1
|
Sánchez-Ramírez E, Ung TPL, Stringari C, Aguilar-Arnal L. Emerging Functional Connections Between Metabolism and Epigenetic Remodeling in Neural Differentiation. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6688-6707. [PMID: 38340204 PMCID: PMC11339152 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04006-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells possess extraordinary capacities for self-renewal and differentiation, making them highly valuable in regenerative medicine. Among these, neural stem cells (NSCs) play a fundamental role in neural development and repair processes. NSC characteristics and fate are intricately regulated by the microenvironment and intracellular signaling. Interestingly, metabolism plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the epigenome dynamics during neural differentiation, facilitating the transition from undifferentiated NSC to specialized neuronal and glial cell types. This intricate interplay between metabolism and the epigenome is essential for precisely regulating gene expression patterns and ensuring proper neural development. This review highlights the mechanisms behind metabolic regulation of NSC fate and their connections with epigenetic regulation to shape transcriptional programs of stemness and neural differentiation. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular gears appears fundamental for translational applications in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies for neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Sánchez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Thi Phuong Lien Ung
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Chiara Stringari
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Lorena Aguilar-Arnal
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Del Gobbo GF, Price EM, Hanna CW, Robinson WP. No evidence for association of MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C variants with placental DNA methylation. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:34. [PMID: 29564022 PMCID: PMC5851070 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in one-carbon metabolism that ensures the availability of methyl groups for methylation reactions. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MTHFR gene, 677C>T and 1298A>C, result in a thermolabile enzyme with reduced function. These variants, in both the maternal and/or fetal genes, have been associated with pregnancy complications including miscarriage, neural tube defects (NTDs), and preeclampsia (PE), perhaps due to altered capacity for DNA methylation (DNAm). In this study, we assessed the association between MTHFR 677TT and 1298CC genotypes and risk of NTDs, PE, or normotensive intrauterine growth restriction (nIUGR). Additionally, we assessed whether these high-risk genotypes are associated with altered DNAm in the placenta. Results In 303 placentas screened for this study, we observed no significant association between the occurrence of NTDs (N = 55), PE (early-onset: N = 28, late-onset: N = 20), or nIUGR (N = 21) and placental (fetal) MTHFR 677TT or 1298CC genotypes compared to healthy pregnancies (N = 179), though a trend of increased 677TT genotype in PE/IUGR together was observed (OR 2.53, p = 0.048). DNAm was profiled in 10 high-risk 677 (677TT + 1298AA), 10 high-risk 1298 (677CC + 1298CC), and 10 reference (677CC + 1298AA) genotype placentas. Linear modeling identified no significantly differentially methylated sites between high-risk 677 or 1298 and reference placentas at a false discovery rate < 0.05 and Δβ ≥ 0.05 using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Using a differentially methylated region analysis or separating cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpGs) by CpG density to reduce multiple comparisons also did not identify differential methylation. Additionally, there was no consistent evidence for altered methylation of repetitive DNA between high-risk and reference placentas. Conclusions We conclude that large-scale, genome-wide disruption in DNAm does not occur in placentas with the high-risk MTHFR 677TT or 1298CC genotypes. Furthermore, there was no evidence for an association of the 1298CC genotype and only a tendency to higher 677TT in pregnancy complications of PE/IUGR. This may be due to small sample sizes or folate repletion in our Canadian population attenuating effects of the high-risk MTHFR variants. However, given our results and the conflicting results in the literature, investigations into alternative mechanisms that may explain the link between MTHFR variants and pregnancy complications, or in populations at risk of folate deficiencies, are warranted. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0468-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia F Del Gobbo
- 1BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 Canada.,2Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 Canada
| | - E Magda Price
- 1BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 Canada.,2Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 Canada
| | - Courtney W Hanna
- 3Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT UK.,4Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG UK
