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Falcão M, Monteiro P, Jacinto L. Tactile sensory processing deficits in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2024; 168:2105-2123. [PMID: 38837765 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16135] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Altered sensory processing is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Although altered responses to tactile stimuli are observed in over 60% of individuals with ASD, the neurobiological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. ASD has a strong genetic component and genetic mouse models can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tactile abnormalities in ASD. This review critically addresses recent findings regarding tactile processing deficits found in mouse models of ASD, with a focus on behavioral, anatomical, and functional alterations. Particular attention was given to cellular and circuit-level functional alterations, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the objective of highlighting possible convergence mechanisms across models. By elucidating the impact of mutations in ASD candidate genes on somatosensory circuits and correlating them with behavioral phenotypes, this review significantly advances our understanding of tactile deficits in ASD. Such insights not only broaden our comprehension but also pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Falcão
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Jacinto
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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2
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LaSalle JM. Epigenomic signatures reveal mechanistic clues and predictive markers for autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1890-1901. [PMID: 36650278 PMCID: PMC10560404 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with a commonality in deficits in social communication and language combined with repetitive behaviors and interests. The etiology of ASD is heterogeneous, as several hundred genes have been implicated as well as multiple in utero environmental exposures. Over the past two decades, epigenetic investigations, including DNA methylation, have emerged as a novel way to capture the complex interface of multivariate ASD etiologies. More recently, epigenome-wide association studies using human brain and surrogate accessible tissues have revealed some convergent genes that are epigenetically altered in ASD, many of which overlap with known genetic risk factors. Unlike transcriptomes, epigenomic signatures defined by DNA methylation from surrogate tissues such as placenta and cord blood can reflect past differences in fetal brain gene transcription, transcription factor binding, and chromatin. For example, the discovery of NHIP (neuronal hypoxia inducible, placenta associated) through an epigenome-wide association in placenta, identified a common genetic risk for ASD that was modified by prenatal vitamin use. While epigenomic signatures are distinct between different genetic syndromic causes of ASD, bivalent chromatin and some convergent gene pathways are consistently epigenetically altered in both syndromic and idiopathic ASD, as well as some environmental exposures. Together, these epigenomic signatures hold promising clues towards improved early prediction and prevention of ASD as well genes and gene pathways to target for pharmacological interventions. Future advancements in single cell and multi-omic technologies, machine learning, as well as non-invasive screening of epigenomic signatures during pregnancy or newborn periods are expected to continue to impact the translatability of the recent discoveries in epigenomics to precision public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, MIND Institute, Genome Center, Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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3
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Sharghi S, Flunkert S, Daurer M, Rabl R, Chagnaud BP, Leopoldo M, Lacivita E, Hutter-Paier B, Prokesch M. Evaluating the effect of R-Baclofen and LP-211 on autistic behavior of the BTBR and Fmr1-KO mouse models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1087788. [PMID: 37065917 PMCID: PMC10097904 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1087788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by two core behavioral symptoms: impaired social communication and interaction, as well as stereotypic, repetitive behavior. No distinct cause of ASD is known so far; however, excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and a disturbed serotoninergic transmission have been identified as prominent candidates responsible for ASD etiology.MethodsThe GABAB receptor agonist R-Baclofen and the selective agonist for the 5HT7 serotonin receptor LP-211 have been reported to correct social deficits and repetitive behaviors in mouse models of ASD. To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in more details, we treated BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J and B6.129P2-Fmr1tm1Cgr/J mice acutely with R-Baclofen or LP-211 and evaluated the behavior of animals in a series of tests.ResultsBTBR mice showed motor deficits, elevated anxiety, and highly repetitive behavior of self-grooming. Fmr1-KO mice exhibited decreased anxiety and hyperactivity. Additionally, Fmr1-KO mice’s ultrasonic vocalizations were impaired suggesting a reduced social interest and communication of this strain. Acute LP-211 administration did not affect the behavioral abnormalities observed in BTBR mice but improved repetitive behavior in Fmr1-KO mice and showed a trend to change anxiety of this strain. Acute R-Baclofen treatment improved repetitive behavior only in Fmr1-KO mice.ConclusionOur results add value to the current available data on these mouse models and the respective compounds. Yet, additional studies are needed to further test R-Baclofen and LP-211 as potential treatments for ASD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Sharghi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
- Institute for Biology, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Shirin Sharghi,
| | - Stefanie Flunkert
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Magdalena Daurer
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Roland Rabl
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | | | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Prokesch
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
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Babij R, Ferrer C, Donatelle A, Wacks S, Buch AM, Niemeyer JE, Ma H, Duan ZRS, Fetcho RN, Che A, Otsuka T, Schwartz TH, Huang BS, Liston C, De Marco García NV. Gabrb3 is required for the functional integration of pyramidal neuron subtypes in the somatosensory cortex. Neuron 2023; 111:256-274.e10. [PMID: 36446382 PMCID: PMC9852093 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic circuits is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is unclear how genetic predispositions impact circuit assembly. Using in vivo two-photon and widefield calcium imaging in developing mice, we show that Gabrb3, a gene strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Angelman syndrome (AS), is enriched in contralaterally projecting pyramidal neurons and is required for inhibitory function. We report that Gabrb3 ablation leads to a developmental decrease in GABAergic synapses, increased local network synchrony, and long-lasting enhancement in functional connectivity of contralateral-but not ipsilateral-pyramidal neuron subtypes. In addition, Gabrb3 deletion leads to increased cortical response to tactile stimulation at neonatal stages. Using human transcriptomics and neuroimaging datasets from ASD subjects, we show that the spatial distribution of GABRB3 expression correlates with atypical connectivity in these subjects. Our studies reveal a requirement for Gabrb3 during the emergence of interhemispheric circuits for sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Babij
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Camilo Ferrer
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Alexander Donatelle
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Sam Wacks
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Amanda M Buch
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - James E Niemeyer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New-York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Hongtao Ma
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New-York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhe Ran S Duan
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Robert N Fetcho
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Alicia Che
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Current affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Takumi Otsuka
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Theodore H Schwartz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New-York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ben S Huang
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Conor Liston
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Natalia V De Marco García
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Lead Contact,Correspondence to
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Yu Z, Sakai M, Fukushima H, Ono C, Kikuchi Y, Koyama R, Matsui K, Furuyashiki T, Kida S, Tomita H. Contextual fear conditioning regulates synapse-related gene transcription in mouse microglia. Brain Res Bull 2022; 189:57-68. [PMID: 35987296 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Microglia have been suggested to be involved in the underlying mechanism of conditional fear memory formation by regulating inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanism linking microglia and neuronal activity related to fear conditioning remains unclear. This study characterized the transcription profile of microglia in a fear memory conditional mouse model. Compared with those in control mice microglia, the most significantly induced genes were synapse-related, whereas immune-related genes were reduced due to fear memory consolidation. Whilst the increased expression of synapse-related genes was reversed after fear memory extinction, that of immunological genes was not, strongly suggesting a connection between microglia, neurons, and a dysregulated immune response following contextual fear conditioning. Furthermore, in the hippocampal microglia, we found that the expression of neurotransmitter release regulators, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor GABRB3 and synapsin 1/2, increased under fear memory consolidation and restored (decreased) after extinction. In addition, compared with the transcription profile in peripheral monocytes, few overlapping genes were not enriched in biological processes. Taken together, the identified conditional fear stress-induced changes in mouse microglial transcription profiles suggest that microglia-neuron communication mediates contextual fear conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Mai Sakai
- Department of Psychiatry Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hotaka Fukushima
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Ono
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshie Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryuta Koyama
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ko Matsui
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Furuyashiki
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kida
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute for Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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6
