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Chatterjee I, Getselter D, Ghanayem N, Harari R, Davis L, Bel S, Elliott E. CHD8 regulates gut epithelial cell function and affects autism-related behaviors through the gut-brain axis. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:305. [PMID: 37783686 PMCID: PMC10545671 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset social behavioral deficits and repetitive behaviors. Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD8) is among the genes most strongly associated with autism. In addition to the core behavioral symptoms of autism, affected individuals frequently present with gastrointestinal symptoms that are also common among individuals harboring mutations in the gene encoding CHD8. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms whereby CHD8 affects gut function. In addition, it remains unknown whether gastrointestinal manifestations contribute to the behavioral phenotypes of autism. The current study found that mice haploinsufficient for the large isoform of Chd8 (Chd8L) exhibited increased intestinal permeability, transcriptomic dysregulation in gut epithelial cells, reduced tuft cell and goblet cell counts in the gut, and an overall increase in microbial load. Gut epithelial cell-specific Chd8 haploinsufficiency was associated with increased anxiety-related behaviors together with a decrease in tuft cell numbers. Antibiotic treatment of Chd8L haploinsufficient mice attenuated social behavioral deficits. Together, these results suggest Chd8 as a key determinant of autism-related gastrointestinal deficits, while also laying the ground for future studies on the link between GI deficits and autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Chatterjee
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Dmitriy Getselter
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Nasreen Ghanayem
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Ram Harari
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Liron Davis
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Shai Bel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Evan Elliott
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel.
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2
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The autism risk factor CHD8 is a chromatin activator in human neurons and functionally dependent on the ERK-MAPK pathway effector ELK1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22425. [PMID: 36575212 PMCID: PMC9794786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23614-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein CHD8 is the most frequently mutated gene in autism spectrum disorder. Despite its prominent disease involvement, little is known about its molecular function in the human brain. CHD8 is a chromatin regulator which binds to the promoters of actively transcribed genes through genomic targeting mechanisms which have yet to be fully defined. By generating a conditional loss-of-function and an endogenously tagged allele in human pluripotent stem cells, we investigated the molecular function and the interaction of CHD8 with chromatin in human neurons. Chromatin accessibility analysis and transcriptional profiling revealed that CHD8 functions as a transcriptional activator at its target genes in human neurons. Furthermore, we found that CHD8 chromatin targeting is cell context-dependent. In human neurons, CHD8 preferentially binds at ETS motif-enriched promoters. This enrichment is particularly prominent on the promoters of genes whose expression significantly changes upon the loss of CHD8. Indeed, among the ETS transcription factors, we identified ELK1 as being most highly correlated with CHD8 expression in primary human fetal and adult cortical neurons and most highly expressed in our stem cell-derived neurons. Remarkably, ELK1 was necessary to recruit CHD8 specifically to ETS motif-containing sites. These findings imply that ELK1 and CHD8 functionally cooperate to regulate gene expression and chromatin states at MAPK/ERK target genes in human neurons. Our results suggest that the MAPK/ERK/ELK1 axis potentially contributes to the pathogenesis caused by CHD8 mutations in human neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Dong C, Zhao C, Chen X, Berry K, Wang J, Zhang F, Liao Y, Han R, Ogurek S, Xu L, Zhang L, Lin Y, Zhou W, Xin M, Lim DA, Campbell K, Nakafuku M, Waclaw RR, Lu QR. Conserved and Distinct Functions of the Autism-Related Chromatin Remodeler CHD8 in Embryonic and Adult Forebrain Neurogenesis. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8373-8392. [PMID: 36127134 PMCID: PMC9653284 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2400-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromatin remodeler CHD8 represents a high-confidence risk factor in autism, a multistage progressive neurologic disorder, however the underlying stage-specific functions remain elusive. In this study, by analyzing Chd8 conditional knock-out mice (male and female), we find that CHD8 controls cortical neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) proliferation and survival in a stage-dependent manner. Strikingly, inducible genetic deletion reveals that CHD8 is required for the production and fitness of transit-amplifying intermediate progenitors (IPCs) essential for upper-layer neuron expansion in the embryonic cortex. p53 loss of