1
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Kim DH, Loke H, Thompson J, Hill R, Sundram S, Lee J. The dopamine D2-like receptor and the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, are reciprocally regulated in the human male neuroblastoma M17 cell line. Neuropharmacology 2024; 251:109928. [PMID: 38552780 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Hannah Loke
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - James Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Mental Health Program, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
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2
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Kumar C, Roy JK. Decoding the epigenetic mechanism of mammalian sex determination. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114011. [PMID: 38531506 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Sex determination embodies a dynamic and intricate developmental process wielding significant influence over the destiny of bipotential gonads, steering them towards male or female gonads. Gonadal differentiation and the postnatal manifestation of the gonadal phenotype involve a sophisticated interplay of transcription factors such as SOX9 and FOXL2. Central to this interplay are chromatin modifiers regulating the mutual antagonism during this interplay. In this review, the key findings and knowledge gaps in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA-mediated control throughout mammalian gonadal development are covered. Furthermore, it explores the role of the developing brain in playing a pivotal role in the initiation of gonadogenesis and the subsequent involvement of gonadal hormone/hormone receptor in fine-tuning sexual differentiation. Based on promising facts, the role of the developing brain through the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis is explained and suggested as a novel hypothesis. The article also discusses the potential impact of ecological factors on the human epigenome in relation to sex determination and trans-generational epigenetics in uncovering novel genes and mechanisms involved in sex determination and gonadal differentiation. We have subtly emphasized the disruptions in epigenetic regulations contributing to sexual disorders, which further allows us to raise certain questions, decipher approaches for handling these questions and setting up the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cash Kumar
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Jagat Kumar Roy
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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3
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Heitzmann LD, Challe M, Perez J, Castell L, Galibert E, Martin AO, Valjent E, Veyrunes F. Genotypic sex shapes maternal care in the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231224. [PMID: 37670585 PMCID: PMC10510450 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic behaviours, such as parental care, have long been thought to be mainly driven by gonadal hormones. In the past two decades, a few studies have challenged this view, highlighting the direct influence of the sex chromosome complement (XX versus XY or ZZ versus ZW). The African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides, is a wild mouse species with naturally occurring XY sex reversal induced by a third, feminizing X* chromosome, leading to three female genotypes: XX, XX* and X*Y. Here, we show that sex reversal in X*Y females shapes a divergent maternal care strategy (maternal aggression, pup retrieval and nesting behaviours) from both XX and XX* females. Although neuroanatomical investigations were inconclusive, we show that the dopaminergic system in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is worth investigating further as it may support differences in pup retrieval behaviour between females. Combining behaviours and neurobiology in a rodent subject to natural selection, we evaluate potential candidates for the neural basis of maternal behaviours and strengthen the underestimated role of the sex chromosomes in shaping sex differences in brain and behaviours. All things considered, we further highlight the emergence of a third sexual phenotype, challenging the binary view of phenotypic sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise D. Heitzmann
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie Challe
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Perez
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laia Castell
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Evelyne Galibert
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Agnès O. Martin
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuel Valjent
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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4
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Terrin F, Tesoriere A, Plotegher N, Dalla Valle L. Sex and Brain: The Role of Sex Chromosomes and Hormones in Brain Development and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1486. [PMID: 37296608 PMCID: PMC10252697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones and genes on the sex chromosomes are not only key factors in the regulation of sexual differentiation and reproduction but they are also deeply involved in brain homeostasis. Their action is crucial for the development of the brain, which presents different characteristics depending on the sex of individuals. The role of these players in the brain is fundamental in the maintenance of brain function during adulthood as well, thus being important also with respect to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we explore the role of biological sex in the development of the brain and analyze its impact on the predisposition toward and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we focus on Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has a higher incidence in the male population. We report how sex hormones and genes encoded by the sex chromosomes could protect from the disease or alternatively predispose toward its development. We finally underline the importance of considering sex when studying brain physiology and pathology in cellular and animal models in order to better understand disease etiology and develop novel tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicoletta Plotegher
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
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5
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Ihara T, Hamada M, Furuse M. The Greater Impact of Paternal, Compared to Maternal, Hereditary Background on Depressive-Like Behavior in Wistar Kyoto Rats with Different Amino Acid Metabolism in the Pup Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044199. [PMID: 36835609 PMCID: PMC9966018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the pathogenesis of depression, heredity is believed to be a major factor. However, the mechanism by which heredity contributes to the onset of depression is not fully understood. Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats have been used as an animal model for depression because of their increased depression-like behavior compared to Wistar (WIS) rats. In the present study, pups crossbred from WKY × WIS rats were used to evaluate locomotor activity in an open field test (OFT) and depression-like behavior in a forced swimming test (FST), with a focus on amino acid metabolism. Pups in the WKY♂ × WKY♀ group showed lower locomotor activity in the OFT and higher depression-like behavior in the FST than those in the WIS♂ × WIS♀ group. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that the paternal strain had a greater effect than the maternal strain on locomotor activity and depression-like behavior in OFT and FST, respectively. Several amino acids in the brainstem, hippocampus, and striatum were significantly decreased through the influence of the WKY paternal strain, but not the WKY maternal strain. Based on these data from comparing WKY and WIS rats, we hypothesize that the hereditary effects of the WKY paternal strain on behavioral tests are partially caused by dysregulation of the amino acid metabolism in the brain.
