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Megari K, Frantzezou CK, Polyzopoulou ZA, Tzouni SK. Neurocognitive features in childhood & adulthood in autism spectrum disorder: A neurodiversity approach. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38953464 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10356] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a diverse profile of cognitive functions. Heterogeneity is observed among both baseline and comorbid features concerning the diversity of neuropathology in autism. Symptoms vary depending on the developmental stage, level of severity, or comorbidity with other medical or psychiatric diagnoses such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders. METHOD The neurodiversity movement does not face variations in neurological and cognitive development in ASD as deficits but as normal non-pathological human variations. Thus, ASD is not identified as a neurocognitive pathological disorder that deviates from the typical, but as a neuro-individuality, a normal manifestation of a neurobiological variation within the population. RESULTS In this light, neurodiversity is described as equivalent to any other human variation, such as ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. This review will provide insights about the neurodiversity approach in children and adults with ASD. Using a neurodiversity approach can be helpful when working with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DISCUSSION This method acknowledges and values the various ways that people with ASD interact with one another and experience the world in order to embrace the neurodiversity approach when working with children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Megari
- Department of Psychology, CITY College, University of York, Europe Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Zoi A Polyzopoulou
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
| | - Stella K Tzouni
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
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Dalton GD, Siecinski SK, Nikolova VD, Cofer GP, Hornburg KJ, Qi Y, Johnson GA, Jiang YH, Moy SS, Gregory SG. Transcriptome analysis identifies an ASD-Like phenotype in oligodendrocytes and microglia from C58/J amygdala that is dependent on sex and sociability. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2024; 20:14. [PMID: 38898502 PMCID: PMC11188533 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-024-00240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with higher incidence in males and is characterized by atypical verbal/nonverbal communication, restricted interests that can be accompanied by repetitive behavior, and disturbances in social behavior. This study investigated brain mechanisms that contribute to sociability deficits and sex differences in an ASD animal model. METHODS Sociability was measured in C58/J and C57BL/6J mice using the 3-chamber social choice test. Bulk RNA-Seq and snRNA-Seq identified transcriptional changes in C58/J and C57BL/6J amygdala within which DMRseq was used to measure differentially methylated regions in amygdala. RESULTS C58/J mice displayed divergent social strata in the 3-chamber test. Transcriptional and pathway signatures revealed immune-related biological processes differ between C58/J and C57BL/6J amygdala. Hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes were identified in C58/J versus C57BL/6J amygdala. snRNA-Seq data in C58/J amygdala identified differential transcriptional signatures within oligodendrocytes and microglia characterized by increased ASD risk gene expression and predicted impaired myelination that was dependent on sex and sociability. RNA velocity, gene regulatory network, and cell communication analysis showed diminished oligodendrocyte/microglia differentiation. Findings were verified using Bulk RNA-Seq and demonstrated oxytocin's beneficial effects on myelin gene expression. LIMITATIONS Our findings are significant. However, limitations can be noted. The cellular mechanisms linking reduced oligodendrocyte differentiation and reduced myelination to an ASD phenotype in C58/J mice need further investigation. Additional snRNA-Seq and spatial studies would determine if effects in oligodendrocytes/microglia are unique to amygdala or if this occurs in other brain regions. Oxytocin's effects need further examination to understand its' potential as an ASD therapeutic. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrates the C58/J mouse model's utility in evaluating the influence of sex and sociability on the transcriptome in concomitant brain regions involved in ASD. Our single-nucleus transcriptome analysis elucidates potential pathological roles of oligodendrocytes and microglia in ASD. This investigation provides details regarding regulatory features disrupted in these cell types, including transcriptional gene dysregulation, aberrant cell differentiation, altered gene regulatory networks, and changes to key pathways that promote microglia/oligodendrocyte differentiation. Our studies provide insight into interactions between genetic risk and epigenetic processes associated with divergent affiliative behavior and lack of positive sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D Dalton
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Stephen K Siecinski
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Gary P Cofer
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Yi Qi
