1
|
Bendre M, Checknita D, Todkar A, Åslund C, Hodgins S, Nilsson KW. Good parent-child relationship protects against alcohol use in maltreated adolescent females carrying the MAOA-uVNTR susceptibility allele. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1375363. [PMID: 39104880 PMCID: PMC11298380 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1375363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Risk-allele carriers of a Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, short-allele (MAOA-S) in males and long-allele (MAOA-L) in females, in the presence of a negative environment, are associated with alcohol misuse. Whether MAOA-S/L alleles also present susceptibility to a positive environment to mitigate the risk of alcohol misuse is unknown. Thus, we assessed the association of the three-way interaction of MAOA, maltreatment, and positive parent-child relationship with alcohol consumption among adolescents. Methods This prospective study included 1416 adolescents (females: 59.88%) aged 16 - 19 years from Sweden, enrolled in the "Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland" in 2012. Adolescents self-reported alcohol consumption, maltreatment by a family (FM) or non-family member (NFM), parent-child relationship, and left saliva for MAOA genotyping. Results and discussion We observed sex-dependent results. Females carrying MAOA-L with FM or NFM and a good parent-child relationship reported lower alcohol consumption than those with an average or poor parent-child relationship. In males, the interactions were not significant. Results suggest MAOA-L in females, conventionally regarded as a "risk", is a "plasticity" allele as it is differentially susceptible to negative and positive environments. Results highlight the importance of a good parent-child relationship in mitigating the risk of alcohol misuse in maltreated individuals carrying genetic risk. However, the interactions were not significant after adjusting to several environmental and behavioural covariates, especially parent's alcohol use, negative parent-child relationship, and nicotine use (smoking and/or snus), suggesting predictor and outcome intersection. Future studies and frameworks for preventive strategies should consider these covariates together with alcohol consumption. More studies with larger sample sizes are needed to replicate the findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha Bendre
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - David Checknita
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aniruddha Todkar
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Åslund
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sheilagh Hodgins
- Centre de Recherche Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel and Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kent W. Nilsson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Division of Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tanifuji T, Okazaki S, Otsuka I, Horai T, Shinko Y, Kim S, Sora I, Hishimoto A. Association of Two Variable Number of Tandem Repeats in the Monoamine Oxidase A Gene Promoter with Schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:3315-3323. [PMID: 34795483 PMCID: PMC8593344 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s338854] [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: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) decomposes dopamine and serotonin, and decreased MAO-A expression increases monoamine levels and is related to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Previous studies have reported that variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), namely, upstream (u)VNTR, and some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MAOA gene are associated with schizophrenia. METHODS We investigated the two VNTRs and their related SNPs (rs6323 and rs1137070) in the MAOA gene promoter in 859 patients with schizophrenia and 826 healthy controls. Distal (d)VNTR and uVNTR were genotyped with fluorescence-based fragment polymerase chain reaction assays, and rs6323 and rs1137070 with TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. RESULTS Neither the genotype nor allelic frequency of the VNTRs or SNPs showed significant differences between the schizophrenia and control groups. On the other hand, analysis of the dVNTR-uVNTR-rs6323-rs1137070 haplotype showed significant association for nine repeats (9R)-3R-T-C in female patients (corrected p = 0.0006, odds ratio [confidence interval] = 2.17 [1.446-3.257]). CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence that MAOA gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Tanifuji
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okazaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ikuo Otsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tadasu Horai
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yutaka Shinko
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Saehyeon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sora
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hrovatin K, Kunej T, Dolžan V. Genetic variability of serotonin pathway associated with schizophrenia onset, progression, and treatment. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:113-127. [PMID: 31674148 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) onset and treatment outcome have important genetic components, however individual genes do not have strong effects on SZ phenotype. Therefore, it is important to use the pathway-based approach and study metabolic and signaling pathways, such as dopaminergic and serotonergic. Serotonin pathway has an important role in brain signaling, nevertheless, its role in SZ is not as thoroughly examined as that of dopamine pathway. In this study, we reviewed serotonin pathway genes and genetic variations associated with SZ, including variations at DNA, RNA, and epigenetic level. We obtained 30 serotonin pathway genes from Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and used these genes for the literature review. We extracted 20 protein coding serotonin pathway genes with genetic variations associated with SZ onset, development, and treatment from 31 research papers. Genes associated with SZ are present on all levels of serotonin pathway: serotonin synthesis, transport, receptor binding, intracellular signaling, and reuptake; however, regulatory genes are poorly researched. We summarized common challenges of genetic association studies and presented some solutions. The analysis of reported serotonin pathway-SZ associations revealed lack of information about certain serotonin pathway genes potentially associated with SZ. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that interactions among serotonin pathway genes and their regulators may bring further knowledge about their involvement in SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hrovatin
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Kunej
