1
|
Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Yao S, Schmitt H, Becker B, Kendrick KM, Montag C. Molecular genetic associations between a prominent serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) and individual differences in tendencies toward autistic traits and generalized internet use disorder in China and Germany. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2747. [PMID: 36106519 PMCID: PMC9575603 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonin transporter polymorphism 5-HTTLPR is an extensively investigated genetic marker of autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder, and recently has also been studied in the realm of internet use disorder (IUD), yet the findings remain controversial. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore associations between 5-HTTLPR (also including SNP rs25531) and autistic traits/IUD tendencies and to assess whether the relationship between autistic traits and IUD tendencies varies by this genetic marker in participants from China and Germany. METHODS A total of 540 Chinese and 563 German subjects were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and completed the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire and the short version of the Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS Carriers of the low expressing S'S' genotype (S, LG ) showed significantly higher levels of autistic traits than the high expressing allele (e.g. LA ) carriers in both samples. There was no significant effect of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 on IUD either in the Chinese or Germany samples, whereas positive correlations between autistic traits and IUD varied by 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes and also differed between Chinese and German samples. In the Chinese sample, positive correlations were mainly driven by S'S' and S'L' carriers, while they were mainly determined by S'L' and L'L' carriers in the German sample. Further analyses revealed that the associations between autistic traits and IUD tended in parts to be more strongly pronounced in the complete German sample compared to the complete Chinese sample, and also varied depending on 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes (in S'S' carriers: China > Germany; in S'L' and L'L' carriers: China < Germany; both in terms of more positive associations). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest carriers of low expressing alleles (S, LG ) are more likely to show higher autistic traits in both Chinese and German samples. Furthermore, the present work shows that both 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and cultural differences might be of relevance to understand associations between autistic traits and IUD tendencies, but this needs to be further backed up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YingYing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Shuxia Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Helena Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Snarska J, Fiedorowicz E, Rozmus D, Wroński K, Latacz M, Kordulewska N, Płomiński J, Grzybowski R, Savelkoul HFJ, Kostyra E, Cieślińska A. TPH1 gene polymorphism rs211105 is associated with serotonin and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 concentrations in acute pancreatitis patients. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:426. [PMID: 34772352 PMCID: PMC8588706 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-02012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of serotonin and its metabolic pathway in proper functioning of the pancreas has not been thoroughly investigated yet in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) as the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin synthesis has been considered for possible associations in various diseases. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TPH genes have been already described in associations with psychiatric and digestive system disorders. This study aimed to explore the association of a rs211105 (T/G) polymorphism in TPH1 gene with tryptophan hydroxylase 1 concentrations in blood serum in a population of acute pancreatitis patients, and to investigate this association with acute pancreatitis susceptibility. Results Our data showed an association between the presence of the T allele at the position rs211105 (OR = 2.47, 95 % CI 0.94–6.50, p = 0.06) under conditions of a decreased AP incidence. For TT and GT genotypes in the control group, the lowest concentration of TPH was associated with higher serotonin levels (TT: Rs = − 0.415, p = 0.0018; GT: Rs = − 0.457, p = 0.0066), while for the AP group the highest levels of TPH among the TT genotype were associated with lower levels of serotonin (TT: Rs = − 0.749, p < 0.0001, and in the GG genotype higher levels of TPH were associated with higher levels of serotonin (GG: Rs = − 0.738, p = 0.037). Conclusions Here, a new insight in the potential role of a selected genetic factor in pancreatitis development was shown. Not only the metabolic pathway of serotonin, but also factors affecting serotonin synthesis may be interesting and important points in acute pancreatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Snarska
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Fiedorowicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dominika Rozmus
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Konrad Wroński
- General and Colorectal Surgery Clinic, University Clinical Hospital of the Military Medical Academy - Central Veterans Hospital in Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Latacz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Natalia Kordulewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Janusz Płomiński
- Department and Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Roman Grzybowski
- Department and Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Huub F J Savelkoul
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Elżbieta Kostyra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Cieślińska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodriguez-Gomez DA, Garcia-Guaqueta DP, Charry-Sánchez JD, Sarquis-Buitrago E, Blanco M, Velez-van-Meerbeke A, Talero-Gutiérrez C. A systematic review of common genetic variation and biological pathways in autism spectrum disorder. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 34627165 PMCID: PMC8501721 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. Common genetic variation appears to play a key role in the development of this condition. In this systematic review, we describe the relationship between genetic variations and autism. We created a gene dataset of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of autism and performed an over-representation analysis to evaluate the biological functions and molecular pathways that may explain the associations between these variants and the development of ASD. Results 177 studies and a gene set composed of 139 were included in this qualitative systematic review. Enriched pathways in the over-representation analysis using the KEGG pathway database were mostly associated with neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits. Major over-represented biological processes were social behavior, vocalization behavior, learning and memory. The enriched cellular component of the proteins encoded by the genes identified in this systematic review were the postsynaptic membrane and the cell junction. Conclusions Among the biological processes that were examined, genes involved in synaptic integrity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and cell adhesion molecules were significantly involved in the development of autism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alejandro Rodriguez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Danna Paola Garcia-Guaqueta
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jesús David Charry-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Elias Sarquis-Buitrago
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Mariana Blanco
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Alberto Velez-van-Meerbeke
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. .,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu J, Fu H, Kong J, Yu H, Zhang Z. Association between autism spectrum disorder and polymorphisms in genes encoding serotine and dopamine receptors. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:865-870. [PMID: 33644845 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunctions of the neurotransmitter system are related to the development of many psychological diseases including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are correlated with varied susceptibility of ASD and response to treatments. The association between SNPs in genes encoding serotonin and dopamine receptors and childhood ASD was examined in a Chinese Han population. Both autistic children (n = 319) and age-and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 347) were recruited from a local district. Disease severity was evaluated by the childhood autism rating scale (CARS). SNPs of rs6311 and rs6313 in the serotonin receptor HTR2A gene, rs4630328 in the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) gene and rs167771 in the DRD3 gene were examined. The CC genotype of rs6311 was significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio (OD) = 1.8 vs TT, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-2.8, P = 0.0085). Carriers of the C allele of rs6311 had a significantly higher risk of childhood ASD (OD =1.3, 95% CI = 1.1-1.7, P = 0.0094). A strong linkage disequilibrium was observed between rs6311 and rs6313 (D' = 0.93, r2 = 0.86). There were significant correlations between haplotypes (T-A and C-G of rs6311-rs6313) and risk of childhood ASD. In contrast, the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of rs6313, rs4630328 and rs167771 were not significantly different between the case and control groups. All the SNPs examined were not associated with severity of the disease. Our study demonstrates that certain SNPs in the HTR2A gene, but not the DRD2 and DRD3, are associated with susceptibility to childhood ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Central Laboratory, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Huamei Fu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiangying Kong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodnyy AY, Kulikova EA, Kondaurova EM, Naumenko VS. Serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 Receptors in the Brain of the BTBR Mouse the Model of Autism. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
