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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Bediwy EA, Elbeltagi R. Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13:98468. [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in genetic and epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
AIM To explore the genetic architecture of ASD, elucidate mechanistic insights into genetic mutations, and examine gene-environment interactions.
METHODS A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, integrating findings from studies on genetic variations, epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation and histone modifications), and emerging technologies [including Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 and single-cell RNA sequencing]. Relevant articles were identified through systematic searches of databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.
RESULTS Genetic studies have identified numerous risk genes and mutations associated with ASD, yet many cases remain unexplained by known factors, suggesting undiscovered genetic components. Mechanistic insights into how these genetic mutations impact neural development and brain connectivity are still evolving. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, also play significant roles in ASD pathogenesis. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced bioinformatics are advancing our understanding by enabling precise genetic editing and analysis of complex genomic data.
CONCLUSION Continued research into the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of ASD is crucial for developing personalized and effective treatments. Collaborative efforts integrating multidisciplinary expertise and international collaborations are essential to address the complexity of ASD and translate genetic discoveries into clinical practice. Addressing unresolved questions and ethical considerations surrounding genetic research will pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies, ultimately enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31511, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Bahrain
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Muharraq, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Eman A Bediwy
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Algharbia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Muharraq, Busiateen 15503, Bahrain
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2
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Vilela J, Rasga C, Santos JX, Martiniano H, Marques AR, Oliveira G, Vicente AM. Bridging Genetic Insights with Neuroimaging in Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4938. [PMID: 38732157 PMCID: PMC11084239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094938] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an early onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior. Family studies show that ASD is highly heritable, and hundreds of genes have previously been implicated in the disorder; however, the etiology is still not fully clear. Brain imaging and electroencephalography (EEG) are key techniques that study alterations in brain structure and function. Combined with genetic analysis, these techniques have the potential to help in the clarification of the neurobiological mechanisms contributing to ASD and help in defining novel therapeutic targets. To further understand what is known today regarding the impact of genetic variants in the brain alterations observed in individuals with ASD, a systematic review was carried out using Pubmed and EBSCO databases and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This review shows that specific genetic variants and altered patterns of gene expression in individuals with ASD may have an effect on brain circuits associated with face processing and social cognition, and contribute to excitation-inhibition imbalances and to anomalies in brain volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vilela
- Departamento de Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.V.); (C.R.); (J.X.S.); (H.M.); (A.R.M.)
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Célia Rasga
- Departamento de Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.V.); (C.R.); (J.X.S.); (H.M.); (A.R.M.)
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Xavier Santos
- Departamento de Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.V.); (C.R.); (J.X.S.); (H.M.); (A.R.M.)
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hugo Martiniano
- Departamento de Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.V.); (C.R.); (J.X.S.); (H.M.); (A.R.M.)
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Marques
- Departamento de Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.V.); (C.R.); (J.X.S.); (H.M.); (A.R.M.)
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Guiomar Oliveira
- Unidade de Neurodesenvolvimento e Autismo, Serviço do Centro de Desenvolvimento da Criança, Centro de Investigação e Formação Clínica, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University Clinic of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Astrid Moura Vicente
- Departamento de Promoção da Saúde e Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.V.); (C.R.); (J.X.S.); (H.M.); (A.R.M.)
