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Krueger K, Lamenza F, Gu H, El-Hodiri H, Wester J, Oberdick J, Fischer AJ, Oghumu S. Sex differences in susceptibility to substance use disorder: Role for X chromosome inactivation and escape? Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103859. [PMID: 37207894 PMCID: PMC10286730 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a sex-based disparity associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) as demonstrated by clinical and preclinical studies. Females are known to escalate from initial drug use to compulsive drug-taking behavior (telescoping) more rapidly, and experience greater negative withdrawal effects than males. Although these biological differences have largely been attributed to sex hormones, there is evidence for non-hormonal factors, such as the influence of the sex chromosome, which underlie sex disparities in addiction behavior. However, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying sex chromosome influences on substance abuse behavior are not completely understood. In this review, we discuss the role that escape from X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females plays in sex-associated differences in addiction behavior. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), and during XCI, one X chromosome is randomly chosen to be transcriptionally silenced. However, some X-linked genes escape XCI and display biallelic gene expression. We generated a mouse model using an X-linked gene specific bicistronic dual reporter mouse as a tool to visualize allelic usage and measure XCI escape in a cell specific manner. Our results revealed a previously undiscovered X-linked gene XCI escaper (CXCR3), which is variable and cell type dependent. This illustrates the highly complex and context dependent nature of XCI escape which is largely understudied in the context of SUD. Novel approaches such as single cell RNA sequencing will provide a global molecular landscape and impact of XCI escape in addiction and facilitate our understanding of the contribution of XCI escape to sex disparities in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Krueger
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Felipe Lamenza
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Howard Gu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Heithem El-Hodiri
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason Wester
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John Oberdick
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steve Oghumu
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Dominguez-Alonso S, Carracedo A, Rodriguez-Fontenla C. The non-coding genome in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104752. [PMID: 37023975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. While ASD have been proven to have a strong genetic component, current research largely focuses on coding regions of the genome. However, non-coding DNA, which makes up for ∼99% of the human genome, has recently been recognized as an important contributor to the high heritability of ASD, and novel sequencing technologies have been a milestone in opening up new directions for the study of the gene regulatory networks embedded within the non-coding regions. Here, we summarize current progress on the contribution of non-coding alterations to the pathogenesis of ASD and provide an overview of existing methods allowing for the study of their functional relevance, discussing potential ways of unraveling ASD's "missing heritability".
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dominguez-Alonso
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Rodriguez-Fontenla
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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3
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Salceda R. Glycine neurotransmission: Its role in development. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:947563. [PMID: 36188468 PMCID: PMC9525178 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.947563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate function of the central nervous system (CNS) depends of the consonance of multiple genetic programs and external signals during the ontogenesis. A variety of molecules including neurotransmitters, have been implied in the regulation of proliferation, survival, and cell-fate of neurons and glial cells. Among these, neurotransmitters may play a central role since functional ligand-gated ionic channel receptors have been described before the establishment of synapses. This review argues on the function of glycine during development, and show evidence indicating it regulates morphogenetic events by means of their transporters and receptors, emphasizing the role of glycinergic activity in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals during development. Understanding the mechanisms involved in these processes would help us to know the etiology of cognitive dysfunctions and lead to improve brain repair strategies.
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4
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Park S, Zikopoulos B, Yazdanbakhsh A. Visual illusion susceptibility in autism: A neural model. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4246-4265. [PMID: 35701859 PMCID: PMC9541695 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
While atypical sensory perception is reported among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the underlying neural mechanisms of autism that give rise to disruptions in sensory perception remain unclear. We developed a neural model with key physiological, functional and neuroanatomical parameters to investigate mechanisms underlying the range of representations of visual illusions related to orientation perception in typically developed subjects compared to individuals with ASD. Our results showed that two theorized autistic traits, excitation/inhibition imbalance and weakening of top‐down modulation, could be potential candidates for reduced susceptibility to some visual illusions. Parametric correlation between cortical suppression, balance of excitation/inhibition, feedback from higher visual areas on one hand and susceptibility to a class of visual illusions related to orientation perception on the other hand provide the opportunity to investigate the contribution and complex interactions of distinct sensory processing mechanisms in ASD. The novel approach used in this study can be used to link behavioural, functional and neuropathological studies; estimate and predict perceptual and cognitive heterogeneity in ASD; and form a basis for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangwook Park
- Computational Neuroscience and Vision Laboratory, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Basilis Zikopoulos
- Human Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arash Yazdanbakhsh
- Computational Neuroscience and Vision Laboratory, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Santrač A, Bijelić D, Stevanović V, Banićević M, Aranđelović J, Batinić B, Sharmin D, Cook JM, Savić MM. Postweaning positive modulation of α5GABAA receptors improves autism-like features in prenatal valproate rat model in a sex-specific manner. Autism Res 2022; 15:806-820. [PMID: 35266641 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as a common neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as repetitive and restrictive behavior, still awaits an effective treatment strategy. The involvement of GABAergic neurotransmission, and especially a deficit of GABAA receptors that contain the α5 subunits, were implicated in pathogenesis of ASD. Therefore, we tested MP-III-022, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) selective for α5GABAA receptors, in Wistar rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid, as an animal model useful for studying ASD. Postweaning rats of both sexes were treated for 7 days with vehicle or MP-III-022 at two doses pharmacokinetically determined as selective, and thereafter tested in a behavioral battery (social interaction test, elevated plus maze, spontaneous locomotor activity, and standard and reverse Morris water maze). Additional rats were used for establishing a primary neuronal culture and performing calcium imaging, and determination of hippocampal mRNA levels of GABRA5, NKCC1, and KCC2. MP-III-022 prevented impairments in many parameters connected with social, repetitive and restrictive behavioral domains. The lower and higher dose was more effective in males and females, respectively. Intriguingly, MP-III-022 elicited certain changes in control animals similar to those manifested in valproate animals themselves. Behavioral results were mirrored in GABA switch and spontaneous neuronal activity, assessed with calcium imaging, and also in expression changes of three genes analyzed. Our data support a role of α5GABAA receptors in pathophysiology of ASD, and suggest a potential application of selective PAMs in its treatment, that needs to be researched in a sex-specific manner. LAY SUMMARY: In rats prenatally exposed to valproate as a model of autism, a modulator of α5GABAA receptors ameliorated social, repetitive and restrictive impairments, and, intriguingly, elicited certain autism-like changes in control rats. Behavioral results were mirrored in GABA switch and spontaneous neuronal activity, and partly in gene expression changes. This shows a role of α5GABAA receptors in pathophysiology of ASD, and a potential application of their selective modulators in its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Santrač
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dunja Bijelić
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry "Jean Giaja", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Stevanović
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Banićević
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia.,Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jovana Aranđelović
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojan Batinić
- Department of Physiology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dishary Sharmin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
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Aykan S, Puglia MH, Kalaycıoğlu C, Pelphrey KA, Tuncalı T, Nalçacı E. Right Anterior Theta Hypersynchrony as a Quantitative Measure Associated with Autistic Traits and K-Cl Cotransporter KCC2 Polymorphism. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:61-72. [PMID: 33635423 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to use theta coherence as a quantitative trait to investigate the relation of the polymorphisms in NKCC1 (rs3087889) and KCC2 (rs9074) channel protein genes to autistic traits (AQ) in neurotypicals. Coherence values for candidate connection regions were calculated from eyes-closed resting EEGs in two independent groups. Hypersynchrony within the right anterior region was related to AQ in both groups (p < 0.05), and variability in this hypersynchrony was related to the rs9074 polymorphism in the total group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, theta hypersynchrony within the right anterior region during eyes-closed rest can be considered a quantitative measure for autistic traits. Replicating our findings in two independent populations with different backgrounds strengthens the validity of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simge Aykan
- Department of Physiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Meghan H Puglia
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Canan Kalaycıoğlu
- Department of Physiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Timur Tuncalı
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erhan Nalçacı
- Department of Physiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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7
