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Engal E, Zhang Z, Geminder O, Jaffe-Herman S, Kay G, Ben-Hur A, Salton M. The spectrum of pre-mRNA splicing in autism. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1838. [PMID: 38509732 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1838] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Disruptions in spatiotemporal gene expression can result in atypical brain function. Specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by abnormalities in pre-mRNA splicing. Abnormal splicing patterns have been identified in the brains of individuals with ASD, and mutations in splicing factors have been found to contribute to neurodevelopmental delays associated with ASD. Here we review studies that shed light on the importance of splicing observed in ASD and that explored the intricate relationship between splicing factors and ASD, revealing how disruptions in pre-mRNA splicing may underlie ASD pathogenesis. We provide an overview of the research regarding all splicing factors associated with ASD and place a special emphasis on five specific splicing factors-HNRNPH2, NOVA2, WBP4, SRRM2, and RBFOX1-known to impact the splicing of ASD-related genes. In the discussion of the molecular mechanisms influenced by these splicing factors, we lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of ASD's complex etiology. Finally, we discuss the potential benefit of unraveling the connection between splicing and ASD for the development of more precise diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Engal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ophir Geminder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shiri Jaffe-Herman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gillian Kay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asa Ben-Hur
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Maayan Salton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Liu HL, Lu XM, Wang HY, Hu KB, Wu QY, Liao P, Li S, Long ZY, Wang YT. The role of RNA splicing factor PTBP1 in neuronal development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119506. [PMID: 37263298 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing, which produces various mRNA isoforms with distinct structures and functions from a single gene, is regulated by specific RNA-binding proteins and is an essential method for regulating gene expression in mammals. Recent studies have shown that abnormal change during neuronal development triggered by splicing mis-regulation is an important feature of various neurological diseases. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a kind of RNA-binding proteins with extensive biological functions. As a well-known splicing regulator, it affects the neuronal development process through its involvement in axon formation, synaptogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis, according to the most recent studies. Here, we summarized the mechanism of alternative splicing, structure and function of PTBP1, and the latest research progress on the role of alternative splicing events regulated by PTBP1 in axon formation, synaptogenesis and neuronal apoptosis, to reveal the mechanism of PTBP1-regulated changes in neuronal development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Lin Liu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Xiu-Min Lu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Kai-Bin Hu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Qing-Yun Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Ping Liao
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, PR China
| | - Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Zai-Yun Long
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
| | - Yong-Tang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China.
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Whole Genome Analysis of Dizygotic Twins With Autism Reveals Prevalent Transposon Insertion Within Neuronal Regulatory Elements: Potential Implications for Disease Etiology and Clinical Assessment. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1091-1106. [PMID: 35759154 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) have been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, our understanding of their roles is far from complete. Herein, we explored de novo TE insertions (dnTEIs) and de novo variants (DNVs) across the genomes of dizygotic twins with ASD and their parents. The neuronal regulatory elements had a tendency to harbor dnTEIs that were shared between twins, but ASD-risk genes had dnTEIs that were unique to each twin. The dnTEIs were 4.6-fold enriched in enhancers that are active in embryonic stem cell (ESC)-neurons (p < 0.001), but DNVs were 1.5-fold enriched in active enhancers of astrocytes (p = 0.0051). Our findings suggest that dnTEIs and DNVs play a role in ASD etiology by disrupting enhancers of neurons and astrocytes.
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Erbescu A, Papuc SM, Budisteanu M, Arghir A, Neagu M. Re-emerging concepts of immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1006612. [PMID: 36339838 PMCID: PMC9626859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1006612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and social interaction deficits, and by restricted interests and stereotyped, repetitive behavior patterns. ASD has a strong genetic component and a complex architecture characterized by the interplay of rare and common genetic variants. Recently, increasing evidence suggest a significant contribution of immune system dysregulation in ASD. The present paper reviews the latest updates regarding the altered immune landscape of this complex disorder highlighting areas with potential for biomarkers discovery as well as personalization of therapeutic approaches. Cross-talk between the central nervous system and immune system has long been envisaged and recent evidence brings insights into the pathways connecting the brain to the immune system. Disturbance of cytokine levels plays an important role in the establishment of a neuroinflammatory milieu in ASD. Several other immune molecules involved in antigen presentation and inflammatory cellular phenotypes are also at play in ASD. Maternal immune activation, the presence of brain-reactive antibodies and autoimmunity are other potential prenatal and postnatal contributors to ASD pathophysiology. The molecular players involved in oxidative-stress response and mitochondrial system function, are discussed as contributors to the pro-inflammatory pattern. The gastrointestinal inflammation pathways proposed to play a role in ASD are also discussed. Moreover, the body of evidence regarding some of the genetic factors linked to the immune system dysregulation is reviewed and discussed. Last, but not least, the epigenetic traits and their interactions with the immune system are reviewed as an expanding field in ASD research. Understanding the immune-mediated pathways that influence brain development and function, metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis, may lead to the identification of robust diagnostic or predictive biomarkers for ASD individuals. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches could be developed, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Erbescu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Arghir
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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