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Roy B, Amemasor E, Hussain S, Castro K. UBE3A: The Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and a Potential Candidate for Biomarker Studies and Designing Therapeutic Strategies. Diseases 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 38248358 PMCID: PMC10814747 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Published reports from the CDC's Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Networks have shown that an average of 1 in every 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2018. Many of the ASDs exhibiting varying degrees of autism-like phenotypes have chromosomal anomalies in the Chr15q11-q13 region. Numerous potential candidate genes linked with ASD reside in this chromosomal segment. However, several clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies selected one gene more frequently than others randomly and unbiasedly. This gene codes for UBE3A or Ubiquitin protein ligase E3A [also known as E6AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (E6AP)], an enzyme involved in the cellular degradation of proteins. This gene has been listed as one of the several genes with a high potential of causing ASD in the Autism Database. The gain of function mutations, triplication, or duplication in the UBE3A gene is also associated with ASDs like Angelman Syndrome (AS) and Dup15q Syndrome. The genetic imprinting of UBE3A in the brain and a preference for neuronal maternal-specific expression are the key features of various ASDs. Since the UBE3A gene is involved in two main important diseases associated with autism-like symptoms, there has been widespread research going on in understanding the link between this gene and autism. Additionally, since no universal methodology or mechanism exists for identifying UBE3A-mediated ASD, it continues to be challenging for neurobiologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians to design therapies or diagnostic tools. In this review, we focus on the structure and functional aspects of the UBE3A protein, discuss the primary relevance of the 15q11-q13 region in the cause of ASDs, and highlight the link between UBE3A and ASD. We try to broaden the knowledge of our readers by elaborating on the possible mechanisms underlying UBE3A-mediated ASDs, emphasizing the usage of UBE3A as a prospective biomarker in the preclinical diagnosis of ASDs and discuss the positive outcomes, advanced developments, and the hurdles in the field of therapeutic strategies against UBE3A-mediated ASDs. This review is novel as it lays a very detailed and comprehensive platform for one of the most important genes associated with diseases showing autistic-like symptoms. Additionally, this review also attempts to lay optimistic feedback on the possible steps for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of these UBE3A-mediated ASDs in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Roy
- Life Science Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (E.A.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
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Ng R, Kalinousky A, Harris J. Epigenetics of cognition and behavior: insights from Mendelian disorders of epigenetic machinery. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:16. [PMID: 37245029 PMCID: PMC10224589 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09482-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics, one mechanism by which gene expression can change without any changes to the DNA sequence, was described nearly a century ago. However, the importance of epigenetic processes to neurodevelopment and higher order neurological functions like cognition and behavior is only now being realized. A group of disorders known as the Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery are caused by the altered function of epigenetic machinery proteins, which consequently affects downstream expression of many genes. These disorders almost universally have cognitive dysfunction and behavioral issues as core features. Here, we review what is known about the neurodevelopmental phenotypes of some key examples of these disorders divided into categories based on the underlying function of the affected protein. Understanding these Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery can illuminate the role of epigenetic regulation in typical brain function and can lead to future therapies and better management for a host of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Ng
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Allison Kalinousky
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Harris