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Bahado-Singh RO, Vishweswaraiah S, Aydas B, Radhakrishna U. Placental DNA methylation changes and the early prediction of autism in full-term newborns. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253340. [PMID: 34260616 PMCID: PMC8279352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with abnormal brain development during fetal life. Overall, increasing evidence indicates an important role of epigenetic dysfunction in ASD. The placenta is critical to and produces neurotransmitters that regulate fetal brain development. We hypothesized that placental DNA methylation changes are a feature of the fetal development of the autistic brain and importantly could help to elucidate the early pathogenesis and prediction of these disorders. Genome-wide methylation using placental tissue from the full-term autistic disorder subtype was performed using the Illumina 450K array. The study consisted of 14 cases and 10 control subjects. Significantly epigenetically altered CpG loci (FDR p-value <0.05) in autism were identified. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was further used to identify molecular pathways that were over-represented (epigenetically dysregulated) in autism. Six Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms including Deep Learning (DL) to determine the predictive accuracy of CpG markers for autism detection. We identified 9655 CpGs differentially methylated in autism. Among them, 2802 CpGs were inter- or non-genic and 6853 intragenic. The latter involved 4129 genes. AI analysis of differentially methylated loci appeared highly accurate for autism detection. DL yielded an AUC (95% CI) of 1.00 (1.00-1.00) for autism detection using intra- or intergenic markers by themselves or combined. The biological functional enrichment showed, four significant functions that were affected in autism: quantity of synapse, microtubule dynamics, neuritogenesis, and abnormal morphology of neurons. In this preliminary study, significant placental DNA methylation changes. AI had high accuracy for the prediction of subsequent autism development in newborns. Finally, biologically functional relevant gene pathways were identified that may play a significant role in early fetal neurodevelopmental influences on later cognition and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O. Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Sangeetha Vishweswaraiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Buket Aydas
- Department of Healthcare Analytics, Meridian Health Plans, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Uppala Radhakrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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8
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Zhang W, Xiong BR, Zhang LQ, Huang X, Yuan X, Tian YK, Tian XB. The Role of the GABAergic System in Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Neuroscience 2021; 470:88-99. [PMID: 34242730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that the central nervous system (CNS) is a complex neuronal network and its function depends on the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Disruption of the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance is the main cause for the majority of the CNS diseases. In this review, we will discuss roles of the inhibitory system in the CNS diseases. The GABAergic system as the main inhibitory system, is essential for the appropriate functioning of the CNS, especially as it is engaged in the formation of learning and memory. Many researchers have reported that the GABAergic system is involved in regulating synaptic plasticity, cognition and long-term potentiation. Some clinical manifestations (such as cognitive dysfunctions, attention deficits, etc.) have also been shown to emerge after abnormalities in the GABAergic system accompanied with concomitant diseases, that include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Schizophrenia, etc. The GABAergic system consists of GABA, GABA transporters, GABAergic receptors and GABAergic neurons. Changes in any of these components may contribute to the dysfunctions of the CNS. In this review, we will synthesize studies which demonstrate how the GABAergic system participates in the pathogenesis of the CNS disorders, which may provide a new idea that might be used to treat the CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bing-Rui Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, East Lake Road, 430071 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Long-Qing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xian Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoman Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Ke Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xue-Bi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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9
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A pioneering study indicate role of GABRQ rs3810651 in ASD severity of Indo-Caucasoid female probands. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7010. [PMID: 33772085 PMCID: PMC7997895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, is speculated to be a potential risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) due to an altered expression in the brain. Sensory, social, and emotional deficits of subjects with ASD were reported to be caused by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission as well as GABAergic dysfunction caused by inadequate receptor function. We for the first time studied association between ASD and a missense coding variant rs3810651 (I478F) in the GABRQ gene, encoding for one of the subunits of GABAA receptors. Stratified analysis on families with ASD probands (N = 251) and ethnically matched control subjects (N = 250) revealed marginally higher frequency of “A” allele and “AA” genotype in female ASD probands as compared to gender matched controls. Female probands demonstrated higher severity for Verbal communication (χ2 = 5.75, P = 0.01), Activity level (χ2 = 7.26, P = 0.007), as well as Level and consistency of intellectual response (χ2 = 7.83 P = 0.005) in presence of “A/AA” warranting further in-depth investigation on the role of rs3810651 in ASD.
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10
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Yang JQ, Yang CH, Yin BQ. Combined the GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists attenuates autistic behaviors in a prenatal valproic acid-induced mouse model of autism. Behav Brain Res 2021; 403:113094. [PMID: 33359845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an immensely challenging developmental disorder characterized primarily by two core behavioral symptoms of social communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Investigating the etiological process and identifying an appropriate therapeutic target remain as formidable challenges to overcome ASD due to numerous risk factors and complex symptoms associated with the disorder. Among the various mechanisms that contribute to ASD, the maintenance of excitation and inhibition balance emerged as a key factor to regulate proper functioning of neuronal circuitry. In this study, we employed prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) to establish a validated ASD mouse model and found impaired inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurotransmission through a presynaptic mechanism in these model mice, which was accompanied with decreased GABA release and GABA-A and GABA-B receptor subunits expression. And acute administration of individual GABA-A or GABA-B receptor agonists partially reversed autistic-like behaviors in the model mice. Furthermore, acute administration of the combined GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists palliated sociability deficits, anxiety and repetitive behaviors in the animal model of autistic-like behaviors, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of above cocktail in the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Quan Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chao-Hua Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Bao-Qi Yin
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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11
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Chang MY, Doppee D, Yu F, Perez C, Coleman AL, Pineles SL. Prevalence of Ophthalmologic Diagnoses in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Optum Dataset: APopulation-Based Study. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 221:147-153. [PMID: 32896499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1.85% of children in the United States and is increasing in prevalence. Any relationship between ophthalmologic disorders and ASD is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to calculate the prevalence of ophthalmologic disorders in children with ASD. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study. METHODS Setting: claims data from Optum Labs Data Warehouse, a longitudinal real-world data asset with de-identified administrative claims and electronic health records data. StudyPopulation: children ≤18 years of age at the time of first claim between 2007 and 2013. OBSERVATION diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or autistic disorder (AD) according to International Classification of Disease-9th edition (ICD-9) codes. MainOutcomeMeasurements: prevalence of an ophthalmologic diagnosis (amblyopia, strabismus, optic neuropathy, nystagmus, or retinopathy of prematurity) by ICD-9 codes in typically developing (TD) controls and children with PDD and AD. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for each diagnosis were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Claims from more than 10 million children were included. The prevalence of any ophthalmologic diagnosis considered in this study was 3.5% in TD controls, 12.5% in children with PDD (adjusted OR, 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI, ], 3.16-3.29; P < .001), and 13.5% in children with AD (adjusted OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 3.15-3.31; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Population-based data suggested an increased risk of ophthalmologic diagnoses in children with ASD. Future research is necessary to further clarify the relationship between ophthalmologic disorders and autistic symptoms and severity.
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12
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Nonsense-associated altered splicing of MAP3K1 in two siblings with 46,XY disorders of sex development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17375. [PMID: 33060765 PMCID: PMC7567082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74405-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Although splicing errors due to single nucleotide variants represent a common cause of monogenic disorders, only a few variants have been shown to create new splice sites in exons. Here, we report an MAP3K1 splice variant identified in two siblings with 46,XY disorder of sex development. The patients carried a maternally derived c.2254C>T variant. The variant was initially recognized as a nonsense substitution leading to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (p.Gln752Ter); however, RT-PCR for lymphoblastoid cell lines showed that this variant created a new splice donor site and caused 39 amino acid deletion (p.Gln752_Arg790del). All transcripts from the variant allele appeared to undergo altered splicing. The two patients exhibited undermasculinized genitalia with and without hypergonadotropism. Testosterone enanthate injections and dihydrotestosterone ointment applications yielded only slight increase in their penile length. Dihydrotestosterone-induced APOD transactivation was less significant in patients’ genital skin fibroblasts compared with that in control samples. This study provides an example of nonsense-associated altered splicing, in which a highly potent exonic splice site was created. Furthermore, our data, in conjunction with the previous data indicating the association between MAP3K1 and androgen receptor signaling, imply that the combination of testicular dysgenesis and androgen insensitivity may be a unique phenotype of MAP3K1 abnormalities.
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13
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Arid1b haploinsufficiency in parvalbumin- or somatostatin-expressing interneurons leads to distinct ASD-like and ID-like behavior. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7834. [PMID: 32398858 PMCID: PMC7217886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons are essential for proper brain development and function. Dysfunction of interneurons is implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). We have previously shown that Arid1b haploinsufficiency interferes with interneuron development and leads to social, cognitive, and emotional impairments consistent with ASD and ID. It is unclear, however, whether interneurons play a major role for the behavioral deficits in Arid1b haploinsufficiency. Furthermore, it is critical to determine which interneuron subtypes contribute to distinct behavioral phenotypes. In the present study, we generated Arid1b haploinsufficient mice in which a copy of the Arid1b gene is deleted in either parvalbumin (PV) or somatostatin (SST) interneurons, and examined their ASD- and ID-like behaviors. We found that Arid1b haploinsufficiency in PV or SST interneurons resulted in distinct features that do not overlap with one another. Arid1b haploinsufficiency in PV neurons contributed to social and emotional impairments, while the gene deletion in the SST population caused stereotypies as well as learning and memory dysfunction. These findings demonstrate a critical role of interneurons in Arid1b haploinsufficient pathology and suggest that PV and SST interneurons may have distinct roles in modulating neurological phenotypes in Arid1b haploinsufficiency-induced ASD and ID.