7
|
Wongpaiboonwattana W, Plong-On O, Hnoonual A, Limprasert P. Significant associations between 5-hydroxytryptaminetransporter-linked promoter region polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter (solute carrier family 6 member 4) gene and Thai patients with autism spectrum disorder. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21946. [PMID: 32899028 PMCID: PMC7478716 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a form of pervasive developmental disorder manifested by impairment in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Although genetic contribution is strongly suspected in autism, the specific genetic factors remain unidentified. Hyperserotoninemia has been reported in some autistic patients, and several studies have demonstrated an association between 5-hydroxytryptamine-transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms and rs25531 single nucleotide polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (solute carrier family 6 member 4; SLC6A4) and ASD, indicating a possible involvement of the serotonin system in the etiology of ASD.To explore this situation further, a case-control association study of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 polymorphisms on Thai ASD patients was conducted. A total of 188 ASD cases fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria (156 males and 32 females) and a total of 250 normal controls were recruited from the same ethnic backgrounds. 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms (Long, L; Short, S) and rs25531 (A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism were genotyped and compared between the patients and normal controls using chi-square statistics.The L/L genotype was more common in patients than in the controls (13.8% vs 5.2%, P = .006), and the LA haplotype was found in patients more than the controls (16.9% vs 12.2%, P = .048). When male patients were analyzed alone (156 individuals), the associations were also statistically significant with P = .017 for L/L genotype, and P = .019 for LA haplotype distribution.Our findings support previous reports suggesting an association between the 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 polymorphisms of SLC6A4 and patients with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oradawan Plong-On
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Areerat Hnoonual
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Pornprot Limprasert
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wegener Sleeswijk A, Heijungs R, Durston S. Tackling Missing Heritability by Use of an Optimum Curve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205104. [PMID: 31618836 PMCID: PMC6829377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Missing heritability is a common problem in psychiatry that impedes precision medicine approaches to autism and other heritable complex disorders. This proof-of-concept study uses a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between variants of the serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) and autism to explore the hypothesis that some missing heritability can be explained using an optimum curve. A systematic literature search was performed to identify transmission disequilibrium tests on the short/long (S/L) 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in relation to autism. We analysed five American, seven European, four Asian and two American/European samples. We found no transmission preference in the joint samples and in Europe, preferential transmission of S in America and preferential transmission of L in Asia. Heritability will be underestimated or missed in genetic association studies if two alternative genetic variants are associated with the same disorder in different subsets of a sample. An optimum curve, relating a multifactorial biological variable that incorporates genes and environment to a score for a human trait, such as social competence, can explain this. We suggest that variants of functionally related genes will sometimes appear in fixed combinations at both sides of an optimum curve and propose that future association studies should account for such combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Wegener Sleeswijk
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Reinout Heijungs
- Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Department of Industrial Ecology, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Sarah Durston
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Elhawary NA, Tayeb MT, Sindi IA, Qutub N, Rashad M, Mufti A, Arab AH, Khogeer A, Elhawary EN, Dannoun A, Bogari N. Genetic biomarkers predict susceptibility to autism spectrum disorder through interactive models of inheritance in a Saudi community. COGENT BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23312025.2019.1606555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nasser A. Elhawary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Medical Genetics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Mohammed T. Tayeb
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Medical Genetics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Ikhlas A. Sindi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nermeen Qutub
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Rashad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Mufti
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Medical Genetics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Arwa H. Arab
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Khogeer
- Department of Plan and Research, General Directorate of Health Affairs, Mecca Region, Ministry of Health, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ezzeldin N. Elhawary
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Modern Sciences and Arts University, 6th October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Anas Dannoun
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Medical Genetics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Neda Bogari
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Medical Genetics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Garbarino VR, Gilman TL, Daws LC, Gould GG. Extreme enhancement or depletion of serotonin transporter function and serotonin availability in autism spectrum disorder. Pharmacol Res 2019; 140:85-99. [PMID: 30009933 PMCID: PMC6345621 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A variety of human and animal studies support the hypothesis that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) system dysfunction is a contributing factor to the development of autism in some patients. However, many questions remain about how developmental manipulation of various components that influence 5-HT signaling (5-HT synthesis, transport, metabolism) persistently impair social behaviors. This review will summarize key aspects of central 5-HT function important for normal brain development, and review evidence implicating perinatal disruptions in 5-HT signaling in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder. We discuss the importance, and relative dearth, of studies that explore the possible correlation to autism in the interactions between important intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may disrupt 5-HT homeostasis during development. In particular, we focus on exposure to 5-HT transport altering mechanisms such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or genetic polymorphisms in primary or auxiliary transporters of 5-HT, and how they relate to neurological stores of serotonin and its precursors. A deeper understanding of the many mechanisms by which 5-HT signaling can be disrupted, alone and in concert, may contribute to an improved understanding of the etiologies and heterogeneous nature of this disorder. We postulate that extreme bidirectional perturbations of these factors during development likely compound or synergize to facilitate enduring neurochemical changes resulting in insufficient or excessive 5-HT signaling, that could underlie the persistent behavioral characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina R Garbarino
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, United States.
| | - T Lee Gilman
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; Addiction Research, Treatment & Training Center of Excellence, United States.
| | - Lynette C Daws
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; Addiction Research, Treatment & Training Center of Excellence, United States; Department of Pharmacology, United States.