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- 1BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 Canada.,2Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 Canada.,5Child and Family Research Institute, Room 2082, 950 W 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yadav U, Kumar P, Yadav SK, Mishra OP, Rai V. "Polymorphisms in folate metabolism genes as maternal risk factor for neural tube defects: an updated meta-analysis". Metab Brain Dis 2015; 30:7-24. [PMID: 25005003 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-014-9575-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between maternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, A1298C and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphisms and risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in offspring. However, the results from the published studies on the association between these three polymorphisms and NTD risk are conflicting. To derive a clearer picture of association between these three maternal polymorphisms and risk of NTD, we performed meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of maternal MTHFR and MTRR polymorphisms and NTD risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. Overall, we found that maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism (OR(TvsC) =1.20; 95% CI = 1.13-1.28) and MTRR A66G polymorphism (OR(GvsA) = 1.21; 95% CI = 0.98-1.49) were risk factors for producing offspring with NTD but maternal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism (OR(CvsA) = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.78-1.07) was not associated with NTD risk. However, in stratified analysis by geographical regions, we found that the maternal C677T polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of NTD in Asian (OR(TvsC) = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05-1.94), European (OR(TvsC) = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04-1.24) and American (OR(TvsC) = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.13-1.41) populations. In conclusion, present meta-analysis supports that the maternal MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G are polymorphisms contributory to risk for NTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Yadav
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, 222 003, UP, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ouyang S, Liu Z, Li Y, Ma F, Wu J. Cystathionine beta-synthase 844ins68 polymorphism is unrelated to susceptibility to neural tube defects. Gene 2014; 535:119-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
5
|
Soldano KL, Garrett ME, Cope HL, Rusnak JM, Ellis NJ, Dunlap KL, Speer MC, Gregory SG, Ashley-Koch AE. Genetic association analyses of nitric oxide synthase genes and neural tube defects vary by phenotype. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 98:365-73. [PMID: 24323870 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are caused by improper neural tube closure during the early stages of embryonic development. NTDs are hypothesized to have a complex genetic origin and numerous candidate genes have been proposed. The nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) G594T polymorphism has been implicated in risk for spina bifida, and interactions between that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism have also been observed. To evaluate other genetic variation in the NO pathway in the development of NTDs, we examined all three NOS genes: NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3. Using 3109 Caucasian samples in 745 families, we evaluated association in the overall dataset and within specific phenotypic subsets. Haplotype tagging SNPs in the NOS genes were tested for genetic association with NTD subtypes, both for main effects as well as for the presence of interactions with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Nominal main effect associations were found with all subtypes, across all three NOS genes, and interactions were observed between SNPs in all three NOS genes and MTHFR C677T. Unlike the previous report, the most significant associations in our dataset were with cranial subtypes and the AG genotype of rs4795067 in NOS2 (p = 0.0014) and the interaction between the rs9658490 G allele in NOS1 and MTHFR 677TT genotype (p = 0.0014). Our data extend the previous findings by implicating a role for all three NOS genes, independently and through interactions with MTHFR, in risk not only for spina bifida, but all NTD subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Soldano
- Center for Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Padmanabhan N, Jia D, Geary-Joo C, Wu X, Ferguson-Smith AC, Fung E, Bieda MC, Snyder FF, Gravel RA, Cross JC, Watson ED. Mutation in folate metabolism causes epigenetic instability and transgenerational effects on development. Cell 2013; 155:81-93. [PMID: 24074862 PMCID: PMC3844871 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The importance of maternal folate consumption for normal development is well established, yet the molecular mechanism linking folate metabolism to development remains poorly understood. The enzyme methionine synthase reductase (Mtrr) is necessary for utilization of methyl groups from the folate cycle. We found that a hypomorphic mutation of the mouse Mtrr gene results in intrauterine growth restriction, developmental delay, and congenital malformations, including neural tube, heart, and placental defects. Importantly, these defects were dependent upon the Mtrr genotypes of the maternal grandparents. Furthermore, we observed widespread epigenetic instability associated with altered gene expression in the placentas of wild-type grandprogeny of Mtrr-deficient maternal grandparents. Embryo transfer experiments revealed that Mtrr deficiency in mice lead to two distinct, separable phenotypes: adverse effects on their wild-type daughters' uterine environment, leading to growth defects in wild-type grandprogeny, and the appearance of congenital malformations independent of maternal environment that persist for five generations, likely through transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Padmanabhan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Dongxin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Colleen Geary-Joo