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14
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Assessment of haptoglobin alleles in autism spectrum disorders. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7758. [PMID: 32385356 PMCID: PMC7210291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64679-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-environment interactions, by means of abnormal macromolecular intestinal adsorption, is one of the possible causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) predominantly in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Pre-haptoglobin-2 (zonulin), encoded by the Haptoglobin (HP) allele-2 gene, enhances the intestinal permeability by modulation of intercellular tight junctions. The two alleles of HP, HP1 and HP2, differ for 2 extra exons in HP2 that result in exon duplication undetectable by classic genome-wide association studies. To evaluate the role of HP2 in ASD pathogenesis and to set up a method to discriminate HP alleles, Italian subjects with ASD (n = 398) and healthy controls (n = 379) were genotyped by PCR analysis; subsequently, the PCR results were integrated with microarray genotypes (Illumina Human Omni 1S-8), obtained using a subset from the same subjects, and then we developed a computational method to predict HP alleles. On the contrary to our expectations, there was no association between HP2 and ASD (P > 0.05), and there was no significant allele association in subjects with ASD with or without gastrointestinal disorders (P > 0.05). With the aid of bioinformatics analysis, from a window frame of ~2 Mb containing 314 SNPs, we obtain imputation accuracy (r2) between 0.4 and 0.9 (median 0.7) and correct predictions were between 70% and 100% (median 90%). The conclusions endorse that enhanced intestinal permeability in subjects with ASD should not be imputed to HP2 but to other members of the zonulin family and/or to environmental factors.
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15
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Kolodny T, Schallmo MP, Gerdts J, Edden RAE, Bernier RA, Murray SO. Concentrations of Cortical GABA and Glutamate in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1111-1129. [PMID: 32297709 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The balance of excitation and inhibition in neural circuits is hypothesized to be increased in autism spectrum disorder, possibly mediated by altered signaling of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), yet empirical evidence in humans is inconsistent. We used edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to quantify signals associated with both GABA and the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in multiple regions of the sensory and sensorimotor cortex, including primary visual, auditory, and motor areas in adult individuals with autism and in neurotypical controls. Despite the strong a priori hypothesis of reduced GABA in autism spectrum disorder, we found no group differences in neurometabolite concentrations in any of the examined regions and no correlations of MRS measure with psychophysical visual sensitivity or autism symptomatology. We demonstrate high data quality that is comparable across groups, with a relatively large sample of well-characterized participants, and use Bayesian statistics to corroborate the lack of any group differences. We conclude that levels of GABA and Glx (glutamate, glutamine, and glutathione) in the sensory and sensorimotor cortex, as measured with MRS at 3T, are comparable in adults with autism and neurotypical individuals. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1111-1129. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are the main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the human brain, respectively, and their balanced interaction is necessary for neural function. Previous research suggests that the GABA and glutamate systems might be altered in autism. In this study, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the sensory areas in the brains of young adults with autism. In contradiction to the common hypothesis of reduced GABA in autism, we demonstrate that concentrations of both GABA and glutamate, in all the brain regions examined, are comparable in individuals with autism and in neurotypical adults. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Kolodny
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael-Paul Schallmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Scott O Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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16
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van Loo KMJ, Becker AJ. Transcriptional Regulation of Channelopathies in Genetic and Acquired Epilepsies. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:587. [PMID: 31992970 PMCID: PMC6971179 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent uncontrolled seizures and has an idiopathic “genetic” etiology or a symptomatic “acquired” component. Genetic studies have revealed that many epilepsy susceptibility genes encode ion channels, including voltage-gated sodium, potassium and calcium channels. The high prevalence of ion channels in epilepsy pathogenesis led to the causative concept of “ion channelopathies,” which can be elicited by specific mutations in the coding or promoter regions of genes in genetic epilepsies. Intriguingly, expression changes of the same ion channel genes by augmentation of specific transcription factors (TFs) early after an insult can underlie acquired epilepsies. In this study, we review how the transcriptional regulation of ion channels in both genetic and acquired epilepsies can be controlled, and compare these epilepsy “ion channelopathies” with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M J van Loo
- Department of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Department of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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17
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GABAergic Inhibition Gates Perceptual Awareness During Binocular Rivalry. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8398-8407. [PMID: 31451579 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0836-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Binocular rivalry is a classic experimental tool to probe the neural machinery of perceptual awareness. During rivalry, perception alternates between the two eyes, and the ebb and flow of perception is modeled to rely on the strength of inhibitory interactions between competitive neuronal populations in visual cortex. As a result, rivalry has been suggested as a noninvasive perceptual marker of inhibitory signaling in visual cortex, and its putative disturbance in psychiatric conditions, including autism. Yet, direct evidence causally implicating inhibitory signaling in the dynamics of binocular rivalry is currently lacking. We previously found that people with higher GABA levels in visual cortex, measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, have stronger perceptual suppression during rivalry. Here, we present direct causal tests of the impact of GABAergic inhibition on rivalry dynamics, and the contribution of specific GABA receptors to these dynamics. In a crossover pharmacological design with male and female adult participants, we found that drugs that modulate the two dominant GABA receptor types in the brain, GABAA (clobazam) and GABAB (arbaclofen), increase perceptual suppression during rivalry relative to a placebo. Crucially, these results could not be explained by changes in reaction times or response criteria, as determined through rivalry simulation trials, suggesting a direct and specific influence of GABA on perceptual suppression. A full replication study of the GABAB modulator reinforces these findings. These results provide causal evidence for a link between the strength of inhibition in the brain and perceptual suppression during rivalry and have implications for psychiatric conditions including autism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT How does the brain accomplish perceptual gating? Here we use a direct and causal pharmacological manipulation to present insight into the neural machinery of a classic illusion of perceptual awareness: binocular rivalry. We show that drugs that increase GABAergic inhibition in the brain, clobazam (GABAA modulator) and arbaclofen (GABAB modulator), increase perceptual suppression during rivalry relative to a placebo. These results present the first causal link between GABAergic inhibition and binocular rivalry in humans, complementing classic models of binocular rivalry, and have implications for our understanding of psychiatric conditions, such as autism, where binocular rivalry is posited as a behavioral marker of disruptions in inhibitory signaling in the brain.
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18
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Cogné B, Ehresmann S, Beauregard-Lacroix E, Rousseau J, Besnard T, Garcia T, Petrovski S, Avni S, McWalter K, Blackburn PR, Sanders SJ, Uguen K, Harris J, Cohen JS, Blyth M, Lehman A, Berg J, Li MH, Kini U, Joss S, von der Lippe C, Gordon CT, Humberson JB, Robak L, Scott DA, Sutton VR, Skraban CM, Johnston JJ, Poduri A, Nordenskjöld M, Shashi V, Gerkes EH, Bongers EM, Gilissen C, Zarate YA, Kvarnung M, Lally KP, Kulch PA, Daniels B, Hernandez-Garcia A, Stong N, McGaughran J, Retterer K, Tveten K, Sullivan J, Geisheker MR, Stray-Pedersen A, Tarpinian JM, Klee EW, Sapp JC, Zyskind J, Holla ØL, Bedoukian E, Filippini F, Guimier A, Picard A, Busk ØL, Punetha J, Pfundt R, Lindstrand A, Nordgren A, Kalb F, Desai M, Ebanks AH, Jhangiani SN, Dewan T, Coban Akdemir ZH, Telegrafi A, Zackai EH, Begtrup A, Song X, Toutain A, Wentzensen IM, Odent S, Bonneau D, Latypova X, Deb W, Redon S, Bilan F, Legendre M, Troyer C, Whitlock K, Caluseriu O, Murphree MI, Pichurin PN, Agre K, Gavrilova R, Rinne T, Park M, Shain C, Heinzen EL, Xiao R, Amiel J, Lyonnet S, Isidor B, Biesecker LG, Lowenstein D, Posey JE, Denommé-Pichon AS, Férec C, Yang XJ, Rosenfeld JA, Gilbert-Dussardier B, Audebert-Bellanger S, Redon R, Stessman HA, Nellaker C, Yang Y, Lupski JR, Goldstein DB, Eichler EE, Bolduc F, Bézieau S, Küry S, Campeau PM, Küry S, Campeau PM. Missense Variants in the Histone Acetyltransferase Complex Component Gene TRRAP Cause Autism and Syndromic Intellectual Disability. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 104:530-541. [PMID: 30827496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylation of the lysine residues in histones and other DNA-binding proteins plays a major role in regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. This process is controlled by histone acetyltransferases (HATs/KATs) found in multiprotein complexes that are recruited to chromatin by the scaffolding subunit transformation/transcription domain-associated protein (TRRAP). TRRAP is evolutionarily conserved and is among the top five genes intolerant to missense variation. Through an international collaboration, 17 distinct de novo or apparently de novo variants were identified in TRRAP in 24 individuals. A strong genotype-phenotype correlation was observed with two distinct clinical spectra. The first is a complex, multi-systemic syndrome associated with various malformations of the brain, heart, kidneys, and genitourinary system and characterized by a wide range of intellectual functioning; a number of affected individuals have intellectual disability (ID) and markedly impaired basic life functions. Individuals with this phenotype had missense variants clustering around the c.3127G>A p.(Ala1043Thr) variant identified in five individuals. The second spectrum manifested with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or ID and epilepsy. Facial dysmorphism was seen in both groups and included upslanted palpebral fissures, epicanthus, telecanthus, a wide nasal bridge and ridge, a broad and smooth philtrum, and a thin upper lip. RNA sequencing analysis of skin fibroblasts derived from affected individuals skin fibroblasts showed significant changes in the expression of several genes implicated in neuronal function and ion transport. Thus, we describe here the clinical spectrum associated with TRRAP pathogenic missense variants, and we suggest a genotype-phenotype correlation useful for clinical evaluation of the pathogenicity of the variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sébastien Küry
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 9 quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes, France; INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'institut du thorax, 44007 Nantes, France.
| | - Philippe M Campeau
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T1J4, Canada.