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Chu MC, Wu HF, Lee CW, Chung YJ, Chi H, Chen PS, Lin HC. Generational synaptic functions of GABA A receptor β3 subunit deteriorations in an animal model of social deficit. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:51. [PMID: 35821032 PMCID: PMC9277936 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00835-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of normal brain development is implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders with neurodevelopmental origins, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Widespread abnormalities in brain structure and functions caused by dysregulations of neurodevelopmental processes has been recently shown to exert adverse effects across generations. An imbalance between excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) transmission is the putative hypothesis of ASD pathogenesis, supporting by the specific implications of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system in autistic individuals and animal models of ASD. However, the contribution of GABAergic system in the neuropathophysiology across generations of ASD is still unknown. Here, we uncover profound alterations in the expression and function of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) in the amygdala across generations of the VPA-induced animal model of ASD. METHODS The F2 generation was produced by mating an F1 VPA-induced male offspring with naïve females after a single injection of VPA on embryonic day (E12.5) in F0. Autism-like behaviors were assessed by animal behavior tests. Expression and functional properties of GABAARs and related proteins were examined by using western blotting and electrophysiological techniques. RESULTS Social deficit, repetitive behavior, and emotional comorbidities were demonstrated across two generations of the VPA-induced offspring. Decreased synaptic GABAAR and gephyrin levels, and inhibitory transmission were found in the amygdala from two generations of the VPA-induced offspring with greater reductions in the F2 generation. Weaker association of gephyrin with GABAAR was shown in the F2 generation than the F1 generation. Moreover, dysregulated NMDA-induced enhancements of gephyrin and GABAAR at the synapse in the VPA-induced offspring was worsened in the F2 generation than the F1 generation. Elevated glutamatergic modifications were additionally shown across generations of the VPA-induced offspring without generation difference. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings revealed the E/I synaptic abnormalities in the amygdala from two generations of the VPA-induced offspring with GABAergic deteriorations in the F2 generation, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of the GABAergic system to generational pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chia Chu
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Han-Fang Wu
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Lee
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Jung Chung
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Hsiang Chi
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Po See Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704, Taiwan. .,Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Ching Lin
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. .,Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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7
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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8
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Zhao H, Mao X, Zhu C, Zou X, Peng F, Yang W, Li B, Li G, Ge T, Cui R. GABAergic System Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:781327. [PMID: 35198562 PMCID: PMC8858939 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.781327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a series of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by two hallmark symptoms, social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission is critical for the regulation of brain rhythm and spontaneous neuronal activities during neurodevelopment. Genetic evidence has identified some variations of genes associated with the GABA system, indicating an abnormal excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission ratio implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which GABA and GABAergic synaptic transmission affect ASD remains unclear. Transgenic technology enables translating genetic variations into rodent models to further investigate the structural and functional synaptic dysregulation related to ASD. In this review, we summarized evidence from human neuroimaging, postmortem, and genetic and pharmacological studies, and put emphasis on the GABAergic synaptic dysregulation and consequent E/I imbalance. We attempt to illuminate the pathophysiological role of structural and functional synaptic dysregulation in ASD and provide insights for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ranji Cui
- *Correspondence: Tongtong Ge, ; Ranji Cui,
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9
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Bukina ES, Kondratyev NV, Kozin SV, Golimbet VE, Artyuhov AS, Dashinimaev EB. SLC6A1 and Neuropsychiatric Diseases: The Role of Mutations and Prospects for Treatment with Genome Editing Systems. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Rodriguez-Gomez DA, Garcia-Guaqueta DP, Charry-Sánchez JD, Sarquis-Buitrago E, Blanco M, Velez-van-Meerbeke A, Talero-Gutiérrez C. A systematic review of common genetic variation and biological pathways in autism spectrum disorder. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 34627165 PMCID: PMC8501721 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. Common genetic variation appears to play a key role in the development of this condition. In this systematic review, we describe the relationship between genetic variations and autism. We created a gene dataset of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of autism and performed an over-representation analysis to evaluate the biological functions and molecular pathways that may explain the associations between these variants and the development of ASD. Results 177 studies and a gene set composed of 139 were included in this qualitative systematic review. Enriched pathways in the over-representation analysis using the KEGG pathway database were mostly associated with neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits. Major over-represented biological processes were social behavior, vocalization behavior, learning and memory. The enriched cellular component of the proteins encoded by the genes identified in this systematic review were the postsynaptic membrane and the cell junction. Conclusions Among the biological processes that were examined, genes involved in synaptic integrity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and cell adhesion molecules were significantly involved in the development of autism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alejandro Rodriguez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Danna Paola Garcia-Guaqueta
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jesús David Charry-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Elias Sarquis-Buitrago
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Mariana Blanco
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Alberto Velez-van-Meerbeke
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. .,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
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11
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Khair AM, Salvucci AE. Phenotype Expression Variability in Children with GABRB3 Heterozygous Mutations. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e240. [PMID: 33854792 PMCID: PMC8019580 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GABRB3 gene is a recently identified gene located in 15q12 chromosome and encodes for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit beta-3 protein, which is linked to the GABAA receptor. The gene is believed to share a role in inhibitory GABAergic synapses, GABA iron-gated channel function, and possible cellular response to histamine. The β3 subunit is expressed in cerebral grey matter, thalami, hippocampi, and cerebellum, among other structures. Faulty GABRB3 function is linked to several neurological disorders and clinical syndromes. However, the spectrum of such disorders is not yet well known. We present three case reports highlighting the potentially expanding clinical phenotype and variable expression in children with mutated GABRB3 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhafeez M Khair
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington DE, USA
| | - Alana E Salvucci
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington DE, USA
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12
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Intricacies of GABA A Receptor Function: The Critical Role of the β3 Subunit in Norm and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031457. [PMID: 33535681 PMCID: PMC7867123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal intracellular chloride ([Cl−]i) is a key determinant in γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA)ergic signaling. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) mediate both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, as the passive fluxes of Cl− and HCO3− via pores can be reversed by changes in the transmembrane concentration gradient of Cl−. The cation–chloride co-transporters (CCCs) are the primary systems for maintaining [Cl−]i homeostasis. However, despite extensive electrophysiological data obtained in vitro that are supported by a wide range of molecular biological studies on the expression patterns and properties of CCCs, the presence of ontogenetic changes in [Cl−]i—along with the consequent shift in GABA reversal potential—remain a subject of debate. Recent studies showed that the β3 subunit possesses properties of the P-type ATPase that participates in the ATP-consuming movement of Cl− via the receptor. Moreover, row studies have demonstrated that the β3 subunit is a key player in GABAAR performance and in the appearance of serious neurological disorders. In this review, we discuss the properties and driving forces of CCCs and Cl−, HCO3−ATPase in the maintenance of [Cl−]i homeostasis after changes in upcoming GABAAR function. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of the β3 subunit in the manifestation of epilepsy, autism, and other syndromes.
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Kim N, Kim KH, Lim WJ, Kim J, Kim SA, Yoo HJ. Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Novel De Novo Variants Interacting with Six Gene Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:genes12010001. [PMID: 33374967 PMCID: PMC7822011 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable condition caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors such as de novo and inherited variants, as well as rare or common variants among hundreds of related genes. Previous genome-wide association studies have identified susceptibility genes; however, most ASD-associated genes remain undiscovered. This study aimed to examine rare de novo variants to identify genetic risk factors of ASD using whole exome sequencing (WES), functional characterization, and genetic network analyses of identified variants using Korean familial dataset. We recruited children with ASD and their biological parents. The clinical best estimate diagnosis of ASD was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5TM), using comprehensive diagnostic instruments. The final analyses included a total of 151 individuals from 51 families. Variants were identified and filtered using the GATK Best Practices for bioinformatics analysis, followed by genome alignments and annotation to the reference genome assembly GRCh37 (liftover to GRCh38), and further annotated using dbSNP 154 build databases. To evaluate allele frequencies of de novo variants, we used the dbSNP, gnomAD exome v2.1.1, and genome v3.0. We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA, Qiagen) software to construct networks using all identified de novo variants with known autism-related genes to find probable relationships. We identified 36 de novo variants with potential relations to ASD; 27 missense, two silent, one nonsense, one splice region, one splice site, one 5′ UTR, and one intronic SNV and two frameshift deletions. We identified six networks with functional relationships. Among the interactions between de novo variants, the IPA assay found that the NF-κB signaling pathway and its interacting genes were commonly observed at two networks. The relatively small cohort size may affect the results of novel ASD genes with de novo variants described in our findings. We did not conduct functional experiments in this study. Because of the diversity and heterogeneity of ASD, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate probable causative relationships between novel de novo variants and known autism genes. Additionally, we based functional relationships with known genes on network analysis rather than on statistical analysis. We identified new variants that may underlie genetic factors contributing to ASD in Korean families using WES and genetic network analyses. We observed novel de novo variants that might be functionally linked to ASD, of which the variants interact with six genetic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namshin Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Korea; (N.K.); (K.H.K.); (W.-J.L.)
- Department of Bioinformatics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Kyoung Hyoun Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Korea; (N.K.); (K.H.K.); (W.-J.L.)
- Department of Bioinformatics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Won-Jun Lim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Korea; (N.K.); (K.H.K.); (W.-J.L.)
- Department of Bioinformatics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Soon Ae Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon 34824, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.A.K.); (H.J.Y.); Tel.: +82-42-259-1672 (S.A.K.); +82-31-787-7436 (H.J.Y.)
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi 13620, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.A.K.); (H.J.Y.); Tel.: +82-42-259-1672 (S.A.K.); +82-31-787-7436 (H.J.Y.)