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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O'Geen H, Beitnere U, Garcia MS, Adhikari A, Cameron DL, Fenton TA, Copping NA, Deng P, Lock S, Halmai JANM, Villegas IJ, Liu J, Wang D, Fink KD, Silverman JL, Segal DJ. Transcriptional reprogramming restores UBE3A brain-wide and rescues behavioral phenotypes in an Angelman syndrome mouse model. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1088-1105. [PMID: 36641623 PMCID: PMC10124086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by the loss of ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene expression in the brain. The UBE3A gene is paternally imprinted in brain neurons. Clinical features of AS are primarily due to the loss of maternally expressed UBE3A in the brain. A healthy copy of paternal UBE3A is present in the brain but is silenced by a long non-coding antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). Here, we demonstrate that an artificial transcription factor (ATF-S1K) can silence Ube3a-ATS in an adult mouse model of Angelman syndrome (AS) and restore endogenous physiological expression of paternal Ube3a. A single injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing ATF-S1K (AAV-S1K) into the tail vein enabled whole-brain transduction and restored UBE3A protein in neurons to ∼25% of wild-type protein. The ATF-S1K treatment was highly specific to the target site with no detectable inflammatory response 5 weeks after AAV-S1K administration. AAV-S1K treatment of AS mice showed behavioral rescue in exploratory locomotion, a task involving gross and fine motor abilities, similar to low ambulation and velocity in AS patients. The specificity and tolerability of a single injection of AAV-S1K therapy for AS demonstrate the use of ATFs as a promising translational approach for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David L Cameron
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Timothy A Fenton
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nycole A Copping
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Deng
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Lock
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Julian A N M Halmai
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Isaac J Villegas
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jiajian Liu
- Genome Editing and Novel Modalities (GENM), MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Danhui Wang
- Genome Editing and Novel Modalities (GENM), MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyle D Fink
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David J Segal
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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The Autism Spectrum: Behavioral, Psychiatric and Genetic Associations. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030677. [PMID: 36980949 PMCID: PMC10048473 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a group of heterogeneous genetic neurobehavioral disorders associated with developmental impairments in social communication skills and stereotypic, rigid or repetitive behaviors. We review common behavioral, psychiatric and genetic associations related to ASD. Autism affects about 2% of children with 4:1 male-to-female ratio and a heritability estimate between 70 and 90%. The etiology of ASD involves a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics. Over 800 genes and dozens of genetic syndromes are associated with ASD. Novel gene–protein interactions with pathway and molecular function analyses have identified at least three functional pathways including chromatin modeling, Wnt, Notch and other signaling pathways and metabolic disturbances involving neuronal growth and dendritic spine profiles. An estimated 50% of individuals with ASD are diagnosed with chromosome deletions or duplications (e.g., 15q11.2, BP1-BP2, 16p11.2 and 15q13.3), identified syndromes (e.g., Williams, Phelan-McDermid and Shprintzen velocardiofacial) or single gene disorders. Behavioral and psychiatric conditions in autism impacted by genetics influence clinical evaluations, counseling, diagnoses, therapeutic interventions and treatment approaches. Pharmacogenetics testing is now possible to help guide the selection of psychotropic medications to treat challenging behaviors or co-occurring psychiatric conditions commonly seen in ASD. In this review of the autism spectrum disorder, behavioral, psychiatric and genetic observations and associations relevant to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with ASD are discussed.
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Kurmaeva EA, Volgina SY, Solovyeva NA, Kulakova GA. Clinical manifestations of Angelman syndrome. ROSSIYSKIY VESTNIK PERINATOLOGII I PEDIATRII (RUSSIAN BULLETIN OF PERINATOLOGY AND PEDIATRICS) 2022. [DOI: 10.21508/1027-4065-2022-67-5-216-219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of genetic disorders is always difficult. Early detection of Angelman syndrome is complicated by the similarity of its clinical manifestations with other diseases. The purpose of the study was to describe the clinical manifestations in children with Angelman syndrome in order to identify early and characteristic clinical signs. In the study of patients, it was revealed that the hereditary history was aggravated in one patient, the obstetric history — in all women. Clinical manifestations debuted in children at an early age, only in one patient from birth. In all children, changes were recorded on the electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The patients were consulted by a geneticist. Awareness of the medical community contributes to the timely detection of signs of the disease and the establishment of a diagnosis. The sooner the diagnosis is established, the higher the chances of providing the patient with effective care.