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19
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Masuda F, Nakajima S, Miyazaki T, Yoshida K, Tsugawa S, Wada M, Ogyu K, Croarkin PE, Blumberger DM, Daskalakis ZJ, Mimura M, Noda Y. Motor cortex excitability and inhibitory imbalance in autism spectrum disorder assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:110. [PMID: 30846682 PMCID: PMC6405856 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalances contribute to various clinical symptoms observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the detailed pathophysiologic underpinning of E/I imbalance remains uncertain. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor-evoked potentials (MEP) are a non-invasive tool for examining cortical inhibition in ASD. Here, we conducted a systematic review on TMS neurophysiology in motor cortex (M1) such as MEPs and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) between individuals with ASD and controls. Out of 538 initial records, we identified six articles. Five studies measured MEP, where four studies measured SICI. There were no differences in MEP amplitudes between the two groups, whereas SICI was likely to be reduced in individuals with ASD compared with controls. Notably, SICI largely reflects GABA(A) receptor-mediated function. Conversely, other magnetic resonance spectroscopy and postmortem methodologies assess GABA levels. The present review demonstrated that there may be neurophysiological deficits in GABA receptor-mediated function in ASD. In conclusion, reduced GABAergic function in the neural circuits could underlie the E/I imbalance in ASD, which may be related to the pathophysiology of clinical symptoms of ASD. Therefore, a novel treatment that targets the neural circuits related to GABA(A) receptor-mediated function in regions involved in the pathophysiology of ASD may be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumi Masuda
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan ,0000 0000 9747 6806grid.410827.8Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakajima
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan ,0000 0001 2157 2938grid.17063.33Multimodal Imaging Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Takahiro Miyazaki
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunari Yoshida
- 0000 0004 0459 167Xgrid.66875.3aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Sakiko Tsugawa
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Wada
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kamiyu Ogyu
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paul E. Croarkin
- 0000 0000 8793 5925grid.155956.bPharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Daniel M. Blumberger
- 0000 0001 2157 2938grid.17063.33Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Zafiris J. Daskalakis
- 0000 0001 2157 2938grid.17063.33Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Masaru Mimura
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Noda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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20
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Lamberton F, Sonié S, Mattout J, Schmitz C. Tactile hypersensitivity and GABA concentration in the sensorimotor cortex of adults with autism. Autism Res 2019; 12:562-575. [PMID: 30632707 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sensory hypersensitivity is frequently encountered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been hypothesized to play a role in tactile hypersensitivity. The aim of the present study was twofold. First, as a study showed that children with ASD have decreased GABA concentrations in the sensorimotor cortex, we aimed at determining whether the GABA reduction remained in adults with ASD. For this purpose, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure GABA concentration in the sensorimotor cortex of neurotypical adults (n = 19) and ASD adults (n = 18). Second, we aimed at characterizing correlations between GABA concentration and tactile hypersensitivity in ASD. GABA concentration in the sensorimotor cortex of adults with ASD was lower than in neurotypical adults (decrease by 17%). Interestingly, GABA concentrations were positively correlated with self-reported tactile hypersensitivity in adults with ASD (r = 0.50, P = 0.01), but not in neurotypical adults. In addition, GABA concentrations were negatively correlated with the intra-individual variation during threshold measurement, both in neurotypical adults (r = -0.47, P = 0.04) and in adults with ASD (r = -0.59, P = 0.01). In other words, in both groups, the higher the GABA level, the more precise the tactile sensation. These results highlight the key role of GABA in tactile sensitivity, and suggest that atypical GABA modulation contributes to tactile hypersensitivity in ASD. We discuss the hypothesis that hypersensitivity in ASD could be due to suboptimal predictions about sensations. Autism Research 2019, 12: 562-575. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience tactile hypersensitivity. Here, our goal was to highlight a link between tactile hypersensitivity and the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) in the brain of adults with ASD. Indeed, self-reported hypersensitivity correlated with reduced GABA levels in brain areas processing touch. Our study suggests that this neurotransmitter may play a key role in tactile hypersensitivity in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Franck Lamberton
- SFR East Lyon Health, CNRS UMS 3453, INSERM US7, Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France.,CERMEP, Imagerie du Vivant, Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Sonié
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.,Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Jérémie Mattout
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Christina Schmitz
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
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21
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Nakamura T, Sakaue F, Nasu-Nishimura Y, Takeda Y, Matsuura K, Akiyama T. The Autism-Related Protein PX-RICS Mediates GABAergic Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Neurons and Emotional Learning in Mice. EBioMedicine 2018; 34:189-200. [PMID: 30045817 PMCID: PMC6116350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic dysfunction underlies many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. GABAergic synapses exhibit several forms of plasticity at both pre- and postsynaptic levels. NMDA receptor (NMDAR)–dependent inhibitory long-term potentiation (iLTP) at GABAergic postsynapses requires an increase in surface GABAARs through promoted exocytosis; however, the regulatory mechanisms and the neuropathological significance remain unclear. Here we report that the autism-related protein PX-RICS is involved in GABAAR transport driven during NMDAR–dependent GABAergic iLTP. Chemically induced iLTP elicited a rapid increase in surface GABAARs in wild-type mouse hippocampal neurons, but not in PX-RICS/RICS–deficient neurons. This increase in surface GABAARs required the PX-RICS/GABARAP/14–3-3 complex, as revealed by gene knockdown and rescue studies. iLTP induced CaMKII–dependent phosphorylation of PX-RICS to promote PX-RICS–14-3-3 assembly. Notably, PX-RICS/RICS–deficient mice showed impaired amygdala–dependent fear learning, which was ameliorated by potentiating GABAergic activity with clonazepam. Our results suggest that PX-RICS–mediated GABAAR trafficking is a key target for GABAergic plasticity and its dysfunction leads to atypical emotional processing underlying autism. The autism-related protein PX-RICS is involved in promoted GABAAR transport during chemically induced iLTP. PX-RICS/RICS-null mice show impaired amygdala–dependent fear learning, which is alleviated by enhancing GABAergic activity. PX-RICS is a key target for GABAergic plasticity and its dysfunction causes atypical emotional processing underlying autism.
PX-RICS facilitates constitutive transport of GABAARs in neurons. PX-RICS deficiency leads to autistic-like social behaviors in mice and in patients with Jacobsen syndrome. Rare single-nucleotide variations in PX-RICS are linked to non-syndromic autism, schizophrenia and alexithymia. These findings strongly suggest that PX-RICS dysfunction impairs socio-emotional processing of the brain. Here we show that PX-RICS is also involved in activity–dependent GABAAR transport for GABAergic synaptic plasticity, and its dysfunction results in impaired emotional learning associated with the amygdale. Elucidation of the molecular link between GABAergic plasticity and socio-emotional learning could lead to a better understanding of autism pathogenesis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nakamura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan..