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6
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Pallier PN, Ferrara M, Romagnolo F, Ferretti MT, Soreq H, Cerase A. Chromosomal and environmental contributions to sex differences in the vulnerability to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: Implications for therapeutic interventions. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 219:102353. [PMID: 36100191 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders affect men and women differently. Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders, depression, meningiomas and late-onset schizophrenia affect women more frequently than men. By contrast, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum condition, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and early-onset schizophrenia are more prevalent in men. Women have been historically under-recruited or excluded from clinical trials, and most basic research uses male rodent cells or animals as disease models, rarely studying both sexes and factoring sex as a potential source of variation, resulting in a poor understanding of the underlying biological reasons for sex and gender differences in the development of such diseases. Putative pathophysiological contributors include hormones and epigenetics regulators but additional biological and non-biological influences may be at play. We review here the evidence for the underpinning role of the sex chromosome complement, X chromosome inactivation, and environmental and epigenetic regulators in sex differences in the vulnerability to brain disease. We conclude that there is a pressing need for a better understanding of the genetic, epigenetic and environmental mechanisms sustaining sex differences in such diseases, which is critical for developing a precision medicine approach based on sex-tailored prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick N Pallier
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Maria Ferrara
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Women's Brain Project (WBP), Switzerland
| | - Francesca Romagnolo
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Andrea Cerase
- EMBL-Rome, Via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo, RM, Italy; Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, SS12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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7
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Mietlicki-Baase EG, Santollo J, Daniels D. Fluid intake, what's dopamine got to do with it? Physiol Behav 2021; 236:113418. [PMID: 33838203 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining fluid balance is critical for life. The central components that control fluid intake are only partly understood. This contribution to the collection of papers highlighting work by members of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior focuses on the role that dopamine has on fluid intake and describes the roles that various bioregulators can have on thirst and sodium appetite by influencing dopamine systems in the brain. The goal of the review is to highlight areas in need of more research and to propose a framework to guide that research. We hope that this framework will inspire researchers in the field to investigate these interesting questions in order to form a more complete understanding of how fluid intake is controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Mietlicki-Baase
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States; Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, United States
| | - Jessica Santollo
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, United States
| | - Derek Daniels
- Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, United States; Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, United States
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8
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Sigurdardottir HL, Lanzenberger R, Kranz GS. Genetics of sex differences in neuroanatomy and function. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:179-193. [PMID: 33008524 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences are observed at many distinct biologic levels, such as in the anatomy and functioning of the brain, behavior, and susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Previously, these differences were believed to entirely result from the secretion of gonadal hormones; however, recent research has demonstrated that differences are also the consequence of direct or nonhormonal effects of genes located on the sex chromosomes. This chapter reviews the four core genotype model that separates the effects of hormones and sex chromosomes and highlights a few genes that are believed to be partly responsible for sex dimorphism of the brain, in particular, the Sry gene. Genetics of the brain's neurochemistry is discussed and the susceptibility to certain neurologic and psychiatric disorders is reviewed. Lastly, we discuss the sex-specific genetic contribution in disorders of sexual development. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are currently not entirely known. An increased knowledge and understanding of the role of candidate genes will undeniably be of great aid in elucidating the molecular basis of sex-biased disorders and potentially allow for more sex-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Sigurdardottir
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg S Kranz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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9
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Pearse RV, Young-Pearse TL. Lost in translational biology: Understanding sex differences to inform studies of diseases of the nervous system. Brain Res 2019; 1722:146352. [PMID: 31351977 PMCID: PMC6755063 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Female and male humans are different. As simple and obvious as that statement is, in biomedical research there has been an historical tendency to either not consider sex at all or to only use males in clinical and in preclinical model system studies. The result is a large volume of research that reflects the average biology and pathology of males even though we know that disease risk, presentation, and response to therapies can be different between females and males. This is true, albeit to differing degrees, for virtually all neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, the days of ignoring sex as a biological variable are over - both because of the realization that genetic sex impacts brain function, and because of the 2014 mandate by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that requires that "sex as a biological variable" be addressed in each grant application. This review is written for neuroscientists who may not have considered sex as a biological variable previously but who now are navigating the best way to adapt their research programs to consider this important biology. We first provide a brief overview of the evidence that male versus female differences in the brain are biologically and clinically meaningful. We then present some fundamental principles that have been forged by a dedicated but small group of ground-breaking researchers along with a description of tools and model systems for incorporating a sex differences component into a research project. Finally, we will highlight some key technologies that, in the coming years, are likely to provide critical information about sex differences in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard V Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Fetal programming of adrenal PNMT and hypertension by glucocorticoids in WKY rats is dose and sex-dependent. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221719. [PMID: 31483805 PMCID: PMC6726223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochemical changes in utero may alter normal fetal development, resulting in disease later in life, a phenomenon known as fetal programming. Recent epidemiological studies link fetal programming to negative health outcomes, such as low birth weight and hypertension in adulthood. Here, we used a WKY rat model and studied the molecular changes triggered by prenatal glucocorticoid (GC) exposure on the development of hypertension, and on the regulation of phenylethanolamine N-methyl transferase (PNMT), the enzyme responsible for biosynthesis of epinephrine, and a candidate gene linked to hypertension. Clinically, high doses of the synthetic GC dexamethasone (DEX) are used to treat infant respiratory distress syndrome. Elevated maternal GCs have been correlated with fetal programming of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine if lower doses of DEX would not lead to detrimental fetal programming effects such as hypertension. Our data suggests that prenatal stress programs for increased expression of PNMT and altered regulation of PNMT in males and females. Importantly, we identified that DEX mediated programming was more apparent in the male rats, and the lower dose 10μg/kg/day of DEX did not lead to changes in blood pressure (BP) in female rats suggesting that this dose is below the threshold for programming of hypertension. Furthermore, sex-specific differences were observed in regards to programming mechanisms that may account for hypertension in males.
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11
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Tahira AC, Barbosa AR, Feltrin AS, Gastaldi VD, de Toledo VHC, de Carvalho Pereira JG, Lisboa BCG, de Souza Reis VN, dos Santos ACF, Maschietto M, Brentani H. Putative contributions of the sex chromosome proteins SOX3 and SRY to neurodevelopmental disorders. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:390-414. [PMID: 30537354 PMCID: PMC6767407 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The male-biased prevalence of certain neurodevelopmental disorders and the sex-biased outcomes associated with stress exposure during gestation have been previously described. Here, we hypothesized that genes distinctively targeted by only one or both homologous proteins highly conserved across therian mammals, SOX3 and SRY, could induce sexual adaptive changes that result in a differential risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. ChIP-seq/chip data showed that SOX3/SRY gene targets were expressed in different brain cell types in mice. We used orthologous human genes in rodent genomes to extend the number of SOX3/SRY set (1,721). These genes were later found to be enriched in five modules of coexpressed genes during the early and mid-gestation periods (FDR < 0.05), independent of sexual hormones. Genes with differential expression (24, p < 0.0001) and methylation (40, p < 0.047) between sexes were overrepresented in this set. Exclusive SOX3 or SRY target genes were more associated with the late gestational and postnatal periods. Using autism as a model sex-biased disorder, the SOX3/SRY set was enriched in autism gene databases (FDR ≤ 0.05), and there were more de novo variations from the male autism spectrum disorder (ASD) samples under the SRY peaks compared to the random peaks (p < 0.024). The comparison of coexpressed networks of SOX3/SRY target genes between male autism and control samples revealed low preservation in gene modules related to stress response (99 genes) and neurogenesis (78 genes). This study provides evidence that while SOX3 is a regulatory mechanism for both sexes, the male-exclusive SRY also plays a role in gene regulation, suggesting a potential mechanism for sex bias in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Tahira
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - André Rocha Barbosa
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
- Inter‐institutional Grad Program on BioinformaticsUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSPBrazil
| | | | - Vinicius Daguano Gastaldi
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - Victor Hugo Calegari de Toledo
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | | | - Bianca Cristina Garcia Lisboa
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - Viviane Neri de Souza Reis
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - Ana Cecília Feio dos Santos
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Básicas em Malária – EntomologiaSeção de Parasitologia – Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MSAnanindeuaPABrazil
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio)Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM)CampinasSPBrazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
- Inter‐institutional Grad Program on BioinformaticsUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSPBrazil
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSPBrazil
- National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents (INPD)Sao PauloSPBrazil
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSPUniversidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
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12
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Sex-specific neuroprotection by inhibition of the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, in experimental Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:16577-16582. [PMID: 31371505 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1900406116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. While the cause of DA cell loss in PD is unknown, male sex is a strong risk factor. Aside from the protective actions of sex hormones in females, emerging evidence suggests that sex-chromosome genes contribute to the male bias in PD. We previously showed that the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, directly regulates adult brain function in males independent of gonadal hormone influence. SRY protein colocalizes with DA neurons in the male substantia nigra, where it regulates DA biosynthesis and voluntary movement. Here we demonstrate that nigral SRY expression is highly and persistently up-regulated in animal and human cell culture models of PD. Remarkably, lowering nigral SRY expression with antisense oligonucleotides in male rats diminished motor deficits and nigral DA cell loss in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced and rotenone-induced rat models of PD. The protective effect of the SRY antisense oligonucleotides was associated with male-specific attenuation of DNA damage, mitochondrial degradation, and neuroinflammation in the toxin-induced rat models of PD. Moreover, reducing nigral SRY expression diminished or removed the male bias in nigrostriatal degeneration, mitochondrial degradation, DNA damage, and neuroinflammation in the 6-OHDA rat model of PD, suggesting that SRY directly contributes to the sex differences in PD. These findings demonstrate that SRY directs a previously unrecognized male-specific mechanism of DA cell death and suggests that suppressing nigral Sry synthesis represents a sex-specific strategy to slow or prevent DA cell loss in PD.