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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3
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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4
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Harricharran T, Ogunwobi OO. Oxytocin and oxytocin receptor alterations, decreased survival, and increased chemoresistance in patients with pancreatic cancer. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:175-180. [PMID: 31919036 PMCID: PMC7265130 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OXT) and its receptor (OXTR) is associated with cancer. The present study was to investigate the correlation between the genetic expression alterations of OXT and OXTR and the outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). METHODS Information regarding OXT and OXTR genetic alterations and changes in gene expression were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and analyzed using the cBioPortal online tool. We assessed the correlation of overall survival and disease/progression-free months to either OXT or OXTR genetic alterations and changes in gene expression using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was conducted to assess the mRNA expression levels of OXT and OXTR in human PC cell lines. RESULTS Five percent of PC cases showed mRNA upregulation in the OXT gene. These PC cases also showed genetic alterations and changes in gene expression of OXTR. The median months of survival and disease-free survival were lower for PC cases with genetic alterations and changes in gene expression in the OXT and OXTR genes as compared to those without such alterations. qPCR data showed that OXT and OXTR mRNA expression were 1-fold and 10-fold higher, respectively in PANC-1 cell lines as compared to L3.6pl cell lines in direct negative correlation with responsiveness to gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that OXT and OXTR may potentially be important in PC progression, chemoresistance, and patient survival, and potentially could have prognostic and therapeutic implications in a subset of PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, USA; Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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5
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Fakhoury M. Imaging genetics in autism spectrum disorders: Linking genetics and brain imaging in the pursuit of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 80:101-114. [PMID: 28322981 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include a wide range of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions that affect an individual in several aspects of social communication and behavior. Recent advances in molecular genetic technologies have dramatically increased our understanding of ASD etiology through the identification of several autism risk genes, most of which serve important functions in synaptic plasticity and protein synthesis. However, despite significant progress in this field of research, the characterization of the neurobiological mechanisms by which common genetic risk variants might operate to give rise to ASD symptomatology has proven to be far more difficult than expected. The imaging genetics approach holds great promise for advancing our understanding of ASD etiology by bridging the gap between genetic variations and their resultant biological effects on the brain. This paper provides a conceptual overview of the contribution of genetics in ASD and discusses key findings from the emerging field of imaging genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.
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6
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Baribeau DA, Dupuis A, Paton TA, Scherer SW, Schachar RJ, Arnold PD, Szatmari P, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Crosbie J, Brian J, Iaboni A, Lerch J, Anagnostou E. Oxytocin Receptor Polymorphisms are Differentially Associated with Social Abilities across Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11618. [PMID: 28912494 PMCID: PMC5599599 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pituitary neuropeptide that affects social behaviour. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) have been shown to explain some variability in social abilities in control populations. Whether these variants similarly contribute to the severity of social deficits experienced by children with neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear. Social abilities were assessed in a group of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 341) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 276) using two established social measures. Scores were compared by OXTR genotype (rs53576, rs237887, rs13316193, rs2254298). Unexpectedly, the two most frequently studied OXTR SNPs in the general population (rs53576 and rs2254298) were associated with an increased severity of social deficits in ASD (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005), yet fewer social deficits in ADHD (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001). We conclude that these genetic modifier alleles are not inherently risk-conferring with respect to their impact on social abilities; molecular investigations are greatly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie Dupuis
- Department of Biostatistics Design and Analysis, The Hospital for Sick Children, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara A Paton
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Russell J Schachar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul D Arnold
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry & Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- The Children's Health Research Institute and Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alana Iaboni
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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7