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Thakran S, Guin D, Singh P, Singh P, Kukal S, Rawat C, Yadav S, Kushwaha SS, Srivastava AK, Hasija Y, Saso L, Ramachandran S, Kukreti R. Genetic Landscape of Common Epilepsies: Advancing towards Precision in Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7784. [PMID: 33096746 PMCID: PMC7589654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, a neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures, is highly heterogeneous in nature. Based on the prevalence, epilepsy is classified into two types: common and rare epilepsies. Common epilepsies affecting nearly 95% people with epilepsy, comprise generalized epilepsy which encompass idiopathic generalized epilepsy like childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizure on awakening and focal epilepsy like temporal lobe epilepsy and cryptogenic focal epilepsy. In 70% of the epilepsy cases, genetic factors are responsible either as single genetic variant in rare epilepsies or multiple genetic variants acting along with different environmental factors as in common epilepsies. Genetic testing and precision treatment have been developed for a few rare epilepsies and is lacking for common epilepsies due to their complex nature of inheritance. Precision medicine for common epilepsies require a panoramic approach that incorporates polygenic background and other non-genetic factors like microbiome, diet, age at disease onset, optimal time for treatment and other lifestyle factors which influence seizure threshold. This review aims to comprehensively present a state-of-art review of all the genes and their genetic variants that are associated with all common epilepsy subtypes. It also encompasses the basis of these genes in the epileptogenesis. Here, we discussed the current status of the common epilepsy genetics and address the clinical application so far on evidence-based markers in prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment management. In addition, we assessed the diagnostic predictability of a few genetic markers used for disease risk prediction in individuals. A combination of deeper endo-phenotyping including pharmaco-response data, electro-clinical imaging, and other clinical measurements along with genetics may be used to diagnose common epilepsies and this marks a step ahead in precision medicine in common epilepsies management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Thakran
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
| | - Debleena Guin
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Department of Bioinformatics, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Main Bawana Road, Delhi 110042, India;
| | - Pooja Singh
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
| | - Priyanka Singh
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
| | - Samiksha Kukal
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
| | - Chitra Rawat
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
| | - Saroj Yadav
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
| | - Suman S. Kushwaha
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110095, India;
| | - Achal K. Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Yasha Hasija
- Department of Bioinformatics, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Main Bawana Road, Delhi 110042, India;
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
- G N Ramachandran Knowledge Centre, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)—Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Ritushree Kukreti
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi 110007, India; (S.T.); (D.G.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (S.K.); (C.R.); (S.Y.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India;
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Absalom NL, Liao VWY, Kothur K, Indurthi DC, Bennetts B, Troedson C, Mohammad SS, Gupta S, McGregor IS, Bowen MT, Lederer D, Mary S, De Waele L, Jansen K, Gill D, Kurian MA, McTague A, Møller RS, Ahring PK, Dale RC, Chebib M. Gain-of-function GABRB3 variants identified in vigabatrin-hypersensitive epileptic encephalopathies. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa162. [PMID: 33585817 PMCID: PMC7869430 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in the GABRB3 gene encoding the β3-subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A ( receptor are associated with various developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Typically, these variants cause a loss-of-function molecular phenotype whereby γ-aminobutyric acid has reduced inhibitory effectiveness leading to seizures. Drugs that potentiate inhibitory GABAergic activity, such as nitrazepam, phenobarbital or vigabatrin, are expected to compensate for this and thereby reduce seizure frequency. However, vigabatrin, a drug that inhibits γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase to increase tonic γ-aminobutyric acid currents, has mixed success in treating seizures in patients with GABRB3 variants: some patients experience seizure cessation, but there is hypersensitivity in some patients associated with hypotonia, sedation and respiratory suppression. A GABRB3 variant that responds well to vigabatrin involves a truncation variant (p.Arg194*) resulting in a clear loss-of-function. We hypothesized that patients with a hypersensitive response to vigabatrin may exhibit a different γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the phenotype of de novo variants in GABRB3 (p.Glu77Lys and p.Thr287Ile) associated with patients who are clinically hypersensitive to vigabatrin. We introduced the GABRB3 p.Glu77Lys and p.Thr287Ile variants into a concatenated synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor construct, to resemble the γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor expression by a patient heterozygous for the GABRB3 variant. The mRNA of these constructs was injected into Xenopus oocytes and activation properties of each receptor measured by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. Results showed an atypical gain-of-function molecular phenotype in the GABRB3 p.Glu77Lys and p.Thr287Ile variants characterized by increased potency of γ-aminobutyric acid A without change to the estimated maximum open channel probability, deactivation kinetics or absolute currents. Modelling of the activation properties of the receptors indicated that either variant caused increased chloride flux in response to low concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid that mediate tonic currents. We therefore propose that the hypersensitivity reaction to vigabatrin is a result of GABRB3 variants that exacerbate GABAergic tonic currents and caution is required when prescribing vigabatrin. In contrast, drug strategies increasing tonic currents in loss-of-function variants are likely to be a safe and effective therapy. This study demonstrates that functional genomics can explain beneficial and adverse anti-epileptic drug effects, and propose that vigabatrin should be considered in patients with clear loss-of-function GABRB3 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Absalom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Vivian W Y Liao
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kavitha Kothur
- Kids Neuroscience Centre at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Dinesh C Indurthi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Bruce Bennetts
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, 2145, Australia
| | - Christopher Troedson
- T.Y. Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Shekeeb S Mohammad
- Kids Neuroscience Centre at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Sachin Gupta
- T.Y. Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Faculty of Science, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- Faculty of Science, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Damien Lederer
- Institute of Pathology and Genetics, Center for Human Genetics, Gosselies 6041, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Mary
- Institute of Pathology and Genetics, Center for Human Genetics, Gosselies 6041, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Katrien Jansen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Deepak Gill
- Kids Neuroscience Centre at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Amy McTague
- Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund 4293, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Philip K Ahring
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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16
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Shen W, Poliquin S, Macdonald RL, Dong M, Kang JQ. Endoplasmic reticulum stress increases inflammatory cytokines in an epilepsy mouse model Gabrg2 +/Q390X knockin: A link between genetic and acquired epilepsy? Epilepsia 2020; 61:2301-2312. [PMID: 32944937 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuroinflammation is a major theme in epilepsy, which has been characterized in acquired epilepsy but is poorly understood in genetic epilepsy. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit gene mutations are significant causes of epilepsy, and we have studied the pathophysiology directly resulting from defective receptor channels. Here, we determined the proinflammatory factors in a genetic mouse model, the Gabrg2+/Q390X knockin (KI). We have identified increased cytokines in multiple brain regions of the KI mouse throughout different developmental stages and propose that accumulation of the trafficking-deficient mutant protein may increase neuroinflammation, which would be a novel mechanism for genetic epilepsy. METHODS We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoprecipitation, nuclei purification, immunoblot, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy to characterize increased neuroinflammation and its potential causes in a Gabrg2+/Q390X KI mouse and a Gabrg2+/- knockout (KO) mouse, each associated with a different epilepsy syndrome with different severities. RESULTS We found that proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were increased in the KI mice but not in the KO mice. A major underlying basis for the discrepancy in cytokine expression between the two mouse models is likely chronic mutant protein accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The presence of mutant protein dampened cytokine induction upon further cellular stimulation or external stress such as elevated temperature. Pharmacological induction of ER stress upregulated cytokine expression in the wild-type and KO but not in the KI mice. The increased cytokine expression was independent of seizure occurrence, because it was upregulated in both mice and cultured neurons. SIGNIFICANCE Together, these data demonstrate a novel pathophysiology for genetic epilepsy, increased neuroinflammation, which is a common mechanism for acquired epilepsy. The findings thus provide the first link of neuroinflammation between genetic epilepsy associated with an ion channel gene mutation and acquired epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah Poliquin
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marco Dong
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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17
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Donegan JJ, Lodge DJ. Stem Cells for Improving the Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:1118-1130. [PMID: 32008442 PMCID: PMC7469694 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism are currently limited. Antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia are not effective for all patients, do not target all symptoms of the disease, and have serious adverse side effects. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs to treat the core symptoms of autism. In an effort to develop new and more effective treatment strategies, stem cell technologies have been used to reprogram adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be differentiated into neuronal cells and even three-dimensional brain organoids. This new technology has the potential to elucidate the complex mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders, offer more relevant platforms for drug discovery and personalized medicine, and may even be used to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J. Donegan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J. Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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18
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Carroll L, Braeutigam S, Dawes JM, Krsnik Z, Kostovic I, Coutinho E, Dewing JM, Horton CA, Gomez-Nicola D, Menassa DA. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Multiple Routes to, and Multiple Consequences of, Abnormal Synaptic Function and Connectivity. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:10-29. [PMID: 32441222 PMCID: PMC7804368 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420921378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of
neurodevelopmental disorders of genetic and environmental etiologies.