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13
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Post-translational histone modifications and their interaction with sex influence normal brain development and elaboration of neuropsychiatric disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1968-1981. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Bayles RG, Tran J, Olivas A, Woodward WR, Fei SS, Gao L, Habecker BA. Sex differences in sympathetic gene expression and cardiac neurochemistry in Wistar Kyoto rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218133. [PMID: 31194790 PMCID: PMC6564003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The stellate ganglia are the predominant source of sympathetic innervation to the heart. Remodeling of sympathetic nerves projecting to the heart has been observed in several cardiovascular diseases, and sympathetic dysfunction contributes to cardiac pathology. Wistar Kyoto rats are a common model for the study of cardiovascular diseases, but we lack a profile of the baseline transcriptomic and neurochemical characteristics of their cardiac sympathetic neurons. Most studies of cardiovascular disease have used male animals only, but in the future both male and female animals will be used for these types of studies; therefore, we sought to characterize the transcriptome of male and female stellate ganglia and to correlate that with catecholamine and acetylcholine content in the heart. We have generated a dataset of baseline RNA expression in male and female Wistar Kyoto rat stellate ganglia using RNA-seq, and have measured neurotransmitter levels in heart and stellate ganglia using HPLC and mass spectrometry. We identified numerous gene expression differences between male and female stellates, including genes encoding important developmental factors, receptors and neuropeptides. Female hearts had significantly higher neurotransmitter content than male hearts; however, no significant differences were detected in expression of the genes encoding neurotransmitter synthetic enzymes. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were identified between the sexes in cardiac tyrosine hydroxylase levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G. Bayles
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Joanne Tran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Antoinette Olivas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - William R. Woodward
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Suzanne S. Fei
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Lina Gao
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Beth A. Habecker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Khan SI, Andrews KL, Jennings GL, Sampson AK, Chin-Dusting JPF. Y Chromosome, Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease: Is Inflammation the Answer? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122892. [PMID: 31200567 PMCID: PMC6627840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now becomingly increasingly evident that the functions of the mammalian Y chromosome are not circumscribed to the induction of male sex. While animal studies have shown variations in the Y are strongly accountable for blood pressure (BP), this is yet to be confirmed in humans. We have recently shown modulation of adaptive immunity to be a significant mechanism underpinning Y-chromosome-dependent differences in BP in consomic strains. This is paralleled by studies in man showing Y chromosome haplogroup is a significant predictor for coronary artery disease through influencing pathways of immunity. Furthermore, recent studies in mice and humans have shown that Y chromosome lineage determines susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Here we review the evidence in animals and humans that Y chromosome lineage influences hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk, with a novel focus on pathways of immunity as a significant pathway involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanzana I Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Karen L Andrews
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Garry L Jennings
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Amanda K Sampson
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Jaye P F Chin-Dusting
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
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16
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Petersen N, London ED. Addiction and Dopamine: Sex Differences and Insights from Studies of Smoking. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018; 23:150-159. [PMID: 30746429 PMCID: PMC6368096 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mesolimbic dopaminergic function influences addiction through effects on reinforcement learning, decision-making, and impulsivity. This review covers sex differences in dopaminergic neurochemistry, their hormonal and genetic determinants, and how differences in dopaminergic tone interact with sex and/or ovarian hormone status to affect cognitive functions. Findings from research on cigarette smoking reveal sex differences in striatal and midbrain dopamine D2-type receptor availability and striatal dopamine release that suggest mechanisms of nicotine dependence, and stronger subjective responses to nicotine and efficacy of nicotine replacement therapies in male smokers than in their female counterparts. Opportunities exist to extend such efforts in studies of how sex and hormone status influence other addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024
| | - Edythe D. London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024,Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024,Corresponding author: Dr. Edythe D. London, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA, Tel: 310 825 0606, Fax: 310 825-0812,
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17
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Pinares-Garcia P, Stratikopoulos M, Zagato A, Loke H, Lee J. Sex: A Significant Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E154. [PMID: 30104506 PMCID: PMC6120011 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8080154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Males and females sometimes significantly differ in their propensity to develop neurological disorders. Females suffer more from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more susceptible to deficits in the dopamine system including Parkinson's disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Despite this, biological sex is rarely considered when making treatment decisions in neurological disorders. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sex differences in the healthy and diseased brain will help to devise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies optimal for each sex. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the available evidence on sex differences in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders regarding prevalence, progression, symptoms and response to therapy. We also discuss the sex-related factors such as gonadal sex hormones and sex chromosome genes and how these might help to explain some of the clinically observed sex differences in these disorders. In particular, we highlight the emerging role of the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, in the male brain and its potential role as a male-specific risk factor for disorders such as PD, autism, and ADHD in many individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Pinares-Garcia
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Marielle Stratikopoulos
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Alice Zagato
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Hannah Loke
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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18
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Torres-Rojas C, Jones BC. Sex Differences in Neurotoxicogenetics. Front Genet 2018; 9:196. [PMID: 29922331 PMCID: PMC5996082 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A major development in biomedical research is the recognition that the sex of an individual plays a key role in susceptibility, treatment, and outcomes of most diseases. In this contribution, we present evidence that sex is also important in the toxicity of many environmental toxicants and contributes to the effect of genetics. Thus, individual differences in response to toxicants includes genetic makeup, the environment and sex; in fact, sex differences may be considered a part of genetic constitution. In this review, we present evidence for sex contribution to susceptibility for a number of toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Torres-Rojas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Byron C Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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19
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Colafella KMM, Denton KM. Sex-specific differences in hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2018; 14:185-201. [PMID: 29380817 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2017.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although intrinsic mechanisms that regulate arterial blood pressure (BP) are similar in men and women, marked variations exist at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. These physiological disparities between the sexes likely contribute to differences in disease onset, susceptibility, prevalence and treatment responses. Key systems that are important in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the immune system, are differentially activated in males and females. Biological age also contributes to sexual dimorphism, as premenopausal women experience a higher degree of cardioprotection than men of similar age. Furthermore, sex hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone as well as sex chromosome complement likely contribute to sex differences in BP and CVD. At the cellular level, differences in cell senescence pathways may contribute to increased longevity in women and may also limit organ damage caused by hypertension. In addition, many lifestyle and environmental factors - such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diet - may influence BP and CVD in a sex-specific manner. Evidence suggests that cardioprotection in women is lost under conditions of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment strategies for hypertension and CVD that are tailored according to sex could lead to improved outcomes for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Mirabito Colafella