- Transgenic Services, Clara Christie Centre for Mouse Genomics, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Xuchu Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Anne C. Ferguson-Smith
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Ernest Fung
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Mark C. Bieda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for Child & Maternal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Floyd F. Snyder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for Child & Maternal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Roy A. Gravel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for Child & Maternal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - James C. Cross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for Child & Maternal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Erica D. Watson
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Imbard A, Benoist JF, Blom HJ. Neural tube defects, folic acid and methylation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4352-89. [PMID: 24048206 PMCID: PMC3799525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common complex congenital malformations resulting from failure of the neural tube closure during embryogenesis. It is established that folic acid supplementation decreases the prevalence of NTDs, which has led to national public health policies regarding folic acid. To date, animal studies have not provided sufficient information to establish the metabolic and/or genomic mechanism(s) underlying human folic acid responsiveness in NTDs. However, several lines of evidence suggest that not only folates but also choline, B12 and methylation metabolisms are involved in NTDs. Decreased B12 vitamin and increased total choline or homocysteine in maternal blood have been shown to be associated with increased NTDs risk. Several polymorphisms of genes involved in these pathways have also been implicated in risk of development of NTDs. This raises the question whether supplementation with B12 vitamin, betaine or other methylation donors in addition to folic acid periconceptional supplementation will further reduce NTD risk. The objective of this article is to review the role of methylation metabolism in the onset of neural tube defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apolline Imbard
- Biochemistry-Hormonology Laboratory, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, 48 bd Serrurier, Paris 75019, France; E-Mail:
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU Free University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| | - Jean-François Benoist
- Biochemistry-Hormonology Laboratory, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, 48 bd Serrurier, Paris 75019, France; E-Mail:
| | - Henk J. Blom
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU Free University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Harisha PN, Devi BI, Christopher R, Kruthika-Vinod TP. Impact of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism on neural tube defects. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2010; 6:364-7. [PMID: 20887110 DOI: 10.3171/2010.8.peds1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common congenital malformations worldwide. Their etiology and exact mechanisms of development are incompletely understood. Many enzymes involved in folate metabolism and the genes encoding these enzymes have been studied as candidates in their etiology. A mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene--a C-->T transition at nucleotide 677--is one among them. The mutation results in substitution of alanine by valine at a functionally important site in the enzyme. It has been shown to be a risk factor for development of NTDs in certain populations. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of MTHFR 677 C-->T mutation as a risk factor for NTD in the South Indian population and to determine the relative importance of the genotypes in the affected child and its mother. METHODS Blood samples were collected from the test and the control groups. The test group consisted of children with NTDs and their mothers, while the control group consisted of apparently healthy controls. MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the 3 groups was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism studies. Comparison of polymorphism in the 3 groups was using the chi-square test. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the prevalence of MTHFR 677 C-->T mutation among the 3 groups (p = 0.002). The risk conferred by the TT genotype in the child was statistically significant (OR 12.625, 95% CI 1.430-111.465). In the mothers, however, although there was an increased prevalence of the mutation compared with the control individuals, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.152). CONCLUSIONS The MTHFR 677TT genotype is considered to be a definite risk factor for development of NTDs. It is the TT genotype status of the developing embryo, rather than the TT genotype status of its mother, that is the critical genetic determinant of MTHFR-related NTD risk.