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Reinl EL, Goodwin ZA, Raghuraman N, Lee GY, Jo EY, Gezahegn BM, Pillai MK, Cahill AG, de Guzman Strong C, England SK. Novel oxytocin receptor variants in laboring women requiring high doses of oxytocin. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:214.e1-214.e8. [PMID: 28456503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although oxytocin commonly is used to augment or induce labor, it is difficult to predict its effectiveness because oxytocin dose requirements vary significantly among women. One possibility is that women requiring high or low doses of oxytocin have variations in the oxytocin receptor gene. OBJECTIVES To identify oxytocin receptor gene variants in laboring women with low and high oxytocin dosage requirements. STUDY DESIGN Term, nulliparous women requiring oxytocin doses of ≤4 mU/min (low-dose-requiring, n = 83) or ≥20 mU/min (high-dose-requiring, n = 104) for labor augmentation or induction provided consent to a postpartum blood draw as a source of genomic DNA. Targeted-amplicon sequencing (coverage >30×) with MiSeq (Illumina) was performed to discover variants in the coding exons of the oxytocin receptor gene. Baseline relevant clinical history, outcomes, demographics, and oxytocin receptor gene sequence variants and their allele frequencies were compared between low-dose-requiring and high-dose-requiring women. The Scale-Invariant Feature Transform algorithm was used to predict the effect of variants on oxytocin receptor function. The Fisher exact or χ2 tests were used for categorical variables, and Student t tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for continuous variables. A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The high-dose-requiring women had greater rates of obesity and diabetes and were more likely to have undergone labor induction and required prostaglandins. High-dose-requiring women were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery for first-stage arrest and less likely to undergo cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status. Targeted sequencing of the oxytocin receptor gene in the total cohort (n = 187) revealed 30 distinct coding variants: 17 nonsynonymous, 11 synonymous, and 2 small structural variants. One novel variant (A243T) was found in both the low- and high-dose-requiring groups. Three novel variants (Y106H, A240_A249del, and P197delfs*206) resulting in an amino acid substitution, loss of 9 amino acids, and a frameshift stop mutation, respectively, were identified only in low-dose-requiring women. Nine nonsynonymous variants were unique to the high-dose-requiring group. These included 3 known variants (R151C, G221S, and W228C) and 6 novel variants (M133V, R150L, H173R, A248V, G253R, and I266V). Of these, R150L, R151C, and H173R were predicted by Scale-Invariant Feature Transform algorithm to damage oxytocin receptor function. There was no statistically significant association between the numbers of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions in the patient groups. CONCLUSION Obesity, diabetes, and labor induction were associated with the requirement for high doses of oxytocin. We did not identify significant differences in the prevalence of oxytocin receptor variants between low-dose-requiring and high-dose-requiring women, but novel oxytocin receptor variants were enriched in the high-dose-requiring women. We also found 3 oxytocin receptor variants (2 novel, 1 known) that were predicted to damage oxytocin receptor function and would likely increase an individual's risk for requiring a high oxytocin dose. Further investigation of oxytocin receptor variants and their effects on protein function will inform precision medicine in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Reinl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Zane A Goodwin
- Division of Dermatology, Center for Pharmacogenomics, Center for the Study of Itch, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Nandini Raghuraman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Grace Y Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Erin Y Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Beakal M Gezahegn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Meghan K Pillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Alison G Cahill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Cristina de Guzman Strong
- Division of Dermatology, Center for Pharmacogenomics, Center for the Study of Itch, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
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8
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Genes Related to Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Pathways: Associations with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2017; 33:238-246. [PMID: 28283809 PMCID: PMC5360847 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behavior. Although the mechanisms underlying its etiology and manifestations are poorly understood, several lines of evidence from rodent and human studies suggest involvement of the evolutionarily highly-conserved oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP), as these neuropeptides modulate various aspects of mammalian social behavior. As far as we know, there is no comprehensive review of the roles of the OXT and AVP systems in the development of ASD from the genetic aspect. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding associations between ASD and single-nucleotide variants of the human OXT-AVP pathway genes OXT, AVP, AVP receptor 1a (AVPR1a), OXT receptor (OXTR), the oxytocinase/vasopressinase (LNPEP), and ADP-ribosyl cyclase (CD38).
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9
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Molecular Basis of Oxytocin Receptor Signalling in the Brain: What We Know and What We Need to Know. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:3-29. [PMID: 28812263 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a hypothalamic neuropeptide involved in regulating the social behaviour of all vertebrates, has been proposed as a treatment for a number of neuropsychiatric disorders characterised by deficits in the social domain. Over the last few decades, advances focused on understanding the social effects of OT and its role in physiological conditions and brain diseases, but much less has been done to clarify the molecular cascade of events involved in mediating such effects and in particular the cellular and molecular pharmacology of OT and its target receptor (OTR) in neuronal and glial cells.The entity and persistence of OT activity in the brain is closely related to the expression and regulation of the OTR expressed on the cell surface, which transmits the signal intracellularly and permits OT to affect cell function. Understanding the various signalling mechanisms mediating OTR-induced cell responses is crucial to determine the different responses in different cells and brain regions, and the success of OT and OT-derived analogues in the treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases depends on how well we can control such responses. In this review, we will consider the most important aspects of OT/OTR signalling by focusing on the molecular events involved in OT binding and coupling, on the main signalling pathways activated by the OTR in neuronal cells and on intracellular and plasma membrane OTR trafficking, all of which contribute to the quantitative and qualitative features of OT responses in the brain.