| | - Fumika Sakaue
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nasu-Nishimura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Yasuko Takeda
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Ken Matsuura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Tetsu Akiyama
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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22
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Dijkstra AA, Lin LC, Nana AL, Gaus SE, Seeley WW. Von Economo Neurons and Fork Cells: A Neurochemical Signature Linked to Monoaminergic Function. Cereb Cortex 2018; 28:131-144. [PMID: 27913432 PMCID: PMC6075576 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human anterior cingulate and frontoinsular cortices are distinguished by 2 unique Layer 5 neuronal morphotypes, the von Economo neurons (VENs) and fork cells, whose biological identity remains mysterious. Insights could impact research on diverse neuropsychiatric diseases to which these cells have been linked. Here, we leveraged the Allen Brain Atlas to evaluate mRNA expression of 176 neurotransmitter-related genes and identified vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit θ (GABRQ), and adrenoreceptor α-1A (ADRA1A) expression in human VENs, fork cells, and a minority of neighboring Layer 5 neurons. We confirmed these results using immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization. VMAT2 and GABRQ expression was absent in mouse cerebral cortex. Although VMAT2 is known to package monoamines into synaptic vesicles, in VENs and fork cells its expression occurs in the absence of monoamine-synthesizing enzymes or reuptake transporters. Thus, VENs and fork cells may possess a novel, uncharacterized mode of cortical monoaminergic function that distinguishes them from most other mammalian Layer 5 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke A Dijkstra
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Alissa L Nana
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Stephanie E Gaus
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - William W Seeley
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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23
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Zhubi A, Chen Y, Guidotti A, Grayson DR. Epigenetic regulation of RELN and GAD1 in the frontal cortex (FC) of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subjects. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 62:63-72. [PMID: 28229923 PMCID: PMC5575980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Both Reelin (RELN) and glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD1) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We have previously shown that both mRNAs are reduced in the cerebella (CB) of ASD subjects through a mechanism that involves increases in the amounts of MECP2 binding to the corresponding promoters. In the current study, we examined the expression of RELN, GAD1, GAD2, and several other mRNAs implicated in this disorder in the frontal cortices (FC) of ASD and CON subjects. We also focused on the role that epigenetic processes play in the regulation of these genes in ASD brain. Our goal is to better understand the molecular basis for the down-regulation of genes expressed in GABAergic neurons in ASD brains. We measured mRNA levels corresponding to selected GABAergic genes using qRT-PCR in RNA isolated from both ASD and CON groups. We determined the extent of binding of MECP2 and DNMT1 repressor proteins by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The amount of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) present in the promoters of the target genes was quantified by methyl DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and hydroxyl MeDIP (hMeDIP). We detected significant reductions in the mRNAs associated with RELN and GAD1 and significant increases in mRNAs encoding the Ten-eleven Translocation (TET) enzymes 1, 2, and 3. We also detected increased MECP2 and DNMT1 binding to the corresponding promoter regions of GAD1, RELN, and GAD2. Interestingly, there were decreased amounts of 5mC at both promoters and little change in 5hmC content in these same DNA fragments. Our data demonstrate that RELN, GAD1, and several other genes selectively expressed in GABAergic neurons, are down-regulated in post-mortem ASD FC. In addition, we observed increased DNMT1 and MECP2 binding at the corresponding promoters of these genes. The finding of increased MECP2 binding to the RELN, GAD1 and GAD2 promoters, with reduced amounts of 5mC and unchanged amounts of 5hmC present in these regions, suggests the possibility that DNMT1 interacts with and alters MECP2 binding properties to selected promoters. Comparisons between data obtained from the FC with CB studies showed some common themes between brain regions which are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Zhubi
- The Psychiatric Institute, Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
| | - Ying Chen
- The Psychiatric Institute, Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- The Psychiatric Institute, Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
| | - Dennis R Grayson
- The Psychiatric Institute, Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
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24
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Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and little is known about its neurobiology. Much of autism research has focused on the social, communication and cognitive difficulties associated with the condition. However, the recent revision of the diagnostic criteria for autism has brought another key domain of autistic experience into focus: sensory processing. Here, we review the properties of sensory processing in autism and discuss recent computational and neurobiological insights arising from attention to these behaviours. We argue that sensory traits have important implications for the development of animal and computational models of the condition. Finally, we consider how difficulties in sensory processing may relate to the other domains of behaviour that characterize autism.
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25
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Meerschaut I, Rochefort D, Revençu N, Pètre J, Corsello C, Rouleau GA, Hamdan FF, Michaud JL, Morton J, Radley J, Ragge N, García-Miñaúr S, Lapunzina P, Bralo MP, Mori MÁ, Moortgat S, Benoit V, Mary S, Bockaert N, Oostra A, Vanakker O, Velinov M, de Ravel TJ, Mekahli D, Sebat J, Vaux KK, DiDonato N, Hanson-Kahn AK, Hudgins L, Dallapiccola B, Novelli A, Tarani L, Andrieux J, Parker MJ, Neas K, Ceulemans B, Schoonjans AS, Prchalova D, Havlovicova M, Hancarova M, Budisteanu M, Dheedene A, Menten B, Dion PA, Lederer D, Callewaert B. FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome: a recognisable entity. J Med Genet 2017; 54:613-623. [PMID: 28735298 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) cause intellectual disability (ID) and specific language impairment (SLI), with or without autistic features (MIM: 613670). Despite multiple case reports no specific phenotype emerged so far. METHODS We correlate clinical and molecular data of 25 novel and 23 previously reported patients with FOXP1 defects. We evaluated FOXP1 activity by an in vitro luciferase model and assessed protein stability in vitro by western blotting. RESULTS Patients show ID, SLI, neuromotor delay (NMD) and recurrent facial features including a high broad forehead, bent downslanting palpebral fissures, ptosis and/or blepharophimosis and a bulbous nasal tip. Behavioural problems and autistic features are common. Brain, cardiac and urogenital malformations can be associated. More severe ID and NMD, sensorineural hearing loss and feeding difficulties are more common in patients with interstitial 3p deletions (14 patients) versus patients with monogenic FOXP1 defects (34 patients). Mutations result in impaired transcriptional repression and/or reduced protein stability. CONCLUSIONS FOXP1-related ID syndrome is a recognisable entity with a wide clinical spectrum and frequent systemic involvement. Our data will be helpful to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations when interpreting next-generation sequencing data obtained in patients with ID and/or SLI and will guide clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Meerschaut
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel Rochefort
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicole Revençu
- Centre de Génétique humaine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Justine Pètre
- Centre de Génétique humaine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Guy A Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fadi F Hamdan
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jenny Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Jessica Radley
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Nicola Ragge
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Sixto García-Miñaúr
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Palomares Bralo
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Mori
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphanie Moortgat
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Valérie Benoit
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Mary
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Nele Bockaert
- Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Oostra
- Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Vanakker
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Milen Velinov
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Thomy Jl de Ravel
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Djalila Mekahli
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Sebat
- Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Keith K Vaux
- Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Nataliya DiDonato
- Institut für Klinische Genetik, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Andrea K Hanson-Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Louanne Hudgins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Joris Andrieux
- Institut de Génétique Médicale, Hospital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille, France
| | - Michael J Parker
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Neurology-Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Neurology-Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Darina Prchalova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Marketa Havlovicova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Miroslava Hancarova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Psychiatry Research Laboratory, Prof Dr Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bercini, Romania
| | - Annelies Dheedene
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick A Dion
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Damien Lederer
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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26
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Lysine Acetylation and Deacetylation in Brain Development and Neuropathies. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2017; 15:19-36. [PMID: 28161493 PMCID: PMC5339409 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic development is critical for the final functionality and maintenance of the adult brain. Brain development is tightly regulated by intracellular and extracellular signaling. Lysine acetylation and deacetylation are posttranslational modifications that are able to link extracellular signals to intracellular responses. A wealth of evidence indicates that lysine acetylation and deacetylation are critical for brain development and functionality. Indeed, mutations of the enzymes and cofactors responsible for these processes are often associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Lysine acetylation and deacetylation are involved in all levels of brain development, starting from neuroprogenitor survival and proliferation, cell fate decisions, neuronal maturation, migration, and synaptogenesis, as well as differentiation and maturation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, to the establishment of neuronal circuits. Hence, fluctuations in the balance between lysine acetylation and deacetylation contribute to the final shape and performance of the brain. In this review, we summarize the current basic knowledge on the specific roles of lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) and lysine deacetylase (KDAC) complexes in brain development and the different neurodevelopmental disorders that are associated with dysfunctional lysine (de)acetylation machineries.