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Kraan CM, Date P, Rattray A, Sangeux M, Bui QM, Baker EK, Morison J, Amor DJ, Godler DE. Feasibility of wearable technology for 'real-world' gait analysis in children with Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:717-725. [PMID: 35713265 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) are neurodevelopmental disorders in need of innovative 'real-world' outcome measures to evaluate treatment effects. Instrumented gait analysis (IGA) using wearable technology offers a potentially feasible solution to measure "real-world' neurological and motor dysfunction in these groups. METHODS Children (50% female; 6-16 years) diagnosed with PWS (n = 9) and AS (n = 5) completed 'real-world' IGA assessments using the Physilog®5 wearable. PWS participants completed a laboratory assessment and a 'real-world' long walk. The AS group completed 'real-world' caregiver-assisted assessments. Mean and variability results for stride time, cadence, stance percentage (%) and stride length were extracted and compared across three different data reduction protocols. RESULTS The wearables approach was found to be feasible, with all participants able to complete at least one assessment. This study also demonstrated significant agreement, using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), between laboratory and 'real-world' assessments in the PWS group for mean stride length, mean stance % and stance % CV (n = 7, CCC: 0.782-0.847, P = 0.011-0.009). CONCLUSION 'Real-world' gait analysis using the Physilog®5 wearable was feasible to efficiently assess neurological and motor dysfunction in children affected with PWS and AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Kraan
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Date
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Rattray
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Sangeux
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Laboratory for Movement Analysis, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Q M Bui
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - E K Baker
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Morison
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D J Amor
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D E Godler
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Rosenberg AGW, Wellink CM, Tellez Garcia JM, Pellikaan K, Van Abswoude DH, Davidse K, Van Zutven LJCM, Brüggenwirth HT, Resnick JL, Van der Lely AJ, De Graaff LCG. Health Problems in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome of Different Genetic Subtypes: Cohort Study, Meta-Analysis and Review of the Literature. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144033. [PMID: 35887798 PMCID: PMC9323859 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader−Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, rare genetic disorder caused by a loss of expression of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. The most common underlying genotypes are paternal deletion (DEL) and maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD). DELs can be subdivided into type 1 (DEL-1) and (smaller) type 2 deletions (DEL-2). Most research has focused on behavioral, cognitive and psychological differences between the different genotypes. However, little is known about physical health problems in relation to genetic subtypes. In this cross-sectional study, we compare physical health problems and other clinical features among adults with PWS caused by DEL (N = 65, 12 DEL-1, 27 DEL-2) and mUPD (N = 65). A meta-analysis, including our own data, showed that BMI was 2.79 kg/m2 higher in adults with a DEL (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between DEL-1 and DEL-2. Scoliosis was more prevalent among adults with a DEL (80% vs. 58%; p = 0.04). Psychotic episodes were more prevalent among adults with an mUPD (44% vs. 9%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, there were no significant differences in physical health outcomes between the genetic subtypes, apart from scoliosis and BMI. The differences in health problems, therefore, mainly apply to the psychological domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna G. W. Rosenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
- Dutch Center of Reference for Prader–Willi Syndrome, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Adults with Rare Genetic Syndromes, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Academic Center for Growth Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M. Wellink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
| | - Juan M. Tellez Garcia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
| | - Karlijn Pellikaan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
- Dutch Center of Reference for Prader–Willi Syndrome, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Adults with Rare Genetic Syndromes, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Academic Center for Growth Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denise H. Van Abswoude
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
- Dutch Center of Reference for Prader–Willi Syndrome, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Adults with Rare Genetic Syndromes, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Academic Center for Growth Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Davidse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
- Dutch Center of Reference for Prader–Willi Syndrome, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Adults with Rare Genetic Syndromes, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Academic Center for Growth Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J. C. M. Van Zutven
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.C.M.V.Z.); (H.T.B.)
| | - Hennie T. Brüggenwirth
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (L.J.C.M.V.Z.); (H.T.B.)
| | - James L. Resnick
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Aart J. Van der Lely
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
- ENDO-ERN, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions
| | - Laura C. G. De Graaff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.G.W.R.); (C.M.W.); (J.M.T.G.); (K.P.); (D.H.V.A.); (K.D.); (A.J.V.d.L.)