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10
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Rijlaarsdam J, van IJzendoorn MH, Verhulst FC, Jaddoe VWV, Felix JF, Tiemeier H, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Prenatal stress exposure, oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation, and child autistic traits: The moderating role of OXTR rs53576 genotype. Autism Res 2016; 10:430-438. [PMID: 27520745 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Findings of studies investigating OXTR SNP rs53576 (G-A) variation in social behavior have been inconsistent, possibly because DNA methylation after stress exposure was eliminated from consideration. Our goal was to examine OXTR rs53576 allele-specific sensitivity for neonatal OXTR DNA methylation in relation to (1) a prenatal maternal stress composite, and (2) child autistic traits. Prospective data from fetal life to age 6 years were collected in a total of 743 children participating in the Generation R Study. Prenatal maternal stress exposure was uniquely associated with child autistic traits but was unrelated to OXTR methylation across both OXTR rs53576 G-allele homozygous children and A-allele carriers. For child autistic traits in general and social communication problems in particular, we observed a significant OXTR rs53576 genotype by OXTR methylation interaction in the absence of main effects, suggesting that opposing effects cancelled each other out. Indeed, OXTR methylation levels were positively associated with social problems for OXTR rs53576 G-allele homozygous children but not for A-allele carriers. These results highlight the importance of incorporating epi-allelic information and support the role of OXTR methylation in child autistic traits. Autism Res 2017, 10: 430-438. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,School of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine F Felix
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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King LB, Walum H, Inoue K, Eyrich NW, Young LJ. Variation in the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Predicts Brain Region-Specific Expression and Social Attachment. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 80:160-169. [PMID: 26893121 PMCID: PMC4909578 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OXT) modulates several aspects of social behavior. Intranasal OXT is a leading candidate for treating social deficits in patients with autism spectrum disorder, and common genetic variants in the human OXTR gene are associated with emotion recognition, relationship quality, and autism spectrum disorder. Animal models have revealed that individual differences in Oxtr expression in the brain drive social behavior variation. Our understanding of how genetic variation contributes to brain OXTR expression is very limited. METHODS We investigated Oxtr expression in monogamous prairie voles, which have a well-characterized OXT system. We quantified brain region-specific levels of Oxtr messenger RNA and oxytocin receptor protein with established neuroanatomic methods. We used pyrosequencing to investigate allelic imbalance of Oxtr mRNA, a molecular signature of polymorphic genetic regulatory elements. We performed next-generation sequencing to discover variants in and near the Oxtr gene. We investigated social attachment using the partner preference test. RESULTS Our allelic imbalance data demonstrate that genetic variants contribute to individual differences in Oxtr expression, but only in particular brain regions, including the nucleus accumbens, where oxytocin receptor signaling facilitates social attachment. Next-generation sequencing identified one polymorphism in the Oxtr intron, near a putative cis-regulatory element, explaining 74% of the variance in striatal Oxtr expression specifically. Males homozygous for the high expressing allele display enhanced social attachment. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings provide convincing evidence for robust genetic influence on Oxtr expression and provide novel insights into how noncoding polymorphisms in OXTR might influence individual differences in human social cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Larry J. Young
- Address Correspondence to: Larry J. Young, 954
Gatewood Rd., Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University,
Atlanta, GA 30329, USA, Phone: 404 727-8272, Fax: 404 727-8070,
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