Collapse
|
9
|
Gene-gene interactions in the folate metabolic pathway and the risk of conotruncal heart defects. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:630940. [PMID: 20111745 PMCID: PMC2810479 DOI: 10.1155/2010/630940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotruncal and related heart defects (CTRD) are common, complex malformations. Although there are few established risk factors, there is evidence that genetic variation in the folate metabolic pathway influences CTRD risk. This study was undertaken to assess the association between inherited (i.e., case) and maternal gene-gene interactions in this pathway and the risk of CTRD. Case-parent triads (n = 727), ascertained from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, were genotyped for ten functional variants of nine folate metabolic genes. Analyses of inherited genotypes were consistent with the previously reported association between MTHFR A1298C and CTRD (adjusted P = .02), but provided no evidence that CTRD was associated with inherited gene-gene interactions. Analyses of the maternal genotypes provided evidence of a MTHFR C677T/CBS 844ins68 interaction and CTRD risk (unadjusted P = .02). This association is consistent with the effects of this genotype combination on folate-homocysteine biochemistry but remains to be confirmed in independent study populations.
Collapse
|
10
|
Doudney K, Grinham J, Whittaker J, Lynch SA, Thompson D, Moore GE, Copp AJ, Greene NDE, Stanier P. Evaluation of folate metabolism gene polymorphisms as risk factors for open and closed neural tube defects. Am J Med Genet A 2009; 149A:1585-9. [PMID: 19533788 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
11
|
Molloy AM, Brody LC, Mills JL, Scott JM, Kirke PN. The search for genetic polymorphisms in the homocysteine/folate pathway that contribute to the etiology of human neural tube defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 85:285-94. [PMID: 19235830 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we trace the history of current research into the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that underlie folate-preventable neural tube defects (NTDs). The inspired suggestion by Smithells that common vitamins might prevent NTDs ignited a decade of biochemical investigations-first exploring the nutritional and metabolic factors related to NTDs, then onto the hunt for NTD genes. Although NTDs were known to have a strong genetic component, the concept of common genetic variance being linked to disease risk was relatively novel in 1995, when the first folate-related polymorphism associated with NTDs was discovered. The realization that more genes must be involved started a rush to find polymorphic needles in genetic haystacks. Early efforts entailed the intellectually challenging and time-consuming task of identifying and analyzing candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in folate pathway genes. Luckily, human genome research has developed rapidly, and the search for the genetic factors that contribute to the etiology of human NTDs has evolved to mirror the increased level of knowledge and data available on the human genome. Large-scale candidate gene analysis and genome-wide association studies are now readily available. With the technical hurdles removed, the remaining challenge is to gather a sample large enough to uncover the polymorphisms that contribute to NTD risk. In some respects the real work is beginning. Although moving forward is exciting, it is humbling that the most important result-prevention of NTDs by maternal folic acid supplementation-was achieved years ago, the direct result of Smithells' groundbreaking studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Molloy
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Beaudin AE, Stover PJ. Insights into metabolic mechanisms underlying folate-responsive neural tube defects: a minireview. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 85:274-84. [PMID: 19180567 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs), including anencephaly and spina bifida, arise from the failure of neurulation during early embryonic development. Neural tube defects are common birth defects with a heterogenous and multifactorial etiology with interacting genetic and environmental risk factors. Although the mechanisms resulting in failure of neural tube closure are unknown, up to 70% of NTDs can be prevented by maternal folic acid supplementation. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying the association between folic acid and NTD pathogenesis have not been identified. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms by which impairments in folate metabolism might ultimately lead to failure of neural tube closure, with an emphasis on untangling the relative contributions of nutritional deficiency and genetic risk factors to NTD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Beaudin
- Cornell University, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Syndromes, Disorders and Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Neural Tube Defects (IV). Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 47:141-50. [DOI: 10.1016/s1028-4559(08)60071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
14
|