- Dutch Center of Reference for Prader–Willi Syndrome, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Adults with Rare Genetic Syndromes, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Academic Center for Growth Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENDO-ERN, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-618-843-010
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Mishra A, Prabha PK, Singla R, Kaur G, Sharma AR, Joshi R, Suroy B, Medhi B. Epigenetic Interface of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): Implications of Chromosome 15q11-q13 Segment. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1684-1696. [PMID: 35635007 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are multifactorial in nature and include both genetic and environmental factors. The increasing evidence advocates an important role of epigenetics in ASD etiology. One of the most common forms of epigenetic changes observed in the case of neurodevelopmental disorders is imprinting which is tightly regulated by developmental and tissue-specific mechanisms. Interestingly, many of these disorders that demonstrate autism-like phenotypes at varying degrees have found involvement of chromosome 15q11-q13 segment. Numerous studies demonstrate occurrence of ASD in the presence of chromosomal abnormalities located mainly in Chr15q11-q13 region. Several plausible candidate genes associated with ASD are in this chromosomal segment, including gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor genes GABRB3, GABRA5 and GABRG3, UBE3A, ATP 10A, MKRN3, ZNF, MAGEL2, Necdin (NDN), and SNRPN. The main objective of this review is to highlight the contribution of epigenetic modulations in chromosome 15q11-q13 segment toward the genetic etiology and pathophysiology of ASD. The present review reports the abnormalities in epigenetic regulation on genes and genomic regions located on chromosome 15 in relation to either syndromic (15q11-q13 maternal duplication) or nonsyndromic forms of ASD. Furthermore, studies reviewed in this article demonstrate conditions in which epigenetic dysregulation has been found to be a pathological factor for ASD development, thereby supporting a role for epigenetics in the multifactorial etiologies of ASD. Also, on the basis of the evidence found so far, we strongly emphasize the need to develop future therapeutic strategies as well as screening procedures for ASD that target mechanisms involving genes located on the chromosomal 15q11-q13 segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mishra
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Praisy K Prabha
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rubal Singla
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Gurjeet Kaur
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Amit Raj Sharma
- Dept. of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rupa Joshi
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Benjamin Suroy
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
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9
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Baker EK, Merton CF, Tan WH, Dudding-Byth T, Godler DE, Sadhwani A. Methylation analysis and developmental profile of two individuals with Angelman syndrome due to mosaic imprinting defects. Eur J Med Genet 2022; 65:104456. [PMID: 35218942 PMCID: PMC9800002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of expression of the maternally-inherited UBE3A on chromosome 15q11.2. In AS due to a chromosomal deletion that encompasses UBE3A, paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15, or imprinting defects (ImpD), the SNRPN locus is unmethylated, while in neurotypical individuals, it is ∼50% methylated. We present the developmental profile of two adults with mild AS assessed using standardized behavioral and neurodevelopmental measures. Both had intellectual disability with unusually advanced verbal communication skills compared to other individuals with AS. Methylation of the SNRPN locus was examined using Methylation Specific Quantitative Melt Analysis (MS-QMA) in different tissues at one time point for participant A (22 years) and two time points for participant B (T1: 22 years, T2: 25 years), and these levels were compared to a typical AS cohort. While participant A showed methylation levels comparable to the typical AS cohort, participant B showed methylation mosaicism in all tissues at both time points and changes in methylation levels from T1 to T2. AS should be considered in individuals with intellectual disability and verbal speech who may not have the typical symptoms of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K. Baker
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Australia,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Australia,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
| | - Catherine F. Merton
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Hann Tan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David E. Godler
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Australia,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Australia,Corresponding author. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Australia. (D.E. Godler)
| | - Anjali Sadhwani
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. (A. Sadhwani)
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Duis J. The Road to Personalized Therapies: Lessons Learned From Angelman Syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 127:95-98. [PMID: 35180775 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.2.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by delays including a severe expressive language delay, motor concerns, ataxia, epilepsy, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and characteristic behaviors, including a happy demeanor, hyperactivity, and excitability. The syndrome is one of the first neurodevelopmental disorders with a clear trajectory towards meaningful treatment with approximately 20 companies actively developing targeted therapeutics for AS. Herein, we highlight the historical context of the road to therapeutics and some of the challenges in the field with the potential to impact the success of clinical trials for Angelman syndrome and also have relevance of other neurogenetic developmental disabilities.