Some ASD cases are syndromic: associated with clinically defined
patterns of somatic abnormalities and a neurobehavioral phenotype
(e.g., Fragile X syndrome). Many cases, however, are idiopathic or
non-syndromic. Such disorders present themselves during the early
postnatal period when language, speech, and personality start to
develop. ASDs manifest by deficits in social communication and
interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior across
multiple contexts, sensory abnormalities across multiple modalities
and comorbidities, such as epilepsy among many others. ASDs are
disorders of connectivity, as synaptic dysfunction is common to both
syndromic and idiopathic forms. While multiple theories have been
proposed, particularly in idiopathic ASDs, none address why certain
brain areas (e.g., frontotemporal) appear more vulnerable than others
or identify factors that may affect phenotypic specificity. In this
hypothesis article, we identify possible routes leading to, and the
consequences of, altered connectivity and review the evidence of
central and peripheral synaptic dysfunction in ASDs. We postulate that
phenotypic specificity could arise from aberrant experience-dependent
plasticity mechanisms in frontal brain areas and peripheral sensory
networks and propose why the vulnerability of these areas could be
part of a model to unify preexisting pathophysiological theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Carroll
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sven Braeutigam
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - John M Dawes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Zeljka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Centre of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kostovic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Centre of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ester Coutinho
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer M Dewing
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Christopher A Horton
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Diego Gomez-Nicola
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David A Menassa
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.,Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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19
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Wang J, Poliquin S, Mermer F, Eissman J, Delpire E, Wang J, Shen W, Cai K, Li BM, Li ZY, Xu D, Nwosu G, Flamm C, Liao WP, Shi YW, Kang JQ. Endoplasmic reticulum retention and degradation of a mutation in SLC6A1 associated with epilepsy and autism. Mol Brain 2020; 13:76. [PMID: 32398021 PMCID: PMC7218610 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00612-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in SLC6A1, encoding γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (GAT-1), have been recently associated with a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes, intellectual disability and autism in clinic. However, the pathophysiology of the gene mutations is far from clear. Here we report a novel SLC6A1 missense mutation in a patient with epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder and characterized the molecular defects of the mutant GAT-1, from transporter protein trafficking to GABA uptake function in heterologous cells and neurons. The heterozygous missense mutation (c1081C to A (P361T)) in SLC6A1 was identified by exome sequencing. We have thoroughly characterized the molecular pathophysiology underlying the clinical phenotypes. We performed EEG recordings and autism diagnostic interview. The patient had neurodevelopmental delay, absence epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, and 2.5–3 Hz generalized spike and slow waves on EEG recordings. The impact of the mutation on GAT-1 function and trafficking was evaluated by 3H GABA uptake, structural simulation with machine learning tools, live cell confocal microscopy and protein expression in mouse neurons and nonneuronal cells. We demonstrated that the GAT-1(P361T) mutation destabilizes the global protein conformation and reduces total protein expression. The mutant transporter protein was localized intracellularly inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with a pattern of expression very similar to the cells treated with tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer. Radioactive 3H-labeled GABA uptake assay indicated the mutation reduced the function of the mutant GAT-1(P361T), to a level that is similar to the cells treated with GAT-1 inhibitors. In summary, this mutation destabilizes the mutant transporter protein, which results in retention of the mutant protein inside cells and reduction of total transporter expression, likely via excessive endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation. This thus likely causes reduced functional transporter number on the cell surface, which then could cause the observed reduced GABA uptake function. Consequently, malfunctioning GABA signaling may cause altered neurodevelopment and neurotransmission, such as enhanced tonic inhibition and altered cell proliferation in vivo. The pathophysiology due to severely impaired GAT-1 function may give rise to a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental phenotypes including autism and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Sarah Poliquin
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Felicia Mermer
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jaclyn Eissman
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Eric Delpire
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Juexin Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Kefu Cai
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing-Mei Li
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Zong-Yan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Gerald Nwosu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt-Meharry Alliance, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Carson Flamm
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Wei-Ping Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yi-Wu Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center of Human Development, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, 6147 MRBIII, 465 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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20
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Altered Expression of GABAergic Markers in the Forebrain of Young and Adult Engrailed-2 Knockout Mice. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040384. [PMID: 32244845 PMCID: PMC7231099 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired function of GABAergic interneurons, and the subsequent alteration of excitation/inhibition balance, is thought to contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Altered numbers of GABAergic interneurons and reduced expression of GABA receptors has been detected in the brain of ASD subjects and mouse models of ASD. We previously showed a reduced expression of GABAergic interneuron markers parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) in the forebrain of adult mice lacking the Engrailed2 gene (En2-/- mice). Here, we extended this analysis to postnatal day (P) 30 by using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR to study the expression of GABAergic interneuron markers in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex of En2-/- and wild type (WT) mice. In addition, GABA receptor subunit mRNA expression was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR in the same brain regions of P30 and adult En2-/- and WT mice. As observed in adult animals, PV and SST expression was decreased in En2-/- forebrain of P30 mice. The expression of GABA receptor subunits (including the ASD-relevant Gabrb3) was also altered in young and adult En2-/- forebrain. Our results suggest that GABAergic neurotransmission deficits are already evident at P30, confirming that neurodevelopmental defects of GABAergic interneurons occur in the En2 mouse model of ASD.
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21
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Myers SJ, Yuan H, Kang JQ, Tan FCK, Traynelis SF, Low CM. Distinct roles of GRIN2A and GRIN2B variants in neurological conditions. F1000Res 2019; 8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1940. [PMID: 31807283 PMCID: PMC6871362 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18949.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in sequencing technology have led to an explosive increase in the number of genetic variants identified in patients with neurological disease and have also enabled the assembly of a robust database of variants in healthy individuals. A surprising number of variants in the GRIN genes that encode N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamatergic receptor subunits have been found in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. This review compares and contrasts the available information describing the clinical and functional consequences of genetic variations in GRIN2A and GRIN2B. Comparison of clinical phenotypes shows that GRIN2A variants are commonly associated with an epileptic phenotype but that GRIN2B variants are commonly found in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. These observations emphasize the distinct roles that the gene products serve in circuit function and suggest that functional analysis of GRIN2A and GRIN2B variation may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms, which will allow more accurate subclassification of clinical phenotypes. Furthermore, characterization of the pharmacological properties of variant receptors could provide the first opportunity for translational therapeutic strategies for these GRIN-related neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Myers
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center of Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Francis Chee Kuan Tan
- Department of Anaesthesia, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chian-Ming Low
- Department of Anaesthesia, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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22
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Shi YW, Zhang Q, Cai K, Poliquin S, Shen W, Winters N, Yi YH, Wang J, Hu N, Macdonald RL, Liao WP, Kang JQ. Synaptic clustering differences due to different GABRB3 mutations cause variable epilepsy syndromes. Brain 2019; 142:3028-3044. [PMID: 31435640 PMCID: PMC6776116 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GABRB3 is highly expressed early in the developing brain, and its encoded β3 subunit is critical for GABAA receptor assembly and trafficking as well as stem cell differentiation in embryonic brain. To date, over 400 mutations or variants have been identified in GABRB3. Mutations in GABRB3 have been increasingly recognized as a major cause for severe paediatric epilepsy syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and infantile spasms with intellectual disability as well as relatively mild epilepsy syndromes such as childhood absence epilepsy. There is no plausible molecular pathology for disease phenotypic heterogeneity. Here we used a very high-throughput flow cytometry assay to evaluate the impact of multiple human mutations in GABRB3 on receptor trafficking. In this study we found that surface expression of mutant β3 subunits is variable. However, it was consistent that surface expression of partnering γ2 subunits was lower when co-expressed with mutant than with wild-type subunits. Because γ2 subunits are critical for synaptic GABAA receptor clustering, this provides an important clue for understanding the pathophysiology of GABRB3 mutations. To validate our findings further, we obtained an in-depth comparison of two novel mutations [GABRB3 (N328D) and GABRB3 (E357K)] associated with epilepsy with different severities of epilepsy phenotype. GABRB3 (N328D) is associated with the relatively severe Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and GABRB3 (E357K) is associated with the relatively mild juvenile absence epilepsy syndrome. With functional characterizations in both heterologous cells and rodent cortical neurons by patch-clamp recordings, confocal microscopy and immunoblotting, we found that both the GABRB3 (N328D) and GABRB3 (E357K) mutations reduced total subunit expression in neurons but not in HEK293T cells. Both mutant subunits, however, were reduced on the cell surface and in synapses, but the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome mutant β3 (N328D) subunit was more reduced than the juvenile absence epilepsy mutant β3 (E357K) subunit. Interestingly, both mutant β3 subunits impaired postsynaptic clustering of wild-type GABAA receptor γ2 subunits and prevented γ2 subunits from incorporating into GABAA receptors at synapses, although by different cellular mechanisms. Importantly, wild-type γ2 subunits were reduced and less clustered at inhibitory synapses in Gabrb3+/- knockout mice. This suggests that impaired receptor localization to synapses is a common pathophysiological mechanism for GABRB3 mutations, although the extent of impairment may be different among mutant subunits. The study thus identifies the novel mechanism of impaired targeting of receptors containing mutant β3 subunits and provides critical insights into understanding how GABRB3 mutations produce severe epilepsy syndromes and epilepsy phenotypic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wu Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, JS, China
| | - Kefu Cai
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Nantong University, 19 QiXiu Road, Nantong, JS, China
| | - Sarah Poliquin
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nathan Winters
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yong-Hong Yi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningning Hu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wei-Ping Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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23
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Balicza P, Varga NÁ, Bolgár B, Pentelényi K, Bencsik R, Gál A, Gézsi A, Prekop C, Molnár V, Molnár MJ. Comprehensive Analysis of Rare Variants of 101 Autism-Linked Genes in a Hungarian Cohort of Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients. Front Genet 2019; 10:434. [PMID: 31134136 PMCID: PMC6517558 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. Former genetic studies suggested that both common and rare genetic variants play a role in the etiology. In this study, we aimed to analyze rare variants detected by next generation sequencing (NGS) in an autism cohort from Hungary. Methods We investigated the yield of NGS panel sequencing of an unselected ASD cohort (N = 174 ) for the detection of ASD associated syndromes. Besides, we analyzed rare variants in a common disease-rare variant framework and performed rare variant burden analysis and gene enrichment analysis in phenotype based clusters. Results We have diagnosed 13 molecularly proven syndromic autism cases. Strongest indicators of syndromic autism were intellectual disability, epilepsy or other neurological plus symptoms. Rare variant analysis on a cohort level confirmed the association of five genes with autism (AUTS2, NHS, NSD1, SLC9A9, and VPS13). We found no correlation between rare variant burden and number of minor malformation or autism severity. We identified four phenotypic clusters, but no specific gene was enriched in a given cluster. Conclusion Our study indicates that NGS panel gene sequencing can be useful, where the clinical picture suggests a clinically defined syndromic autism. In this group, targeted panel sequencing may provide reasonable diagnostic yield. Unselected NGS panel screening in the clinic remains controversial, because of uncertain utility, and difficulties of the variant interpretation. However, the detected rare variants may still significantly influence autism risk and subphenotypes in a polygenic model, but to detect the effects of these variants larger cohorts are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Balicza
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Ágnes Varga
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Bolgár
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klára Pentelényi
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renáta Bencsik
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Gál
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Gézsi
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Prekop
- Vadaskert Foundation for Children's Mental Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Molnár
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Judit Molnár
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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24
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Hernandez CC, Macdonald RL. A structural look at GABA A receptor mutations linked to epilepsy syndromes. Brain Res 2019; 1714:234-247. [PMID: 30851244 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic variation in GABAA receptor subunit genes (GABRs), GABRA1-6, GABRB1-3, GABRG1-3 and GABRD, in individuals affected by epilepsy may improve the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy syndromes through identification of disease-associated variants. However, the lack of functional analysis and validation of many novel and previously reported familial and de novo mutations have made it challenging to address meaningful gene associations with epilepsy syndromes. GABAA receptors belong to the Cys-loop receptor family. Even though GABAA receptor mutant residues are widespread among different GABRs, their frequent occurrence in important structural domains that share common functional features suggests associations between structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciria C Hernandez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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25