| | - Georgianna G Gould
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang PY, Menga YJ, Li T, Huang Y. Associations of endocrine stress-related gene polymorphisms with risk of autism spectrum disorders: Evidence from an integrated meta-analysis. Autism Res 2017; 10:1722-1736. [PMID: 28656683 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are related to serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) as two most monoaminergic polymorphic variations. However, multiple studies assessing rs4680 and 5-HTTLPR variants in ASD have reported inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted an integrated meta-analysis to combine case-control and transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) studies to determine whether COMT and 5-HTT are associated with ASD. We searched multiple electronic databases (PubMed, EmBase and Web of Science) to identify studies assessing the rs4680 and 5-HTTLPR variants in ASD from Jan 1997 to Dec 2016. Then allelic data from case-control and TDT studies were analyzed by the Catmap package in the R software. A total of 5 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis of rs4680, including 3 case-control, 1 TDT and 1 TDT & case-control studies. Meanwhile, 22 studies of 5-HTTLPR were available, including 16 TDT, 4 case-control and 2 TDT & case-control studies. The current meta-analysis included 814 ASD cases, 741 controls and 311 families related to rs4680; 749 ASD cases, 1,118 controls and 1,861 families relevant to 5-HTTLPR were also evaluated. For rs4680, the pooled OR was 1.18 (95% CI = 0.87-1.59, P = 0.29, Pheterogeneity < 0.00001). There was no significant association of rs4680 with risk of ASD between the two subgroups. For 5-HTTLPR, the pooled OR was 1.05 (95% CI = 0.92-1.20, P = 0.4652, Pheterogeneity < 0.00001). Meanwhile, we found no significant risk in individual case-control or TDT studies. The above findings indicated that neither COMT rs4680 nor 5-HTT 5-HTTLPR polymorphism significantly affects ASD risk. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1722-1736. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Our results showed no evidence of significant association of either COMT rs4680 or 5-HTT 5-HTTLPR variants with ASD, showing that these two genes may not be major susceptible genetic factors in ASD occurrence, and may have a reciprocal action with each other in combination with environmental factors. These findings further provide evidence that a single gene variant may not dictate autism occurrence, but possibly contributes to a specific phenotype or subtype of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Yuan Yang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Jing Menga
- Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hranilovic D, Blazevic S, Stefulj J, Zill P. DNA Methylation Analysis of HTR2A Regulatory Region in Leukocytes of Autistic Subjects. Autism Res 2015; 9:204-9. [PMID: 26149086 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Disturbed brain and peripheral serotonin homeostasis is often found in subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The role of the serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) in the regulation of central and peripheral serotonin homeostasis, as well as its altered expression in autistic subjects, have implicated the HTR2A gene as a major candidate for the serotonin disturbance seen in autism. Several studies, yielding so far inconclusive results, have attempted to associate autism with a functional SNP -1438 G/A (rs6311) in the HTR2A promoter region, while possible contribution of epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, to HTR2A dysregulation in autism has not yet been investigated. In this study, we compared the mean DNA methylation within the regulatory region of the HTR2A gene between autistic and control subjects. DNA methylation was analysed in peripheral blood leukocytes using bisulfite conversion and sequencing of the HTR2A region containing rs6311 polymorphism. Autistic subjects of rs6311 AG genotype displayed higher mean methylation levels within the analysed region than the corresponding controls (P < 0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference for AA and GG carriers. Our study provides preliminary evidence for increased HTR2A promoter methylation in leukocytes of a portion of adult autistic subjects, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms might contribute to HTR2A dysregulation observed in individuals with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Hranilovic
- Department of Animal Physiology, Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sofia Blazevic
- Department of Animal Physiology, Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Stefulj
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology, Division of Molecular Biology, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.,Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Peter Zill
- Division of Psychiatric Genetics and Neurochemistry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jaiswal P, Mohanakumar KP, Rajamma U. Serotonin mediated immunoregulation and neural functions: Complicity in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:413-31. [PMID: 26021727 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic system has long been implicated in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), since platelet hyperserotonemia is consistently observed in a subset of autistic patients, who respond well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Apart from being a neurotransmitter, serotonin functions as a neurotrophic factor directing brain development and as an immunoregulator modulating immune responses. Serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates serotonin level in lymphoid tissues to ensure its proper functioning in innate and adaptive responses. Immunological molecules such as cytokines in turn regulate the transcription and activity of SERT. Dysregulation of serotonergic system could trigger signalling cascades that affect normal neural-immune interactions culminating in neurodevelopmental and neural connectivity defects precipitating behavioural abnormalities, or the disease phenotypes. Therefore, we suggest that a better understanding of the cross talk between serotonergic genes, immune systems and serotonergic neurotransmission will open wider avenues to develop pharmacological leads for addressing the core ASD behavioural deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Jaiswal
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata 700 107, India
| | - Kochupurackal P Mohanakumar
- Division of Cell Biology & Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Usha Rajamma
- Manovikas Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata 700 107, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jaiswal P, Guhathakurta S, Singh AS, Verma D, Pandey M, Varghese M, Sinha S, Ghosh S, Mohanakumar KP, Rajamma U. SLC6A4 markers modulate platelet 5-HT level and specific behaviors of autism: a study from an Indian population. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 56:196-206. [PMID: 25261775 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Presence of platelet hyperserotonemia and effective amelioration of behavioral dysfunctions by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) indicate that irregularities in serotonin (5-HT) reuptake and its homeostasis could be the basis of behavioral impairments in ASD patients. SLC6A4, the gene encoding serotonin transporter (SERT) is considered as a potential susceptibility gene for ASD, since it is a quantitative trait locus for blood 5-HT levels. Three functional polymorphisms, 5-HTTLPR, STin2 and 3'UTR-SNP of SLC6A4 are extensively studied for possible association with the disorder, with inconclusive outcome. In the present study, we investigated association of these polymorphisms with platelet 5-HT content and symptoms severity as revealed by childhood autism rating scale in ASD children from an Indian population. Higher 5-HT level observed in ASD was highly significant in children with heterozygous and homozygous genotypes comprising of minor alleles of the markers. Quantitative transmission disequilibrium test demonstrated significant genetic effect of STin2 allele as well as STin2/3'UTR-SNP and 5-HTTLPR/3'UTR-SNP haplotypes on 5-HT levels, but no direct association with overall CARS score and ASD phenotype. Significant genetic effect of the markers on specific behavioral phenotypes was observed for various sub-phenotypes of CARS in quantitative trait analysis. Even though the 5-HT level was not associated with severity of behavioral CARS score, a significant negative relationship was observed for 5-HT levels and level and consistency of intellectual response and general impression in ASD children. Population-based study revealed higher distribution of the haplotype 10/G of STin2/3'UTR-SNP in male controls, suggesting protective effect of this haplotype in male cases. Overall results of the study suggest that SLC6A4 markers have specific genetic effect on individual ASD behavioral attributes, might be through the modulation of 5-HT content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Jaiswal