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Godler DE, Ling L, Gamage D, Baker EK, Bui M, Field MJ, Rogers C, Butler MG, Murgia A, Leonardi E, Polli R, Schwartz CE, Skinner CD, Alliende AM, Santa Maria L, Pitt J, Greaves R, Francis D, Oertel R, Wang M, Simons C, Amor DJ. Feasibility of Screening for Chromosome 15 Imprinting Disorders in 16 579 Newborns by Using a Novel Genomic Workflow. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2141911. [PMID: 34982160 PMCID: PMC8728620 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.41911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Newborn screening for Angelman syndrome (AS), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), and chromosome 15 duplication syndrome (Dup15q) may lead to benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of newborn screening for these chromosome 15 imprinting disorders at population scale. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this diagnostic study, the validation data set for the first-tier SNRPN test, called methylation-specific quantitative melt analysis (MS-QMA), included 109 PWS, 48 AS, 9 Dup15q, and 1190 population control newborn blood spots (NBS) and peripheral tissue samples from participants recruited from January 2000 to December 2016. The test data set included NBS samples from 16 579 infants born in 2011. Infants with an NBS identified as positive for PWS, AS, or Dup15q by the first-tier test were referred for droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and low-coverage whole-genome sequencing for confirmatory testing. Data analyses were conducted between February 12, 2015, and August 15, 2020. RESULTS In the validation data set, the median age for the 77 patients with PWS was 3.00 years (IQR, 0.01-44.50 years); for the 46 patients with AS, 2.76 years (IQR, 0.028 to 49.00 years); and for the 9 patients with Dup15q, 4.00 years (IQR, 1.00 to 28.00 years). Thirty-eight patients (51.4%) in the PWS group, 20 patients (45.5%) in the AS group, and 6 patients (66.7%) in the Dup15q group who had sex reported were male. The validation data set showed MS-QMA sensitivity of 99.0% for PWS, 93.8% for AS, and 77.8% for Dup15q; specificity of 100% for PWS, AS, and Dup15q; positive predictive and negative predictive values of 100% for PWS and AS; and a positive predictive value of 87.5% and negative predictive value of 100% for Dup15q. In the test data set of NBS samples from 16 579 infants, 92 had a positive test result using a methylation ratio cut-off of 3 standard deviations from the mean. Of these patients, 2 were confirmed to have PWS; 2, AS; and 1, maternal Dup15q. With the use of more conservative PWS- and AS-specific thresholds for positive calls from the validation data set, 9 positive NBS results were identified by MS-QMA in this cohort. The 2 PWS and 2 AS calls were confirmed by second-tier testing, but the 1 Dup15q case was not confirmed. Together, these results provided prevalence estimates of 1 in 8290 for both AS and PWS and 1 in 16 579 for maternal Dup15q, with positive predictive values for first-tier testing at 67.0% for AS, 33.0% for PWS, and 44.0% for combined detection of chromosome 15 imprinting disorders for the validation data set. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this diagnostic study suggest that it is feasible to screen for all chromosome 15 imprinting disorders using SNRPN methylation analysis, with 5 individuals identified with these disorders out of 16 579 infants screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Godler
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- E.D.G. Innovations and Consulting, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ling Ling
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dinusha Gamage
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma K. Baker
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Minh Bui
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J. Field
- Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Hunter Genetics, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carolyn Rogers
- Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Hunter Genetics, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Merlin G. Butler
- Departments of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Centre, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Alessandra Murgia
- Molecular Genetics of Neurodevelopment, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Emanuela Leonardi
- Molecular Genetics of Neurodevelopment, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta Polli
- Molecular Genetics of Neurodevelopment, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Charles E. Schwartz
- Center for Molecular Studies, J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina
| | - Cindy D. Skinner
- Center for Molecular Studies, J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina
| | - Angelica M. Alliende
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome (CDTSXF), INTA University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Santa Maria
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome (CDTSXF), INTA University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - James Pitt
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ronda Greaves
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Francis
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralph Oertel
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Min Wang
- Translational Bioinformatics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cas Simons
- Translational Bioinformatics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J. Amor
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Butler MG, Miller BS, Romano A, Ross J, Abuzzahab MJ, Backeljauw P, Bamba V, Bhangoo A, Mauras N, Geffner M. Genetic conditions of short stature: A review of three classic examples. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1011960. [PMID: 36339399 PMCID: PMC9634554 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1011960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Noonan, Turner, and Prader-Willi syndromes are classical genetic disorders that are marked by short stature. Each disorder has been recognized for several decades and is backed by extensive published literature describing its features, genetic origins, and optimal treatment strategies. These disorders are accompanied by a multitude of comorbidities, including cardiovascular issues, endocrinopathies, and infertility. Diagnostic delays, syndrome-associated comorbidities, and inefficient communication among the members of a patient's health care team can affect a patient's well-being from birth through adulthood. Insufficient information is available to help patients and their multidisciplinary team of providers transition from pediatric to adult health care systems. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical features and genetics associated with each syndrome, describe best practices for diagnosis and treatment, and emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary teams and appropriate care plans for the pediatric to adult health care transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin G. Butler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- *Correspondence: Merlin G. Butler,
| | - Bradley S. Miller
- Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alicia Romano
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Judith Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Philippe Backeljauw
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Vaneeta Bamba
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amrit Bhangoo
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Health of Orange County (CHOC) Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Nelly Mauras
- Division of Endocrinology, Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Mitchell Geffner
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Fitz NF, Wang J, Kamboh MI, Koldamova R, Lefterov I. Small nucleolar RNAs in plasma extracellular vesicles and their discriminatory power as diagnostic biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105481. [PMID: 34411703 PMCID: PMC9382696 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, at its early stage, remains a difficult task. Advanced imaging technologies and laboratory assays to detect Aβ peptides Aβ42 and Aβ40, total and phosphorylated tau in CSF provide a set of biomarkers of developing AD brain pathology and facilitate the diagnostic process. The search for biofluid biomarkers, other than in CSF, and the development of biomarker assays have accelerated significantly and now represent the fastest-growing field in AD research. The goal of this study was to determine the differential enrichment of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) of AD patients and Cognitively Normal controls (NC). Using RNA-seq, we profiled four significant classes of ncRNAs: miRNAs, snoRNAs, tRNAs, and piRNAs. We report a significant enrichment of SNORDs - a group of snoRNAs, in AD samples compared to NC. To verify the differential enrichment of two clusters of SNORDs - SNORD115 and SNORD116, localized on human chromosome 15q11-q13, we used plasma samples of an independent group of AD patients and NC. We applied ddPCR technique and identified SNORD115 and SNORD116 with a high discriminatory power to differentiate AD samples from NC. The results of our study present evidence that AD is associated with changes in the enrichment of SNORDs, transcribed from imprinted genomic loci, in plasma EV and provide a rationale to further explore the validity of those SNORDs as plasma biomarkers of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Fitz
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America
| | - Jiebiao Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America
| | - M Ilyas Kamboh
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America
| | - Radosveta Koldamova
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
| | - Iliya Lefterov
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
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