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Modgil A, Vien TN, Ackley MA, Doherty JJ, Moss SJ, Davies PA. Neuroactive Steroids Reverse Tonic Inhibitory Deficits in Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:15. [PMID: 30804752 PMCID: PMC6371020 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. A reduction in neuronal inhibition mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of FXS. Neuroactive steroids (NASs) are known allosteric modulators of GABAAR channel function, but recent studies from our laboratory have revealed that NASs also exert persistent metabotropic effects on the efficacy of tonic inhibition by increasing the protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation of the α4 and β3 subunits which increase the membrane expression and boosts tonic inhibition. We have assessed the GABAergic signaling in the hippocampus of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) knock-out (Fmr1KO) mouse. The GABAergic tonic current in dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs) from 3- to 5-week-old (p21–35) Fmr1KO mice was significantly reduced compared to WT mice. Additionally, spontaneous inhibitory post synaptic inhibitory current (sIPSC) amplitudes were increased in DGGCs from Fmr1 KO mice. While sIPSCs decay in both genotypes was prolonged by the prototypic benzodiazepine diazepam, those in Frm1-KO mice were selectively potentiated by RO15-4513. Consistent with this altered pharmacology, modifications in the expression levels and phosphorylation of receptor GABAAR subtypes that mediate tonic inhibition were seen in Fmr1 KO mice. Significantly, exposure to NASs induced a sustained elevation in tonic current in Fmr1 KO mice which was prevented with PKC inhibition. Likewise, exposure reduced elevated membrane excitability seen in the mutant mice. Collectively, our results suggest that NAS act to reverse the deficits of tonic inhibition seen in FXS, and thereby reduce aberrant neuronal hyperexcitability seen in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Modgil
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thuy N Vien
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Stephen J Moss
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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26
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Wang L, Li J, Shuang M, Lu T, Wang Z, Zhang T, Yue W, Jia M, Ruan Y, Liu J, Wu Z, Zhang D, Wang L. Association study and mutation sequencing of genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 identified GABRG3 as a susceptibility gene for autism in Chinese Han population. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:152. [PMID: 30108208 PMCID: PMC6092396 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytogenetic studies suggested that chromosome 15q11-q13 might be a candidate region that increases the risk of autism. Previous association studies in Caucasian populations identified the risk variants of genes in this region. However, the association of these genes with autism in Chinese Han population remains unclear. Herein, 512 autism trios were utilized for a family-based association study of 41 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this region to explore the association between protein-coding genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 and autism in Chinese Han population. Furthermore, we sequenced these autism-related genes to detect rare variants in 512 autism trios and 575 healthy controls. Our results showed that the C allele of rs7180500 in GABRG3 was a risk variant for autism (p = 0.00057). The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis revealed that the C allele of rs7180500 might be associated with the expression of GABRG3 in the cerebellum (Braineac: p = 0.0048; GTEx: p = 0.0010). Moreover, the sequencing identified two rare variants rs201602655 (p.Val233Met) and rs201427468 (p.Pro365Ser) in GABRG3 and six rare variants in GABRB3 in autistic patients. Among these variants, rs201602655 (p.Val233Met) in GABRG3 were observed in 9 of 512 autistic children and 2 of 575 healthy controls (Pearson χ2-test, χ2 = 5.375, p = 0.020). The functional prediction indicated that rs201602655 (p.Val233Met) might be deleterious. Thus, these findings demonstrated that GABRG3 might contribute to the pathogenesis of autism in Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Wang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jun Li
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Mei Shuang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Tianlan Lu
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Tian Zhang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Weihua Yue
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Meixiang Jia
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yanyan Ruan
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jing Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Zhiliu Wu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China. .,The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, 510370, China.
| | - Dai Zhang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
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27
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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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28
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Donegan JJ, Boley AM, Lodge DJ. Embryonic stem cell transplants as a therapeutic strategy in a rodent model of autism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1789-1798. [PMID: 29453447 PMCID: PMC6006318 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0021-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by disruptions in three core behavioral domains: deficits in social interaction, impairments in communication, and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior or thought. There are currently no drugs available for the treatment of the core symptoms of ASD and drugs that target comorbid symptoms often have serious adverse side effects, suggesting an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. The neurobiology of autism is complex, but converging evidence suggests that ASD involves disruptions in the inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmitter system. Specifically, people with autism have a reduction in parvalbumin (PV)-containing interneurons in the PFC, leading to the suggestion that restoring interneuron function in this region may be a novel therapeutic approach for ASD. Here we used a dual-reporter embryonic stem cell line to generate enriched populations of PV-positive interneurons, which were transplanted into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the Poly I:C rodent model of autism. PV interneuron transplants were able to decrease pyramidal cell firing in the mPFC and alleviated deficits in social interaction and cognitive flexibility. Our results suggest that restoring PV interneuron function in the mPFC may be a novel and effective treatment strategy to reduce the core symptoms of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Donegan
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Angela M Boley
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Daniel J Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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29
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Wang X, Kery R, Xiong Q. Synaptopathology in autism spectrum disorders: Complex effects of synaptic genes on neural circuits. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:398-415. [PMID: 28986278 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Rachel Kery
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Qiaojie Xiong
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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30
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Mahdavi M, Kheirollahi M, Riahi R, Khorvash F, Khorrami M, Mirsafaie M. Meta-Analysis of the Association between GABA Receptor Polymorphisms and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:1-9. [PMID: 29725984 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1073-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the association of GABA receptor subunits B3, A5, and G3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chromosome 15q11-q13 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the currently available results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between ASD and the GABA receptor SNPs in chromosomal region 15q11-q13. The association was calculated by the overall odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used sensitivity analyses and the assessment of publication bias in our meta-analysis. Eight independent case-control studies involving 1408 cases and 2846 healthy controls were analyzed, namely, 8 studies for GABRB3 SNPs as well as 4 studies for GABRA5 and GABRG3 polymorphisms. The meta-analysis showed that GABRB3 polymorphisms in general are not significantly associated with autism [OR = 0.846 (95% CI): 0.595-1.201, I2 = 79.1%]. Further analysis indicated that no associations were found between GABRB3 SNPs and autism on rs2081648 [OR = 0.84 (95% CI) = 0.41-1.72, I2 = 89.2%] and rs1426217 [OR = 1.13 (95% CI) = 0.64-2.0, I2 = 83%]. An OR of 0.95 (95% CI) = 0.77-1.17 was reported (I2 = 0.0%) for GABRA5 SNPs and an OR of 0.96 (95% CI) = 0.24-3.81 was obtained from GABRG3 SNPs (I2 = 97.8%). This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that different SNPs of GABA receptor B3, A5, and G3 subunit genes located on chromosome 15q11-q13 are not associated with the development of autism spectrum diseases in different ethnic populations. However, in future research, large-scale and high-quality studies are necessary to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manijeh Mahdavi
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease and Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Kheirollahi
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease and Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran. .,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Roya Riahi
- Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fariborz Khorvash
- Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khorrami
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease and Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mirsafaie
- Mohkam-kar Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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31
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A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Pilot Study of Riluzole for Drug-Refractory Irritability in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3051-3060. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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32
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Forsberg SL, Ilieva M, Maria Michel T. Epigenetics and cerebral organoids: promising directions in autism spectrum disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:14. [PMID: 29317608 PMCID: PMC5802583 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect 1 in 68 children in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is characterized by impairments in social interactions and communication, restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviors, and interests. Owing to disease complexity, only a limited number of treatment options are available mainly for children that alleviate but do not cure the debilitating symptoms. Studies confirm a genetic link, but environmental factors, such as medications, toxins, and maternal infection during pregnancy, as well as birth complications also play a role. Some studies indicate a set of candidate genes with different DNA methylation profiles in ASD compared to healthy individuals. Thus epigenetic alterations could help bridging the gene-environment gap in deciphering the underlying neurobiology of autism. However, epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have mainly included a very limited number of postmortem brain samples. Hence, cellular models mimicking brain development in vitro will be of great importance to study the critical epigenetic alterations and when they might happen. This review will give an overview of the state of the art concerning knowledge on epigenetic changes in autism and how new, cutting edge expertise based on three-dimensional (3D) stem cell technology models (brain organoids) can contribute in elucidating the multiple aspects of disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Louise Forsberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Tanja Maria Michel
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry in the region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Center for Applied Neuroscience BRIDGE, University of Southern Denmark, Psychiatry in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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33
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Nardone S, Sams DS, Zito A, Reuveni E, Elliott E. Dysregulation of Cortical Neuron DNA Methylation Profile in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:5739-5754. [PMID: 29028941 PMCID: PMC6346295 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome whose etiology includes genetic and environmental components. Since epigenetic marks are sensitive to environmental insult, they may be involved in the development of ASD. Initial brain studies have suggested a dysregulation of epigenetic marks in ASD. However, due to cellular heterogeneity in the brain, these studies have not determined if there is a true change in the neuronal epigenetic signature. Here, we report a genome-wide methylation study on fluorescence-activated cell sorting-sorted neuronal nuclei from the frontal cortex of 16 male ASD and 15 male control subjects. Using the 450 K BeadArray, we identified 58 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that included loci associated to GABAergic system genes, particularly ABAT and GABBR1, and brain-specific MicroRNAs. Selected DMRs were validated by targeted Next Generation Bisulfite Sequencing. Weighted gene correlation network analysis detected 3 co-methylation modules which are significantly correlated to ASD that were enriched for genomic regions underlying neuronal, GABAergic, and immune system genes. Finally, we determined an overlap of the 58 ASD-related DMRs with neurodevelopment associated DMRs. This investigation identifies alterations in the DNA methylation pattern in ASD cortical neurons, providing further evidence that epigenetic alterations in disorder-relevant tissues may be involved in the biology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Nardone
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, Safed 13215, Israel
| | - Dev Sharan Sams
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, Safed 13215, Israel
| | - Antonino Zito
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Eli Reuveni
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, Safed 13215, Israel
| | - Evan Elliott
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, Safed 13215, Israel
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34
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Hernandez CC, Zhang Y, Hu N, Shen D, Shen W, Liu X, Kong W, Jiang Y, Macdonald RL. GABA A Receptor Coupling Junction and Pore GABRB3 Mutations are Linked to Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15903. [PMID: 29162865 PMCID: PMC5698489 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16010-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors are brain inhibitory chloride ion channels. Here we show functional analyses and structural simulations for three de novo missense mutations in the GABAA receptor β3 subunit gene (GABRB3) identified in patients with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) and profound developmental delay. We sought to obtain insights into the molecular mechanisms that might link defects in GABAA receptor biophysics and biogenesis to patients with EOEE. The mutant residues are part of conserved structural domains such as the Cys-loop (L170R) and M2-M3 loop (A305V) that form the GABA binding/channel gating coupling junction and the channel pore (T288N), which are functionally coupled during receptor activation. The mutant coupling junction residues caused rearrangements and formation of new hydrogen bonds in the open state, while the mutant pore residue reshaped the pore cavity. Whereas mutant coupling junction residues uncoupled during activation and caused gain of function, the mutant pore residue favoured low conductance receptors and differential sensitivity to diazepam and loss of function. These data reveal novel molecular mechanisms by which EOEE-linked mutations affect GABAA receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciria C Hernandez
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN., 37240-7915., USA. .,University of Michigan, Life Sciences Institute, 210 Washtenaw Ave., Room 6115, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2216, USA.