Amorim MR, Lima MAC, Castilla EE, Orioli IM. Non-Latin European descent could be a requirement for association of NTDs and MTHFR variant 677C > T: a meta-analysis. Am J Med Genet A 2008; 143A:1726-32. [PMID: 17618486 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There are several studies that have found a positive association between neural tube defects (NTDs) and the common mutation 677C > T of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and others that have not found such an association. We updated the meta-analyses of the published data about NTDs and MTHFR 677C > T variant from January 1994 to October 2005 identifying 170 potentially relevant studies. After applying pertinent exclusion criteria, 37 different populations from 32 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 3,530 cases and 6,296 controls. Further we stratified the data according to geographical region and ethnicity, and produced two separated meta-analyses for non-Latin European and Latin European descent populations. The general (odds ratio 1.41; 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.59), and the non-Latin European meta-analyses (1.62; 1.38-1.90) indicate an association of TT genotype and NTDs; no association was demonstrated for Latin European populations (1.16; 0.95-1.43). The examination of non-Latin European studies revealed that the association of TT genotype with NTD has only been proven for Irish populations, both by case-control studies, and by family-based tests, such as the allele transmission disequilibrium test (TDT).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Márcia R Amorim
- Estudo Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformações Congênitas: ECLAMC at Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Beaudin AE, Stover PJ. Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism and neural tube defects: balancing genome synthesis and gene expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 81:183-203. [PMID: 17963270 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) refer to a cluster of neurodevelopmental conditions associated with failure of neural tube closure during embryonic development. Worldwide prevalence of NTDs ranges from approximately 0.5 to 60 per 10,000 births, with regional and population-specific variation in prevalence. Numerous environmental and genetic influences contribute to NTD etiology; accumulating evidence from population-based studies has demonstrated that folate status is a significant determinant of NTD risk. Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (OCM) is essential for de novo nucleotide biosynthesis, methionine biosynthesis, and cellular methylation reactions. Periconceptional maternal supplementation with folic acid can prevent occurrence of NTDs in the general population by up to 70%; currently several countries fortify their food supply with folic acid for the prevention of NTDs. Despite the unambiguous impact of folate status on NTD risk, the mechanism by which folic acid protects against NTDs remains unknown. Identification of the mechanism by which folate status affects neural tube closure will assist in developing more efficacious and better targeted preventative measures. In this review, we summarize current research on the relationship between folate status and NTDs, with an emphasis on linking genetic variation, folate nutriture, and specific metabolic and/or genomic pathways that intersect to determine NTD outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Beaudin
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Doherty D, Shurtleff DB. Pediatric perspective on prenatal counseling for myelomeningocele. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 76:645-53. [PMID: 17001678 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past 35 years, advances in the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida using ultrasound and laboratory testing have increased the number of patients seeking prenatal counseling. METHODS Traditionally, this counseling has been provided by practitioners with little direct experience in the care of individuals with spina bifida across their life span. RESULTS Physicians experienced in the care of children with spina bifida are able to provide information that is not available from other sources. CONCLUSIONS This review provides a broad overview of many of the issues encountered during prenatal counseling sessions and emphasizes the additional value of the pediatric perspective during the process of informed decision making or preparation for an the birth of an affected child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Doherty
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Boyles AL, Hammock P, Speer MC. Candidate gene analysis in human neural tube defects. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2005; 135C:9-23. [PMID: 15816061 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.30048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical and developmental pathways, mouse models, and positional evidence have provided numerous candidate genes for the study of human neural tube defects. In a survey of 80 studies on 38 candidate genes, few found significant results in human populations through case-control or family-based association studies. While the folate pathway has been explored extensively, only the MTHFR 677C > T polymorphism was significant, and only in an Irish population. Developmental pathways such as the Wnt signaling pathway and Hox genes have also been explored without positive results. More than 90 mouse candidates have been identified through spontaneous and knockout mutations, but only the T locus (mouse Brachyury gene) showed association in an initial study that was not confirmed on follow-up. Positional candidates have been derived from cytogenetic evidence, but preliminary genomic screens have limited power due to small sample sizes. Future studies would increase their power to detect association by using more samples. In addition a clarification of the phenotype would be beneficial as many studies used different inclusion criteria. Incorporating several types of data could highlight better candidates, as would looking beyond the traditional sources for candidate genes. Recent studies of an energy metabolism gene (UCP2) and vitamin B metabolism (Transcoalbumin) have produced promising results. Utilizing other model organisms may also be beneficial, as in a recent study from a chick model of NTDs in NCAM1. New approaches combined with traditional methods and increased sample sizes will help prioritize human NTD candidate genes and clarify the complex etiology of this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abee L Boyles