function partially rescues apoptosis and neurogenesis defects in the Chd8-deficient brain. Further, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling indicates that CHD8 regulates the chromatin accessibility landscape to activate neurogenesis-promoting factors including TBR2, a key regulator of IPC neurogenesis, while repressing DNA damage- and p53-induced apoptotic programs. In the adult brain, CHD8 depletion impairs forebrain neurogenesis by impeding IPC differentiation from NSCs in both subventricular and subgranular zones; however, unlike in embryos, it does not affect NSC proliferation and survival. Treatment with an antidepressant approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), fluoxetine, partially restores adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Chd8-ablated mice. Together, our multistage functional studies identify temporally specific roles for CHD8 in developmental and adult neurogenesis, pointing to a potential strategy to enhance neurogenesis in the CHD8-deficient brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The role of the high-confidence autism gene CHD8 in neurogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify a stage-specific function of CHD8 in development of NSCs in developing and adult brains by conserved, yet spatiotemporally distinct, mechanisms. In embryonic cortex, CHD8 is critical for the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of both NSC and IPCs during cortical neurogenesis. In adult brain, CHD8 is required for IPC generation but not the proliferation and survival of adult NSCs. Treatment with FDA-approved antidepressant fluoxetine partially rescues the adult neurogenesis defects in CHD8 mutants. Thus, our findings help resolve CHD8 functions throughout life during embryonic and adult neurogenesis and point to a potential avenue to promote neurogenesis in CHD8 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Chuntao Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Kalen Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Yunfei Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Rong Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Sean Ogurek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Lingli Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Yifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Mei Xin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Daniel A Lim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Kenneth Campbell
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Masato Nakafuku
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Ronald R Waclaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
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The phenotypic spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlations in 106 patients with variants in major autism gene CHD8. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:421. [PMID: 36182950 PMCID: PMC9526704 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02189-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD8, a major autism gene, functions in chromatin remodelling and has various roles involving several biological pathways. Therefore, unsurprisingly, previous studies have shown that intellectual developmental disorder with autism and macrocephaly (IDDAM), the syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in CHD8, consists of a broad range of phenotypic abnormalities. We collected and reviewed 106 individuals with IDDAM, including 36 individuals not previously published, thus enabling thorough genotype-phenotype analyses, involving the CHD8 mutation spectrum, characterization of the CHD8 DNA methylation episignature, and the systematic analysis of phenotypes collected in Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO). We identified 29 unique nonsense, 25 frameshift, 24 missense, and 12 splice site variants. Furthermore, two unique inframe deletions, one larger deletion (exons 26-28), and one translocation were observed. Methylation analysis was performed for 13 patients, 11 of which showed the previously established episignature for IDDAM (85%) associated with CHD8 haploinsufficiency, one analysis was inconclusive, and one showing a possible gain-of-function signature instead of the expected haploinsufficiency signature was observed. Consistent with previous studies, phenotypical abnormalities affected multiple organ systems. Many neurological abnormalities, like intellectual disability (68%) and hypotonia (29%) were observed, as well as a wide variety of behavioural abnormalities (88%). Most frequently observed behavioural problems included autism spectrum disorder (76%), short attention span (32%), abnormal social behaviour (31%), sleep disturbance (29%) and impaired social interactions (28%). Furthermore, abnormalities in the digestive (53%), musculoskeletal (79%) and genitourinary systems (18%) were noted. Although no significant difference in severity was observed between males and females, individuals with a missense variant were less severely affected. Our study provides an extensive review of all phenotypic abnormalities in patients with IDDAM and provides clinical recommendations, which will be of significant value to individuals with a pathogenic variant in CHD8, their families, and clinicians as it gives a more refined insight into the clinical and molecular spectrum of IDDAM, which is essential for accurate care and counselling.