| | - Yujia Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Ningning Hu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN., 37240-7915., USA
| | - Dingding Shen
- The Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 37240-7915., TN, USA
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN., 37240-7915., USA
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Weijing Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN., 37240-7915., USA.
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35
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Delahanty RJ, Zhang Y, Bichell TJ, Shen W, Verdier K, Macdonald RL, Xu L, Boyd K, Williams J, Kang JQ. Beyond Epilepsy and Autism: Disruption of GABRB3 Causes Ocular Hypopigmentation. Cell Rep 2017; 17:3115-3124. [PMID: 28009282 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced ocular pigmentation is common in Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and is long thought to be caused by OCA2 deletion. GABRB3 is located in the 15q11-13 region flanked by UBE3A, GABRA5, GABRG3, and OCA2. Mutations in GABRB3 have frequently been associated with epilepsy and autism, consistent with its role in neurodevelopment. We report here a robust phenotype in the mouse in which deletion of Gabrb3 alone causes nearly complete loss of retinal pigmentation due to atrophied melanosomes, as evidenced by electron microscopy. Using exome and RNA sequencing, we confirmed that only the Gabrb3 gene was disrupted while the Oca2 gene was intact. However, mRNA abundance of Oca2 and other genes adjacent to Gabrb3 is substantially reduced in Gabrb3-/- mice, suggesting complex transcriptional regulation in this region. These results suggest that impairment in GABRB3 downregulates OCA2 and indirectly causes ocular hypopigmentation and visual defects in AS and PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Delahanty
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Yanfeng Zhang
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Terry Jo Bichell
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Kelienne Verdier
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Lili Xu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Kelli Boyd
- Pathology Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Janice Williams
- Vanderbilt Electron Microscopy Core, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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36
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Kang JQ. Defects at the crossroads of GABAergic signaling in generalized genetic epilepsies. Epilepsy Res 2017; 137:9-18. [PMID: 28865303 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Seizure disorders are very common and affect 3% of the general population. The recurrent unprovoked seizures that are also called epilepsies are highly diverse as to both underlying genetic basis and clinic presentations. Recent genetic advances and sequencing technologies indicate that many epilepsies previously thought to be without known causes, or idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs), are virtually genetic epilepsy as they are caused by genetic variations. IGEs are estimated to account for ∼15-20% of all epilepsies. Initially IGEs were primarily considered channelopathies, because the first genetic defects identified in IGEs involved ion channel genes. However, new findings indicate that mutations in many non ion channel genes are also involved in addition to those in ion channel genes. Interestingly, mutations in many genes associated with epilepsy affect GABAergic signaling, a major biological pathway in epilepsy. Additionally, many antiepileptic drugs work via enhancing GABAergic signaling. Hence, the review will focus on the mutations that impair GABAergic signaling and selectively discuss the newly identified STXBP1, PRRT2, and DNM1 in addition to those long-established epilepsy ion channel genes that also impair GABAergic signaling like SCN1A and GABAA receptor subunit genes. GABAergic signaling includes the pre- and post- synaptic mechanisms. Some mutations, such as STXBP1, PRRT2, DNM1, and SCN1A, impair GABAergic signaling mainly via pre-synaptic mechanisms while those mutations in GABAA receptor subunit genes impair GABAergic signaling via post-synaptic mechanisms. Nevertheless, these findings suggest impaired GABAergic signaling is a converging pathway of defects for many ion channel or non ion channel mutations associated with genetic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Qiong Kang
- Departments of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232-8552, USA; Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center of Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232-8522, USA.
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37
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Yamada Y, Sakuma J, Takeuchi I, Yasukochi Y, Kato K, Oguri M, Fujimaki T, Horibe H, Muramatsu M, Sawabe M, Fujiwara Y, Taniguchi Y, Obuchi S, Kawai H, Shinkai S, Mori S, Arai T, Tanaka M. Identification of six polymorphisms as novel susceptibility loci for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke by exome-wide association studies. Int J Mol Med 2017; 39:1477-1491. [PMID: 28487959 PMCID: PMC5428971 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we performed exome-wide association studies (EWASs) to identify genetic variants that confer susceptibility to ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). EWAS for ischemic stroke was performed using 1,575 patients with this condition and 9,210 controls, and EWASs for ICH and SAH were performed using 673 patients with ICH, 265 patients with SAH and 9,158 controls. Analyses were performed with Illumina HumanExome-12 DNA Analysis BeadChip or Infinium Exome-24 BeadChip arrays. The relation of allele frequencies for 41,339 or 41,332 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that passed quality control to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, respectively, was examined with Fisher's exact test. Based on Bonferroni's correction, a P-value of <1.21x10-6 was considered statistically significant. EWAS for ischemic stroke revealed that 77 SNPs were significantly associated with this condition. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus revealed that 4 of these SNPs [rs3212335 of GABRB3 (P=0.0036; odds ratio, 1.29), rs147783135 of TMPRSS7 (P=0.0024; odds ratio, 0.37), rs2292661 of PDIA5 (P=0.0054; odds ratio, 0.35) and rs191885206 of CYP4F12 (P=0.0082; odds ratio, 2.60)] were related (P<0.01) to ischemic stroke. EWASs for ICH or SAH revealed that 48 and 12 SNPs, respectively, were significantly associated with these conditions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex and the prevalence of hypertension revealed that rs138533962 of STYK1 (P<1.0x10-23; odds ratio, 111.3) was significantly (P<2.60x10-4) associated with ICH and that rs117564807 of COL17A1 (P=0.0009; odds ratio, 2.23x10-8) was significantly (P<0.0010) associated with SAH. GABRB3, TMPRSS7, PDIA5 and CYP4F12 may thus be novel susceptibility loci for ischemic stroke, whereas STYK1 and COL17A1 may be such loci for ICH and SAH, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiji Yamada
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Mie University, Tsu 514‑8507, Japan
| | - Jun Sakuma
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takeuchi
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Yasukochi
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Mie University, Tsu 514‑8507, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Kato
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Mie University, Tsu 514‑8507, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Oguri
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Mie University, Tsu 514‑8507, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Fujimaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Inabe General Hospital, Inabe 511-0428, Japan
| | - Hideki Horibe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital, Tajimi 507-8522, Japan
| | - Masaaki Muramatsu
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Motoji Sawabe
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujiwara
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yu Taniguchi
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Shuichi Obuchi
- Research Team for Promoting Support System for Home Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kawai
- Research Team for Promoting Support System for Home Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Shoji Shinkai
- Research Team for Social Participation and Health Promotion, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Seijiro Mori
- Center for Promotion of Clinical Investigation, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Tomio Arai
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Masashi Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
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Richard AE, Scheffer IE, Wilson SJ. Features of the broader autism phenotype in people with epilepsy support shared mechanisms between epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 75:203-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Autism spectrum disorder in the scope of tactile processing. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2016; 29:140-150. [PMID: 28089657 PMCID: PMC5481487 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing abnormalities are among the most common behavioral phenotypes seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), typically characterized by either over- or under-responsiveness to stimulation. In this review, we focus on tactile processing dysfunction in ASD. We firstly review clinical studies wherein sensitivity to tactile stimuli has traditionally been assessed by self-, parent- and experimenter-reports. We also discuss recent investigations using psychophysical paradigms that gauge individual tactile thresholds. These more experimentally rigorous studies allow for more objective assessments of tactile abnormalities in ASD. However, little is understood about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these abnormalities, or the link between tactile abnormalities and ASD symptoms. Neurobiological research that has been conducted has pointed toward dysfunction in the excitation/inhibition balance of the central nervous system of those with ASD. This review covers recent efforts that have investigated tactile dysfunction in ASD from clinical and behavioral perspectives, and some of the efforts to link these to neurobiology. On the whole, findings are inconsistent, which can be ascribed to the subjectivity of clinical assessments, the heterogeneity of ASD cohorts, and the diversity of tactile sensitivity measures. Future endeavors into understanding tactile processing differences in ASD will greatly benefit from controlled experiments driven by neurobiological hypotheses.