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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20
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Rosenfeld CS. Brain Sexual Differentiation and Requirement of SRY: Why or Why Not? Front Neurosci 2017; 11:632. [PMID: 29200993 PMCID: PMC5696354 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain sexual differentiation is orchestrated by precise coordination of sex steroid hormones. In some species, programming of select male brain regions is dependent upon aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. In mammals, these hormones surge during the organizational and activational periods that occur during perinatal development and adulthood, respectively. In various fish and reptiles, incubation temperature during a critical embryonic period results in male or female sexual differentiation, but this can be overridden in males by early exposure to estrogenic chemicals. Testes development in mammals requires a Y chromosome and testis determining gene SRY (in humans)/Sry (all other therian mammals), although there are notable exceptions. Two species of spiny rats: Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) and Tokunoshima spiny rat (Tokudaia tokunoshimensis) and two species of mole voles (Ellobius lutescens and Ellobius tancrei), lack a Y chromosome/Sry and possess an XO chromosome system in both sexes. Such rodent species, prototherians (monotremes, who also lack Sry), and fish and reptile species that demonstrate temperature sex determination (TSD) seemingly call into question the requirement of Sry for brain sexual differentiation. This review will consider brain regions expressing SRY/Sry in humans and rodents, respectively, and potential roles of SRY/Sry in the brain will be discussed. The evidence from various taxa disputing the requirement of Sry for brain sexual differentiation in mammals (therians and prototherians) and certain fish and reptilian species will be examined. A comparative approach to address this question may elucidate other genes, pathways, and epigenetic modifications stimulating brain sexual differentiation in vertebrate species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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21
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Jang Y, Lee MJ, Han J, Kim SJ, Ryu I, Ju X, Ryu MJ, Chung W, Oh E, Kweon GR, Heo JY. A High-fat Diet Induces a Loss of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Function That Underlies Motor Abnormalities. Exp Neurobiol 2017; 26:104-112. [PMID: 28442947 PMCID: PMC5403908 DOI: 10.5607/en.2017.26.2.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement defects in obesity are associated with peripheral muscle defects, arthritis, and dysfunction of motor control by the brain. Although movement functionality is negatively correlated with obesity, the brain regions and downstream signaling pathways associated with movement defects in obesity are unclear. A dopaminergic neuronal pathway from the substantia nigra (SN) to the striatum is responsible for regulating grip strength and motor initiation through tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity-dependent dopamine release. We found that mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited decreased movement in open-field tests and an increase in missteps in a vertical grid test compared with normally fed mice. This motor abnormality was associated with a significant reduction of TH in the SN and striatum. We further found that phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which modulates TH expression in the SN and striatum, was decreased under excess-energy conditions. Our findings suggest that high calorie intake impairs motor function through JNK-dependent dysregulation of TH in the SN and striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseon Jang
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Min Joung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Jeongsu Han
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Soo Jeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Ilhwan Ryu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Xianshu Ju
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Min Jeong Ryu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Research Institute for Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Woosuk Chung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Gi Ryang Kweon
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Research Institute for Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Jun Young Heo
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea.,Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
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22
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Tartaglia NR, Wilson R, Miller JS, Rafalko J, Cordeiro L, Davis S, Hessl D, Ross J. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Males with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy: XXY/Klinefelter Syndrome, XYY, and XXYY. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2017; 38:197-207. [PMID: 28333849 PMCID: PMC5423728 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurodevelopmental concerns in males with sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) (XXY/Klinefelter syndrome, XYY, XXYY) include symptoms seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as language impairments and social difficulties. We aimed to: (1) evaluate ASD characteristics in research cohorts of SCA males under DSM-IV compared to DSM-5 criteria, and (2) analyze factors associated with ASD diagnoses in SCA. METHODS Evaluation of participants with XXY/KS (n=20), XYY (n=57) and XXYY (n=21) included medical history, cognitive/adaptive testing, Social Communication Questionnaire, Social Responsiveness Scale, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, and DSM ASD criteria. Clinical impressions of ASD diagnostic category using the ADOS and DSM-IV criteria were compared to ADOS-2 and DSM-5 criteria. T-tests compared cognitive, adaptive, SES and prenatal vs. postnatal diagnoses between ASD and no ASD groups. RESULTS ASD rates in these research cohorts were 10% in XXY/KS, 38% in XYY, and 52% in XXYY using ADOS-2/DSM-5, and were not statistically different compared to DSM-IV criteria. In XYY and XXYY, the ASD group had lower verbal IQ and adaptive functioning compared to those without ASD. Many children without ASD still showed some social difficulties. CONCLUSION ASD rates in males with SCA are higher than reported for the general population. Males with Y chromosome aneuploidy (XYY and XXYY) were 4.8 times more likely to have a diagnosis of ASD than the XXY/KS group, and 20 times more likely than males in the general population (1 in 42 males, CDC 2010). ASD should be considered when evaluating social difficulties in SCA. Studies of SCA and Y-chromosome genes may provide insight into male predominance in idiopathic ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R Tartaglia
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rebecca Wilson
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Judith S. Miller
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica Rafalko
- Nemours/DuPont Hospital for Children, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lisa Cordeiro
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shanlee Davis
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - David Hessl
- University of California Davis Medical Center, M.I.N.D. Institute, Sacramento, California
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Judith Ross
- Nemours/DuPont Hospital for Children, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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23
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A functional AT/G polymorphism in the 5'-untranslated region of SETDB2 in the IgE locus on human chromosome 13q14. Genes Immun 2015; 16:488-94. [PMID: 26378653 PMCID: PMC4763160 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2015.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated locus on human chromosome 13q14 influencing asthma-related traits contains the genes PHF11 and SETDB2. SETDB2 is located in the same linkage disequilibrium region as PHF11 and polymorphisms within SETDB2 have been shown to associate with total serum IgE levels. In this report, we sequenced the 15 exons of SETDB2 and identified a single previously ungenotyped mutation (AT/G, rs386770867) in the 5'-untranslated region of the gene. The polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with serum IgE levels in our asthma cohort (P=0.0012). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the transcription factor Ying Yang 1 binds to the AT allele, whereas SRY (Sex determining Region Y) binds to the G allele. Allele-specific transcription analysis (allelotyping) was performed in 35 individuals heterozygous for rs386770867 from a panel of 200 British families ascertained through probands with severe stage 3 asthma. The AT allele was found to be significantly overexpressed in these individuals (P=1.26×10(-21)). A dual-luciferase assay with the pGL3 luciferase reporter gene showed that the AT allele significantly affects transcriptional activities. Our results indicate that the IgE-associated AT/G polymorphism (rs386770867) regulates transcription of SETDB2.