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhrangshu Guhathakurta
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, India
| | - Asem Surindro Singh
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, India
| | - Deepak Verma
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, India
| | - Mritunjay Pandey
- Lab of Clinical & Experimental Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India
| | - Merina Varghese
- Lab of Clinical & Experimental Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India
| | - Swagata Sinha
- Out-Patients Department, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, India
| | - Saurabh Ghosh
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 BT Road, Kolkata, India
| | - Kochupurackal P Mohanakumar
- Lab of Clinical & Experimental Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India
| | - Usha Rajamma
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abdelrahman HM, Sherief LM, Alghobashy AA, Abdel Salam SM, Hashim HM, Abdel Fattah NR, Mohamed RH. Association of 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms with gastrointestinal disorders in Egyptian children with autistic disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 36C:485-490. [PMID: 25462508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal disturbances (GID) are frequently reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recently, mounting evidence suggests that there may be a genetic link for autism with gastrointestinal disturbances. We aimed to investigate whether there were any association between the -1438A/G, 102T/C and His452Tyr polymorphisms of the serotonin 2A receptor gene (5-HT2A) in Egyptian children with ASD and GID. Eighty children with autistic disorder and 100 healthy control children were examined. -1438A/G, 102T/C and His452Tyr polymorphisms of 5-HT2A were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Significant increase of the G allele and the GG genotype of the -1438A/G polymorphism was observed in children with autism than control, but there were no significant differences in the frequencies either of the 102T/C genotype or His452Tyr genotype between the two groups. There was a significant increase of homozygote A allele of the -1438A/G and CC genotype of the 102T/C polymorphism in ASD children with GID. This study supports the possible involvement of the 5-HT2A receptor in the development of ASD and associated GID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laila M Sherief
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ashgan A Alghobashy
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sanaa M Abdel Salam
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Haitham M Hashim
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Randa H Mohamed
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ro M, Won S, Kang H, Kim SY, Lee SK, Nam M, Bang HJ, Yang JW, Choi KS, Kim SK, Chung JH, Kwack K. Association of the FGA and SLC6A4 genes with autistic spectrum disorder in a Korean population. Neuropsychobiology 2014; 68:212-20. [PMID: 24192574 DOI: 10.1159/000355299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by distinctive impairments in cognitive function, language, and behavior. Linkage and population studies suggest a genetic association between solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) variants and ASD. METHOD Logistic regression was used to identify associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ASD with 3 alternative models (additive, dominant, and recessive). Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of SNPs on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores as a quantitative phenotype. RESULTS In the present study, we examined the associations of SNPs in the SLC6A4 gene and the fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA) gene. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the risk of ASD and rs2070025 and rs2070011 in the FGA gene. The gene-gene interaction between SLC6A4 and FGA was not significantly associated with ASD susceptibility. However, polymorphisms in both SLC6A4 and the FGA gene significantly affected the symptoms of ASD. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that FGA and SLC6A4 gene interactions may contribute to the phenotypes of ASD rather than the incidence of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myungja Ro
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ciranna L, Catania MV. 5-HT7 receptors as modulators of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and plasticity: physiological role and possible implications in autism spectrum disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:250. [PMID: 25221471 PMCID: PMC4145633 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin type 7 receptors (5-HT7) are expressed in several brain areas, regulate brain development, synaptic transmission and plasticity, and therefore are involved in various brain functions such as learning and memory. A number of studies suggest that 5-HT7 receptors could be potential pharmacotherapeutic target for cognitive disorders. Several abnormalities of serotonergic system have been described in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including abnormal activity of 5-HT transporter, altered blood and brain 5-HT levels, reduced 5-HT synthesis and altered expression of 5-HT receptors in the brain. A specific role for 5-HT7 receptors in ASD has not yet been demonstrated but some evidence implicates their possible involvement. We have recently shown that 5-HT7 receptor activation rescues hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome, a monogenic cause of autism. Several other studies have shown that 5-HT7 receptors modulate behavioral flexibility, exploratory behavior, mood disorders and epilepsy, which include core and co-morbid symptoms of ASD. These findings further suggest an involvement of 5-HT7 receptors in ASD. Here, we review the physiological roles of 5-HT7 receptors and their implications in Fragile X Syndrome and other ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ciranna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Catania
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) Catania, Italy ; Laboratory of Neurobiology, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS Troina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Amodeo DA, Jones JH, Sweeney JA, Ragozzino ME. Risperidone and the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 improve probabilistic reversal learning in BTBR T + tf/J mice. Autism Res 2014; 7:555-67. [PMID: 24894823 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions with restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). RRBs can severely limit daily living and be particularly stressful to family members. To date, there are limited options for treating this feature in ASD. Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is approved to treat irritability in ASD, but less is known about whether it is effective in treating "higher order" RRBs, for example cognitive inflexibility. Risperidone also has multiple receptor targets in which only a subset may be procognitive and others induce cognitive impairment. 5HT2A receptor blockade represents one promising and more targeted approach, as various preclinical studies have shown that 5HT2A receptor antagonists improve cognition. The present study investigated whether risperidone and/or M100907, a 5HT2A receptor antagonist, improved probabilistic reversal learning performance in the BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) mouse model of autism. The effects of these treatments were also investigated in C57BL/6J (B6) mice as a comparison strain. Using a spatial reversal learning test with 80/20 probabilistic feedback, similar to one in which ASD individuals exhibit impairments, both risperidone (0.125 mg) and M100907 (0.01 and 0.1 mg) improved reversal learning in BTBR mice. Risperidone (0.125 mg) impaired reversal learning in B6 mice. Improvement in probabilistic reversal learning performance resulted from treatments enhancing the maintenance of the newly correct choice pattern. Because risperidone can lead to unwanted side effects, treatment with a specific 5HT2A receptor antagonist may improve cognitive flexibility in individuals with ASD while also minimizing unwanted side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dionisio A Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Smith RM, Banks W, Hansen E, Sadee W, Herman GE. Family-based clinical associations and functional characterization of the serotonin 2A receptor gene (HTR2A) in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2014; 7:459-67. [PMID: 24753316 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin 2A receptor gene (HTR2A) harbors two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are frequent in populations of African and European descent; rs6311, which affects mRNA expression, and rs6314, which changes the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein and affects the signaling properties of the receptor. Multiple clinical associations support a role for these SNPs in cognitive and neuropsychiatric phenotypes, although studies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain equivocal. Here, we tested transmission disequilibrium of rs6311 and rs6314 in a cohort of 158 ASD trios (simplex and multiplex), observing significant under-transmission of the minor "A" allele of rs6311 to offspring with ASD (permuted P = 0.0004). Consistent with our previous findings in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of unaffected individuals, rs6311/A decreases expression of HTR2A mRNA with an extended 5' untranslated region (UTR) in the frontopolar cortex in brain samples from 54 ASD patients and controls. Interpreting the clinical results in the context of our mRNA expression analysis, we speculate that any risk associated with rs6311 is conferred by greater expression of the long 5'UTR mRNA isoform. The current study corroborates earlier associations between rs6311 and ASD in a family study, supporting the hypothesis that rs6311 plays a modulatory role in ASD risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, OSU College of Medicine Center for Pharmacogenomics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nyffeler J, Walitza S, Bobrowski E, Gundelfinger R, Grünblatt E. Association study in siblings and case-controls of serotonin- and oxytocin-related genes with high functioning autism. J Mol Psychiatry 2014; 2:1. [PMID: 25408912 PMCID: PMC4223888 DOI: 10.1186/2049-9256-2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is heritable and neurodevelopmental with unknown causes. The serotonergic and oxytocinergic systems are of interest in autism for several reasons: (i) Both systems are implicated in social behavior, and abnormal levels of serotonin and oxytocin have been found in people with ASD; (ii) treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and oxytocin can yield improvements; and (iii) previous association studies have linked the serotonin transporter (SERT; SLC6A4), serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A), and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes with ASD. We examined their association with high functioning autism (HFA) including siblings and their interaction. Methods In this association study with HFA children (IQ > 80), siblings, and controls, participants were genotyped for four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in OXTR (rs2301261, rs53576, rs2254298, rs2268494) and one in HTR2A (rs6311) as well as the triallelic HTTLPR (SERT polymorphism). Results We identified a nominal significant association with HFA for the HTTLPR s allele (consisting of S and LG alleles) (p = .040; odds ratio (OR) = 1.697, 95% CI 1.191–2.204)). Four polymorphisms (HTTLPR, HTR2A rs6311, OXTR rs2254298 and rs53576) in combination conferred nominal significant risk for HFA with a genetic score of ≥4 (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.05–4.18, p = .037). The resulting area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.595 (p = .033). Conclusions Our findings, combined with those of previous reports, indicate that ASD, in particular HFA, is polygenetic rather than monogenetic and involves the serotonergic and oxytocin pathways, probably in combination with other factors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2049-9256-2-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Nyffeler
- University Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UCCAP), University of Zurich, Thurgauerstr. 39, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- University Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UCCAP), University of Zurich, Thurgauerstr. 39, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland ; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elise Bobrowski
- University Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UCCAP), University of Zurich, Thurgauerstr. 39, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland ; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ronnie Gundelfinger
- University Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UCCAP), University of Zurich, Thurgauerstr. 39, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- University Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UCCAP), University of Zurich, Thurgauerstr. 39, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland ; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Toma C, Hervás A, Balmaña N, Salgado M, Maristany M, Vilella E, Aguilera F, Orejuela C, Cuscó I, Gallastegui F, Pérez-Jurado LA, Caballero-Andaluz R, Diego-Otero YD, Guzmán-Alvarez G, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Ribasés M, Bayés M, Cormand B. Neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors in autism: association study of 37 genes suggests involvement of DDC. World J Biol Psychiatry 2013; 14:516-27. [PMID: 22397633 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2011.602719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors can be considered strong candidates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems are involved in neurotransmission, brain maturation and cortical organization, while neurotrophic factors (NTFs) participate in neurodevelopment, neuronal survival and synapses formation. We aimed to test the contribution of these candidate pathways to autism through a case-control association study of genes selected both for their role in central nervous system functions and for pathophysiological evidences. METHODS The study sample consisted of 326 unrelated autistic patients and 350 gender-matched controls from Spain. We genotyped 369 tagSNPs to perform a case-control association study of 37 candidate genes. RESULTS A significant association was obtained between the DDC gene and autism in the single-marker analysis (rs6592961, P = 0.00047). Haplotype-based analysis pinpointed a four-marker combination in this gene associated with the disorder (rs2329340C-rs2044859T-rs6592961A-rs11761683T, P = 4.988e-05). No significant results were obtained for the remaining genes after applying multiple testing corrections. However, the rs167771 marker in DRD3, associated with ASD in a previous study, displayed a nominal association in our analysis (P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that common allelic variants in the DDC gene may be involved in autism susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Toma
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona , Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yang SY, Yoo HJ, Cho IH, Park M, Kim SA. Association with tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphisms and autism spectrum disorders in Korean families. Neurosci Res 2012; 73:333-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2012.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
23
|
Egawa J, Endo T, Tamura R, Masuzawa N, Fukui N, Sugai T, Someya T. Influence of the 5-HTR1A C-1019G polymorphism on clinical phenotypes of autism spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2012; 198:336-7. [PMID: 22483975 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
24
|
Li X, Zou H, Brown WT. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:543-52. [PMID: 22688012 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous grouping of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairment in social interaction, verbal communication and repetitive/stereotypic behaviors. Much evidence suggests that ASD is multifactorial with a strong genetic basis, but the underlying mechanisms are far from clear. Recent advances in genetic technologies are beginning to shed light on possible etiologies of ASD. This review discusses current evidence for several widely studied candidate ASD genes, as well as various rare genes that supports their relationship to the etiology of ASD. The majority of the data are based on molecular, cytogenetic, linkage and association studies of autistic subjects, but newer methods, including whole-exome sequencing, are also beginning to make significant contributions to our understanding of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY 10314, United States.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Azmitia EC, Singh JS, Hou XP, Wegiel J. Dystrophic serotonin axons in postmortem brains from young autism patients. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2011; 294:1653-62. [PMID: 21901837 PMCID: PMC4112519 DOI: 10.1002/ar.21243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism causes neuropathological changes in varied anatomical loci. A coherent neural mechanism to explain the spectrum of autistic symptomatology has not been proposed because most anatomical researchers focus on point-to-point functional neural systems (e.g., auditory and social networks) rather than considering global chemical neural systems. Serotonergic neurons have a global innervation pattern. Disorders Research Program, AS073234, Program Project (JW). Their cell bodies are found in the midbrain but they project their axons throughout the neural axis beginning in the fetal brain. This global system is implicated in autism by animal models and by biochemical, imaging, pharmacological, and genetics studies. However, no anatomical studies of the 5-HT innervation of autistic donors have been reported. Our review presents immunocytochemical evidence of an increase in 5-HT axons in postmortem brain tissue from autism donors aged 2.8-29 years relative to controls. This increase is observed in the principle ascending fiber bundles of the medial and lateral forebrain bundles, and in the innervation density of the amygdala and the piriform, superior temporal, and parahippocampal cortices. In autistic donors 8 years of age and up, several types of dystrophic 5-HT axons were seen in the termination fields. One class of these dystrophic axons, the thick heavily stained axons, was not seen in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. These findings provide morphological evidence for the involvement of serotonin neurons in the early etiology of autism, and suggest new therapies may be effective to blunt serotonin's trophic actions during early brain development in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efrain C Azmitia