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Papandreou A, McTague A, Trump N, Ambegaonkar G, Ngoh A, Meyer E, Scott RH, Kurian MA. GABRB3 mutations: a new and emerging cause of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Dev Med Child Neurol 2016; 58:416-20. [PMID: 26645412 PMCID: PMC4864756 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor β3 gene (GABRB3) encodes the β3-subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor, which mediates inhibitory signalling within the central nervous system. Recently, GABRB3 mutations have been identified in a few patients with infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. We report the clinical and electrographic features of a novel case of GABRB3-related early-onset epileptic encephalopathy. Our patient presented with neonatal hypotonia and feeding difficulties, then developed pharmacoresistant epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by multiple seizure types from 3 months of age. Electroencephalography demonstrated ictal generalized and interictal multifocal epileptiform abnormalities. Using a SureSelectXT custom multiple gene panel covering 48 early infantile epileptic encephalopathy/developmental delay genes, a novel de novo GABRB3 heterozygous missense mutation, c.860C>T (p.Thr287Ile), was identified and confirmed on Sanger sequencing. GABRB3 is an emerging cause of early-onset epilepsy. Novel genetic technologies, such as whole-exome/genome sequencing and multiple gene panels, will undoubtedly identify further cases, allowing more detailed electroclinical delineation of the GABRB3-related genotypic and phenotypic spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Papandreou
- Genetics and Genomics Medicine UnitUCL Institute of Child HealthLondonUK,Department of NeurologyGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK
| | - Amy McTague
- Developmental Neurosciences ProgrammeUCL Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Natalie Trump
- Department of Clinical GeneticsGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK
| | | | - Adeline Ngoh
- Developmental Neurosciences ProgrammeUCL Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Esther Meyer
- Department of NeurologyGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK
| | - Richard H Scott
- Department of Clinical GeneticsGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Department of NeurologyGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK,Developmental Neurosciences ProgrammeUCL Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
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Martin S, Lazzarini M, Dullin C, Balakrishnan S, Gomes FV, Ninkovic M, El Hady A, Pardo LA, Stühmer W, Del-Bel E. SK3 Channel Overexpression in Mice Causes Hippocampal Shrinkage Associated with Cognitive Impairments. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1078-1091. [PMID: 26803493 PMCID: PMC5310555 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The dysfunction of the small-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel SK3 has been described as one of the factors responsible for the progress of psychoneurological diseases, but the molecular basis of this is largely unknown. This report reveals through use of immunohistochemistry and computational tomography that long-term increased expression of the SK3 small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK3-T/T) in mice induces a notable bilateral reduction of the hippocampal area (more than 50 %). Histological analysis showed that SK3-T/T mice have cellular disarrangements and neuron discontinuities in the hippocampal formation CA1 and CA3 neuronal layer. SK3 overexpression resulted in cognitive loss as determined by the object recognition test. Electrophysiological examination of hippocampal slices revealed that SK3 channel overexpression induced deficiency of long-term potentiation in hippocampal microcircuits. In association with these results, there were changes at the mRNA levels of some genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease and/or linked to schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. Taken together, these features suggest that augmenting the function of SK3 ion channel in mice may present a unique opportunity to investigate the neural basis of central nervous system dysfunctions associated with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative disorders in this model system. As a more detailed understanding of the role of the SK3 channel in brain disorders is limited by the lack of specific SK3 antagonists and agonists, the results observed in this study are of significant interest; they suggest a new approach for the development of neuroprotective strategies in neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases with SK3 representing a potential drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Martin
- Department of Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcio Lazzarini
- Department of Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Georg-August University Medical Center, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Saju Balakrishnan
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Georg-August University Medical Center, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-900, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Milena Ninkovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georg-August University Medical Center, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed El Hady
- Department of Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Göttingen, Germany
- Theoretical Neurophysics, Department of Non-linear Dynamics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- The Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing", Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luis A Pardo
- Oncophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Walter Stühmer
- Department of Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.
- Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Elaine Del-Bel
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Pathology, CNPQ Research 1B (Biophysics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Neuroscience), University of São Paulo Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, Avenida do Café 3400, 14040-904, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Compromising the phosphodependent regulation of the GABAAR β3 subunit reproduces the core phenotypes of autism spectrum disorders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:14805-10. [PMID: 26627235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1514657112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the efficacy of neuronal inhibition mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAARs) containing β3 subunits are continually implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In vitro, the plasma membrane stability of GABAARs is potentiated via phosphorylation of serine residues 408 and 409 (S408/9) in the β3 subunit, an effect that is mimicked by their mutation to alanines. To assess if modifications in β3 subunit expression contribute to ASDs, we have created a mouse in which S408/9 have been mutated to alanines (S408/9A). S408/9A homozygotes exhibited increased phasic, but decreased tonic, inhibition, events that correlated with alterations in the membrane stability and synaptic accumulation of the receptor subtypes that mediate these distinct forms of inhibition. S408/9A mice exhibited alterations in dendritic spine structure, increased repetitive behavior, and decreased social interaction, hallmarks of ASDs. ASDs are frequently comorbid with epilepsy, and consistent with this comorbidity, S408/9A mice exhibited a marked increase in sensitivity to seizures induced by the convulsant kainic acid. To assess the relevance of our studies using S408/9A mice for the pathophysiology of ASDs, we measured S408/9 phosphorylation in Fmr1 KO mice, a model of fragile X syndrome, the most common monogenetic cause of ASDs. Phosphorylation of S408/9 was selectively and significantly enhanced in Fmr1 KO mice. Collectively, our results suggest that alterations in phosphorylation and/or activity of β3-containing GABAARs may directly contribute to the pathophysiology of ASDs.
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Hua R, Wei M, Zhang C. The complex genetics in autism spectrum disorders. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:933-45. [PMID: 26335739 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4893-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a pervasive neurodevelopmental disease characterized by deficits in social interaction and nonverbal communication, as well as restricted interests and stereotypical behavior. Genetic changes/heritability is one of the major contributing factors, and hundreds to thousands of causative and susceptible genes, copy number variants (CNVs), linkage regions, and microRNAs have been associated with ASD which clearly indicates that ASD is a complex genetic disorder. Here, we will briefly summarize some of the high-confidence genetic changes in ASD and their possible roles in their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - MengPing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Shi LJ, Ou JJ, Gong JB, Wang SH, Zhou YY, Zhu FR, Liu XD, Zhao JP, Luo XR. Broad autism phenotype features of Chinese parents with autistic children and their associations with severity of social impairment in probands. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:168. [PMID: 26202327 PMCID: PMC4511534 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with autism have higher rates of broad autism phenotype (BAP) features than parents of typically developing children (TDC) in Western countries. This study was designed to examine the rate of BAP features in parents of children with autism and the relationship between parental BAP and the social impairment of their children in a Chinese sample. METHODS A total of 299 families with autistic children and 274 families with TDC participated in this study. Parents were assessed using the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ), which includes self-report, informant-report, and best-estimate versions. Children were assessed using the Chinese version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). RESULTS Parents of children with autism were significantly more likely to have BAP features than were parents of TDC; mothers and fathers in families with autistic children had various BAP features. The total scores of the informant and best-estimate BAPQ versions for fathers were significantly associated with their children's SRS total scores in the autism group, whereas the total scores of the three BAPQ versions for mothers were significantly associated with their children's SRS total scores in the TDC group. In the autism group, the total SRS scores of children with "BAP present" parents (informant and best-estimate) were higher than the total SRS scores of children with"BAP absent" parents. In the TDC group, the total SRS scores of children with "BAP present" parents were higher than the total SRS scores of children with"BAP absent" parents (best-estimate). CONCLUSIONS Parents of autistic children were found to have higher rates of BAP than parents of TDC in a sample of Chinese parents. The BAP features of parents are associated with their children's social functioning in both autism families and TDC families, but the patterns of the associations are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Shi
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Jian-Jun Ou
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Jing-Bo Gong
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China. .,Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Hunan, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Su-Hong Wang
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China. .,Department of Neuroscience, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yuan-Yue Zhou
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China. .,Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Fu-Rong Zhu
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Xu-Dong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, 191 Portsmouth Ave, Kingston, ON, K7M 8A6, Canada.