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24
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Williams LJ, Butler JS, Molloy A, McGovern E, Beiser I, Kimmich O, Quinlivan B, O'Riordan S, Hutchinson M, Reilly RB. Young Women do it Better: Sexual Dimorphism in Temporal Discrimination. Front Neurol 2015. [PMID: 26217303 PMCID: PMC4497309 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) is the shortest time interval at which two sensory stimuli presented sequentially are detected as asynchronous by the observer. TDTs are known to increase with age. Having previously observed shorter thresholds in young women than in men, in this work we sought to systematically examine the effect of sex and age on temporal discrimination. The aims of this study were to examine, in a large group of men and women aged 20–65 years, the distribution of TDTs with an analysis of the individual participant’s responses, assessing the “point of subjective equality” and the “just noticeable difference” (JND). These respectively assess sensitivity and accuracy of an individual’s response. In 175 participants (88 women) aged 20–65 years, temporal discrimination was faster in women than in men under the age of 40 years by a mean of approximately 13 ms. However, age-related decline in temporal discrimination was three times faster in women so that, in the age group of 40–65 years, the female superiority was reversed. The point of subjective equality showed a similar advantage in younger women and more marked age-related decline in women than men, as the TDT. JND values declined equally in both sexes, showing no sexual dimorphism. This observed sexual dimorphism in temporal discrimination is important for both (a) future clinical research assessing disordered mid-brain covert attention in basal-ganglia disorders, and (b) understanding the biology of this sexual dimorphism which may be genetic or hormonal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jane Williams
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - John S Butler
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Anna Molloy
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Eavan McGovern
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Ines Beiser
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Okka Kimmich
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Brendan Quinlivan
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Sean O'Riordan
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Michael Hutchinson
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Richard B Reilly
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland ; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
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25
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Loke H, Harley V, Lee J. Biological factors underlying sex differences in neurological disorders. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 65:139-50. [PMID: 26028290 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence, age of onset, pathophysiology, and symptomatology of many neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions differ significantly between males and females. Females suffer more from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more susceptible to deficits in the dopamine system including Parkinson's disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Until recently, these sex differences have been explained solely by the neuroprotective actions of sex hormones in females. Emerging evidence however indicates that the sex chromosome genes (i.e. X- and Y-linked genes) also contribute to brain sex differences. In particular, the Y-chromosome gene, SRY (Sex-determining Region on the Y chromosome) is an interesting candidate as it is expressed in dopamine-abundant brain regions, where it regulates dopamine biosynthesis and dopamine-mediated functions such as voluntary movement in males. Furthermore, SRY expression is dysregulated in a toxin-induced model of PD, suggesting a role for SRY in the pathogenesis of dopamine cells. Taken together, these studies highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between sex-specific hormones and sex-specific genes in healthy and diseased brain. In particular, better understanding of regulation and function of SRY in the male brain could provide entirely novel and important insights into genetic factors involved in the susceptibility of men to neurological disorders, as well as development of novel sex-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Loke
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent Harley
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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26
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Mendrek A. Existe-t-il des différences entre les hommes et les femmes en ce qui concerne les problèmes de toxicomanie ? SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2014. [DOI: 10.7202/1027832ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
La consommation et la dépendance aux drogues furent longtemps considérées comme un problème typiquement masculin. Néanmoins, bien que l’abus et la dépendance à l’alcool, au cannabis et à la nicotine soient encore plus répandus chez les hommes, les différences de genre en ce qui concerne les stimulants et les opiacés ont largement disparu. Il semblerait également que les motivations pour commencer à consommer, l’escalade vers la dépendance et les taux de cessation diffèrent chez les hommes et les femmes. Les raisons qui expliquent ces différences sont multiples et complexes. Nous allons examiner ici les données des études épidémiologiques et cliniques concernant la consommation de diverses drogues chez des hommes et chez des femmes en contexte des facteurs socioculturels, psychologiques et neurobiologiques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Mendrek
- Département de psychologie, Bishop’s University
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
- Département de psychiatrie, Université de Montréal
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Gillies G, Virdee K, McArthur S, Dalley J. Sex-dependent diversity in ventral tegmental dopaminergic neurons and developmental programing: A molecular, cellular and behavioral analysis. Neuroscience 2014; 282:69-85. [PMID: 24943715 PMCID: PMC4245713 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge that diverse populations of dopaminergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) can be distinguished in terms of their molecular, electrophysiological and functional properties, as well as their differential projections to cortical and subcortical regions has significance for key brain functions, such as the regulation of motivation, working memory and sensorimotor control. Almost without exception, this understanding has evolved from landmark studies performed in the male sex. However, converging evidence from both clinical and pre-clinical studies illustrates that the structure and functioning of the VTA dopaminergic systems are intrinsically different in males and females. This may be driven by sex differences in the hormonal environment during adulthood ('activational' effects) and development (perinatal and/or pubertal 'organizational' effects), as well as genetic factors, especially the SRY gene on the Y chromosome in males, which is expressed in a sub-population of adult midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Stress and stress hormones, especially glucocorticoids, are important factors which interact with the VTA dopaminergic systems in order to achieve behavioral adaptation and enable the individual to cope with environmental change. Here, also, there is male/female diversity not only during adulthood, but also in early life when neurobiological programing by stress or glucocorticoid exposure differentially impacts dopaminergic developmental trajectories in male and female brains. This may have enduring consequences for individual resilience or susceptibility to pathophysiological change induced by stressors in later life, with potential translational significance for sex bias commonly found in disorders involving dysfunction of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic systems. These findings highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of the sexual dimorphism in the VTA if we are to improve strategies for the prevention and treatment of debilitating conditions which differentially affect men and women in their prevalence and nature, including schizophrenia, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.E. Gillies
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK,Corresponding author. Address: Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. Tel: +44-(0)-20-7594-7050.
| | - K. Virdee
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - S. McArthur
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, London EC1 6BQ, UK
| | - J.W. Dalley
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hill’s Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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28
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Davies W. Sex differences in attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:331-46. [PMID: 24680800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition characterised by severe inattention, pathological impulsivity and hyperactivity; it is relatively common affecting up to 6% of children, and is associated with a risk of long-term adverse educational and social consequences. Males are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females; the course of the disorder and its associated co-morbidities also appear to be sensitive to sex. Here, I discuss fundamental biological (genetic and endocrine) mechanisms that have been shown to, or could theoretically, contribute towards these sexually dimorphic phenomena. Greater understanding of how and why the sexes differ with respect to ADHD vulnerability should allow us to identify and characterise novel protective and risk factors for the disorder, and should ultimately facilitate improved diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- Behavioural Genetics Group, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Schools of Psychology and Medicine, Cardiff University, Tower Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK.
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Schaafsma SM, Pfaff DW. Etiologies underlying sex differences in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:255-71. [PMID: 24705124 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The male predominance of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is one of the best-known, and at the same time, one of the least understood characteristics of these disorders. In this paper we review genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and environmental mechanisms underlying this male preponderance. Sex-specific effects of Y-linked genes (including SRY expression leading to testicular development), balanced and skewed X-inactivation, genes that escape X-inactivation, parent-of-origin allelic imprinting, and the hypothetical heterochromatin sink are reviewed. These mechanisms likely contribute to etiology, instead of being simply causative to ASD. Environments, both internal and external, also play important roles in ASD's etiology. Early exposure to androgenic hormones and early maternal immune activation comprise environmental factors affecting sex-specific susceptibility to ASD. The gene-environment interactions underlying ASD, suggested here, implicate early prenatal stress as being especially detrimental to boys with a vulnerable genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Schaafsma
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Czech DP, Lee J, Correia J, Loke H, Möller EK, Harley VR. Transient neuroprotection by SRY upregulation in dopamine cells following injury in males. Endocrinology 2014; 155:2602-12. [PMID: 24708242 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-2158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggest sex-specific regulation of dopamine neurons may underlie susceptibility of males to disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). In healthy male dopamine neurons, the Y-chromosome gene product, the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) modulates dopamine biosynthesis and motor function. We investigated the regulation and function of SRY in a model of dopamine cell injury. Treatment with the dopaminergic toxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), significantly elevated SRY mRNA expression (9-fold) in human male dopamine M17 cells. SRY up-regulation occurred via the p-quinone pathway, associated with a 3.5-fold increase in expression of GADD45γ, a DNA damage inducible factor gene and known SRY regulator. In turn, a signaling cascade involving GADD45γ/p38-MAPK/GATA activated the SRY promoter. Knockdown of SRY mRNA in 6-OHDA-treated M17 cells was deleterious, increasing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-apoptotic marker PUMA mRNA, and cell injury (+25%, +32% and +34%, respectively). Conversely, ectopic over-expression of SRY in 6-OHDA-treated female SH-SY5Y cells was protective, decreasing ROS, PUMA, and cell injury (-40%, -46%, and -30%, respectively). However, the 6-OHDA-induced increase in SRY expression was diminished with higher concentrations of toxins or with chronic exposure to 6-OHDA. We conclude that SRY upregulation after dopamine cell injury is initially a protective response in males, but diminishes with gradual loss in dopamine cells. We speculate that dysregulation of SRY may contribute the susceptibility of males to PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Czech
- Brain and Gender Laboratory (D.P.C., J.L., J.C., H.L., E.K.M., V.R.H.), MIMR-PHI (formerly Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (D.P.C., V.R.H.), and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (J.L., V.R.H), Monash University, Melbourne, 3168, Victoria, Australia
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31
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Complex molecular regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:1451-81. [PMID: 24866693 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, is strictly controlled by several interrelated regulatory mechanisms. Enzyme synthesis is controlled by epigenetic factors, transcription factors, and mRNA levels. Enzyme activity is regulated by end-product feedback inhibition. Phosphorylation of the enzyme is catalyzed by several protein kinases and dephosphorylation is mediated by two protein phosphatases that establish a sensitive process for regulating enzyme activity on a minute-to-minute basis. Interactions between tyrosine hydroxylase and other proteins introduce additional layers to the already tightly controlled production of catecholamines. Tyrosine hydroxylase degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome coupled pathway represents yet another mechanism of regulation. Here, we revisit the myriad mechanisms that regulate tyrosine hydroxylase expression and activity and highlight their physiological importance in the control of catecholamine biosynthesis.