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Casella AM, Colantuoni C, Ament SA. Identifying enhancer properties associated with genetic risk for complex traits using regulome-wide association studies. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010430. [PMID: 36070311 PMCID: PMC9484640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic risk for complex traits is strongly enriched in non-coding genomic regions involved in gene regulation, especially enhancers. However, we lack adequate tools to connect the characteristics of these disruptions to genetic risk. Here, we propose RWAS (Regulome Wide Association Study), a new application of the MAGMA software package to identify the characteristics of enhancers that contribute to genetic risk for disease. RWAS involves three steps: (i) assign genotyped SNPs to cell type- or tissue-specific regulatory features (e.g., enhancers); (ii) test associations of each regulatory feature with a trait of interest for which genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics are available; (iii) perform enhancer-set enrichment analyses to identify quantitative or categorical features of regulatory elements that are associated with the trait. These steps are implemented as a novel application of MAGMA, a tool originally developed for gene-based GWAS analyses. Applying RWAS to interrogate genetic risk for schizophrenia, we discovered a class of risk-associated AT-rich enhancers that are active in the developing brain and harbor binding sites for multiple transcription factors with neurodevelopmental functions. RWAS utilizes open-source software, and we provide a comprehensive collection of annotations for tissue-specific enhancer locations and features, including their evolutionary conservation, AT content, and co-localization with binding sites for hundreds of TFs. RWAS will enable researchers to characterize properties of regulatory elements associated with any trait of interest for which GWAS summary statistics are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Casella
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, UMSOM, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carlo Colantuoni
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seth A. Ament
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Schmidt S. Autism in Three Dimensions: Using Brain Organoids to Study Potential Gene-Environment Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:104003. [PMID: 34665007 PMCID: PMC8525338 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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Weissberg O, Elliott E. The Mechanisms of CHD8 in Neurodevelopment and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081133. [PMID: 34440307 PMCID: PMC8393912 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) has been identified as one of the genes with the strongest association with autism. The CHD8 protein is a transcriptional regulator that is expressed in nearly all cell types and has been implicated in multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle, cell adhesion, neuronal development, myelination, and synaptogenesis. Considering the central role of CHD8 in the genetics of autism, a deeper understanding of the physiological functions of CHD8 is important to understand the development of the autism phenotype and potential therapeutic targets. Different CHD8 mutant mouse models were developed to determine autism-like phenotypes and to fully understand their mechanisms. Here, we review the current knowledge on CHD8, with an emphasis on mechanistic lessons gained from animal models that have been studied.
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8
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Modafferi S, Zhong X, Kleensang A, Murata Y, Fagiani F, Pamies D, Hogberg HT, Calabrese V, Lachman H, Hartung T, Smirnova L. Gene-Environment Interactions in Developmental Neurotoxicity: a Case Study of Synergy between Chlorpyrifos and CHD8 Knockout in Human BrainSpheres. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77001. [PMID: 34259569 PMCID: PMC8278985 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major public health concern caused by complex genetic and environmental components. Mechanisms of gene-environment (G × E ) interactions and reliable biomarkers associated with ASD are mostly unknown or controversial. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients or with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-introduced mutations in candidate ASD genes provide an opportunity to study (G × E ) interactions. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to identify a potential synergy between mutation in the high-risk autism gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8) and environmental exposure to an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos; CPF) in an iPSC-derived human three-dimensional (3D) brain model. METHODS This study employed human iPSC-derived 3D brain organoids (BrainSpheres) carrying a heterozygote CRISPR/Cas9-introduced inactivating mutation in CHD8 and exposed to CPF or its oxon-metabolite (CPO). Neural differentiation, viability, oxidative stress, and neurite outgrowth were assessed, and levels of main neurotransmitters and selected metabolites were validated against human data on ASD metabolic derangements. RESULTS Expression of CHD8 protein was significantly lower in CHD8 heterozygous knockout (C H D 8 + / - ) BrainSpheres compared with C H D 8 + / + ones. Exposure to CPF/CPO treatment further reduced CHD8 protein levels, showing the potential (G × E ) interaction synergy. A novel approach for validation of the model was chosen: from the literature, we identified a panel of metabolic biomarkers in patients and assessed them by targeted metabolomics in vitro. A synergistic effect was observed on the cholinergic system, S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, lactic acid, tryptophan, kynurenic acid, and α -hydroxyglutaric acid levels. Neurite outgrowth was perturbed by CPF/CPO exposure. Heterozygous knockout of CHD8 in BrainSpheres led to an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters and lower levels of dopamine. DISCUSSION This study pioneered (G × E ) interaction in iPSC-derived organoids. The experimental strategy enables biomonitoring and environmental risk assessment for ASD. Our findings reflected some metabolic perturbations and disruption of neurotransmitter systems involved in ASD. The increased susceptibility of CHD 8 + / - BrainSpheres to chemical insult establishes a possibly broader role of (G × E ) interaction in ASD. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8580.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Modafferi
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Xiali Zhong