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27
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Naaijen J, Bralten J, Poelmans G, Glennon JC, Franke B, Buitelaar JK. Glutamatergic and GABAergic gene sets in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: association to overlapping traits in ADHD and autism. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e999. [PMID: 28072412 PMCID: PMC5545734 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often co-occur. Both are highly heritable; however, it has been difficult to discover genetic risk variants. Glutamate and GABA are main excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain; their balance is essential for proper brain development and functioning. In this study we investigated the role of glutamate and GABA genetics in ADHD severity, autism symptom severity and inhibitory performance, based on gene set analysis, an approach to investigate multiple genetic variants simultaneously. Common variants within glutamatergic and GABAergic genes were investigated using the MAGMA software in an ADHD case-only sample (n=931), in which we assessed ASD symptoms and response inhibition on a Stop task. Gene set analysis for ADHD symptom severity, divided into inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, autism symptom severity and inhibition were performed using principal component regression analyses. Subsequently, gene-wide association analyses were performed. The glutamate gene set showed an association with severity of hyperactivity/impulsivity (P=0.009), which was robust to correcting for genome-wide association levels. The GABA gene set showed nominally significant association with inhibition (P=0.04), but this did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. None of single gene or single variant associations was significant on their own. By analyzing multiple genetic variants within candidate gene sets together, we were able to find genetic associations supporting the involvement of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in ADHD and ASD symptom severity in ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Naaijen
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Noord 10 (Huispost 126), Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands. E-mail:
| | - J Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G Poelmans
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - J C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Sabanov V, Braat S, D'Andrea L, Willemsen R, Zeidler S, Rooms L, Bagni C, Kooy RF, Balschun D. Impaired GABAergic inhibition in the hippocampus of Fmr1 knockout mice. Neuropharmacology 2016; 116:71-81. [PMID: 28012946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Many clinical and molecular features of the fragile X syndrome, a common form of intellectual disability and autism, can be modeled by deletion of the Fmr1 protein (Fmrp) in mice. Previous studies showed a decreased expression of several components of the GABAergic system in Fmr1 knockout mice. Here, we used this mouse model to investigate the functional consequences of Fmrp deletion on hippocampal GABAergic inhibition in the CA1-region of the hippocampus. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated a significantly reduced amplitude of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) and a decrease in the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous IPSCs. In addition, miniature IPSCs were reduced in amplitude and frequency and decayed significantly slower than mIPSCs in controls. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a significantly lower expression of α2, β1 and δ GABAA receptor subunits in the hippocampus of the juvenile mice (P22) compared to wild-type littermates. Correspondingly, we found also at the protein level reduced amounts of α2, β1 and δ subunits in Fmr1 knockout mice. Overall, these results demonstrate that the reduction in several components of the GABAergic system is already present at young age and that this reduction results in measurable abnormalities on GABAA receptor-mediated phasic inhibition. These abnormalities might contribute to the behavioral and cognitive deficits of this fragile X mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Sabanov
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sien Braat
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Laura D'Andrea
- Center for Human Genetics-VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Shimriet Zeidler
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Liesbeth Rooms
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Center for Human Genetics-VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - R Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Detlef Balschun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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29
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Lin YC, Frei JA, Kilander MBC, Shen W, Blatt GJ. A Subset of Autism-Associated Genes Regulate the Structural Stability of Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:263. [PMID: 27909399 PMCID: PMC5112273 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a range of neurological conditions that affect individuals’ ability to communicate and interact with others. People with ASD often exhibit marked qualitative difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Alterations in neurite arborization and dendritic spine morphology, including size, shape, and number, are hallmarks of almost all neurological conditions, including ASD. As experimental evidence emerges in recent years, it becomes clear that although there is broad heterogeneity of identified autism risk genes, many of them converge into similar cellular pathways, including those regulating neurite outgrowth, synapse formation and spine stability, and synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms together regulate the structural stability of neurons and are vulnerable targets in ASD. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of those autism risk genes that affect the structural connectivity of neurons. We sub-categorize them into (1) cytoskeletal regulators, e.g., motors and small RhoGTPase regulators; (2) adhesion molecules, e.g., cadherins, NCAM, and neurexin superfamily; (3) cell surface receptors, e.g., glutamatergic receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases; (4) signaling molecules, e.g., protein kinases and phosphatases; and (5) synaptic proteins, e.g., vesicle and scaffolding proteins. Although the roles of some of these genes in maintaining neuronal structural stability are well studied, how mutations contribute to the autism phenotype is still largely unknown. Investigating whether and how the neuronal structure and function are affected when these genes are mutated will provide insights toward developing effective interventions aimed at improving the lives of people with autism and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Lin
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Jeannine A Frei
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Michaela B C Kilander
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Wenjuan Shen
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Laboratory of Autism Neurocircuitry, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
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30
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Mesbah-Oskui L, Penna A, Orser BA, Horner RL. Reduced expression of α5GABA A receptors elicits autism-like alterations in EEG patterns and sleep-wake behavior. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 61:115-122. [PMID: 27793660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A reduction in the activity of GABAA receptors, particularly α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α5GABAARs), has been implicated in the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Genetically modified mice that lack α5GABAARs (Gabra5-/-) exhibit autism-like behaviors and both enhanced and impaired learning and memory, depending on the behavioral task. The aim of this study was to examine the electroencephalogram (EEG) activity and sleep-wake behaviors in Gabra5-/- mice and wild-type mice. In addition, since some individuals with ASD can exhibit elevated innate immune response, mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 125mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) or vehicle and EEG and sleep-wake patterns were assessed. The results showed that Gabra5-/- mice (n=3) exhibited elevated 0-2Hz EEG activity during all sleep-wake states (all p<0.04), decreased 8-12Hz EEG activity during REM sleep (p=0.04), and decreased sleep spindles under baseline conditions compared to wild-type controls (n=4) (all p≤0.03). Alterations in EEG activity and sleep-wake behavior were identified in Gabra5-/- mice following treatment with LPS, however these changes were similar to those in wild-type mice. Our findings support the hypothesis that reduced α5GABAAR activity contributes to an ASD phenotype. The results also suggest that Gabra5-/- mice may serve as an animal model for ASD, as assessed through EEG activity and sleep-wake behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Mesbah-Oskui
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Antonello Penna
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Richard L Horner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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31
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Yeh E, Weiss LA. If genetic variation could talk: What genomic data may teach us about the importance of gene expression regulation in the genetics of autism. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 30:346-356. [PMID: 27751841 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been long known to have substantial genetic etiology. Much research has attempted to identify specific genes contributing to ASD risk with the goal of tying gene function to a molecular pathological explanation for ASD. A unifying molecular pathology would potentially increase understanding of what is going wrong during development, and could lead to diagnostic biomarkers or targeted preventative or therapeutic directions. We review past and current genetic mapping approaches and discuss major results, leading to the hypothesis that global dysregulation of gene or protein expression may be implicated in ASD rather than disturbance of brain-specific functions. If substantiated, this hypothesis might indicate the need for novel experimental and analytical approaches in order to understand this neurodevelopmental disorder, develop biomarkers, or consider treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yeh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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32
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Advancing the understanding of autism disease mechanisms through genetics. Nat Med 2016; 22:345-61. [PMID: 27050589 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 518] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Progress in understanding the genetic etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has fueled remarkable advances in our understanding of its potential neurobiological mechanisms. Yet, at the same time, these findings highlight extraordinary causal diversity and complexity at many levels ranging from molecules to circuits and emphasize the gaps in our current knowledge. Here we review current understanding of the genetic architecture of ASD and integrate genetic evidence, neuropathology and studies in model systems with how they inform mechanistic models of ASD pathophysiology. Despite the challenges, these advances provide a solid foundation for the development of rational, targeted molecular therapies.
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33
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Robertson CE, Ratai EM, Kanwisher N. Reduced GABAergic Action in the Autistic Brain. Curr Biol 2015; 26:80-5. [PMID: 26711497 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
An imbalance between excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission has been posited as a central characteristic of the neurobiology of autism [1], inspired in part by the striking prevalence of seizures among individuals with the disorder [2]. Evidence supporting this hypothesis has specifically implicated the signaling pathway of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in this putative imbalance: GABA receptor genes have been associated with autism in linkage and copy number variation studies [3-7], fewer GABA receptor subunits have been observed in the post-mortem tissue of autistic individuals [8, 9], and GABAergic signaling is disrupted across heterogeneous mouse models of autism [10]. Yet, empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis in humans is lacking, leaving a gulf between animal and human studies of the condition. Here, we present a direct link between GABA signaling and autistic perceptual symptomatology. We first demonstrate a robust, replicated autistic deficit in binocular rivalry [11], a basic visual function that is thought to rely on the balance of excitation/inhibition in visual cortex [12-15]. Then, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we demonstrate a tight linkage between binocular rivalry dynamics in typical participants and both GABA and glutamate levels in the visual cortex. Finally, we show that the link between GABA and binocular rivalry dynamics is completely and specifically absent in autism. These results suggest a disruption in inhibitory signaling in the autistic brain and forge a translational path between animal and human models of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Robertson
- Harvard Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Nancy Kanwisher
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Khattak S, Brimble E, Zhang W, Zaslavsky K, Strong E, Ross PJ, Hendry J, Mital S, Salter MW, Osborne LR, Ellis J. Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons as a model for Williams-Beuren syndrome. Mol Brain 2015; 8:77. [PMID: 26603386 PMCID: PMC4657290 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is caused by the microdeletion of approximately 25 genes on chromosome 7q11.23, and is characterized by a spectrum of cognitive and behavioural features. Results We generated cortical neurons from a WBS individual and unaffected (WT) control by directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Single cell mRNA analyses and immunostaining demonstrated very efficient production of differentiated cells expressing markers of mature neurons of mixed subtypes and from multiple cortical layers. We found that there was a profound alteration in action potentials, with significantly prolonged WBS repolarization times and a WBS deficit in voltage-activated K+ currents. Miniature excitatory synaptic currents were normal, indicating that unitary excitatory synaptic transmission was not altered. Gene expression profiling identified 136 negatively enriched gene sets in WBS compared to WT neurons including gene sets involved in neurotransmitter receptor activity, synaptic assembly, and potassium channel complexes. Conclusions Our findings provide insight into gene dysregulation and electrophysiological defects in WBS patient neurons. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-015-0168-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahryar Khattak
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Elise Brimble
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kirill Zaslavsky
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Emma Strong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - P Joel Ross
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jason Hendry
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Seema Mital
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael W Salter
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lucy R Osborne
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay St, 16th Floor - Room 9705, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
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Luzón-Toro B, Espino-Paisán L, Fernández RM, Martín-Sánchez M, Antiñolo G, Borrego S. Next-generation-based targeted sequencing as an efficient tool for the study of the genetic background in Hirschsprung patients. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2015; 16:89. [PMID: 26437850 PMCID: PMC4595130 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-015-0235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has a great impact in the human variation detection given their high-throughput. These techniques are particularly helpful for the evaluation of the genetic background in disorders of complex genetic etiology such as Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). The purpose of this study was the design of a panel of HSCR associated genes as a rapid and efficient tool to perform genetic screening in a series of patients. METHODS We have performed NGS-based targeted sequencing (454-GS Junior) using a panel containing 26 associated or candidate genes for HSCR in a group of 11 selected HSCR patients. RESULTS The average percentage of covered bases was of 97%, the 91.4% of the targeted bases were covered with depth above 20X and the mean coverage was 422X. In addition, we have found a total of 13 new coding variants and 11 new variants within regulatory regions among our patients. These outcomes allowed us to re-evaluate the genetic component associated to HSCR in these patients. CONCLUSIONS Our validated NGS panel constitutes an optimum method for the identification of new variants in our patients. This approach could be used for a fast, reliable and more thorough genetic screening in future series of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Luzón-Toro
- Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Seville, Spain.
| | - Laura Espino-Paisán
- Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Seville, Spain.
| | - Raquel Ma Fernández
- Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Seville, Spain.
| | - Marta Martín-Sánchez
- Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Seville, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Seville, Spain.
| | - Salud Borrego
- Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Seville, Spain.