- Duke University Program in Genetics and Genomics, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vieira AR, Murray JC, Trembath D, Orioli IM, Castilla EE, Cooper ME, Marazita ML, Lennon-Graham F, Speer M. Studies of reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1) A80G and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms with neural tube and orofacial cleft defects. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 135:220-3. [PMID: 15880745 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
19
|
Detrait ER, George TM, Etchevers HC, Gilbert JR, Vekemans M, Speer MC. Human neural tube defects: developmental biology, epidemiology, and genetics. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2005; 27:515-24. [PMID: 15939212 PMCID: PMC2727639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2004.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Accepted: 12/17/2004] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Birth defects (congenital anomalies) are the leading cause of death in babies under 1 year of age. Neural tube defects (NTD), with a birth incidence of approximately 1/1000 in American Caucasians, are the second most common type of birth defect after congenital heart defects. The most common presentations of NTD are spina bifida and anencephaly. The etiologies of NTDs are complex, with both genetic and environmental factors implicated. In this manuscript, we review the evidence for genetic etiology and for environmental influences, and we present current views on the developmental processes involved in human neural tube closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Detrait
- Hôpital Necker, Enfants Malades Unité INSERM U393, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75743 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Finnell RH, Shaw GM, Lammer EJ, Brandl KL, Carmichael SL, Rosenquist TH. Gene–nutrient interactions: importance of folates and retinoids during early embryogenesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2004; 198:75-85. [PMID: 15236946 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2003.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2003] [Accepted: 09/04/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The role that nutritional factors play in mammalian development has received renewed attention over the past two decades, as the scientific literature exploded with reports of retinoid compounds disrupting craniofacial development, and with other reports that folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can protect embryos from highly significant malformations. As was often the case, the situation became far more complicated, as the interaction between nutritional factors with selected genes was recognized. In this review, we attempt to summarize a complex clinical and experimental literature of nutritional factors, their biological transport mechanisms, and the impact that they have during early embryogenesis. Although not exhaustive, our goal was to provide an overview of important gene-nutrient interactions and a framework for their investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Finnell
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
There is evidence that late birth order is associated with some complex disorders. For neural tube defects (NTDs) there is no consensus as to whether first or increased birth order is associated or not. A meta-analysis of published data on NTDs was carried out to ascertain whether there is an increased risk for children first born or of high birth order to have NTDs. All data available with information regarding the frequency of live births and NTDs cases by birth order (1, 2, 3, and 4 or more) were included in the analysis. Effect sizes calculations were performed. Children with higher birth order are more likely to have spina bifida but not anencephaly. This same effect was also seen for all NTDs combined, which probably reflects the association with spina bifida. These results suggest the compilation of anencephaly and spina bifida data can be the explanation for the controversies seen in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre R Vieira
- Department of Pediatrics, ML 2182, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
The authors review current views on of the embryogenesis of the neural tube defects (NTDs) myelomeningocele and anencephaly. In this context, the following four approaches to the study of NTDs are discussed: normal morphogenesis and timing of early human neural development from conception to the ascent of the conus medullaris; mechanical and molecular biology of neural tube closure derived from experimental and animal models; morphological and biomechanical features of the NTDs myelomeningocele and anencephaly; and the experimental evidence for the importance of both genetic and environmental influences on human NTDs. Although considerable insight into both normal neural tube closure and the factor(s) by which this process may be disrupted has been reported in recent years, the exact mechanism(s) by which human myelomeningoceles and anencephaly arise remain elusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Dias
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rampersaud E, Brusato C, Melvin EC, Speer MC, Metcalf K. No evidence for heterozygote advantage at MTHFR in patients with lumbosacral myelomeningocele or their relatives. Genet Med 2004; 6:69-70. [PMID: 14726815 DOI: 10.1097/01.gim.0000106162.27561.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
|