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, 10003, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kistner-Griffin E, Brune CW, Davis LK, Sutcliffe JS, Cox NJ, Cook EH. Parent-of-origin effects of the serotonin transporter gene associated with autism. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2011; 156:139-44. [PMID: 21302342 PMCID: PMC3438509 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A promoter-linked insertion/deletion polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) has been implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in numerous family based association studies. However, the results of these investigations have been inconsistent in that both the long and short alleles have been shown to be over-transmitted to affected offspring. In order to further elucidate the relationship between the 5-HTTLPR variant and autism risk, we undertook a thorough study of parent-of-origin effects, maternal genotype effects, and offspring genotype effects in a sample of affected offspring from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE). Both the overall autism phenotype and measures of autism behaviors from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised [Lord et al. (1994); J Autism Dev Disord 24(5): 659–685] were considered. We found evidence of over-transmission (risk allele short, P = 0.012), maternal effects (risk allele long, P = 0.035), and parent-of-origin effects (risk allele short from mother, P = 0.018) of the 5-HTTLPR variant in the AGRE sample. Population- and gender-specific effects were also explored as associations may be heterogeneous across populations and sexes. Parent-of-origin effects of the variant were associated with maternally inherited copies of the short allele that resulted in more impaired overall level of language (P = 0.04). Our study was conducted to further investigate the 5-HTTLPR risk variants by identifying allelic associations that may be population-specific, phenotype-specific, or conferred by maternal or parent-of-origin effects. In light of conflicting observations from previous studies, these are just a few of the possible explanations that deserve attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kistner-Griffin
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathon Lucas St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Camille W. Brune
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois-Chicago
| | - Lea K. Davis
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois-Chicago
| | - James S. Sutcliffe
- Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Nancy J. Cox
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Human Genetics, University of Chicago
| | - Edwin H. Cook
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois-Chicago
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gould GG, Hensler JG, Burke TF, Benno RH, Onaivi ES, Daws LC. Density and function of central serotonin (5-HT) transporters, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, and effects of their targeting on BTBR T+tf/J mouse social behavior. J Neurochem 2011; 116:291-303. [PMID: 21070242 PMCID: PMC3012263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.07104.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BTBR mice are potentially useful tools for autism research because their behavior parallels core social interaction impairments and restricted-repetitive behaviors. Altered regulation of central serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission may underlie such behavioral deficits. To test this, we compared 5-HT transporter (SERT), 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor densities among BTBR and C57 strains. Autoradiographic [(3) H] cyanoimipramine (1 nM) binding to SERT was 20-30% lower throughout the adult BTBR brain as compared to C57BL/10J mice. In hippocampal membrane homogenates, [(3) H] citalopram maximal binding (B(max) ) to SERT was 95 ± 13 fmol/mg protein in BTBR and 171 ± 20 fmol/mg protein in C57BL/6J mice, and the BTBR dissociation constant (K(D) ) was 2.0 ± 0.3 nM versus 1.1 ± 0.2 in C57BL/6J mice. Hippocampal 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor binding was similar among strains. However, 8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [(35) S] GTPγS binding in the BTBR hippocampal CA(1) region was 28% higher, indicating elevated 5-HT(1A) capacity to activate G-proteins. In BTBR mice, the SERT blocker, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and the 5-HT(1A) receptor partial-agonist, buspirone (2 mg/kg) enhanced social interactions. The D(2) /5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, risperidone (0.1 mg/kg) reduced marble burying, but failed to improve sociability. Overall, altered SERT and/or 5-HT(1A) functionality in hippocampus could contribute to the relatively low sociability of BTBR mice.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiology
- Buspirone/pharmacology
- Fluoxetine/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Protein Binding/physiology
- Protein Transport
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/physiology
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/physiology
- Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
- Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/physiology
- Social Behavior
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgianna G Gould
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hranilovic D, Blazevic S, Babic M, Smurinic M, Bujas-Petkovic Z, Jernej B. 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms in Croatian subjects with autistic disorder. Psychiatry Res 2010; 178:556-8. [PMID: 20471101 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Disturbances in the expression/function of the 5-HT2A receptor are implicated in autism. The association of the 5-HT2A receptor gene with autism was studied in the Croatian population. Distribution frequencies for alleles, genotypes and haplotypes of -1438 A/G and His452Tyr polymorphisms were compared in samples of 103 autistic and 214 control subjects. Significant overrepresentation of the G allele and the GG genotype of the -1438 A/G polymorphism was observed in group of autistic subjects, supporting the possible involvement of the 5-HT2A receptor in the development of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Hranilovic
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, and Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Arieff Z, Kaur M, Gameeldien H, van der Merwe L, Bajic VB. 5-HTTLPR Polymorphism: Analysis in South African Autistic Individuals. Hum Biol 2010; 82:291-300. [DOI: 10.3378/027.082.0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
30
|