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Mahfouz A, Ziats MN, Rennert OM, Lelieveldt BPF, Reinders MJT. Shared Pathways Among Autism Candidate Genes Determined by Co-expression Network Analysis of the Developing Human Brain Transcriptome. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 57:580-94. [PMID: 26399424 PMCID: PMC4644211 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0641-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome known to have a significant but complex genetic etiology. Hundreds of diverse genes have been implicated in ASD; yet understanding how many genes, each with disparate function, can all be linked to a single clinical phenotype remains unclear. We hypothesized that understanding functional relationships between autism candidate genes during normal human brain development may provide convergent mechanistic insight into the genetic heterogeneity of ASD. We analyzed the co-expression relationships of 455 genes previously implicated in autism using the BrainSpan human transcriptome database, across 16 anatomical brain regions spanning prenatal life through adulthood. We discovered modules of ASD candidate genes with biologically relevant temporal co-expression dynamics, which were enriched for functional ontologies related to synaptogenesis, apoptosis, and GABA-ergic neurons. Furthermore, we also constructed co-expression networks from the entire transcriptome and found that ASD candidate genes were enriched in modules related to mitochondrial function, protein translation, and ubiquitination. Hub genes central to these ASD-enriched modules were further identified, and their functions supported these ontological findings. Overall, our multi-dimensional co-expression analysis of ASD candidate genes in the normal developing human brain suggests the heterogeneous set of ASD candidates share transcriptional networks related to synapse formation and elimination, protein turnover, and mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mahfouz
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. .,Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark N Ziats
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Owen M Rennert
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Boudewijn P F Lelieveldt
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Intelligent Systems, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel J T Reinders
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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GABAB Receptor Agonist R-Baclofen Reverses Social Deficits and Reduces Repetitive Behavior in Two Mouse Models of Autism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2228-39. [PMID: 25754761 PMCID: PMC4613612 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by two core behavioral criteria, unusual reciprocal social interactions and communication, and stereotyped, repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance is a prominent hypothesis for the etiology of autism. The selective GABAB receptor agonist R-baclofen previously reversed social deficits and reduced repetitive behaviors in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome, and Arbaclofen improved some clinical symptoms in some Fragile X and ASD patients. To evaluate R-baclofen in a broader range of mouse models of ASD, we tested both the R-baclofen enantiomer and the less potent S-baclofen enantiomer in two inbred strains of mice that display low sociability and/or high repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. R-baclofen treatment reversed social approach deficits in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR), reduced repetitive self-grooming and high marble burying scores in BTBR, and reduced stereotyped jumping in C58/J (C58), at nonsedating doses. S-baclofen produced minimal effects at the same doses. These findings encourage investigations of R-baclofen in other preclinical model systems. Additional clinical studies may be warranted to further evaluate the hypothesis that the GABAB receptor represents a promising pharmacological target for treating appropriately stratified subsets of individuals with ASD.
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Soden SE, Saunders CJ, Willig LK, Farrow EG, Smith LD, Petrikin JE, LePichon JB, Miller NA, Thiffault I, Dinwiddie DL, Twist G, Noll A, Heese BA, Zellmer L, Atherton AM, Abdelmoity AT, Safina N, Nyp SS, Zuccarelli B, Larson IA, Modrcin A, Herd S, Creed M, Ye Z, Yuan X, Brodsky RA, Kingsmore SF. Effectiveness of exome and genome sequencing guided by acuity of illness for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Transl Med 2015; 6:265ra168. [PMID: 25473036 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect more than 3% of children and are attributable to single-gene mutations at more than 1000 loci. Traditional methods yield molecular diagnoses in less than one-half of children with NDD. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) can enable diagnosis of NDD, but their clinical and cost-effectiveness are unknown. One hundred families with 119 children affected by NDD received diagnostic WGS and/or WES of parent-child trios, wherein the sequencing approach was guided by acuity of illness. Forty-five percent received molecular diagnoses. An accelerated sequencing modality, rapid WGS, yielded diagnoses in 73% of families with acutely ill children (11 of 15). Forty percent of families with children with nonacute NDD, followed in ambulatory care clinics (34 of 85), received diagnoses: 33 by WES and 1 by staged WES then WGS. The cost of prior negative tests in the nonacute patients was $19,100 per family, suggesting sequencing to be cost-effective at up to $7640 per family. A change in clinical care or impression of the pathophysiology was reported in 49% of newly diagnosed families. If WES or WGS had been performed at symptom onset, genomic diagnoses may have been made 77 months earlier than occurred in this study. It is suggested that initial diagnostic evaluation of children with NDD should include trio WGS or WES, with extension of accelerated sequencing modalities to high-acuity patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Soden
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
| | - Carol J Saunders
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pathology, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Laurel K Willig
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Emily G Farrow
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pathology, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Laurie D Smith
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Josh E Petrikin
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste LePichon
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Neil A Miller
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pathology, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Darrell L Dinwiddie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Greyson Twist
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Aaron Noll
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Bryce A Heese
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Lee Zellmer
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pathology, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Andrea M Atherton
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Ahmed T Abdelmoity
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Nicole Safina
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Sarah S Nyp
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Britton Zuccarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Ingrid A Larson
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Ann Modrcin
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Suzanne Herd
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Mitchell Creed
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Zhaohui Ye
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xuan Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robert A Brodsky
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephen F Kingsmore
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Department of Pathology, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Fatemi SH, Reutiman TJ, Folsom TD, Rustan OG, Rooney RJ, Thuras PD. Downregulation of GABAA receptor protein subunits α6, β2, δ, ε, γ2, θ, and ρ2 in superior frontal cortex of subjects with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:1833-45. [PMID: 24668190 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2078-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We measured protein and mRNA levels for nine gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor subunits in three brain regions (cerebellum, superior frontal cortex, and parietal cortex) in subjects with autism versus matched controls. We observed changes in mRNA for a number of GABAA and GABAB subunits and overall reduced protein expression for GABAA receptor alpha 6 (GABRα6), GABAA receptor beta 2 (GABRβ2), GABAA receptor delta (GABRδ), GABAA receptor epsilon (GABRε), GABAA receptor gamma 2 (GABRγ2), GABAA receptor theta (GABRθ), and GABAA receptor rho 2 (GABRρ2) in superior frontal cortex from subjects with autism. Our data demonstrate systematic changes in GABAA&B subunit expression in brains of subjects with autism, which may help explain the presence of cognitive abnormalities in subjects with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hossein Fatemi
- Division of Neuroscience Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, MMC 392, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA,
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Redin C, Gérard B, Lauer J, Herenger Y, Muller J, Quartier A, Masurel-Paulet A, Willems M, Lesca G, El-Chehadeh S, Le Gras S, Vicaire S, Philipps M, Dumas M, Geoffroy V, Feger C, Haumesser N, Alembik Y, Barth M, Bonneau D, Colin E, Dollfus H, Doray B, Delrue MA, Drouin-Garraud V, Flori E, Fradin M, Francannet C, Goldenberg A, Lumbroso S, Mathieu-Dramard M, Martin-Coignard D, Lacombe D, Morin G, Polge A, Sukno S, Thauvin-Robinet C, Thevenon J, Doco-Fenzy M, Genevieve D, Sarda P, Edery P, Isidor B, Jost B, Olivier-Faivre L, Mandel JL, Piton A. Efficient strategy for the molecular diagnosis of intellectual disability using targeted high-throughput sequencing. J Med Genet 2014; 51:724-36. [PMID: 25167861 PMCID: PMC4215287 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2014-102554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Intellectual disability (ID) is characterised by an extreme genetic heterogeneity. Several hundred genes have been associated to monogenic forms of ID, considerably complicating molecular diagnostics. Trio-exome sequencing was recently proposed as a diagnostic approach, yet remains costly for a general implementation. Methods We report the alternative strategy of targeted high-throughput sequencing of 217 genes in which mutations had been reported in patients with ID or autism as the major clinical concern. We analysed 106 patients with ID of unknown aetiology following array-CGH analysis and other genetic investigations. Ninety per cent of these patients were males, and 75% sporadic cases. Results We identified 26 causative mutations: 16 in X-linked genes (ATRX, CUL4B, DMD, FMR1, HCFC1, IL1RAPL1, IQSEC2, KDM5C, MAOA, MECP2, SLC9A6, SLC16A2, PHF8) and 10 de novo in autosomal-dominant genes (DYRK1A, GRIN1, MED13L, TCF4, RAI1, SHANK3, SLC2A1, SYNGAP1). We also detected four possibly causative mutations (eg, in NLGN3) requiring further investigations. We present detailed reasoning for assigning causality for each mutation, and associated patients’ clinical information. Some genes were hit more than once in our cohort, suggesting they correspond to more frequent ID-associated conditions (KDM5C, MECP2, DYRK1A, TCF4). We highlight some unexpected genotype to phenotype correlations, with causative mutations being identified in genes associated to defined syndromes in patients deviating from the classic phenotype (DMD, TCF4, MECP2). We also bring additional supportive (HCFC1, MED13L) or unsupportive (SHROOM4, SRPX2) evidences for the implication of previous candidate genes or mutations in cognitive disorders. Conclusions With a diagnostic yield of 25% targeted sequencing appears relevant as a first intention test for the diagnosis of ID, but importantly will also contribute to a better understanding regarding the specific contribution of the many genes implicated in ID and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Redin