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Kopsida E, Lynn PM, Humby T, Wilkinson LS, Davies W. Dissociable effects of Sry and sex chromosome complement on activity, feeding and anxiety-related behaviours in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73699. [PMID: 24009762 PMCID: PMC3751882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst gonadal hormones can substantially influence sexual differentiation of the brain, recent findings have suggested that sex-linked genes may also directly influence neurodevelopment. Here we used the well-established murine ‘four core genotype’ (FCG) model on a gonadally-intact, outbred genetic background to characterise the contribution of Sry-dependent effects (i.e. those arising from the expression of the Y-linked Sry gene in the brain, or from hormonal sequelae of gonadal Sry expression) and direct effects of sex-linked genes other than Sry (‘sex chromosome complement’ effects) to sexually dimorphic mouse behavioural phenotypes. Over a 24 hour period, XX and XY gonadally female mice (lacking Sry) exhibited greater horizontal locomotor activity and reduced food consumption per unit bodyweight than XX and XY gonadally male mice (possessing Sry); in two behavioural tests (the elevated plus and zero mazes) XX and XY gonadally female mice showed evidence for increased anxiety-related behaviours relative to XX and XY gonadally male mice. Exploratory correlational analyses indicated that these Sry-dependent effects could not be simply explained by brain expression of the gene, nor by circulating testosterone levels. We also noted a sex chromosome complement effect on food (but not water) consumption whereby XY mice consumed more over a 24hr period than XX mice, and a sex chromosome complement effect in a third test of anxiety-related behaviour, the light-dark box. The present data suggest that: i) the male-specific factor Sry may influence activity and feeding behaviours in mice, and ii) dissociable feeding and anxiety-related murine phenotypes may be differentially modulated by Sry and by other sex-linked genes. Our results may have relevance for understanding the molecular underpinnings of sexually dimorphic behavioural phenotypes in healthy men and women, and in individuals with abnormal sex chromosome constitutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Kopsida
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
| | - Phoebe M. Lynn
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Humby
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence S. Wilkinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
| | - William Davies
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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33
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van den Bos R, Davies W, Dellu-Hagedorn F, Goudriaan AE, Granon S, Homberg J, Rivalan M, Swendsen J, Adriani W. Cross-species approaches to pathological gambling: a review targeting sex differences, adolescent vulnerability and ecological validity of research tools. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2454-71. [PMID: 23867802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Decision-making plays a pivotal role in daily life as impairments in processes underlying decision-making often lead to an inability to make profitable long-term decisions. As a case in point, pathological gamblers continue gambling despite the fact that this disrupts their personal, professional or financial life. The prevalence of pathological gambling will likely increase in the coming years due to expanding possibilities of on-line gambling through the Internet and increasing liberal attitudes towards gambling. It therefore represents a growing concern for society. Both human and animal studies rapidly advance our knowledge on brain-behaviour processes relevant for understanding normal and pathological gambling behaviour. Here, we review in humans and animals three features of pathological gambling which hitherto have received relatively little attention: (1) sex differences in (the development of) pathological gambling, (2) adolescence as a (putative) sensitive period for (developing) pathological gambling and (3) avenues for improving ecological validity of research tools. Based on these issues we also discuss how research in humans and animals may be brought in line to maximize translational research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud van den Bos
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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34
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Using mouse models to investigate sex-linked genetic effects on brain, behaviour and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain Res Bull 2013; 92:12-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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35
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Kakhki SA, Shahhoseini M, Salekdeh GH. Comparative SRY incorporation on the regulatory regions of pluripotency/differentiation genes in human embryonic carcinoma cells after retinoic acid induction. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 376:145-50. [PMID: 23361361 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Members of the SOX (SRY box) family proteins play critical roles in multiple aspects of development. SRY, as a founder member of SOX family, has been long believed to be involved in the development of sexual gonads by triggering signaling cascades which lead to the formation of testis or ovary from bipotential gonads. However, less is known about other potential regulatory roles of SRY in the development and differentiation. In order to gain further insight into the possible roles of SRY during development, we looked into possible SRY-regulated genes and their levels of expression in a human embryonic carcinoma cell line, named NTera2, before and after induction of differentiation. For this respect, SRY incorporation on the regulatory regions of two groups of genes including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 as pluripotency marker genes, and NESTIN and PAX6 as differentiation marker genes were evaluated quantitatively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation using SRY antibody was performed on chromatin extract of a human embryonic carcinoma cell line, NT2/NTERA-2, before and after onset of differentiation. The results showed that incorporation of SRY in both groups of genes was increased after induction of differentiation. Besides, lower expression of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG and higher expression of PAX6 and NESTIN genes in differentiated cells suggest that SRY may act as a transcription repressor for pluripotency-associated genes and as a transcription activator for differentiation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ashrafi Kakhki
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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36
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Czech DP, Lee J, Sim H, Parish CL, Vilain E, Harley VR. The human testis-determining factor SRY localizes in midbrain dopamine neurons and regulates multiple components of catecholamine synthesis and metabolism. J Neurochem 2012; 122:260-71. [PMID: 22568433 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07782.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The male gender is determined by the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) transcription factor. The unexpected action of SRY in the control of voluntary movement in male rodents suggests a role in the regulation of dopamine transmission and dopamine-related disorders with gender bias, such as Parkinson's disease. We investigated SRY expression in the human brain and function in vitro. SRY immunoreactivity was detected in the human male, but not female substantia nigra pars compacta, within a sub-population of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons. SRY protein also co-localized with TH positive neurons in the ventral tegmental area, and with GAD-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of human precursor NT2 cells into dopaminergic cells increased expression of TH, NURR1, D2 R and SRY. In the human neuroblastoma cell line, M17, SRY knockdown resulted in a reduction in TH, DDC, DBH and MAO-A expression; enzymes which control dopamine synthesis and metabolism. Conversely, SRY over-expression increased TH, DDC, DBH, D2 R and MAO-A levels, accompanied by increased extracellular dopamine levels. A luciferase assay demonstrated that SRY activated a 4.6 kb 5' upstream regulatory region of the human TH promoter/nigral enhancer. Combined, these results suggest that SRY plays a role as a positive regulator of catecholamine synthesis and metabolism in the human male midbrain. This ancillary genetic mechanism might contribute to gender bias in fight-flight behaviours in men or their increased susceptibility to dopamine disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Czech
- Molecular Genetics & Development Division, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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37