Yang SY, Cho SC, Yoo HJ, Cho IH, Park M, Kim BN, Kim JW, Shin MS, Park TW, Son JW, Chung US, Kim HW, Yang YH, Kang JO, Kim SA. Association study between single nucleotide polymorphisms in promoter region of AVPR1A and Korean autism spectrum disorders. Neurosci Lett 2010; 479:197-200. [PMID: 20546835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2010] [Revised: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To determine the association between arginine vasopressin receptor 1A gene (AVPR1A) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), we examined 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely, rs7294536, rs3759292, and rs10877969, in the promoter region of AVPR1A by using a family-based association test (FBAT) in 151 Korean trios. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant association between autism and SNPs (additive model: rs7294536, chi(2)=9.328, df=2, P=0.002; rs10877969, chi(2)=11.529, df=2, P<0.001) as well as between autism and haplotype analysis (additive model: chi(2)=14.122, df=3, P=0.003). In addition, we found that ADI-R scores calculated by using a diagnostic algorithm for failure to develop peer relationships (A2) were higher in subjects having the AA genotype than in subjects having the AG and GG genotypes of rs7294536. Thus, our study provides evidence for a possible association between these SNPs and the phenotype of ASDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Young Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Eulji University Medical Sciences Research Center, School of Medicine, Eulji University, 143-5 Yongdu-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-746, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zafeiriou DI, Ververi A, Vargiami E. The serotonergic system: its role in pathogenesis and early developmental treatment of autism. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 7:150-7. [PMID: 19949574 PMCID: PMC2730007 DOI: 10.2174/157015909788848848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 03/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a severe childhood disorder already presenting in the first 3 years of life and, therefore, strongly correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations in prenatal, as well as postnatal period. Neurotransmitters hold a pivotal role in development by providing the stimulation needed for synapses and neuronal networks to be formed during the critical period of neuroplasticity. Aberrations of the serotonergic system modify key processes in the developing brain and are strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of developmental disorders. Evidence for the role of serotonin in autism emerges from neuropathological, imaging and genetic studies. Due to its developmental arrest, autism requires early intervention that would, among others, target the disrupted serotonergic system and utilize brain plasticity to elicit clinically important brain changes in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D I Zafeiriou
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Guhathakurta S, Singh AS, Sinha S, Chatterjee A, Ahmed S, Ghosh S, Usha R. Analysis of serotonin receptor 2A gene (HTR2A): Association study with autism spectrum disorder in the Indian population and investigation of the gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes. Neurochem Int 2009; 55:754-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
33
|
Quednow BB, Schmechtig A, Ettinger U, Petrovsky N, Collier DA, Vollenweider FX, Wagner M, Kumari V. Sensorimotor gating depends on polymorphisms of the serotonin-2A receptor and catechol-O-methyltransferase, but not on neuregulin-1 Arg38Gln genotype: a replication study. Biol Psychiatry 2009; 66:614-20. [PMID: 19545856 PMCID: PMC3184478 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Revised: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response (ASR) is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating and a promising endophenotype of schizophrenia. We have recently shown that the linked serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) A-1438 G and T102C polymorphisms modulate PPI in schizophrenia patients. Moreover, it was shown that genetic variation in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and the neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) proteins influences PPI in schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers. Therefore, we aimed to replicate these results and investigated the impact of the related polymorphisms on PPI in healthy human volunteers. METHODS We analyzed the 5-HT(2A)R A-1438 G/T102C (rs6311/rs6313), the COMT Val158Met (rs4680), and the NRG-1 Arg38Gln (rs3924999) polymorphisms, assessing startle reactivity, habituation, and PPI of ASR in 107 healthy Caucasian volunteers. RESULTS Subjects homozygous for the 5-HT(2A)R T102C-T/A-1438 G-A allele showed increased PPI levels. In particular, male subjects with the COMT Met158Met-genotype also showed elevated PPI. The NRG-1 Arg38Gln genotype did not have a significant impact on PPI. Startle reactivity was not affected by any of the investigated polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed in an independent sample of healthy volunteers that PPI is influenced by genetic variation in the 5-HT(2A)R gene. The influence of the COMT Val158Met genotype on PPI appears to be sex-specific. These results underscore the significance of the serotonin and dopamine systems in the modulation of sensorimotor gating.
Collapse
|
34
|
Evidence that oxytocin exerts anxiolytic effects via oxytocin receptor expressed in serotonergic neurons in mice. J Neurosci 2009; 29:2259-71. [PMID: 19228979 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5593-08.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 429] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor has been implicated in the regulation of reproductive physiology as well as social and emotional behaviors. The neurochemical mechanisms by which oxytocin receptor modulates social and emotional behavior remains elusive, in part because of a lack of sensitive and selective antibodies for cellular localization. To more precisely characterize oxytocin receptor-expressing neurons within the brain, we generated an oxytocin receptor-reporter mouse in which part of the oxytocin receptor gene was replaced with Venus cDNA (a variant of yellow fluorescent protein). Examination of the Venus expression revealed that, in the raphe nuclei, about one-half of tryptophan hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were positive for Venus, suggesting a potential role for oxytocin in the modulation of serotonin release. Oxytocin infusion facilitated serotonin release within the median raphe nucleus and reduced anxiety-related behavior. Infusion of a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist blocked the anxiolytic effect of oxytocin, suggesting that oxytocin receptor activation in serotonergic neurons mediates the anxiolytic effects of oxytocin. This is the first demonstration that oxytocin may regulate serotonin release and exert anxiolytic effects via direct activation of oxytocin receptor expressed in serotonergic neurons of the raphe nuclei. These results also have important implications for psychiatric disorders such as autism and depression in which both the oxytocin and serotonin systems have been implicated.
Collapse
|
35
|
Influence of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and environmental risk factors in a Brazilian sample of patients with autism spectrum disorders. Brain Res 2009; 1267:9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.02.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2008] [Revised: 02/21/2009] [Accepted: 02/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
36
|
Stam AJ, Schothorst PF, Vorstman JA, Staal WG. The genetic overlap of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2009; 2:7-13. [PMID: 23776346 PMCID: PMC3681037 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s4683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are classified as distinct disorders within the DSM-IV-TR (1994). The manual excludes simultaneous use of both diagnoses in case of overlap on a symptomatic level. However this does not always represent clinical observations and findings of previous studies. This review explores the genetic basis of the phenomenological overlap between ADHD and ASD. Based on an extensive review of twin-, linkage-, association studies, and reported structural genomic abnormalities associated with these disorders, we have identified seventeen regions on the human genome that can be related to both disorders. These regions of shared genetic association are: 2q35, 3p14, 4p16.1, 4p16.3, 5p15.31, 5p15.33, 7p12.3, 7p22, 7q21, 8q24.3, 14q12, 15q11–12, 16p13, 17q11, 18q21–23, 22q11.2, Xp22.3. The presented data are of interest for future genetic studies and appear to suggest the existence of a phenotype partition that may differ from the current classification of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arie J Stam
- University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yoo HJ, Lee SK, Park M, Cho IH, Hyun SH, Lee JC, Yang SY, Kim SA. Family- and population-based association studies of monoamine oxidase A and autism spectrum disorders in Korean. Neurosci Res 2009; 63:172-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2008.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
38
|
Orabona G, Griesi-Oliveira K, Vadasz E, Bulcão V, Takahashi V, Moreira E, Furia-Silva M, Ros-Melo A, Dourado F, Matioli R, Otto P, Passos-Bueno M. HTR1B and HTR2C in autism spectrum disorders in Brazilian families. Brain Res 2009; 1250:14-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Revised: 10/25/2008] [Accepted: 11/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
39
|
Ezaki N, Nakamura K, Sekine Y, Thanseem I, Anitha A, Iwata Y, Kawai M, Takebayashi K, Suzuki K, Takei N, Iyo M, Inada T, Iwata N, Harano M, Komiyama T, Yamada M, Sora I, Ujike H, Mori N. Short allele of 5-HTTLPR as a risk factor for the development of psychosis in Japanese methamphetamine abusers. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1139:49-56. [PMID: 18991848 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1432.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that genetic factors contribute to the vulnerability to methamphetamine (MAP) abuse and associated psychiatric symptoms. Chronic MAP abuse leads to psychosis, which may be of a transient or a prolonged type. Serotonergic dysfunction has been proposed as one of the contributory factors in the development of MAP psychosis. Our PET studies revealed that the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) density in global brain regions is significantly lower in MAP abusers. In this study, we examined the role of a functional polymorphism in the 5' flanking region of the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR) in the development of MAP psychosis in a Japanese population. We analyzed DNA samples from 166 MAP patients (95 with transient and 71 with prolonged psychosis) and 197 age-, sex-, and geographic-origin-matched healthy controls. Patients were also subdivided according to the presence (n= 119) or absence (n= 148) of spontaneous relapse. We observed significant genotypic association of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism with MAP psychosis (P= 0.022), particularly in patients who show prolonged psychosis. The frequency of the S allele in patients with prolonged psychosis was significantly higher than that of the controls (P= 0.045); it was further higher in patients with prolonged psychosis with spontaneous relapse (P= 0.004). 5-HTTLPR has been suggested to regulate the transcriptional activity of 5-HTT, with S alleles showing lesser transcriptional efficiency and also lower 5-HT(1A) receptor-binding potential. Prolonged MAP use, combined with the high frequency of 5-HTTLPR S-alleles, may lead to reduced 5-HTT levels and 5-HT(1A) receptor-binding potential in the brain, resulting in the dysfunction of the serotonergic system. Thus, we suggest a possible role for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in MAP psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Ezaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kim SJ, Brune CW, Kistner EO, Christian SL, Courchesne EH, Cox NJ, Cook EH. Transmission disequilibrium testing of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region in autism. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147B:1116-25. [PMID: 18361419 PMCID: PMC4095800 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Evidence implicates the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and the 15q11-q13 genes as candidates for autism as well as restricted repetitive behavior (RRB). We conducted dense transmission disequilibrium mapping of the 15q11-q13 region with 93 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 86 strictly defined autism trios and tested association between SNPs and autism using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). As exploratory analyses, parent-of-origin effects were examined using likelihood-ratio tests (LRTs) and genotype-phenotype associations for specific RRB using the Family-Based Association Test (FBAT). Additionally, gene-gene interactions between nominally associated 15q11-q13 variants and 5-HTTLPR, the common length polymorphism of SLC6A4, were examined using conditional logistic regression (CLR). TDT revealed nominally significant transmission disequilibrium between autism and five SNPs, three of which are located within close proximity of the GABA(A) receptor subunit gene clusters. Three SNPs in the SNRPN/UBE3A region had marginal imprinting effects. FBAT for genotype-phenotype relations revealed nominally significant association between two SNPs and one ADI-R subdomain item. However, both TDT and FBAT were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Gene-gene interaction analyses by CLR revealed additive genetic effect models, without interaction terms, fit the data best. Lack of robust association between the 15q11-q13 SNPs and RRB phenotypes may be due to a small sample size and absence of more specific RRB measurement. Further investigation of the 15q11-q13 region with denser genotyping in a larger sample set may be necessary to determine whether this region confers risk to autism, indicated by association, or to specific autism phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Camille W. Brune
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois-Chicago
| | | | | | | | - Nancy J. Cox
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago
| | - Edwin H. Cook
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois-Chicago,Corresponding author: Edwin H. Cook, Jr., M.D., Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois-Chicago,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cortical Serotonin Type-2 Receptor Density in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2008; 39:97-104. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-008-0604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
42
|
Yoo HJ, Cho IH, Park M, Cho E, Cho SC, Kim BN, Kim JW, Kim SA. Association between PTGS2 polymorphism and autism spectrum disorders in Korean trios. Neurosci Res 2008; 62:66-9. [PMID: 18579107 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2008.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2008] [Revised: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is an inducible enzyme involved in neuroplasticity and the neuropathology of the central nervous system. This study evaluated the relationship between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and polymorphisms of PTGS2 (the gene encoding Cox-2) with 151 Korean family trios including children with ASDs. We found that the A allele of rs2745557 was preferentially transmitted in ASDs (p < 0.01) and that the GAAA haplotype was significantly associated with ASDs (p < 0.01). We also observed statistically significant associations between each genotype and the specific symptom domain scores of ADOS and ADI-R, including communication, qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, and overactivity/agitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Kyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Allan AM, Liang X, Luo Y, Pak C, Li X, Szulwach KE, Chen D, Jin P, Zhao X. The loss of methyl-CpG binding protein 1 leads to autism-like behavioral deficits. Hum Mol Genet 2008; 17:2047-57. [PMID: 18385101 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddn102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG binding proteins (MBDs) are central components of DNA methylation-mediated epigenetic gene regulation. Alterations of epigenetic pathways are known to be associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Our previous studies showed that the loss of Mbd1 led to reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and impaired learning in mice. However, whether MBD1 regulates the autism-related cognitive functions remains unknown. Here we show that Mbd1 mutant (Mbd1(-/-)) mice exhibit several core deficits frequently associated with autism, including reduced social interaction, learning deficits, anxiety, defective sensory motor gating, depression and abnormal brain serotonin activity. Furthermore, we find that Mbd1 can directly regulate the expression of Htr2c, one of the serotonin receptors, by binding to its promoter, and the loss of Mbd1 led to elevated expression of Htr2c. Our results, therefore, demonstrate the importance of epigenetic regulation in mammalian brain development and cognitive functions. Understanding how the loss of Mbd1 could lead to autism-like behavioral phenotypes would reveal much-needed information about the molecular pathogenesis of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Allan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Improving clinical tests are allowing us to more precisely classify autism spectrum disorders and diagnose them at earlier ages. This raises the possibility of earlier and potentially more effective therapeutic interventions. To fully capitalize on this opportunity, however, will require better understanding of the neurobiological changes underlying this devastating group of developmental disorders. It is becoming clear that the normal trajectory of neurodevelopment is altered in autism, with aberrations in brain growth, neuronal patterning and cortical connectivity. Changes to the structure and function of synapses and dendrites have also been strongly implicated in the pathology of autism by morphological, genetic and animal modeling studies. Finally, environmental factors are likely to interact with the underlying genetic profile, and foster the clinical heterogeneity seen in autism spectrum disorders. In this review we attempt to link the molecular pathways altered in autism to the neurodevelopmental and clinical changes that characterize the disease. We focus on signaling molecules such as neurotrophin, Reelin, PTEN and hepatocyte growth factor, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and glutamate, and synaptic proteins such as neurexin, SHANK and neuroligin. We also discuss evidence implicating oxidative stress, neuroglial activation and neuroimmunity in autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Pardo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287. USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|