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hwang IW, Lim MH, Kwon HJ, Jin HJ. Association of Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) Gene uVNTR and rs6323 Polymorphisms with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Korean Children. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2018; 54:E32. [PMID: 30344263 PMCID: PMC6122096 DOI: 10.3390/medicina54030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The genetic cause of ADHD is still unclear, but the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic pathways have shown a strong association. In particular, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) plays an important role in the catabolism of these neurotransmitters, suggesting that the MAOA gene is associated with ADHD. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the MAOA gene polymorphisms (uVNTR and rs6323) and ADHD. Materials and methods: We collected a total of 472 Korean children (150 ADHD cases and 322 controls) using the Korean version of the Dupaul Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scales (K-ARS). Genotyping was performed by PCR and PCR-RFLP. The Behavior Assessment System for Children Second Edition (BASC-2) was used to evaluate the problem behaviors within ADHD children. Results: We observed significant associations between the rs6323 and ADHD in girls (p < 0.05) and the TT genotype was observed as a protective factor against ADHD in the recessive model (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.100⁻0.950, p = 0.022). The 3.5R-G haplotype showed a significant association in ADHD boys (p = 0.043). The analysis of subtype also revealed that the 4.5R allele of uVNTR was a risk factor for the development of ADHD in the combined symptom among girls (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.014⁻3.453, p = 0.031). In the BASC-2 analysis, the MAOA uVNTR polymorphism was associated with activities of daily living in ADHD boys (p = 0.017). Conclusion: These results suggest the importance of the MAOA gene polymorphisms in the development of ADHD in Korean children. A larger sample set and functional studies are required to further elucidate of our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In Wook Hwang
- Environmental Health Center, Dankook Medical Hospital, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
| | - Myung Ho Lim
- Environmental Health Center, Dankook Medical Hospital, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Welfare, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
| | - Ho Jang Kwon
- Environmental Health Center, Dankook Medical Hospital, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
| | - Han Jun Jin
- Environmental Health Center, Dankook Medical Hospital, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peitl V, Štefanović M, Karlović D. Depressive symptoms in schizophrenia and dopamine and serotonin gene polymorphisms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 77:209-215. [PMID: 28416295 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although depressive symptoms seem to be frequent in schizophrenia they have received significantly less attention than other symptom domains. As impaired serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission is implicated in the pathogenesis of depression and schizophrenia this study sought to investigate the putative association between several functional gene polymorphisms (SERT 5-HTTLPR, MAO-A VNTR, COMT Val158Met and DAT VNTR) and schizophrenia. Other objectives of this study were to closely examine schizophrenia symptom domains by performing factor analysis of the two most used instruments in this setting (Positive and negative syndrome scale - PANSS and Calgary depression rating scale - CDSS) and to examine the influence of investigated gene polymorphisms on the schizophrenia symptom domains, focusing on depressive scores. A total of 591 participants were included in the study (300 schizophrenic patients and 291 healthy volunteers). 192 (64%) of schizophrenic patients had significant depressive symptoms. Genotype distribution revealed no significant differences regarding all investigated polymorphisms except the separate gender analysis for MAO-A gene polymorphism which revealed significantly more allele 3 carriers in schizophrenic males. Factor analysis of the PANSS scale revealed the existence of five separate factors (symptom domains), while the CDSS scale revealed two distinct factors. Several investigated gene polymorphisms (mostly SERT and MAO-A, but also COMT) significantly influenced two factors from the PANSS (aggressive/impulsive and negative symptoms) and one from the CDSS scale (suicidality), respectively. Depressive symptoms in schizophrenic patients may be influenced by functional gene polymorphisms, especially those implicated in serotonergic neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vjekoslav Peitl
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Štefanović
- Clinical Department of Chemistry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dalibor Karlović
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A review of genetic alterations in the serotonin pathway and their correlation with psychotic diseases and response to atypical antipsychotics. Schizophr Res 2016; 170:18-29. [PMID: 26644303 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a predominant role in mood regulation. The importance of the serotonin pathway in controlling behavior and mental status is well recognized. All the serotonin elements - serotonin receptors, serotonin transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase proteins - can show alterations in terms of mRNA or protein levels and protein sequence, in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Additionally, when examining the genes sequences of all serotonin elements, several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been found to be more prevalent in schizophrenic or bipolar patients than in healthy individuals. Several of these alterations have been associated either with different phenotypes between patients and healthy individuals or with the response of psychiatric patients to the treatment with atypical antipsychotics. The complex pattern of genetic diversity within the serotonin pathway hampers efforts to identify the key variations contributing to an individual's susceptibility to the disease. In this review article, we summarize all genetic alterations found across the serotonin pathway, we provide information on whether and how they affect schizophrenia or bipolar disorder phenotypes, and, on the contribution of familial relationships on their detection frequencies. Furthermore, we provide evidence on whether and how specific gene polymorphisms affect the outcome of schizophrenic or bipolar patients of different ethnic groups, in response to treatment with atypical antipsychotics. All data are discussed thoroughly, providing prospective for future studies.