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Friese RS, Ye C, Nievergelt CM, Schork AJ, Mahapatra NR, Rao F, Napolitan PS, Waalen J, Ehret GB, Munroe PB, Schmid-Schönbein GW, Eskin E, O'Connor DT. Integrated computational and experimental analysis of the neuroendocrine transcriptome in genetic hypertension identifies novel control points for the cardiometabolic syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 5:430-40. [PMID: 22670052 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.111.962415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential hypertension, a common complex disease, displays substantial genetic influence. Contemporary methods to dissect the genetic basis of complex diseases such as the genomewide association study are powerful, yet a large gap exists between the fraction of population trait variance explained by such associations and total disease heritability. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed a novel, integrative method (combining animal models, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and trait-extreme phenotypes) to identify candidate genes for essential hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. We first undertook transcriptome profiling on adrenal glands from blood pressure extreme mouse strains: the hypertensive BPH (blood pressure high) and hypotensive BPL (blood pressure low). Microarray data clustering revealed a striking pattern of global underexpression of intermediary metabolism transcripts in BPH. The MITRA algorithm identified a conserved motif in the transcriptional regulatory regions of the underexpressed metabolic genes, and we then hypothesized that regulation through this motif contributed to the global underexpression. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated transcriptional activity of the motif through transcription factors HOXA3, SRY, and YY1. We finally hypothesized that genetic variation at HOXA3, SRY, and YY1 might predict blood pressure and other metabolic syndrome traits in humans. Tagging variants for each locus were associated with blood pressure in a human population blood pressure extreme sample with the most extensive associations for YY1 tagging single nucleotide polymorphism rs11625658 on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Meta-analysis extended the YY1 results into 2 additional large population samples with significant effects preserved on diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS The results outline an innovative, systematic approach to the genetic pathogenesis of complex cardiovascular disease traits and point to transcription factor YY1 as a potential candidate gene involved in essential hypertension and the cardiometabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Friese
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0838, USA
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Prokop JW, Leeper TC, Duan ZH, Milsted A. Amino acid function and docking site prediction through combining disease variants, structure alignments, sequence alignments, and molecular dynamics: a study of the HMG domain. BMC Bioinformatics 2012; 13 Suppl 2:S3. [PMID: 22536866 PMCID: PMC3402923 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-13-s2-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The DNA binding domain of HMG proteins is known to be important in many diseases, with the Sox sub-family of HMG proteins of particular significance. Numerous natural variants in HMG proteins are associated with disease phenotypes. Integrating these natural variants, molecular dynamic simulations of DNA interaction and sequence and structure alignments give detailed molecular knowledge of potential amino acid function such as DNA or protein interaction. Results A total of 33 amino acids in HMG proteins are known to have natural variants in diseases. Eight of these amino acids are normally conserved in human HMG proteins and 27 are conserved in the human Sox sub-family. Among the six non-Sox conserved amino acids, amino acids 16 and 45 are likely targets for interaction with other proteins. Docking studies between the androgen receptor and Sry/Sox9 reveals a stable amino acid specific interaction involving several Sox conserved residues. Conclusion The HMG box has structural conservation between the first two of the three helixes in the domain as well as some DNA contact points. Individual sub-groups of the HMG family have specificity in the location of the third helix, DNA specific contact points (such as amino acids 4 and 29), and conserved amino acids interacting with other proteins such as androgen receptor. Studies such as this help to distinguish individual members of a much larger family of proteins and can be applied to any protein family of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Prokop
- Department of Biology, Program in Integrated Bioscience, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA.
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39
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Lee J, Harley VR. The male fight-flight response: A result of SRY regulation of catecholamines? Bioessays 2012; 34:454-7. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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40
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Sampson AK, Jennings GLR, Chin-Dusting JPF. Y are males so difficult to understand?: a case where "X" does not mark the spot. Hypertension 2012; 59:525-31. [PMID: 22291445 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.111.187880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Sampson
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004 Australia.
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41
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From rat to human: regulation of Renin-Angiotensin system genes by sry. Int J Hypertens 2012; 2012:724240. [PMID: 22315667 PMCID: PMC3270428 DOI: 10.1155/2012/724240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis determining protein, Sry, has functions outside of testis determination. Multiple Sry loci are found on the Y-chromosome. Proteins from these loci have differential activity on promoters of renin-angiotensin system genes, possibly contributing to elevation of blood pressure. Variation at amino acid 76 accounts for the majority of differential effects by rat proteins Sry1 and Sry3. Human SRY regulated rat promoters in the same manner as rat Sry, elevating Agt, Ren, and Ace promoter activity while downregulating Ace 2. Human SRY significantly regulated human promoters of AGT, REN, ACE2, AT2, and MAS compared to control levels, elevating AGT and REN promoter activity while decreasing ACE2, AT2, and MAS. While the effect of human SRY on individual genes is often modest, we show that many different genes participating in the renin-angiotensin system can be affected by SRY, apparently in coordinated fashion, to produce more Ang II and less Ang-(1-7).
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42
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Dickey C, Toot J, Terwilliger M, Payne R, Turner M, Ely D. The SHR Y chromosome increases cardiovascular, endocrine, and behavioral responses to stress compared to the WKY Y chromosome. Physiol Behav 2012; 106:101-8. [PMID: 22285213 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The SHR Y chromosome has loci which are involved with behavioral, endocrine and brain phenotypes and respond to acute stress to a different degree than that of the WKY Y chromosome. The objectives were to determine if WKY males with an SHR Y chromosome (SHR/y) when compared to males with a WKY Y chromosome would have: 1. a greater increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP), heart rate (HR), and locomotor activity when placed in an open field environment and during an acute stress procedure; 2. enhanced stress hormone responses; 3. greater voluntary running; and 4. increased brain Sry expression. The SHR/y strain showed a significant rise in BP (32%) and HR (10%) during the open field test and exhibited higher BP (46% change) during air jet stress. SHR/y had higher locomotor activity and less immobility and had increased stress induced plasma norepinephrine and adrenocorticotrophic hormone and 3-4× more voluntary running compared to WKY. Differential Sry expression between WKY and SHR/y in amygdala and hippocampus was altered at rest and during acute stress more than that of WKY. Evidence suggests that this animal model allows novel functions of Y chromosome loci to be revealed. In conclusion, a transcription factor on the SHR Y chromosome, Sry, may be responsible for the cardiovascular, endocrine and behavioral phenotype differences between SHR/y and WKY males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherec Dickey
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, United States
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The influence of sex-linked genetic mechanisms on attention and impulsivity. Biol Psychol 2011; 89:1-13. [PMID: 21983394 PMCID: PMC3245859 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is now generally agreed that there are inherent sex differences in healthy individuals across a number of neurobiological domains (including brain structure, neurochemistry, and cognition). Moreover, there is a burgeoning body of evidence highlighting sex differences within neuropsychiatric populations (in terms of the rates of incidence, clinical features/progression, neurobiology and pathology). Here, we consider the extent to which attention and impulsivity are sexually dimorphic in healthy populations and the extent to which sex might modulate the expression of disorders characterised by abnormalities in attention and/or impulsivity such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and addiction. We then discuss general genetic mechanisms that might underlie sex differences in attention and impulsivity before focussing on specific positional and functional candidate sex-linked genes that are likely to influence these cognitive processes. Identifying novel sex-modulated molecular targets should ultimately enable us to develop more effective therapies in disorders associated with attentional/impulsive dysfunction.