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andre Kleensang
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yohei Murata
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Research Center, Nihon Nohyaku Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS) Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helena T. Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Herbert Lachman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Cabal-Herrera AM, Punatar RH, Clark CJ, Romney CA, Hagerman RJ. Overlapping Molecular Pathways Leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, and Targeted Treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:265-283. [PMID: 33215285 PMCID: PMC8116395 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are subdivided into idiopathic (unknown) etiology and secondary, based on known etiology. There are hundreds of causes of ASD and most of them are genetic in origin or related to the interplay of genetic etiology and environmental toxicology. Approximately 30 to 50% of the etiologies can be identified when using a combination of available genetic testing. Many of these gene mutations are either core components of the Wnt signaling pathway or their modulators. The full mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of monogenic origin of ASD, accounting for ~ 2% of the cases. There is an overlap of molecular mechanisms in those with idiopathic ASD and those with FXS, an interaction between various signaling pathways is suggested during the development of the autistic brain. This review summarizes the cross talk between neurobiological pathways found in ASD and FXS. These signaling pathways are currently under evaluation to target specific treatments in search of the reversal of the molecular abnormalities found in both idiopathic ASD and FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 00000, Colombia
| | - Ruchi Harendra Punatar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Courtney Jessica Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher Allen Romney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Hulbert SW, Wang X, Gbadegesin SO, Xu Q, Xu X, Jiang YH. A Novel Chd8 Mutant Mouse Displays Altered Ultrasonic Vocalizations and Enhanced Motor Coordination. Autism Res 2020; 13:1685-1697. [PMID: 32815320 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in CHD8 are among the most common autism-causing genetic defects identified in human genomics studies. Therefore, many labs have attempted to model this disorder by generating mice with mutations in Chd8. Using a gene trap inserted after Exon 31, we created a novel Chd8 mutant mouse (Chd8+/E31T ) and characterized its behavior on several different assays thought to have face validity for the human condition, attempting to model both the core symptoms (repetitive behaviors and social communication impairments) and common comorbidities (motor deficits, anxiety, and intellectual disability). We found that Chd8+/E31T mice showed no difference compared to wild-type mice in amount of self-grooming, reproducing the negative finding most other studies have reported. Unlike some of the other published lines, Chd8+/E31T mice did not show deficits in the three-chamber test for social novelty preference. A few studies have examined ultrasonic vocalizations in Chd8 mutant mice, but we are the first to report an increase in call length for adult mice. Additionally, we found that in contrast to previous published lines, Chd8+/E31T mice displayed no anxiety-like behaviors or learning impairments but showed paradoxically significant improvement in motor function. The inconsistencies in behavioral phenotypes in the Chd8 mutant mice generated by different laboratories poses a challenge for modeling autism spectrum disorder and preclinical studies in mice going forward and warrants further investigation into the molecular consequences of the different mutations in Chd8 and the functional impact on behavior. LAY SUMMARY: Several different mouse models carrying mutations in the Chd8 gene have been created to study the effects of these autism-causing mutations in the laboratory. The current study characterizes a novel Chd8 mutant mouse model as well as summarizes data from previously published Chd8 mutant mice. The inconsistencies between different studies are concerning, but future research into the reasons why these inconsistencies occur may help us understand why patients with various mutations have different degrees of symptom severity. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1685-1697. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Hulbert
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Simisola O Gbadegesin
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qiong Xu
- The Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu Xu
- The Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Lee CY, Petkova M, Morales-Gonzalez S, Gimber N, Schmoranzer J, Meisel A, Böhmerle W, Stenzel W, Schuelke M, Schwarz JM. A spontaneous missense mutation in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) gene: a novel association with congenital myasthenic syndrome. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:588-601. [PMID: 32267004 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are characterized by muscle weakness, ptosis and episodic apnoea. Mutations affect integral protein components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Here we searched for the genetic basis of CMS in female monozygotic twins. METHODS We employed whole-exome sequencing for mutation detection and Sanger sequencing for segregation analysis. Immunohistology was done with antibodies against CHD8, rapsyn, β-catenin (βCAT) and golgin on fi-bro-blasts, human and mouse muscle. We recorded superresolution images of the NMJ using 3D-structured illumination microscopy. RESULTS We discovered a spontaneous missense mutation in CHD8 [chr14:g.21,884,051G>A, GRCh37.p11 | c.1732C>T, NM_00117062 | p.(R578C)], the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8. This is the first missense mutation affecting Duplin, the short 110 kDa isoform of CHD8. It is known that CHD8/Duplin negatively regulates βCAT signalling in the WNT pathway and plays a role in chromatin remodelling. Inactivating CHD8 mutations are associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability in combination with facial dysmorphism, overgrowth and macrocephalus. No muscle-specific phenotype has been reported to date. Co-immunostaining with rapsyn on human and mouse muscle revealed a strong presence of CHD8 at the NMJ being located towards the sarcoplasmic side of the rapsyn cluster, where it co-localizes with βCAT. CONCLUSION We hypothesize CHD8 to have a role in the maintenance of the structural integrity and function of the NMJ. Both patients benefited from treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine, a reversible blocker of voltage-gated potassium channels at the nerve terminal that prolongs the action potential and increases acetylcholine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Lee
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Petkova
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Morales-Gonzalez
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - N Gimber
- Advanced Medical Bioimaging Core Facility (AMBIO), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Schmoranzer
- Advanced Medical Bioimaging Core Facility (AMBIO), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Meisel
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - W Böhmerle
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - W Stenzel
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Schuelke
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - J M Schwarz
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Berry K, Wang J, Lu QR. Epigenetic regulation of oligodendrocyte myelination in developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. F1000Res 2020; 9:F1000 Faculty Rev-105. [PMID: 32089836 PMCID: PMC7014579 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20904.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are the critical cell types giving rise to the myelin nerve sheath enabling efficient nerve transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Oligodendrocyte precursor cells differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes and are maintained throughout life. Deficits in the generation, proliferation, or differentiation of these cells or their maintenance have been linked to neurological disorders ranging from developmental disorders to neurodegenerative diseases and limit repair after CNS injury. Understanding the regulation of these processes is critical for achieving proper myelination during development, preventing disease, or recovering from injury. Many of the key factors underlying these processes are epigenetic regulators that enable the fine tuning or reprogramming of gene expression during development and regeneration in response to changes in the local microenvironment. These include chromatin remodelers, histone-modifying enzymes, covalent modifiers of DNA methylation, and RNA modification-mediated mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the key components in each of these classes which are responsible for generating and maintaining oligodendrocyte myelination as well as potential targeted approaches to stimulate the regenerative program in developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalen Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Q. Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
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13
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Ostrowski PJ, Zachariou A, Loveday C, Beleza-Meireles A, Bertoli M, Dean J, Douglas AGL, Ellis I, Foster A, Graham JM, Hague J, Hilhorst-Hofstee Y, Hoffer M, Johnson D, Josifova D, Kant SG, Kini U, Lachlan K, Lam W, Lees M, Lynch S, Maitz S, McKee S, Metcalfe K, Nathanson K, Ockeloen CW, Parker MJ, Pierson TM, Rahikkala E, Sanchez-Lara PA, Spano A, Van Maldergem L, Cole T, Douzgou S, Tatton-Brown K. The CHD8 overgrowth syndrome: A detailed evaluation of an emerging overgrowth phenotype in 27 patients. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:557-564. [PMID: 31721432 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
CHD8 has been reported as an autism susceptibility/intellectual disability gene but emerging evidence suggests that it additionally causes an overgrowth phenotype. This study reports 27 unrelated patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic CHD8 variants (25 null variants, two missense variants) and a male:female ratio of 21:6 (3.5:1, p < .01). All patients presented with intellectual disability, with 85% in the mild or moderate range, and 85% had a height and/or head circumference ≥2 standard deviations above the mean, meeting our clinical criteria for overgrowth. Behavioral problems were reported in the majority of patients (78%), with over half (56%) either formally diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder or described as having autistic traits. Additional clinical features included neonatal hypotonia (33%), and less frequently seizures, pes planus, scoliosis, fifth finger clinodactyly, umbilical hernia, and glabellar hemangioma (≤15% each). These results suggest that, in addition to its established link with autism and intellectual disability, CHD8 causes an overgrowth phenotype, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with increased height and/or head circumference in association with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Ostrowski
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's University NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anna Zachariou
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Chey Loveday
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Marta Bertoli
- Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John Dean
- North of Scotland Medical Genetic Service, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Andrew G L Douglas
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK.,Human Development and Health, Duthie Building, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Ellis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alison Foster
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,West Midlands Regional Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - John M Graham
- David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer Hague
- East of England Regional Medical Genetics Service, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mariette Hoffer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Diana Johnson
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dragana Josifova
- Clinical Genetics Department, Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarina G Kant
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Usha Kini
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Katherine Lachlan
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Wayne Lam
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melissa Lees
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sally Lynch
- Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Silvia Maitz
- Pediatric Genetics Unit, MBBM Foundation, S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Shane McKee
- Northern Ireland Regional Genetics Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Nathanson
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Charlotte W Ockeloen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Michael J Parker
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tyler M Pierson
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, and the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elisa Rahikkala
- Department of Clinical Genetics, PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pedro A Sanchez-Lara
- David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alice Spano
- Pediatric Genetics Unit, MBBM Foundation, S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Lionel Van Maldergem
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,Clinical Investigation Center 1431, National Institute of Health & Medical Research (INSERM), Besançon, France
| | - Trevor Cole
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sofia Douzgou
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katrina Tatton-Brown
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's University NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,St George's University of London, London, UK
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14
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Suetterlin P, Hurley S, Mohan C, Riegman KLH, Pagani M, Caruso A, Ellegood J, Galbusera A, Crespo-Enriquez I, Michetti C, Yee Y, Ellingford R, Brock O, Delogu A, Francis-West P, Lerch JP, Scattoni ML, Gozzi A, Fernandes C, Basson MA. Altered Neocortical Gene Expression, Brain Overgrowth and Functional Over-Connectivity in Chd8 Haploinsufficient Mice. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:2192-2206. [PMID: 29668850 PMCID: PMC6018918 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Truncating CHD8 mutations are amongst the highest confidence risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identified to date. Here, we report that Chd8 heterozygous mice display increased brain size, motor delay, hypertelorism, pronounced hypoactivity, and anomalous responses to social stimuli. Whereas gene expression in the neocortex is only mildly affected at midgestation, over 600 genes are differentially expressed in the early postnatal neocortex. Genes involved in cell adhesion and axon guidance are particularly prominent amongst the downregulated transcripts. Resting-state functional MRI identified increased synchronized activity in cortico-hippocampal and auditory-parietal networks in Chd8 heterozygous mutant mice, implicating altered connectivity as a potential mechanism underlying the behavioral phenotypes. Together, these data suggest that altered brain growth and diminished expression of important neurodevelopmental genes that regulate long-range brain wiring are followed by distinctive anomalies in functional brain connectivity in Chd8+/- mice. Human imaging studies have reported altered functional connectivity in ASD patients, with long-range under-connectivity seemingly more frequent. Our data suggest that CHD8 haploinsufficiency represents a specific subtype of ASD where neuropsychiatric symptoms are underpinned by long-range over-connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Suetterlin
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Shaun Hurley
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Conor Mohan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Kimberley L H Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Ivan Crespo-Enriquez
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Yohan Yee
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Robert Ellingford
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Olivier Brock
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Alessio Delogu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Philippa Francis-West
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @ UniTn, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, PO82, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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15
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Berry KP, Lu QR. Chromatin modification and epigenetic control in functional nerve regeneration. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 97:74-83. [PMID: 31301357 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The repair and functional recovery of the nervous system is a highly regulated process that requires the coordination of many different components including the proper myelination of regenerated axons. Dysmyelination and remyelination failures after injury result in defective nerve conduction, impairing normal nervous system functions. There are many convergent regulatory networks and signaling mechanisms between development and regeneration. For instance, the regulatory mechanisms required for oligodendrocyte lineage progression could potentially play fundamental roles in myelin repair. In recent years, epigenetic chromatin modifications have been implicated in CNS myelination and functional nerve restoration. The pro-regenerative transcriptional program is likely silenced or repressed in adult neural cells including neurons and myelinating cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems limiting the capacity for repair after injury. In this review, we will discuss the roles of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and DNA methylation, in the maintenance and establishment of the myelination program during normal oligodendrocyte development and regeneration. We also discuss how these epigenetic processes impact myelination and axonal regeneration, and facilitate the improvement of current preclinical therapeutics for functional nerve regeneration in neurodegenerative disorders or after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalen P Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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16
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Douzgou S, Liang HW, Metcalfe K, Somarathi S, Tischkowitz M, Mohamed W, Kini U, McKee S, Yates L, Bertoli M, Lynch SA, Holder S, Banka S. The clinical presentation caused by truncating CHD8 variants. Clin Genet 2019; 96:72-84. [PMID: 31001818 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Variants in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) have been associated with intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and overgrowth and CHD8 is one of the causative genes for OGID (overgrowth and ID). We investigated 25 individuals with CHD8 protein truncating variants (PTVs), including 10 previously unreported patients and found a male to female ratio of 2.7:1 (19:7) and a pattern of common features: macrocephaly (62.5%), tall stature (47%), developmental delay and/or intellectual disability (81%), ASDs (84%), sleep difficulties (50%), gastrointestinal problems (40%), and distinct facial features. Most of the individuals in this cohort had moderate-to-severe ID, some had regression of speech (37%), seizures (27%) and hypotonia (27%) and two individuals were non-ambulant. Our study shows that haploinsufficiency of CHD8 is associated with a distinctive OGID syndrome with pronounced autistic traits and supports a sex-dependent penetrance of CHD8 PTVs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Douzgou
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hui Wen Liang
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Suresh Somarathi
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Marc Tischkowitz
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wafik Mohamed
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Usha Kini
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Shane McKee
- Northern Ireland Regional Genetics Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Laura Yates
- West of Scotland Regional Genetics Service, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Institute of Medical Genetics, Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK.,KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (KRISP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Marta Bertoli
- West of Scotland Regional Genetics Service, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Institute of Medical Genetics, Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sally Ann Lynch
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan Holder
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, London, UK
| | -
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Behavioral and neuroanatomical approaches in models of neurodevelopmental disorders: opportunities for translation. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 31:126-133. [PMID: 29493556 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the invaluable contribution of in-vivo rodent models in dissecting the underlying neurobiology for numerous neurodevelopmental disorders. Currently, models are routinely generated with precision genomics and characterized for research on neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to impact translation, outcome measures that are translationally relevant are essential. This review emphasizes the importance of accurate neurobehavioral and anatomical analyses. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous well validated assays for testing alterations across behavioral domains with sensitivity and throughput have become important tools for studying the effects of genetic mutations on neurodevelopment. Recent work has highlighted relationships and links between behavioral outcomes and various anatomical metrics from neuroimaging via magnetic resonance. These readouts are biological markers and outcome measures for translational research and will be have important roles for genetic or pharmacologic intervention strategies. SUMMARY Combinatorial approaches that leverage translationally relevant behavior and neuroanatomy can be used to develop a platform for assessment of cutting edge preclinical models. Reliable, robust behavioral phenotypes in preclinical model systems, with clustering of brain disease will lead to well informed, precise biochemical mechanistic hypotheses. Ultimately, these steadfast workhorse techniques will accelerate the progress of developing and testing targeted treatments for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.
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18
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Yasin H, Gibson WT, Langlois S, Stowe RM, Tsang ES, Lee L, Poon J, Tran G, Tyson C, Wong CK, Marra MA, Friedman JM, Zahir FR. A distinct neurodevelopmental syndrome with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, characteristic facies, and macrocephaly is caused by defects in CHD8. J Hum Genet 2019; 64:271-280. [PMID: 30670789 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-019-0561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A decade ago, we described novel de novo submicroscopic deletions of chromosome 14q11.2 in three children with developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and similar dysmorphic features, including widely-spaced eyes, short nose with flat nasal bridge, long philtrum, prominent Cupid's bow of the upper lip, full lower lip, and auricular anomalies. We suggested that this constituted a new multiple congenital anomaly-intellectual disability syndrome due to defects in CHD8 and/or SUPT16H. The three patients in our original cohort were between 2 years and 3 years of age at the time. Here we present a fourth patient and clinical updates on our previous patients. To document the longitudinal course more fully, we integrate published reports of other patients and describe genotype-phenotype correlations among them. Children with the disorder present with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and/or autism spectrum disorder in addition to characteristic facies. Gastrointestinal and sleep problems are notable. The identification of multiple patients with the same genetic defect and characteristic clinical phenotype, confirms our suggestion that this is a syndromic disorder caused by haploinsufficiency or heterozygous loss of function of CHD8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Yasin
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - William T Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Langlois
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert M Stowe
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erica S Tsang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leora Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenny Poon
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Grant Tran
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Tyson
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Cytogenetics Laboratory, Royal Columbian Hospital, Coquitlam, BC, Canada
| | - Chi Kin Wong
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marco A Marra
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jan M Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Farah R Zahir
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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19