Collapse
|
7
|
MAOA Variants and Genetic Susceptibility to Major Psychiatric Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4319-27. [PMID: 26227907 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the metabolism of several biological amines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are important neurochemicals in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric illnesses. MAOA is regarded as a functional plausible susceptibility gene for psychiatric disorders, whereas previous hypothesis-driven association studies obtained controversial results, a reflection of small sample size, genetic heterogeneity, or true negative associations. In addition, MAOA is not analyzed in most of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on psychiatric disorders, since it is located on Chromosome Xp11.3. Therefore, the effects of MAOA variants on genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders remain obscure. To fill this gap, we collected psychiatric phenotypic (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder) and genetic data in up to 18,824 individuals from diverse ethnic groups. We employed classical fixed (or random) effects inverse variance weighted methods to calculate summary odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). We identified a synonymous SNP rs1137070 showing significant associations with major depressive disorder (p = 0.00067, OR = 1.263 for T allele) and schizophrenia (p = 0.0039, OR = 1.225 for T allele) as well as a broad spectrum of psychiatric phenotype (p = 0.000066, OR = 1.218 for T allele) in both males and females. The effect size was similar between different ethnic populations and different gender groups. Collectively, we confirmed that MAOA is a risk gene for psychiatric disorders, and our results provide useful information toward a better understanding of genetic mechanism involving MAOA underlying risk of complex psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cui D, Jiang K. Research in China on the molecular genetics of schizophrenia. SHANGHAI ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY 2014; 24:187-99. [PMID: 25324626 PMCID: PMC4198854 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1002-0829.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disease caused by genetic and environmental factors with a global heritability of more than 80%. By the end of the 1970s, Chinese scientists reported a heritability of schizophrenia of 82.9% in the Chinese Han population. Continuous improvements in research techniques and the recruitment of larger samples have made it possible for Chinese scientists to identify a number of candidate susceptibility genes for schizophrenia. This article reviews the results in genetic research of schizophrenia by Chinese scientists over the last five decades
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghong Cui
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaida Jiang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Verma D, Chakraborti B, Karmakar A, Bandyopadhyay T, Singh AS, Sinha S, Chatterjee A, Ghosh S, Mohanakumar KP, Mukhopadhyay K, Rajamma U. Sexual dimorphic effect in the genetic association of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) markers with autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:11-20. [PMID: 24291416 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are heritable and behaviorally-defined neurodevelopmental disorders having skewed sex ratio. Serotonin as modulator of behavior and implication of serotonergic dysfunction in ASD etiology corroborates that serotonergic system genes are potential candidates for autism susceptibility. In the current study X-chromosomal gene, MAOA responsible for degradation of serotonin is investigated for possible association with ASD using population-based approach. Study covers analysis of 8 markers in 421 subjects including cases and ethnically-matched controls from West Bengal. MAOA marker, rs6323 and various haplotypes formed between the markers show significant association with the disorder. Stratification on the basis of sex reveals significant genetic effect of rs6323 with low activity T allele posing higher risk in males, but not in females. Haplotypic association results also show differential effect both in males and females. Contrasting linkage disequilibrium pattern between pair of markers involving rs6323 in male cases and controls further supports the sex-bias in genetic association. Bioinformatic analysis shows presence of Y-encoded SRY transcription factor binding sites in the neighborhood of rs1137070. C allele of rs1137070 causes deletion of GATA-2 binding site and GATA-2 is known to interact with SRY. This is the first study highlighting male-specific effect of rs6323 marker and its haplotypes in ASD etiology and it suggests sexual dimorphic effect of MAOA in this disorder. Overall results of this study identify MAOA as a possible ASD susceptibility locus and the differential genetic effect in males and females might contribute to the sex ratio differences and molecular pathology of the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Verma
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Barnali Chakraborti
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arijit Karmakar
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Tirthankar Bandyopadhyay
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Asem Surindro Singh
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Swagata Sinha
- Out-Patients Department, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anindita Chatterjee
- Out-Patients Department, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Saurabh Ghosh
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 BT Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 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, West Bengal, India
| | - Kanchan Mukhopadhyay
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Usha Rajamma
- Manovikas Biomedical Research & Diagnostic Centre, Manovikas Kendra, 482 Madudah, Plot I-24, Sector-J, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Godar SC, Bortolato M. Gene-sex interactions in schizophrenia: focus on dopamine neurotransmission. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:71. [PMID: 24639636 PMCID: PMC3944784 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, with a highly complex and heterogenous clinical presentation. Our current perspectives posit that the pathogenic mechanisms of this illness lie in complex arrays of gene × environment interactions. Furthermore, several findings indicate that males have a higher susceptibility for schizophrenia, with earlier age of onset and overall poorer clinical prognosis. Based on these premises, several authors have recently begun exploring the possibility that the greater schizophrenia vulnerability in males may reflect specific gene × sex (G×S) interactions. Our knowledge on such G×S interactions in schizophrenia is still rudimentary; nevertheless, the bulk of preclinical evidence suggests that the molecular mechanisms for such interactions are likely contributed by the neurobiological effects of sex steroids on dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. Accordingly, several recent studies suggest a gender-specific association of certain DAergic genes with schizophrenia. These G×S interactions have been particularly documented for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO), the main enzymes catalyzing DA metabolism. In the present review, we will outline the current evidence on the interactions of DA-related genes and sex-related factors, and discuss the potential molecular substrates that may mediate their cooperative actions in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA ; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Association study between monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia: lack of association with schizophrenia and possible association with affective disturbances of schizophrenia. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:3457-64. [PMID: 24510409 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) catalyzes monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), and norepinephrine. MAOA also plays a key role in emotional regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MAOA gene located on the X chromosome and schizophrenia. We also analyzed the relationships between these SNPs and the common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia such as persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, affective disturbances, and poor concentration. Two hundred seventy five Korean schizophrenia patients and 289 control subjects were recruited. Three SNPs [rs6323 (Arg294Arg), rs1137070 (Asp470Asp), and rs3027407 (3'-untranslated region)] of the MAOA gene were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing. The common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia according to the Operation Criteria Checklist were analyzed. Three examined SNPs showed no associations with male and female schizophrenia, respectively (p>0.05). In the analysis of the common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia patients, three examined SNPs were associated with affective disturbances, especially restricted affect and blunted affect in male schizophrenia, respectively (restricted affect, p=0.002, OR=2.71, 95% CI 1.45-5.00; blunted affect, p=0.009, OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.22-4.12). The SNPs were not associated with other clinical symptoms of schizophrenia (persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, and poor concentration). These results suggest that exonic SNPs (rs6323, rs1137070, and rs3027407) of the MAOA gene may be contributed to affective disturbances of Korean males schizophrenia, especially restricted affect and blunted affect.