| | - Jing-Ping Zhao
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Xue-Rong Luo
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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45
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Hill-Yardin EL, Argyropoulos A, Hosie S, Rind G, Anderson P, Hannan AJ, O'Brien TJ. Reduced susceptibility to induced seizures in the Neuroligin-3(R451C) mouse model of autism. Neurosci Lett 2015; 589:57-61. [PMID: 25592157 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common comorbidity in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and several gene mutations are associated with both of these disorders. In order to determine whether a point mutation in the gene for the synaptic protein, Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3, R451C), identified in patients with ASD alters seizure susceptibility, we administered the proconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to adult male Neuroligin-3(R451C) (NL3(R451C)) and wild type (WT) mice. It has previously been reported that NL3(R451C) mice show altered inhibitory GABAergic activity in brain regions relevant to epilepsy, including the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex. PTZ administration induces absence-seizures at low dose, and generalised convulsive seizures at higher dose. Susceptibility to absence seizures was examined by analysing the frequency and duration of spike-and-wave discharge (SWD) events and accompanying motor seizure activity induced by subcutaneous administration of low dosage (20 or 30mg/kg) PTZ. Susceptibility to generalised convulsive seizures was tested by measuring the response to high dosage (60mg/kg) PTZ using a modified Racine scale. There was no change in the number of SWD events exhibited by NL3(R451C) compared to WT mice following administration of both 20mg/kg PTZ (1.17±0.31 compared to 16.0±11.16 events/30min, NL3(R451C) versus WT, respectively) and 30mg/kg PTZ (7.5±6.54 compared with 27.8±19.9 events/30min, NL3(R451C) versus WT, respectively). NL3(R451C) mice were seizure resistant to generalised convulsive seizures induced by high dose PTZ compared to WT littermates (median latency to first >3s duration clonic seizure; 14.5min versus 7.25min, 95% CI: 1.625-2.375, p=0.0009, NL3(R451C) versus WT, respectively). These results indicate that the R451C mutation in the Nlgn3 gene, associated with ASD in humans, confers resistance to induced seizures, suggesting dysfunction of PTZ-sensitive GABAergic signalling in this mouse model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia.
| | - Andrew Argyropoulos
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Suzanne Hosie
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Gil Rind
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Anderson
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
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Lachance-Touchette P, Choudhury M, Stoica A, Di Cristo G, Cossette P. Single-cell genetic expression of mutant GABAA receptors causing Human genetic epilepsy alters dendritic spine and GABAergic bouton formation in a mutation-specific manner. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:317. [PMID: 25352779 PMCID: PMC4196543 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding for GABAA receptor subunits is a well-established cause of genetic generalized epilepsy. GABA neurotransmission is implicated in several developmental processes including neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Alteration in excitatory/inhibitory synaptic activities plays a critical role in epilepsy, thus here we investigated whether mutations in α1 subunit of GABAA receptor may affect dendritic spine and GABAergic bouton formation. In particular, we examined the effects of three mutations of the GABRA1 gene (D219N, A322D and K353delins18X) that were found in a cohort of French Canadian families with genetic generalized epilepsy. We used a novel single-cell genetic approach, by preparing cortical organotypic cultures from GABRA1flox/flox mice and simultaneously inactivating endogenous GABRA1 and transfecting mutant α1 subunits in single glutamatergic pyramidal cells and basket GABAergic interneurons by biolistic transfection. We found that GABRA1−/− GABAergic cells showed reduced innervation field, which was rescued by co-expressing α1-A322D and α1-WT but not α1-D219N. We further found that the expression of the most severe GABRA1 missense mutation (α1-A322D) induced a striking increase of spine density in pyramidal cells along with an increase in the number of mushroom-like spines. In addition, α1-A322D expression in GABAergic cells slightly increased perisomatic bouton density, whereas other mutations did not alter bouton formation. All together, these results suggest that the effects of different GABAAR mutations on GABAergic bouton and dendritic spine formation are specific to the mutation and cannot be always explained by a simple loss-of-function gene model. The use of single cell genetic manipulation in organotypic cultures may provide a better understanding of the specific and distinct neural circuit alterations caused by different GABAA receptor subunit mutations and will help define the pathophysiology of genetic generalized epilepsy syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Lachance-Touchette
- Centre d'Excellence en Neuromique de l'Université de Montréal, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mayukh Choudhury
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ana Stoica
- Centre d'Excellence en Neuromique de l'Université de Montréal, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Graziella Di Cristo
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Cossette
- Centre d'Excellence en Neuromique de l'Université de Montréal, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
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Hodges LM, Fyer AJ, Weissman MM, Logue MW, Haghighi F, Evgrafov O, Rotondo A, Knowles JA, Hamilton SP. Evidence for linkage and association of GABRB3 and GABRA5 to panic disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:2423-31. [PMID: 24755890 PMCID: PMC4138754 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder characterized by episodes of intense fear with autonomic and psychological symptoms that lead to behavioral impairment. A convergence of genetic and biological evidence implicates gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunits on chromosome 15q12 as candidate genes for PD. This study investigated 120 Caucasian, multiplex PD pedigrees using regional microsatellites (chr15q11-13) and found support for linkage (logarithm of odds (LOD) ⩾2), with a prominent parent-of-origin effect. Genotyping with 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed linkage to GABRB3 (rs11631421, LOD=4.6) and GABRA5 (rs2075716, LOD=2.2), and allelic association to GABRB3 (rs8024564, p=0.005; rs8025575, p=0.02) and GABRA5 (rs35399885, p=0.05). Genotyping of an independent Sardinian PD trio sample also supported association in the region, again with a parent-of-origin effect. These findings provide genetic evidence for the involvement of the genes GABRB3 and GABRA5 in the susceptibility to PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Hodges
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Abby J Fyer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1050 Riverside Drive, Unit 82, New York, NY 10032, USA, Tel: +1 212 543 5372, Fax: +1 212 543 6609, E-mail:
| | - Myrna M Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark W Logue
- Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fatemeh Haghighi
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oleg Evgrafov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - James A Knowles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven P Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 4141 Geary Boulevard, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA, Tel: +1 415 833 2034, Fax: +1 415 833 2034, E-mail:
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48
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Chen CH, Huang CC, Cheng MC, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Wu YY, Liu SK, Gau SSF. Genetic analysis of GABRB3 as a candidate gene of autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2014; 5:36. [PMID: 24999380 PMCID: PMC4082499 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GABRB3 is a position candidate gene at chromosome 15q12 that has been implicated in the neurobiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to examine the genetic association of GABRB3 with ASD. Methods The sample consisted of 356 patients with clinical diagnosis of ASD according to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and 386 unrelated controls. We searched for mutations at all the exonic regions and 1.6 Kb of the 5′ region of GABRB3 in the genomic DNA of all the participants using the Sanger sequencing. We implemented a case-control association analysis of variants detected in this sample, and conducted a reporter gene assay to assess the functional impact of variants at the 5′ regulatory region. Results We detected six known common SNPs; however, they were not associated with ASD. Besides, a total of 22 rare variants (12 at 5′ regulatory, 4 at intronic, and 6 at exonic regions) were detected in 18 patients and 6 controls. The frequency of rare variants was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (18/356 versus 6/386, odds ratio = 3.37, P = 0.007). All the 12 rare variants at the 5′ regulatory region were only detected in 7 patients, but not in any of the controls (7/356 versus 0/386, Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.006). Two patients carried multiple rare variants. Family studies showed that most of these rare variants were transmitted from their parents. Reporter gene assays revealed that four rare variants at the 5′ regulatory region and 1 at exon 1a untranslated region had elevated reporter gene activities compared to two wild type alleles. Conclusions Our data suggest rare variants of GABRB3 might be associated with ASD, and increased GABRB3 expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD in some patients. Trial registration Clinical trial registration Identifier: NCT00494754
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan ; Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan ; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Huang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chih Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Mental Health Research Center, Yuli Veterans Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Kai Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Taoyaun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan ; Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, and Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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49
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Lee V, Maguire J. The impact of tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition on neuronal excitability varies across brain region and cell type. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:3. [PMID: 24550784 PMCID: PMC3909947 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversity of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunits and the numerous configurations during subunit assembly give rise to a variety of receptors with different functional properties. This heterogeneity results in variations in GABAergic conductances across numerous brain regions and cell types. Phasic inhibition is mediated by synaptically-localized receptors with a low affinity for GABA and results in a transient, rapidly desensitizing GABAergic conductance; whereas, tonic inhibition is mediated by extrasynaptic receptors with a high affinity for GABA and results in a persistent GABAergic conductance. The specific functions of tonic versus phasic GABAergic inhibition in different cell types and the impact on specific neural circuits are only beginning to be unraveled. Here we review the diversity in the magnitude of tonic GABAergic inhibition in various brain regions and cell types, and highlight the impact on neuronal excitability in different neuronal circuits. Further, we discuss the relevance of tonic inhibition in various physiological and pathological contexts as well as the potential of targeting these receptor subtypes for treatment of diseases, such as epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vallent Lee
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, MA, USA
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50
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Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAA receptor) is a ligand-gated chloride channel that mediates major inhibitory functions in the central nervous system. GABAA receptors function mainly as pentamers containing α, β, and either γ or δ subunits. A number of antiepileptic drugs have agonistic effects on GABAA receptors. Hence, dysfunctions of GABAA receptors have been postulated to play important roles in the etiology of epilepsy. In fact, mutations or genetic variations of the genes encoding the α1, α6, β2, β3, γ2, or δ subunits (GABRA1, GABRA6, GABRB2, GABRB3, GABRG2, and GABRD, respectively) have been associated with human epilepsy, both with and without febrile seizures. Epilepsy resulting from mutations is commonly one of following, genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy (e.g., juvenile myoclonic epilepsy), childhood absence epilepsy, genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures, or Dravet syndrome. Recently, mutations of GABRA1, GABRB2, and GABRB3 were associated with infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These mutations compromise hyperpolarization through GABAA receptors, which is believed to cause seizures. Interestingly, most of the insufficiencies are not caused by receptor gating abnormalities, but by complex mechanisms, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, intracellular trafficking defects, and ER stress. Thus, GABAA receptor subunit mutations are now thought to participate in the pathomechanisms of epilepsy, and an improved understanding of these mutations should facilitate our understanding of epilepsy and the development of new therapies.
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