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Shen HY, Huang N, Reemmer J, Xiao L. Adenosine Actions on Oligodendroglia and Myelination in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:482. [PMID: 30581380 PMCID: PMC6292987 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. Independent of neuronal dysfunction, ASD and its associated comorbidities have been linked to hypomyelination and oligodendroglial dysfunction. Additionally, the neuromodulator adenosine has been shown to affect certain ASD comorbidities and symptoms, such as epilepsy, impairment of cognitive function, and anxiety. Adenosine is both directly and indirectly responsible for regulating the development of oligodendroglia and myelination through its interaction with, and modulation of, several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin. In this review, we will focus on the recent discoveries in adenosine interaction with physiological and pathophysiological activities of oligodendroglia and myelination, as well as ASD-related aspects of adenosine actions on neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. Moreover, we will discuss the potential therapeutic value and clinical approaches of adenosine manipulation against hypomyelination in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ying Shen
- Robert Stone Dow Neurobiology Department, Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nanxin Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jesica Reemmer
- Robert Stone Dow Neurobiology Department, Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Kasah S, Oddy C, Basson MA. Autism-linked CHD gene expression patterns during development predict multi-organ disease phenotypes. J Anat 2018; 233:755-769. [PMID: 30277262 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent large-scale exome sequencing studies have identified mutations in several members of the CHD (Chromodomain Helicase DNA-binding protein) gene family in neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in the CHD2 gene have been linked to developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism and seizures, CHD8 mutations to autism and intellectual disability, whereas haploinsufficiency of CHD7 is associated with executive dysfunction and intellectual disability. In addition to these neurodevelopmental features, a wide range of other developmental defects are associated with mutants of these genes, especially with regards to CHD7 haploinsufficiency, which is the primary cause of CHARGE syndrome. Whilst the developmental expression of CHD7 has been reported previously, limited information on the expression of CHD2 and CHD8 during development is available. Here, we compare the expression patterns of all three genes during mouse development directly. We find high, widespread expression of these genes at early stages of development that gradually becomes restricted during later developmental stages. Chd2 and Chd8 are widely expressed in the developing central nervous system (CNS) at all stages of development, with moderate expression remaining in the neocortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and cerebellum of the postnatal brain. Similarly, Chd7 expression is seen throughout the CNS during late embryogenesis and early postnatal development, with strong enrichment in the cerebellum, but displays low expression in the cortex and neurogenic niches in early life. In addition to expression in the brain, novel sites of Chd2 and Chd8 expression are reported. These findings suggest additional roles for these genes in organogenesis and predict that mutation of these genes may predispose individuals to a range of other, non-neurological developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahrunizam Kasah
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Oddy
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Dual Requirement of CHD8 for Chromatin Landscape Establishment and Histone Methyltransferase Recruitment to Promote CNS Myelination and Repair. Dev Cell 2018; 45:753-768.e8. [PMID: 29920279 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Disruptive mutations in chromatin remodeler CHD8 cause autism spectrum disorders, exhibiting widespread white matter abnormalities; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We show that cell-type specific Chd8 deletion in oligodendrocyte progenitors, but not in neurons, results in myelination defects, revealing a cell-intrinsic dependence on CHD8 for oligodendrocyte lineage development, myelination and post-injury remyelination. CHD8 activates expression of BRG1-associated SWI/SNF complexes that in turn activate CHD7, thus initiating a successive chromatin remodeling cascade that orchestrates oligodendrocyte lineage progression. Genomic occupancy analyses reveal that CHD8 establishes an accessible chromatin landscape, and recruits MLL/KMT2 histone methyltransferase complexes distinctively around proximal promoters to promote oligodendrocyte differentiation. Inhibition of histone demethylase activity partially rescues myelination defects of CHD8-deficient mutants. Our data indicate that CHD8 exhibits a dual function through inducing a cascade of chromatin reprogramming and recruiting H3K4 histone methyltransferases to establish oligodendrocyte identity, suggesting potential strategies of therapeutic intervention for CHD8-associated white matter defects.
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Gregath A, Lu QR. Epigenetic modifications-insight into oligodendrocyte lineage progression, regeneration, and disease. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:1063-1078. [PMID: 29427507 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myelination by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system permits high-fidelity saltatory conduction from neuronal cell bodies to axon terminals. Dysmyelinating and demyelinating disorders impair normal nervous system functions. Consequently, an understanding of oligodendrocyte differentiation that moves beyond the genetic code into the field of epigenetics is essential. Chromatin reprogramming is critical for steering stage-specific differentiation processes during oligodendrocyte development. Fine temporal control of chromatin remodeling through ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers and sequential histone modifiers shapes a chromatin regulatory landscape conducive to oligodendrocyte fate specification, lineage differentiation, and maintenance of cell identity. In this Review, we will focus on the biological functions of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers and histone deacetylases in myelinating oligodendrocyte development and implications for myelin regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gregath
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Qing Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
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Choi H, Song J, Park G, Kim J. Modeling of Autism Using Organoid Technology. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:7789-7795. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0274-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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