Collapse
|
12
|
Guo H, Ren Y, Zhao N, Wang Y, Li S, Cui H, Zhang S, Zhang J. Synergistic effect of 5-HT2A receptor gene and MAOA gene on the negative emotion of patients with depression. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2013; 34:277-81. [PMID: 24314147 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the synergistic effect of polymorphism of the tandem repeat sequence u-VNTR of 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor gene and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene on the negative emotion in frontal lobe of patients with depression through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique. METHODS Functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning was performed for 72 patients with depression and 70 gender, age-matched healthy people with physical examination under negative emotion recognition task. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was adopted to analyse genotype. The superior, middle and inferior gyrus of bilateral frontal lobe was regarded as the brain region of interest, and then the difference of activation intensity in frontal lobe subregion between control groups and patient groups with different genotypes, and the interaction between the two kinds of polymorphism were compared. RESULTS The activation intensity in right frontal middle gyrus of patients with CC genotype increased obviously compared with TT and TC genotype patient groups and TT genotype control group (P<0·01); the activation intensity in right frontal inferior gyrus of patients with CC genotype increased obviously compared with TT and TC genotype patient groups and control groups (P<0·01); the activation intensity in right frontal middle gyrus and left frontal inferior gyrus of patients with MAOA high-activity genotype increased obviously compared with patient and control groups with MAOA low-activity genotype (P<0·01). In sum, there existed synergistic effect of the two genotypes on the activation abnormality of negative emotion recognition in right frontal middle gyrus (F = 6·18, P = 0·029). The negative activation in right frontal middle gyrus of patients with CC+H genotypes increased most obviously (P<0·05). CONCLUSION The frontal abnormality of patients with depression had certain 5-HT genetic basis, and 5-HT2A receptor CC allele and MAOA-H genotype had synergistic effect on the activity abnormality when recognizing negative emotion in right frontal middle gyrus of patients with depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
MAOA and MAOB polymorphisms and anger-related traits in suicidal participants and controls. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2013; 263:393-403. [PMID: 23111930 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-012-0378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MAOA and, to a lesser extent, MAOB polymorphisms have been related to aggression traits and suicidality. We aimed to investigate the role of MAOA and MAOB in suicidal versus non-suicidal participants and interactions between genetic variation and suicidal status on aggression and anger-related traits. The sample was composed of three groups: one group of suicide attempters (n = 171, males 35.1 %), one group of suicide completers (n = 90, males 57.8 %) and a healthy control group (n = 317, males 43.8 %). We examined the following markers: MAOA rs909525, rs6323, and rs2064070, and MAOB rs1799836. Anger traits were measured with the state-trait anger expression inventory (STAXI) and aggression traits with the questionnaire for measuring factors of aggression (FAF). Associations were separately examined for males and females. Variation in the three MAOA variants was associated with higher levels of anger expressed outwards (STAXI "anger-out" subscale) in male suicidal patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). In females, the C allele of rs6323 showed higher scores on the same subscale ("anger out") (p = 0.002). Allele frequencies of the MAOA rs909525 were associated with suicidality (p < 0.007). Our findings show an association between genetic variation in three polymorphisms of the MAOA and anger traits in suicidal males and one replication for the functional variant rs6323 in females. This relationship was stronger than a direct genetic association with suicide status. Future studies incorporating endophenotypic measures of anger and aggression in suicidal participants are warranted.
Collapse
|
14
|
Camarena B, Fresán A, Aguilar A, Escamilla R, Saracco R, Palacios J, Tovilla A, Nicolini H. Monoamine oxidase a and B gene polymorphisms and negative and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. ISRN PSYCHIATRY 2012; 2012:852949. [PMID: 23738213 PMCID: PMC3658801 DOI: 10.5402/2012/852949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Given that schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder, the analysis of clinical characteristics could help to identify homogeneous phenotypes that may be of relevance in genetic studies. Linkage and association studies have suggested that a locus predisposing to schizophrenia may reside within Xp11. We analyzed uVNTR and rs1137070, polymorphisms from MAOA and rs1799836 of MAOB genes to perform single SNP case-control association study in a sample of 344 schizophrenia patients and 124 control subjects. Single polymorphism analysis of uVNTR, rs1137070 and rs1799836 SNPs did not show statistical differences between cases and controls. Multivariate ANOVA analysis of clinical characteristics showed statistical differences between MAOB/rs1799836 and affective flattening scores (F = 4.852, P = 0.009), and significant association between MAOA/uVNTR and affective flattening in female schizophrenia patients (F = 4.236, P = 0.016) after Bonferroni's correction. Our preliminary findings could suggest that severity of affective flattening may be associated by modifier variants of MAOA and MAOB genes in female Mexican patients with schizophrenia. However, further large-scale studies using quantitative symptom-based phenotypes and several candidate variants should be analyzed to obtain a final conclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Camarena