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - G Allan Johnson
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, 300 N. Duke Street, DUMC 104775, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
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Dalton GD, Siecinski SK, Nikolova VD, Cofer GP, Hornburg K, Qi Y, Johnson GA, Jiang YH, Moy SS, Gregory SG. Transcriptome Analysis Identifies An ASD-Like Phenotype In Oligodendrocytes And Microglia From C58/J Amygdala That Is Dependent On Sex and Sociability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575733. [PMID: 38293238 PMCID: PMC10827122 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with higher incidence in males and is characterized by atypical verbal/nonverbal communication, restricted interests that can be accompanied by repetitive behavior, and disturbances in social behavior. This study investigated brain mechanisms that contribute to sociability deficits and sex differences in an ASD animal model. Methods Sociability was measured in C58/J and C57BL/6J mice using the 3-chamber social choice test. Bulk RNA-Seq and snRNA-Seq identified transcriptional changes in C58/J and C57BL/6J amygdala within which DMRseq was used to measure differentially methylated regions in amygdala. Results C58/J mice displayed divergent social strata in the 3-chamber test. Transcriptional and pathway signatures revealed immune-related biological processes differ between C58/J and C57BL/6J amygdala. Hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes were identified in C58/J versus C57BL/6J amygdala. snRNA-Seq data in C58/J amygdala identified differential transcriptional signatures within oligodendrocytes and microglia characterized by increased ASD risk gene expression and predicted impaired myelination that was dependent on sex and sociability. RNA velocity, gene regulatory network, and cell communication analysis showed diminished oligodendrocyte/microglia differentiation. Findings were verified using bulk RNA-Seq and demonstrated oxytocin's beneficial effects on myelin gene expression. Limitations Our findings are significant. However, limitations can be noted. The cellular mechanisms linking reduced oligodendrocyte differentiation and reduced myelination to an ASD phenotype in C58/J mice need further investigation. Additional snRNA-Seq and spatial studies would determine if effects in oligodendrocytes/microglia are unique to amygdala or if this occurs in other brain regions. Oxytocin's effects need further examination to understand its potential as an ASD therapeutic. Conclusions Our work demonstrates the C58/J mouse model's utility in evaluating the influence of sex and sociability on the transcriptome in concomitant brain regions involved in ASD. Our single-nucleus transcriptome analysis elucidates potential pathological roles of oligodendrocytes and microglia in ASD. This investigation provides details regarding regulatory features disrupted in these cell types, including transcriptional gene dysregulation, aberrant cell differentiation, altered gene regulatory networks, and changes to key pathways that promote microglia/oligodendrocyte differentiation. Our studies provide insight into interactions between genetic risk and epigenetic processes associated with divergent affiliative behavior and lack of positive sociability.
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Hwang JW, Lee JS. Korean Clinical Guideline for Autism Spectrum Disorder - Clinical Features, Course, Epidemiology, and Cause. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2024; 35:8-14. [PMID: 38204746 PMCID: PMC10774551 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous developmental disorder characterized by impairments in two core areas: 1) social communication and interaction and 2) restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. In general, ASD is known to be a lifelong disorder. Follow-up studies from childhood to adulthood have reported that the severity of the key symptoms ASD decreases over time. However, chronic health problems including mental health occur in many patients with ASD. The prevalence of ASD has increased from around 0.04% in the 1970s to 2.8% at present. The average age of diagnosis in developed countries is 38-120 months of age. Recent evidence suggests that biological factors which include genetic, congenital, immunological, neuroanatomical, biochemical, and environmental ones are important in causing autism. Until now, early signs and various risk factors of ASD have been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Won Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jeong-Seop Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Herath M, Cho E, Marklund U, Franks AE, Bornstein JC, Hill-Yardin EL. Quantitative Spatial Analysis of Neuroligin-3 mRNA Expression in the Enteric Nervous System Reveals a Potential Role in Neuronal-Glial Synapses and Reduced Expression in Nlgn3R451C Mice. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1063. [PMID: 37509099 PMCID: PMC10377306 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3) gene are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, but cellular Nlgn3 expression in the enteric nervous system remains to be characterised. We combined RNAScope in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence to measure Nlgn3 mRNA expression in cholinergic and VIP-expressing submucosal neurons, nitrergic and calretinin-containing myenteric neurons and glial cells in both WT and Nlgn3R451C mutant mice. We measured Nlgn3 mRNA neuronal and glial expression via quantitative three-dimensional image analysis. To validate dual RNAScope/immunofluorescence data, we interrogated available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNASeq) data to assess for Nlgn3, Nlgn1, Nlgn2 and their binding partners, Nrxn1-3, MGDA1 and MGDA2, in enteric neural subsets. Most submucosal and myenteric neurons expressed Nlgn3 mRNA. In contrast to other Nlgns and binding partners, Nlgn3 was strongly expressed in enteric glia, suggesting a role for neuroligin-3 in mediating enteric neuron-glia interactions. The autism-associated R451C mutation reduces Nlgn3 mRNA expression in cholinergic but not in VIPergic submucosal neurons. In the myenteric plexus, Nlgn3 mRNA levels are reduced in calretinin, nNOS-labelled neurons and S100 β -labelled glia. We provide a comprehensive cellular profile for neuroligin-3 expression in ileal neuronal subpopulations of mice expressing the R451C autism-associated mutation in Nlgn3, which may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of GI dysfunction in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madushani Herath
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ellie Cho
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ulrika Marklund
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ashley E Franks
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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Rosenblau G, Frolichs K, Korn CW. A neuro-computational social learning framework to facilitate transdiagnostic classification and treatment across psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105181. [PMID: 37062494 PMCID: PMC10236440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105181] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Social deficits are among the core and most striking psychiatric symptoms, present in most psychiatric disorders. Here, we introduce a novel social learning framework, which consists of neuro-computational models that combine reinforcement learning with various types of social knowledge structures. We outline how this social learning framework can help specify and quantify social psychopathology across disorders and provide an overview of the brain regions that may be involved in this type of social learning. We highlight how this framework can specify commonalities and differences in the social psychopathology of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), personality disorders (PD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) and improve treatments on an individual basis. We conjecture that individuals with psychiatric disorders rely on rigid social knowledge representations when learning about others, albeit the nature of their rigidity and the behavioral consequences can greatly differ. While non-clinical cohorts tend to efficiently adapt social knowledge representations to relevant environmental constraints, psychiatric cohorts may rigidly stick to their preconceived notions or overly coarse knowledge representations during learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rosenblau
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Koen Frolichs
- Section Social Neuroscience, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph W Korn
- Section Social Neuroscience, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Openshaw RL, Thomson DM, Bristow GC, Mitchell EJ, Pratt JA, Morris BJ, Dawson N. 16p11.2 deletion mice exhibit compromised fronto-temporal connectivity, GABAergic dysfunction, and enhanced attentional ability. Commun Biol 2023; 6:557. [PMID: 37225770 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04891-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are more common in males, and have a substantial genetic component. Chromosomal 16p11.2 deletions in particular carry strong genetic risk for autism, yet their neurobiological impact is poorly characterised, particularly at the integrated systems level. Here we show that mice reproducing this deletion (16p11.2 DEL mice) have reduced GABAergic interneuron gene expression (decreased parvalbumin mRNA in orbitofrontal cortex, and male-specific decreases in Gad67 mRNA in parietal and insular cortex and medial septum). Metabolic activity was increased in medial septum, and in its efferent targets: mammillary body and (males only) subiculum. Functional connectivity was altered between orbitofrontal, insular and auditory cortex, and between septum and hippocampus/subiculum. Consistent with this circuit dysfunction, 16p11.2 DEL mice showed reduced prepulse inhibition, but enhanced performance in the continuous performance test of attentional ability. Level 1 autistic individuals show similarly heightened performance in the equivalent human test, also associated with parietal, insular-orbitofrontal and septo-subicular dysfunction. The data implicate cortical and septal GABAergic dysfunction, and resulting connectivity changes, as the cause of pre-attentional and attentional changes in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Openshaw
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - David M Thomson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Greg C Bristow
- Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Emma J Mitchell
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Judith A Pratt
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Brian J Morris
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Neil Dawson
- Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK.
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Surgent O, Riaz A, Ausderau KK, Adluru N, Kirk GR, Guerrero-Gonzalez J, Skaletski EC, Kecskemeti SR, Dean III DC, Weismer SE, Alexander AL, Travers BG. Brainstem white matter microstructure is associated with hyporesponsiveness and overall sensory features in autistic children. Mol Autism 2022; 13:48. [PMID: 36536467 PMCID: PMC9762648 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated or reduced responses to sensory stimuli, known as sensory features, are common in autistic individuals and often impact quality of life. Little is known about the neurobiological basis of sensory features in autistic children. However, the brainstem may offer critical insights as it has been associated with both basic sensory processing and core features of autism. METHODS Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and parent-report of sensory features were acquired from 133 children (61 autistic children with and 72 non-autistic children, 6-11 years-old). Leveraging novel DWI processing techniques, we investigated the relationship between sensory features and white matter microstructure properties (free-water-elimination-corrected fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean diffusivity [MD]) in precisely delineated brainstem white matter tracts. Follow-up analyses assessed relationships between microstructure and sensory response patterns/modalities and analyzed whole brain white matter using voxel-based analysis. RESULTS Results revealed distinct relationships between brainstem microstructure and sensory features in autistic children compared to non-autistic children. In autistic children, more prominent sensory features were generally associated with lower MD. Further, in autistic children, sensory hyporesponsiveness and tactile responsivity were strongly associated with white matter microstructure in nearly all brainstem tracts. Follow-up voxel-based analyses confirmed that these relationships were more prominent in the brainstem/cerebellum, with additional sensory-brain findings in the autistic group in the white matter of the primary motor and somatosensory cortices, the occipital lobe, the inferior parietal lobe, and the thalamic projections. LIMITATIONS All participants communicated via spoken language and acclimated to the sensory environment of an MRI session, which should be considered when assessing the generalizability of this work to the whole of the autism spectrum. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest unique brainstem white matter contributions to sensory features in autistic children compared to non-autistic children. The brainstem correlates of sensory features underscore the potential reflex-like nature of behavioral responses to sensory stimuli in autism and have implications for how we conceptualize and address sensory features in autistic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Surgent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ali Riaz
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
| | - Karla K. Ausderau
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Nagesh Adluru
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Gregory R. Kirk
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
| | - Jose Guerrero-Gonzalez
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Emily C. Skaletski
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Steven R. Kecskemeti
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
| | - Douglas C Dean III
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Susan Ellis Weismer
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Andrew L. Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Brittany G. Travers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Amaral DG, Nordahl CW. Amygdala Involvement in Autism: Early Postnatal Changes, But What Are the Behavioral Consequences? Am J Psychiatry 2022; 179:522-524. [PMID: 35921392 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David G Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Christine Wu Nordahl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
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Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
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Baizer JS. Functional and Neuropathological Evidence for a Role of the Brainstem in Autism. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:748977. [PMID: 34744648 PMCID: PMC8565487 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.748977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The brainstem includes many nuclei and fiber tracts that mediate a wide range of functions. Data from two parallel approaches to the study of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) implicate many brainstem structures. The first approach is to identify the functions affected in ASD and then trace the neural systems mediating those functions. While not included as core symptoms, three areas of function are frequently impaired in ASD: (1) Motor control both of the limbs and body and the control of eye movements; (2) Sensory information processing in vestibular and auditory systems; (3) Control of affect. There are critical brainstem nuclei mediating each of those functions. There are many nuclei critical for eye movement control including the superior colliculus. Vestibular information is first processed in the four nuclei of the vestibular nuclear complex. Auditory information is relayed to the dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei and subsequently processed in multiple other brainstem nuclei. Critical structures in affect regulation are the brainstem sources of serotonin and norepinephrine, the raphe nuclei and the locus ceruleus. The second approach is the analysis of abnormalities from direct study of ASD brains. The structure most commonly identified as abnormal in neuropathological studies is the cerebellum. It is classically a major component of the motor system, critical for coordination. It has also been implicated in cognitive and language functions, among the core symptoms of ASD. This structure works very closely with the cerebral cortex; the cortex and the cerebellum show parallel enlargement over evolution. The cerebellum receives input from cortex via relays in the pontine nuclei. In addition, climbing fiber input to cerebellum comes from the inferior olive of the medulla. Mossy fiber input comes from the arcuate nucleus of the medulla as well as the pontine nuclei. The cerebellum projects to several brainstem nuclei including the vestibular nuclear complex and the red nucleus. There are thus multiple brainstem nuclei distributed at all levels of the brainstem, medulla, pons, and midbrain, that participate in functions affected in ASD. There is direct evidence that the cerebellum may be abnormal in ASD. The evidence strongly indicates that analysis of these structures could add to our understanding of the neural basis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan S. Baizer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Anderson MP, Quinton R, Kelly K, Falzon A, Halladay A, Schumann CM, Hof PR, Tamminga CA, Hare CK, Amaral DG. Autism BrainNet: A Collaboration Between Medical Examiners, Pathologists, Researchers, and Families to Advance the Understanding and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:494-501. [PMID: 32960953 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0164-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects over 1% of the population worldwide. Developing effective preventions and treatments for autism will depend on understanding the neuropathology of the disorder. While evidence from magnetic resonance imaging indicates altered development of the autistic brain, it lacks the resolution needed to identify the cellular and molecular underpinnings of the disorder. Postmortem studies of human brain tissue currently represent the only viable option to pursuing these critical studies. Historically, the availability of autism brain tissue has been extremely limited. OBJECTIVE.— To overcome this limitation, Autism BrainNet, funded by the Simons Foundation, was formed as a network of brain collection sites that work in a coordinated fashion to develop a library of human postmortem brain tissues for distribution to researchers worldwide. Autism BrainNet has collection sites (or Nodes) in California, Texas, and Massachusetts; affiliated, international Nodes are located in Oxford, England and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. DATA SOURCES.— Pubmed, Autism BrainNet. CONCLUSIONS.— Because the death of autistic individuals is often because of an accident, drowning, suicide, or sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, they often are seen in a medical examiner's or coroner's office. Yet, autism is rarely considered when evaluating the cause of death. Advances in our understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy have occurred because medical examiners and neuropathologists questioned whether a pathologic change might exist in individuals who played contact sports and later developed severe behavioral problems. This article highlights the potential for equally significant breakthroughs in autism arising from the proactive efforts of medical examiners, pathologists, and coroners in partnership with Autism BrainNet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Anderson
- From the Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Anderson)
| | - Reade Quinton
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (Quinton)
| | - Karen Kelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina (Kelly)
| | - Andrew Falzon
- Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, Trenton, New Jersey (Falzon)
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science Foundation, New York, New York (Halladay).,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (Halladay)
| | - Cynthia M Schumann
- The MIND Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento (Schumann and Amaral)
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, and Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Hof)
| | - Carol A Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (Tamminga)
| | | | - David G Amaral
- The MIND Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento (Schumann and Amaral)
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13
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Rahmani Z, Fayyazi Bordbar MR, Dibaj M, Alimardani M, Moghbeli M. Genetic and molecular biology of autism spectrum disorder among Middle East population: a review. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:17. [PMID: 33712060 PMCID: PMC7953769 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease, characterized by impaired social communication, executive dysfunction, and abnormal perceptual processing. It is more frequent among males. All of these clinical manifestations are associated with atypical neural development. Various genetic and environmental risk factors are involved in the etiology of autism. Genetic assessment is essential for the early detection and intervention which can improve social communications and reduce abnormal behaviors. Although, there is a noticeable ASD incidence in Middle East countries, there is still a lack of knowledge about the genetic and molecular biology of ASD among this population to introduce efficient diagnostic and prognostic methods. MAIN BODY In the present review, we have summarized all of the genes which have been associated with ASD progression among Middle East population. We have also categorized the reported genes based on their cell and molecular functions. CONCLUSIONS This review clarifies the genetic and molecular biology of ASD among Middle East population and paves the way of introducing an efficient population based panel of genetic markers for the early detection and management of ASD in Middle East countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rahmani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Dibaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maliheh Alimardani
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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14
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Guo X, Duan X, Suckling J, Wang J, Kang X, Chen H, Biswal BB, Cao J, He C, Xiao J, Huang X, Wang R, Han S, Fan YS, Guo J, Zhao J, Wu L, Chen H. Mapping Progressive Gray Matter Alterations in Early Childhood Autistic Brain. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1500-1510. [PMID: 33123725 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is an early-onset neurodevelopmental condition. This study aimed to investigate the progressive structural alterations in the autistic brain during early childhood. Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were examined in a cross-sectional sample of 67 autistic children and 63 demographically matched typically developing (TD) children, aged 2-7 years. Voxel-based morphometry and a general linear model were used to ascertain the effects of diagnosis, age, and a diagnosis-by-age interaction on the gray matter volume. Causal structural covariance network analysis was performed to map the interregional influences of brain structural alterations with increasing age. The autism group showed spatially distributed increases in gray matter volume when controlling for age-related effects, compared with TD children. A significant diagnosis-by-age interaction effect was observed in the fusiform face area (FFA, Fpeak = 13.57) and cerebellum/vermis (Fpeak = 12.73). Compared with TD children, the gray matter development of the FFA in autism displayed altered influences on that of the social brain network regions (false discovery rate corrected, P < 0.05). Our findings indicate the atypical neurodevelopment of the FFA in the autistic brain during early childhood and highlight altered developmental effects of this region on the social brain network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Guo
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Xujun Duan
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - John Suckling
- Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB21 5EF, UK
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Xiaodong Kang
- Affiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan Bayi Rehabilitation Center, Chengdu 611135, China
| | - Heng Chen
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.,School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Bharat B Biswal
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Jing Cao
- Affiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan Bayi Rehabilitation Center, Chengdu 611135, China
| | - Changchun He
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jinming Xiao
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xinyue Huang
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Runshi Wang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Shaoqiang Han
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yun-Shuang Fan
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jing Guo
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Huafu Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by markedly impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. In addition to challenges caused by core symptoms, maladaptive behaviors such as aggression can be associated with ASD and can further disrupt functioning and quality of life. For adults with ASD, these behaviors can portend adverse outcomes (e.g., harm to others or to the individual with ASD, hindering of employment opportunities, criminal justice system involvement). This article reviews the scientific literature to provide an update on evidence-based interventions for aggression in adults with ASD. METHOD A search of the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO was conducted using relevant search terms. After reviewing titles, abstracts, full-length articles, and reference lists, 70 articles were identified and reviewed. RESULTS The strongest (controlled trial) evidence suggests beneficial effects of risperidone, propranolol, fluvoxamine, vigorous aerobic exercise, and dextromethorphan/quinidine for treating aggression in adults with ASD, with lower levels of evidence supporting behavioral interventions, multisensory environments, yokukansan, and other treatments. CONCLUSIONS Additional randomized, controlled trials using consistent methodology that adequately addresses sources of bias are needed to determine which treatments are reliably effective in addressing aggression in adults with ASD. In the meantime, considering efficacy and adverse effect/long-term risk profiles, a practical approach could start with functional assessment-informed behavioral interventions along with encouragement of regular, vigorous aerobic exercise to target aggression in adults with ASD, with pharmacotherapy employed if these interventions are unavailable or inadequate based on symptom acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Im
- From the University of Michigan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School
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16
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May KE, Kana RK. Frontoparietal Network in Executive Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1762-1777. [PMID: 33016005 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Higher cognitive functions in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in executive functions (EF). While some research attributes this to an overreliance of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), others demonstrate poor recruitment of the PFC in individuals with ASD. In order to assess the emerging consensus across neuroimaging studies of EF in ASD, the current study used a coordinate-based activation likelihood estimation (ALE) analysis of 16 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, resulting in a meta-analysis of data from 739 participants (356 ASD, 383 typically developing [TD] individuals) ranging from 7 to 52 years of age. Within-group analysis of EF tasks revealed that both TD and ASD participants had significant activity in PFC regions. Analysis of group differences indicated greater activation in ASD, relative to TD participants, in the right middle frontal gyrus and the anterior cingulate cortex, and lesser activation in the bilateral middle frontal, left inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, and precuneus. Although both ASD and TD participants showed similar PFC activation, there was differential recruitment of wider network of EF regions such as the IPL in ASD participants. The under-recruitment of parietal regions may be due to poor connectivity of the frontoparietal networks with other regions during EF tasks or a restricted executive network in ASD participants which is limited primarily to the PFC. These results support the executive dysfunction hypothesis of ASD and suggests that poor frontoparietal recruitment may underlie some of the EF difficulties individuals with ASD experience. LAY SUMMARY: This study reports a meta-analysis of 16 brain imaging studies of executive functions (EF) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While parts of the brain's EF network is activated in both ASD and control participants, the ASD group does not activate a wider network of EF regions such as the parietal cortex. This may be due to poor EF network connectivity, or a constrained EF network in ASD participants. These results may underlie some of the EF difficulties individuals with ASD experience. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1762-1777. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E May
- Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, Center for Innovative Research in Autism, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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17
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Herrero MJ, Velmeshev D, Hernandez-Pineda D, Sethi S, Sorrells S, Banerjee P, Sullivan C, Gupta AR, Kriegstein AR, Corbin JG. Identification of amygdala-expressed genes associated with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2020; 11:39. [PMID: 32460837 PMCID: PMC7251751 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have revealed a strong multigenic basis with the identification of hundreds of ASD susceptibility genes. ASD is characterized by social deficits and a range of other phenotypes, implicating complex genetics and involvement of a variety of brain regions. However, how mutations and mis-expression of select gene sets are associated with the behavioral components of ASD remains unknown. We reasoned that for genes to be associated with ASD core behaviors they must be: (1) expressed in brain regions relevant to ASD social behaviors and (2) expressed during the ASD susceptible window of brain development. METHODS Focusing on the amygdala, a brain region whose dysfunction has been highly implicated in the social component of ASD, we mined publicly available gene expression databases to identify ASD-susceptibility genes expressed during human and mouse amygdala development. We found that a large cohort of known ASD susceptibility genes is expressed in the developing human and mouse amygdala. We further performed analysis of single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) data from microdissected amygdala tissue from five ASD and five control human postmortem brains ranging in age from 4 to 20 years to elucidate cell type specificity of amygdala-expressed genes and their dysregulation in ASD. RESULTS Our analyses revealed that of the high-ranking ASD susceptibility genes, 80 are expressed in both human and mouse amygdala during fetal to early postnatal stages of development. Our human snRNA-seq analyses revealed cohorts of genes with altered expression in the ASD amygdala postnatally, especially within excitatory neurons, with dysregulated expression of seven genes predicted from our datamining pipeline. LIMITATIONS We were limited by the ages for which we were able to obtain human tissue; therefore, the results from our datamining pipeline approach will require validation, to the extent possible, in human tissue from earlier developmental stages. CONCLUSIONS Our pipeline narrows down the number of amygdala-expressed genes possibly involved in the social pathophysiology of ASD. Our human single-nucleus gene expression analyses revealed that ASD is characterized by changes in gene expression in specific cell types in the early postnatal amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Herrero
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dmitry Velmeshev
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Hernandez-Pineda
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Saarthak Sethi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shawn Sorrells
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Present Address: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Payal Banerjee
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Abha R Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Arnold R Kriegstein
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Joshua G Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
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SAKADE Y, YAMANAKA K, SOUMIYA H, FURUKAWA S, FUKUMITSU H. Exposure to valproic acid during middle to late-stage corticogenesis induces learning and social behavioral abnormalities with attention deficit/hyperactivity in adult mice. Biomed Res 2019; 40:179-188. [DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.40.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki SAKADE
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kumiko YAMANAKA
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
| | - Hitomi SOUMIYA
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
| | - Shoei FURUKAWA
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
| | - Hidefumi FUKUMITSU
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
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19
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Goodrich M, Armour AC, Panchapakesan K, You X, Devaney J, Knoblach S, Sullivan CA, Herrero MJ, Gupta AR, Vaidya CJ, Kenworthy L, Corbin JG. PAC1R Genotype to Phenotype Correlations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2019; 12:200-211. [PMID: 30556326 PMCID: PMC6665682 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Amygdala dysfunction has been implicated in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies in mice and humans, respectively, have linked Pac1r/PAC1R function to social behavior and PTSD-susceptibility. Based on this connection to social and emotional processing and the central role played by the amygdala in ASD, we examined a putative role for PAC1R in social deficits in ASD and determined the pattern of gene expression in the developing mouse and human amygdala. We reveal that Pac1r/PAC1R is expressed in both mouse and human amygdala from mid-neurogenesis through early postnatal stages, critical time points when altered brain trajectories are hypothesized to unfold in ASD. We further find that parents of autistic children carrying a previously identified PTSD-risk genotype (CC) report greater reciprocal social deficits compared to those carrying the non-risk GC genotype. Additionally, by exploring resting-state functional connectivity differences in a subsample of the larger behavioral sample, we find higher functional connectivity between the amygdala and right middle temporal gyrus in individuals with the CC risk genotype. Thus, using multimodal approaches, our data reveal that the amygdala-expressed PAC1R gene may be linked to severity of ASD social phenotype and possible alterations in brain connectivity, therefore potentially acting as a modifier of amygdala-related phenotypes. Autism Res 2019, 12: 200-211 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: In this multimodal study across mouse and human, we examined expression patterns of Pac1r/PAC1R, a gene implicated in social behavior, and further explored whether a previously identified human PTSD-linked mutation in PAC1R can predict brain connectivity and social deficits in ASD. We find that PAC1R is highly expressed in the both the mouse and human amygdala. Furthermore, our human data suggest that PAC1R genotype is linked to severity of social deficits and functional amygdala connectivity in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Goodrich
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anna Chelsea Armour
- