patients to best tailor their therapy. However, the role of individual differences, as well as genetic and environmental factors, in human psychiatric disorders remains poorly understood. Animal experimental models are a valuable tool to improve our understanding of disease pathophysiology and its molecular mechanisms. Due to high reproduction capability, fully sequenced genome, easy gene editing, and high genetic and physiological homology with humans, zebrafish (Danio rerio) are emerging as a novel powerful model in biomedicine. Mounting evidence supports zebrafish as a useful model organism in CNS research. Robustly expressed in these fish, individual, strain, and sex differences shape their CNS responses to genetic, environmental, and pharmacological manipulations. Here, we discuss zebrafish as a promising complementary translational tool to further advance patient-centered personalized psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey D Volgin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Military Medical Academy, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg A Yakovlev
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Military Medical Academy, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Polina A Alekseeva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ashton J Friend
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Wandong Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.,ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Granov Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Zarei A, Yang C, Gibbs J, Davis JL, Ballard A, Zeng R, Cox L, Veis DJ. Manipulation of the Alternative NF-κB Pathway in Mice Has Sexually Dimorphic Effects on Bone. JBMR Plus 2018; 3:14-22. [PMID: 30680359 PMCID: PMC6339559 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative NF‐κB signaling promotes osteoclastogenesis and pathological bone loss, but the effect of sex on phenotype has not been explored. We disrupted alternative NF‐κB signaling by deletion of upstream kinase NF‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK) or NF‐κB subunit RelB and found that both NIK‐deficient and RelB‐deficient female mice possessed more than twofold higher trabecular bone mass compared to controls, whereas no differences were observed in males. In vitro, RelB‐deficient precursors from female mice showed a more severe osteoclast (OC) differentiation defect than male, while WT had no sex bias. Next, we asked whether pharmacologic activation of alternative NF‐κB by inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) antagonist BV6 has sex‐dependent effects on bone. Unlike male mice that lost bone, female mice on BV6 for 4 weeks showed no changes in either trabecular bone mass or OC number. Because estrogen generally suppresses NF‐κB, we hypothesized that estrogen protects bone from BV6 effects in vivo. Thus, we performed ovariectomy or sham surgery in female mice, then treated with BV6 or vehicle for 4 weeks. Although ovariectomy caused bone loss, BV6 did not have any additional impact, suggesting that direct estrogen effects do not cause resistance to BV6 in vivo. The osteopenic effects of IAP antagonists in males may have implications for their use in cancer therapy. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allahdad Zarei
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Chang Yang
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Jesse Gibbs
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Jennifer L Davis
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Anna Ballard
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Rong Zeng
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Linda Cox
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Deborah J Veis
- Musculoskeletal Research Center Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases Department of Medicine Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
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34
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Reproductive period and epigenetic modifications of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in the human prefrontal cortex. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199073. [PMID: 30052629 PMCID: PMC6063396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human females have a unique duration of post-reproductive longevity, during which sex-specific mechanisms ma influence later-life mechanisms of neuronal resilience and vulnerability. The maintenance of energy metabolism, through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) apparatus, is essential for brain health. Given the known association between reproductive period (years from menarche to menopause) and cognitive aging, we examined the hypothesis that cumulative estrogen exposure across the lifetime may be associated with differential methylation of genes in the OXPHOS pathway. METHODS Using DNA methylation patterns in the post-mortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of 426 women prospectively followed until death in the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project, we examined the relationship between reproductive period (subtracting age at menarche from age at menopause) and DNA methylation of a published set of autosomal OXPHOS genes previously implicated in stroke susceptibility. We then performed an unsupervised analysis of methylation levels across the Hallmark pathways from the Molecular Signatures Database. RESULTS We observed a strong association between reproductive period and DNA methylation status across OXPHOS CpGs. We replicated this association between reproductive period and DNA methylation in a much larger set of OXPHOS genes in our unsupervised analysis. Here, reproductive period also showed associations with methylation in genes related to E2F, MYC and MTORC1 signaling, fatty acid metabolism and DNA repair. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence from both a supervised and unsupervised analyses, that lifetime cumulative endogenous steroid exposures may play a role in maintenance of post-menopausal cellular balance, including in brain tissue.
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Sex-Specific Transcriptome Differences in Substantia Nigra Tissue: A Meta-Analysis of Parkinson's Disease Data. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9060275. [PMID: 29799491 PMCID: PMC6027313 DOI: 10.3390/genes9060275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that sex differences, as well as genetic components and ageing, can influence the prevalence, age at onset and symptomatology of PD. This study undertook a systematic meta-analysis of substantia nigra microarray data using the Transcriptome Mapper (TRAM) software to integrate and normalize a total of 10 suitable datasets from multiple sources. Four different analyses were performed according to default parameters, to better define the segments differentially expressed between PD patients and healthy controls, when comparing men and women data sets. The results suggest a possible regulation of specific sex-biased systems in PD susceptibility. TRAM software allowed us to highlight the different activation of some genomic regions and loci involved in molecular pathways related to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
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36
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Di Segni M, Andolina D, Ventura R. Long-term effects of early environment on the brain: Lesson from rodent models. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 77:81-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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37
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Nonprotein-coding RNAs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:299-342. [PMID: 29933954 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to ethanol, a known teratogen, can result in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Changes in the environment, including exposure to teratogens, can result in long term alterations to the epigenetic landscape of a cell, thereby altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can affect transcription and translation of networks of genes. ncRNAs are dynamically expressed during development and have been identified as a target of alcohol. ncRNAs therefore make for attractive targets for novel therapeutics to address the developmental deficits associated with FASDs.
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38
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Faye C, McGowan JC, Denny CA, David DJ. Neurobiological Mechanisms of Stress Resilience and Implications for the Aged Population. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:234-270. [PMID: 28820053 PMCID: PMC5843978 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170818095105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a common reaction to an environmental adversity, but a dysregulation of the stress response can lead to psychiatric illnesses such as major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders. Yet, not all individuals exposed to stress will develop psychiatric disorders; those with enhanced stress resilience mechanisms have the ability to adapt successfully to stress without developing persistent psychopathology. Notably, the potential to enhance stress resilience in at-risk populations may prevent the onset of stress-induced psychiatric disorders. This novel idea has prompted a number of studies probing the mechanisms of stress resilience and how it can be manipulated. METHODS Here, we review the neurobiological factors underlying stress resilience, with particular focus on the serotoninergic (5-HT), glutamatergic, and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems, as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) in rodents and in humans. Finally, we discuss stress resiliency in the context of aging, as the likelihood of mood disorders increases in older adults. RESULTS Interestingly, increased resiliency has been shown to slow aging and improved overall health and quality of life. Research in the neurobiology of stress resilience, particularly throughout the aging process, is a nascent, yet, burgeoning field. CONCLUSION Overall, we consider the possible methods that may be used to induce resilient phenotypes, prophylactically in at-risk populations, such as in military personnel or in older MDD patients. Research in the mechanisms of stress resilience may not only elucidate novel targets for antidepressant treatments, but also provide novel insight about how to prevent these debilitating disorders from developing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Faye
- CESP/UMR-S 1178, Univ. Paris-Sud, Fac Pharmacie, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Josephine C. McGowan
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine A. Denny
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Integrative Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute/Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Denis J. David
- CESP/UMR-S 1178, Univ. Paris-Sud, Fac Pharmacie, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Chatenay-Malabry, France
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39
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Barnett Burns S, Almeida D, Turecki G. The Epigenetics of Early Life Adversity: Current Limitations and Possible Solutions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:343-425. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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40
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Reddy SD, Clossen BL, Reddy DS. Epigenetic Histone Deacetylation Inhibition Prevents the Development and Persistence of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 364:97-109. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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41
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Sex differences in ischaemic stroke: potential cellular mechanisms. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:533-552. [PMID: 28302915 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. More women than men have strokes each year, in part because women live longer. Women have poorer functional outcomes, are more likely to need nursing home care and have higher rates of recurrent stroke compared with men. Despite continued advancements in primary prevention, innovative acute therapies and ongoing developments in neurorehabilitation, stroke incidence and mortality continue to increase due to the aging of the U.S. POPULATION Sex chromosomes (XX compared with XY), sex hormones (oestrogen and androgen), epigenetic regulation and environmental factors all contribute to sex differences. Ischaemic sensitivity varies over the lifespan, with females having an "ischaemia resistant" phenotype that wanes after menopause, which has recently been modelled in the laboratory. Pharmacological therapies for acute ischaemic stroke are limited. The only pharmacological treatment for stroke approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which must be used within hours of stroke onset and has a number of contraindications. Pre-clinical studies have identified a number of potentially efficacious neuroprotective agents; however, nothing has been effectively translated into therapy in clinical practice. This may be due, in part, to the overwhelming use of young male rodents in pre-clinical research, as well as lack of sex-specific design and analysis in clinical trials. The review will summarize the current clinical evidence for sex differences in ischaemic stroke, and will discuss sex differences in the cellular mechanisms of acute ischaemic injury, highlighting cell death and immune/inflammatory pathways that may contribute to these clinical differences.
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Kuehner C. Why is depression more common among women than among men? Lancet Psychiatry 2017; 4:146-158. [PMID: 27856392 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 693] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Women are about twice as likely as are men to develop depression during their lifetime. This Series paper summarises evidence regarding the epidemiology on gender differences in prevalence, incidence, and course of depression, and factors possibly explaining the gender gap. Gender-related subtypes of depression are suggested to exist, of which the developmental subtype has the strongest potential to contribute to the gender gap. Limited evidence exists for risk factors to be specifically linked to depression. Future research could profit from a transdiagnostic perspective, permitting the differentiation of specific susceptibilities from those predicting general psychopathologies within and across the internalising and externalising spectra. An integration of the Research Domain Criteria framework will allow examination of gender differences in core psychological functions, within the context of developmental transitions and environmental settings. Monitoring of changing socioeconomic and cultural trends in factors contributing to the gender gap will be important, as well as the influence of these trends on changes in symptom expression across psychopathologies in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kuehner
- Research Group Longitudinal and Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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Li Y, Ma Q, Dasgupta C, Halavi S, Hartman RE, Xiao D, Zhang L. Inhibition of DNA Methylation in the Developing Rat Brain Disrupts Sexually Dimorphic Neurobehavioral Phenotypes in Adulthood. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3988-3999. [PMID: 27311770 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9957-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates a critical implication of DNA methylation in the brain development. We aim to determine whether the disruption of DNA methylation patterns in the developing brain adversely affects neurobehavioral phenotypes later in life in a sex-dependent manner. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), a DNA methylation inhibitor, was administered in newborn rats from postnatal day 1 to 3. Neurobehavioral outcomes were analyzed at 3 months of age. 5-Aza treatment significantly inhibited DNA methyltransferase activity and decreased global DNA methylation levels in neonatal rat brains, resulting in asymmetric growth restriction with the increased brain to body weight ratio in both male and female rats at 14 days and 3 months of age. Compared with the saline control, 5-Aza treatment significantly improved performance of male rats on the rotarod test, and 5-Aza-treated female rats demonstrated less anxiety, less depression-like behaviors, and enhanced spatial learning performance. Of importance, neonatal 5-Aza treatment eliminated the sexually dimorphic differences in several neurobehavioral tests in adult rats. In addition, 5-Aza treatment decreased promoter methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and significantly increased BDNF mRNA and protein abundance in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of female rats in a sex-dependent manner. Thus, brain DNA methylation appears to be essential for sexual differentiations of the brain and neurobehavioral functions. Inhibition of DNA methylation in the developing brain of early life induces aberrant neurobehavioral profiles and disrupts sexually dimorphic neurobehavioral phenotypes in adulthood, of which altered BDNF signaling pathway may be an important mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Qingyi Ma
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Chiranjib Dasgupta
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Shina Halavi
- Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Richard E Hartman
- Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Daliao Xiao
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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Sex Biased Gene Expression Profiling of Human Brains at Major Developmental Stages. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21181. [PMID: 26880485 PMCID: PMC4754746 DOI: 10.1038/srep21181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many differences in brain structure and function between males and females. However, how these differences were manifested during development and maintained through adulthood are still unclear. Here we present a time series analyses of genome-wide transcription profiles of the human brain, and we identified genes showing sex biased expression at major developmental stages (prenatal time, early childhood, puberty time and adulthood). We observed a great number of genes (>2,000 genes) showing between-sex expression divergence at all developmental stages with the greatest number (4,164 genes) at puberty time. However, there are little overlap of sex-biased genes among the major developmental stages, an indication of dynamic expression regulation of the sex-biased genes in the brain during development. Notably, the male biased genes are highly enriched for genes involved in neurological and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and autism, while no such pattern was seen for the female-biased genes, suggesting that the differences in brain disorder susceptibility between males and females are likely rooted from the sex-biased gene expression regulation during brain development. Collectively, these analyses reveal an important role of sex biased genes in brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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45
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Merelo V, Durand D, Lescallette AR, Vrana KE, Hong LE, Faghihi MA, Bellon A. Associating schizophrenia, long non-coding RNAs and neurostructural dynamics. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:57. [PMID: 26483630 PMCID: PMC4588008 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate that schizophrenia has a strong genetic component. But the exact nature and functional role of this genetic component in the pathophysiology of this mental illness remains a mystery. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a recently discovered family of molecules that regulate gene transcription through a variety of means. Consequently, lncRNAs could help us bring together apparent unrelated findings in schizophrenia; namely, genomic deficiencies on one side and neuroimaging, as well as postmortem results on the other. In fact, the most consistent finding in schizophrenia is decreased brain size together with enlarged ventricles. This anomaly appears to originate from shorter and less ramified dendrites and axons. But a decrease in neuronal arborizations cannot explain the complex pathophysiology of this psychotic disorder; however, dynamic changes in neuronal structure present throughout life could. It is well recognized that the structure of developing neurons is extremely plastic. This structural plasticity was thought to stop with brain development. However, breakthrough discoveries have shown that neuronal structure retains some degree of plasticity throughout life. What the neuroscientific field is still trying to understand is how these dynamic changes are regulated and lncRNAs represent promising candidates to fill this knowledge gap. Here, we present evidence that associates specific lncRNAs with schizophrenia. We then discuss the potential role of lncRNAs in neurostructural dynamics. Finally, we explain how dynamic neurostructural modifications present throughout life could, in theory, reconcile apparent unrelated findings in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Merelo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dante Durand
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adam R Lescallette
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology Hershey, PA, USA ; Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kent E Vrana
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology Hershey, PA, USA
| | - L Elliot Hong
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammad Ali Faghihi
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alfredo Bellon
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology Hershey, PA, USA ; Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry Hershey, PA, USA
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Boyce WT, Kobor MS. Development and the epigenome: the 'synapse' of gene-environment interplay. Dev Sci 2015; 18:1-23. [PMID: 25546559 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper argues that there is a revolution afoot in the developmental science of gene-environment interplay. We summarize, for an audience of developmental researchers and clinicians, how epigenetic processes - chromatin structural modifications that regulate gene expression without changing DNA sequences - may offer a strong, parsimonious account for the convergence of genetic and contextual variation in the genesis of adaptive and maladaptive development. Epigenetic processes may play a plausible explanatory role in understanding: divergent trajectories and sexual dimorphisms in brain development; statistical interactions between genes and environments; the biological embedding of early psychosocial adversities; the linkages of such adversities to disorders of mental health; the striking individual variation in the strength of those linkages; the molecular origins of critical and sensitive periods; and the transgenerational inheritance of risk and protection. Taken together, these arguments converge in a claim that epigenetic processes constitute a promising and illuminating point of connection - a 'synapse' - between genes and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Thomas Boyce
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Canada
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Qureshi IA, Mehler MF. An evolving view of epigenetic complexity in the brain. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0506. [PMID: 25135967 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent scientific advances have revolutionized our understanding of classical epigenetic mechanisms and the broader landscape of molecular interactions and cellular functions that are inextricably linked to these processes. Our current view of epigenetics includes an increasing appreciation for the dynamic nature of DNA methylation, active mechanisms for DNA demethylation, differential functions of 5-methylcytosine and its oxidized derivatives, the intricate regulatory logic of histone post-translational modifications, the incorporation of histone variants into chromatin, nucleosome occupancy and dynamics, and direct links between cellular signalling pathways and the actions of chromatin 'reader', 'writer' and 'eraser' molecules. We also have an increasing awareness of the seemingly ubiquitous roles played by diverse classes of selectively expressed non-coding RNAs in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational and local and higher order chromatin modulatory processes. These perspectives are still evolving with novel insights continuing to emerge rapidly (e.g. those related to epigenetic regulation of mobile genetic elements, epigenetic mechanisms in mitochondria, roles in nuclear architecture and 'RNA epigenetics'). The precise functions of these epigenetic factors/phenomena are largely unknown. However, it is unequivocal that they serve as key mediators of brain complexity and flexibility, including neural development and aging, cellular differentiation, homeostasis, stress responses, and synaptic and neural network connectivity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A Qureshi
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Mark F Mehler
- Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Ruth S. and David L. Gottesman Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Center for Epigenomics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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48
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Yoshikawa A, Nakamachi T, Shibato J, Rakwal R, Shioda S. Comprehensive analysis of neonatal versus adult unilateral decortication in a mouse model using behavioral, neuroanatomical, and DNA microarray approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:22492-517. [PMID: 25490135 PMCID: PMC4284721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151222492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, studying the development, especially of corticospinal neurons, it was concluded that the main compensatory mechanism after unilateral brain injury in rat at the neonatal stage was due in part to non-lesioned ipsilateral corticospinal neurons that escaped selection by axonal elimination or neuronal apoptosis. However, previous results suggesting compensatory mechanism in neonate brain were not correlated with high functional recovery. Therefore, what is the difference among neonate and adult in the context of functional recovery and potential mechanism(s) therein? Here, we utilized a brain unilateral decortication mouse model and compared motor functional recovery mechanism post-neonatal brain hemisuction (NBH) with adult brain hemisuction (ABH). Three analyses were performed: (1) Quantitative behavioral analysis of forelimb movements using ladder walking test; (2) neuroanatomical retrograde tracing analysis of unlesioned side corticospinal neurons; and (3) differential global gene expressions profiling in unlesioned-side neocortex (rostral from bregma) in NBH and ABH on a 8 × 60 K mouse whole genome Agilent DNA chip. Behavioral data confirmed higher recovery ability in NBH over ABH is related to non-lesional frontal neocortex including rostral caudal forelimb area. A first inventory of differentially expressed genes genome-wide in the NBH and ABH mouse model is provided as a resource for the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yoshikawa
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Tomoya Nakamachi
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Junko Shibato
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Randeep Rakwal
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Seiji Shioda
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
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Cox KH, Bonthuis PJ, Rissman EF. Mouse model systems to study sex chromosome genes and behavior: relevance to humans. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:405-19. [PMID: 24388960 PMCID: PMC4079771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex chromosome genes directly influence sex differences in behavior. The discovery of the Sry gene on the Y chromosome (Gubbay et al., 1990; Koopman et al., 1990) substantiated the sex chromosome mechanistic link to sex differences. Moreover, the pronounced connection between X chromosome gene mutations and mental illness produces a strong sex bias in these diseases. Yet, the dominant explanation for sex differences continues to be the gonadal hormones. Here we review progress made on behavioral differences in mouse models that uncouple sex chromosome complement from gonadal sex. We conclude that many social and cognitive behaviors are modified by sex chromosome complement, and discuss the implications for human research. Future directions need to include identification of the genes involved and interactions with these genes and gonadal hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly H Cox
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Paul J Bonthuis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States.
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50
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Shen EY, Ahern TH, Cheung I, Straubhaar J, Dincer A, Houston I, de Vries GJ, Akbarian S, Forger NG. Epigenetics and sex differences in the brain: A genome-wide comparison of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in male and female mice. Exp Neurol 2014; 268:21-9. [PMID: 25131640 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many neurological and psychiatric disorders exhibit gender disparities, and sex differences in the brain likely explain some of these effects. Recent work in rodents points to a role for epigenetics in the development or maintenance of neural sex differences, although genome-wide studies have so far been lacking. Here we review the existing literature on epigenetics and brain sexual differentiation and present preliminary analyses on the genome-wide distribution of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation in a sexually dimorphic brain region in male and female mice. H3K4me3 is a histone mark primarily organized as 'peaks' surrounding the transcription start site of active genes. We microdissected the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area (BNST/POA) in adult male and female mice and used ChIP-Seq to compare the distribution of H3K4me3 throughout the genome. We found 248 genes and loci with a significant sex difference in H3K4me3. Of these, the majority (71%) had larger H3K4me3 peaks in females. Comparisons with existing databases indicate that genes and loci with increased H3K4me3 in females are associated with synaptic function and with expression atlases from related brain areas. Based on RT-PCR, only a minority of genes with a sex difference in H3K4me3 has detectable sex differences in expression at baseline conditions. Together with previous findings, our data suggest that there may be sex biases in the use of epigenetic marks. Such biases could underlie sex differences in vulnerabilities to drugs or diseases that disrupt specific epigenetic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Y Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Todd H Ahern
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
| | - Iris Cheung
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Juerg Straubhaar
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Aslihan Dincer
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomics Science, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Isaac Houston
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nancy G Forger
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA.
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