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France Chaire de Génétique Humaine, Collège de France, Illkirch, France
| | - Bénédicte Gérard
- Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julia Lauer
- Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yvan Herenger
- Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean Muller
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Angélique Quartier
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France Chaire de Génétique Humaine, Collège de France, Illkirch, France
| | - Alice Masurel-Paulet
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs Sud-Languedoc Roussillon, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - Gaétan Lesca
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Salima El-Chehadeh
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Stéphanie Le Gras
- Plateforme de Biopuces et Séquençage, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Serge Vicaire
- Plateforme de Biopuces et Séquençage, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Muriel Philipps
- Plateforme de Biopuces et Séquençage, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Michaël Dumas
- Plateforme de Biopuces et Séquençage, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Véronique Geoffroy
- Plateforme de Bioinformatique de Strasbourg (BIPS), IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Claire Feger
- Plateforme de Biopuces et Séquençage, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Nicolas Haumesser
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France Chaire de Génétique Humaine, Collège de France, Illkirch, France
| | - Yves Alembik
- Département de Génétique, CHU de Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Magalie Barth
- Départment de Biochimie et de Génétique, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Dominique Bonneau
- Départment de Biochimie et de Génétique, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Estelle Colin
- Départment de Biochimie et de Génétique, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Hélène Dollfus
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM U1112, Faculté de Médecine de Strasbourg, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Bérénice Doray
- Département de Génétique, CHU de Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Ange Delrue
- CHU de Bordeaux, Génétique Médicale, Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire MRGM, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Elisabeth Flori
- Département de Génétique, CHU de Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mélanie Fradin
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre De Référence Anomalies du Développement, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Didier Lacombe
- CHU de Bordeaux, Génétique Médicale, Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire MRGM, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gilles Morin
- Unité de Génétique Clinique, CHU d'Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Anne Polge
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Sylvie Sukno
- Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, Groupe Hospitalier de l'Institut Catholique Lillois, Faculté Libre de Médecine, Lille, France
| | - Christel Thauvin-Robinet
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Julien Thevenon
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | - David Genevieve
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs Sud-Languedoc Roussillon, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Sarda
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs Sud-Languedoc Roussillon, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Edery
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Bernard Jost
- Plateforme de Biopuces et Séquençage, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Laurence Olivier-Faivre
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mandel
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France Chaire de Génétique Humaine, Collège de France, Illkirch, France Laboratoire de diagnostic génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amélie Piton
- Département de Médicine translationnelle et Neurogénétique, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France Chaire de Génétique Humaine, Collège de France, Illkirch, France
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Eggington JM, Bowles KR, Moyes K, Manley S, Esterling L, Sizemore S, Rosenthal E, Theisen A, Saam J, Arnell C, Pruss D, Bennett J, Burbidge LA, Roa B, Wenstrup RJ. A comprehensive laboratory-based program for classification of variants of uncertain significance in hereditary cancer genes. Clin Genet 2013; 86:229-37. [PMID: 24304220 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic testing has the potential to guide the prevention and treatment of disease in a variety of settings, and recent technical advances have greatly increased our ability to acquire large amounts of genetic data. The interpretation of this data remains challenging, as the clinical significance of genetic variation detected in the laboratory is not always clear. Although regulatory agencies and professional societies provide some guidance regarding the classification, reporting, and long-term follow-up of variants, few protocols for the implementation of these guidelines have been described. Because the primary aim of clinical testing is to provide results to inform medical management, a variant classification program that offers timely, accurate, confident and cost-effective interpretation of variants should be an integral component of the laboratory process. Here we describe the components of our laboratory's current variant classification program (VCP), based on 20 years of experience and over one million samples tested, using the BRCA1/2 genes as a model. Our VCP has lowered the percentage of tests in which one or more BRCA1/2 variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) are detected to 2.1% in the absence of a pathogenic mutation, demonstrating how the coordinated application of resources toward classification and reclassification significantly impacts the clinical utility of testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Eggington
- Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Herbert MR, Sage C. Autism and EMF? Plausibility of a pathophysiological link - Part I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:191-209. [PMID: 24095003 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) are defined behaviorally, they also involve multileveled disturbances of underlying biology that find striking parallels in the physiological impacts of electromagnetic frequency and radiofrequency exposures (EMF/RFR). Part I of this paper will review the critical contributions pathophysiology may make to the etiology, pathogenesis and ongoing generation of core features of ASCs. We will review pathophysiological damage to core cellular processes that are associated both with ASCs and with biological effects of EMF/RFR exposures that contribute to chronically disrupted homeostasis. Many studies of people with ASCs have identified oxidative stress and evidence of free radical damage, cellular stress proteins, and deficiencies of antioxidants such as glutathione. Elevated intracellular calcium in ASCs may be due to genetics or may be downstream of inflammation or environmental exposures. Cell membrane lipids may be peroxidized, mitochondria may be dysfunctional, and various kinds of immune system disturbances are common. Brain oxidative stress and inflammation as well as measures consistent with blood-brain barrier and brain perfusion compromise have been documented. Part II of this paper will review how behaviors in ASCs may emerge from alterations of electrophysiological oscillatory synchronization, how EMF/RFR could contribute to these by de-tuning the organism, and policy implications of these vulnerabilities. Changes in brain and autonomic nervous system electrophysiological function and sensory processing predominate, seizures are common, and sleep disruption is close to universal. All of these phenomena also occur with EMF/RFR exposure that can add to system overload ('allostatic load') in ASCs by increasing risk, and worsening challenging biological problems and symptoms; conversely, reducing exposure might ameliorate symptoms of ASCs by reducing obstruction of physiological repair. Various vital but vulnerable mechanisms such as calcium channels may be disrupted by environmental agents, various genes associated with autism or the interaction of both. With dramatic increases in reported ASCs that are coincident in time with the deployment of wireless technologies, we need aggressive investigation of potential ASC - EMF/RFR links. The evidence is sufficient to warrant new public exposure standards benchmarked to low-intensity (non-thermal) exposure levels now known to be biologically disruptive, and strong, interim precautionary practices are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha R Herbert
- TRANSCEND Research Program Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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Valipour E, Kowsari A, Bayat H, Banan M, Kazeminasab S, Mohammadparast S, Ohadi M. Polymorphic core promoter GA-repeats alter gene expression of the early embryonic developmental genes. Gene 2013; 531:175-9. [PMID: 24055488 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein complexes that bind to 'GAGA' DNA elements are necessary to replace nucleosomes to create a local chromatin environment that facilitates a variety of site-specific regulatory responses. Three to four elements are required for the disruption of a preassembled nucleosome. We have previously identified human protein-coding gene core promoters that are composed of exceptionally long GA-repeats. The functional implication of those GA-repeats is beginning to emerge in the core promoter of the human SOX5 gene, which is involved in multiple developmental processes. In the current study, we analyze the functional implication of GA-repeats in the core promoter of two additional genes, MECOM and GABRA3, whose expression is largely limited to embryogenesis. We report a significant difference in gene expression as a result of different alleles across those core promoters in the HEK-293 cell line. Across-species homology check for the GABRA3 GA-repeats revealed that those repeats are evolutionary conserved in mouse and primates (p<1 × 10(-8)). The MECOM core promoter GA-repeats are also conserved in numerous species, of which human has the longest repeat and complexity. We propose a novel role for GA-repeat core promoters to regulate gene expression in the genes involved in development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Valipour
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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