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Ely D, Boehme S, Dunphy G, Hart M, Chiarappa F, Miller B, Martins AS, Turner M, Milsted A. The Sry3 Y chromosome locus elevates blood pressure and renin-angiotensin system indexes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 8:126-38. [PMID: 21536231 DOI: 10.1016/j.genm.2010.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-determining region Y (Sry) is a transcription factor. Our research group has shown that there are multiple copies of Sry in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneous hypertensive (SHR) rats, and that they have novel functions separate from testes determination. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that exogenously delivered Sry3 to the normotensive WKY male kidney would activate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and raise blood pressure (BP), based on previous in vitro studies. METHODS Sry3 or control vector was electroporated to the left kidney of male WKY rats and the following measurements were taken: BP by telemetry, renin-angiotensin measures by radioimmunoassay, plasma and tissue catecholamines by HPLC with electrochemical detection, sodium by flame photometry, and inulin by ELISA. RESULTS Sry3 increased BP 10 to 20 mm Hg compared with controls (P < 0.01) and produced a significant 40% decrease in urine sodium compared with controls (P < 0.05). Sry3 increased renal angiotensin II and plasma renin activity by >100% compared with controls (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION The findings presented here confirm and extend the argument for Sry3 as one of the genes responsible for the SHR hypertensive Y chromosome phenotype and are consistent with increased tissue RAS activity due to Sry3 and increased sodium reabsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ely
- Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3908, USA.
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Lenartowski R, Goc A. Epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene. Int J Dev Neurosci 2011; 29:873-83. [PMID: 21803145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, EC 1.14.16.2) gene and protein determines the catecholamine level, which, in turn, is crucial for the organism homeostasis. The TH gene expression is regulated by near all possible regulatory mechanisms on epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Ongoing molecular characteristic of the TH gene reveals some of the cis and trans elements necessary for its proper expression but most of them especially these responsible for tissue specific expression remain still obscure. This review will focus on some aspects of TH regulation including spatial chromatin organization of the TH locus and TH gene, regulatory elements mediating basal, induced and cell-specific activity, transcriptional elongation, alternative TH RNA processing, and the regulation of TH RNA stability in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lenartowski
- Nicolaus Copernicus University, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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Turner ME, Ely D, Prokop J, Milsted A. Sry, more than testis determination? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2011; 301:R561-71. [PMID: 21677270 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00645.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Sry locus on the mammalian Y chromosome is the developmental switch responsible for testis determination. Inconsistent with this important function, the Sry locus is transcribed in adult males at times and in tissues not involved with testis determination. Sry is expressed in multiple tissues of the peripheral and central nervous system. Sry is derived from Sox3 and is similar to other SOXB family loci. The SOXB loci are responsible for nervous system development. Sry has been demonstrated to modulate the catecholamine pathway, so it should have functional consequences in the central and peripheral nervous system. The nervous system expression and potential function are consistent with Sry as a SOXB family member. In mammals, Sox3 is X-linked and undergoes dosage compensation in females. The expression of Sry in adult males allows for a type of sexual differentiation independent of circulating gonadal hormones. A quantitative difference in Sox3 plus Sry expression in males vs. females could drive changes in the transcriptome of these cells, differentiating male and female cells. Sry expression and its transcriptional effects should be considered when investigating sexual dimorphic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monte E Turner
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA.
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Baron-Cohen S, Lombardo MV, Auyeung B, Ashwin E, Chakrabarti B, Knickmeyer R. Why are autism spectrum conditions more prevalent in males? PLoS Biol 2011; 9:e1001081. [PMID: 21695109 PMCID: PMC3114757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are much more common in males, a bias that may offer clues to the etiology of this condition. Although the cause of this bias remains a mystery, we argue that it occurs because ASC is an extreme manifestation of the male brain. The extreme male brain (EMB) theory, first proposed in 1997, is an extension of the Empathizing-Systemizing (E-S) theory of typical sex differences that proposes that females on average have a stronger drive to empathize while males on average have a stronger drive to systemize. In this first major update since 2005, we describe some of the evidence relating to the EMB theory of ASC and consider how typical sex differences in brain structure may be relevant to ASC. One possible biological mechanism to account for the male bias is the effect of fetal testosterone (fT). We also consider alternative biological theories, the X and Y chromosome theories, and the reduced autosomal penetrance theory. None of these theories has yet been fully confirmed or refuted, though the weight of evidence in favor of the fT theory is growing from converging sources (longitudinal amniocentesis studies from pregnancy to age 10 years old, current hormone studies, and genetic association studies of SNPs in the sex steroid pathways). Ultimately, as these theories are not mutually exclusive and ASC is multi-factorial, they may help explain the male prevalence of ASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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The genetics of sex differences in brain and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:227-46. [PMID: 20951723 PMCID: PMC3030621 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Biological differences between men and women contribute to many sex-specific illnesses and disorders. Historically, it was argued that such differences were largely, if not exclusively, due to gonadal hormone secretions. However, emerging research has shown that some differences are mediated by mechanisms other than the action of these hormone secretions and in particular by products of genes located on the X and Y chromosomes, which we refer to as direct genetic effects. This paper reviews the evidence for direct genetic effects in behavioral and brain sex differences. We highlight the 'four core genotypes' model and sex differences in the midbrain dopaminergic system, specifically focusing on the role of Sry. We also discuss novel research being done on unique populations including people attracted to the same sex and people with a cross-gender identity. As science continues to advance our understanding of biological sex differences, a new field is emerging that is aimed at better addressing the needs of both sexes: gender-based biology and medicine. Ultimately, the study of the biological basis for sex differences will improve healthcare for both men and women.
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Sutton E, Hughes J, White S, Sekido R, Tan J, Arboleda V, Rogers N, Knower K, Rowley L, Eyre H, Rizzoti K, McAninch D, Goncalves J, Slee J, Turbitt E, Bruno D, Bengtsson H, Harley V, Vilain E, Sinclair A, Lovell-Badge R, Thomas P. Identification of SOX3 as an XX male sex reversal gene in mice and humans. J Clin Invest 2010; 121:328-41. [PMID: 21183788 DOI: 10.1172/jci42580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex in mammals is genetically determined and is defined at the cellular level by sex chromosome complement (XY males and XX females). The Y chromosome-linked gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) is believed to be the master initiator of male sex determination in almost all eutherian and metatherian mammals, functioning to upregulate expression of its direct target gene Sry-related HMG box-containing gene 9 (SOX9). Data suggest that SRY evolved from SOX3, although there is no direct functional evidence to support this hypothesis. Indeed, loss-of-function mutations in SOX3 do not affect sex determination in mice or humans. To further investigate Sox3 function in vivo, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing Sox3. Here, we report that in one of these transgenic lines, Sox3 was ectopically expressed in the bipotential gonad and that this led to frequent complete XX male sex reversal. Further analysis indicated that Sox3 induced testis differentiation in this particular line of mice by upregulating expression of Sox9 via a similar mechanism to Sry. Importantly, we also identified genomic rearrangements within the SOX3 regulatory region in three patients with XX male sex reversal. Together, these data suggest that SOX3 and SRY are functionally interchangeable in sex determination and support the notion that SRY evolved from SOX3 via a regulatory mutation that led to its de novo expression in the early gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina Sutton
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science and Australian Research Council Special Research Centre for the Molecular Genetics of Development, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Abstract
SRY, the mammalian Y-chromosomal testis-determining gene, induces male sex determination. Recent studies in mice reveal that the major role of SRY is to achieve sufficient expression of the related gene Sox9, in order to induce Sertoli cell differentiation, which in turn drives testis formation. Here, we discuss the cascade of events triggered by SRY and the mechanisms that reinforce the differentiation of the testes in males while actively inhibiting ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Kashimada
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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