- Posgrado de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, 03100 México, DF, Mexico ; Departmento de Genética Psiquiátrica, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, 14370 México, DF, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun Y, Zhang J, Yuan Y, Yu X, Shen Y, Xu Q. Study of a possible role of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene in paranoid schizophrenia among a Chinese population. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:104-11. [PMID: 22162429 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is the enzyme responsible for degradation of several monoamines, such as dopamine and serotonin that are considered as being two of the most important neurotransmitters involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. To study a possible role of the MAOA gene in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia, the present study genotyped the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism and 41 SNPs across this gene among 555 unrelated patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 567 unrelated healthy controls. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was employed to quantify expression of MAOA mRNA in 73 drug-free patients. While none of these genotyped DNA markers showed allelic association with paranoid schizophrenia, haplotypic association was found for the VNTR-rs6323, VNTR-rs1137070, and VNTR-rs6323-rs1137070 haplotypes in female subjects. Nevertheless, no significant change of the expression of MAOA mRNA was detected in either female or male patients with paranoid schizophrenia. Our study suggests that the interaction between genetic variants within the MAOA gene may contribute to an increased risk of paranoid schizophrenia, but the precise mechanism needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Sun
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine & Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen Y, Zhang J, Zhang L, Shen Y, Xu Q. Effects of MAOA promoter methylation on susceptibility to paranoid schizophrenia. Hum Genet 2011; 131:1081-7. [PMID: 22198720 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-011-1131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to analyze DNA methylation profiling at the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) locus, in order to determine whether abnormal DNA methylation is involved in the development of schizophrenia. We recruited a total of 371 patients with paranoid schizophrenia (199 males and 172 females) and 288 unrelated control subjects (123 males and 165 females) for analysis of DNA methylation. Diagnosis was made based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-VI. Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood was chemically modified using bisulfite, and DNA methylation profiles of the MAOA promoter were determined by BSP-sequencing. DNA methylation ratios of individual CpG residues and overall methylation ratios were measured on each subject. The results showed that there was no significant difference in overall DNA methylation ratios between patients and controls either in the female group (P = 0.42) or in the male group (P = 0.24). Of 15 CpG residues that showed significant differences in DNA methylation status between the patient group and the control group in females, eight of which had an increased level and seven, a decreased level, with a combined P value of 1 (df = 160). In male subjects, however, six individual CpG residues showed an increased methylation level with a combined P value of 5.80E-35 (df = 158). In conclusion, abnormalities of DNA methylation at the MAOA promoter may be associated with schizophrenia in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Chen
- National Lab of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Social deficits and perseverative behaviors, but not overt aggression, in MAO-A hypomorphic mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:2674-88. [PMID: 21832987 PMCID: PMC3230491 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A is a key enzyme for the degradation of brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE). In humans and mice, total MAO-A deficiency results in high 5-HT and NE levels, as well as elevated reactive aggression. Here we report the generation of MAO-A(Neo) mice, a novel line of hypomorphic MAO-A mutants featuring the insertion of a floxed neomycin-resistance cassette in intron-12 of the Maoa gene. This construct resulted in a chimeric, non-functional variant of the Maoa-Neo transcript, with a truncated C-terminus, likely due to aberrant splicing; these deficits notwithstanding, small amounts of functional Maoa transcript were found in the brain of MAO-A(Neo) mice. In the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, MAO-A(Neo) mice showed low, yet detectable, MAO-A catalytic activity, as well as 5-HT levels equivalent to WT littermates; conversely, the hippocampus and midbrain of MAO-A(Neo) mice featured a neurochemical profile akin to MAO-A-knockout (KO) mice, with undetectable MAO-A activity and high 5-HT concentrations. MAO-A(Neo) mice showed significant increases in dendritic length in the pyramidal neurons of orbitofrontal cortex, but not basolateral amygdala, in comparison with WT littermates; by contrast, the orbitofrontal cortex of MAO-A KO mice showed significant reductions in basilar dendritic length, as well as a profound increase in apical dendritic length. MAO-A(Neo) mice showed a unique set of behavioral abnormalities, encompassing reduced open-field locomotion, perseverative responses, such as marble burying and water mist-induced grooming, and a lack of anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus-maze and light-dark box paradigms. Notably, whereas MAO-A(Neo) and KO mice showed significant reductions in social interaction, only the latter genotype showed increases in resident-intruder aggression. Taken together, our findings indicate that MAO A hypomorphism results in behavioral and morphological alterations distinct from those featured by MAO-A KO mice.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wei YL, Li CX, Li SB, Liu Y, Hu L. Association study of monoamine oxidase A/B genes and schizophrenia in Han Chinese. Behav Brain Funct 2011; 7:42. [PMID: 21978760 PMCID: PMC3201892 DOI: 10.1186/1744-9081-7-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) catalyze the metabolism of dopaminergic neurotransmitters. Polymorphisms of isoforms MAOA and MAOB have been implicated in the etiology of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Association studies detected these polymorphisms in several populations, however the data have not been conclusive to date. Here, we investigated the association of MAOA and MAOB polymorphisms with schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population. Methods Two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs6323 of MAOA and rs1799836 of MAOB, were selected for association analysis in 537 unrelated schizophrenia patients and 536 healthy controls. Single-locus and Haplotype associations were calculated. Results No differences were found in the allelic distribution of rs6323. The G allele of rs1799836 was identified as a risk factor in the development of schizophrenia (P = 0.00001). The risk haplotype rs6323T-rs1799836G was associated with schizophrenia in female patients (P = 0.0002), but the frequency difference was not significant among male groups. Conclusions Our results suggest that MAOB is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. In contrast, no significant associations were observed for the MAOA functional polymorphism with schizophrenia in Han Chinese. These data support further investigation of the role of MAO genes in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Liang Wei
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Public Health for Forensic Science, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dynamic molecular and anatomical changes in the glucocorticoid receptor in human cortical development. Mol Psychiatry 2011; 16:504-15. [PMID: 20308989 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2010.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has a critical role in determining the brain's capacity to respond to stress, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illness. We hypothesized that key changes in cortical GR occur during adolescence and young adulthood, at a time when individuals are at increased risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. We investigated the mRNA and protein expression of GR in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex across seven developmental time points from infancy to adulthood. GR mRNA expression, determined by microarray and quantitative real-time PCR, was lowest in neonates and peaked around young adulthood. Western blotting revealed two dynamic patterns of GRα protein expression across the lifespan, with N-terminal variants displaying differing unique patterns of abundance. GRα-A and a 67-kDa GRα isoform mirrored mRNA trends and peaked in toddlers and late in adolescence, whereas a 40-kDa isoform, very likely a GRα-D variant, peaked in neonates and decreased across the lifespan. GRα protein was localized to pyramidal neurons throughout life and most strikingly in young adulthood, but to white matter astrocytes only in neonates and infants (<130 days). These results suggest that the neonatal and late adolescent periods represent critical windows of stress pathway development, and highlight the importance of white matter astrocytes and pyramidal neurons, respectively, at these stages of cortical development. Evidence of dynamic patterns of GR isoform expression and cellular localization across development strengthens the hypothesis that windows of vulnerability to stress exist across human cortical development.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang J, Chen Y, Zhang K, Yang H, Sun Y, Fang Y, Shen Y, Xu Q. A cis-phase interaction study of genetic variants within the MAOA gene in major depressive disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 68:795-800. [PMID: 20691428 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic basis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been explored extensively, but the mode of transmission of the disease has yet to be established. To better understand the mechanism by which the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene may play a role in developing MDD, the present work examined the cis-phase interaction between genetic variants within the MAOA gene for the pathogenesis of MDD. METHODS A variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) and 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the gene were genotyped in 512 unrelated patients with MDD and 567 unrelated control subjects among a Chinese population. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was applied to test the effect of genetic variants on expression of the MAOA gene in MDD. RESULTS Neither the VNTR polymorphism nor seven informative SNPs showed allelic association with MDD, but the cis-acting interactions between the VNTR polymorphism and four individual SNPs were strongly associated with MDD risk, of which the VNTR-rs1465107 combination showed the strongest association (p = .000011). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that overall relative quantity of MAOA messenger RNA was significantly higher in patients with MDD than in control subjects (fold change = 5.28, p = 1.7 × 10⁻⁷) and that in the male subjects carrying the VNTR-L, rs1465107-A, rs6323-G, rs2072743-A, or rs1137070-T alleles, expression of MAOA messenger RNA was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The cis-phase interaction between the VNTR polymorphism and functional SNPs may contribute to the etiology of MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JieXu Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|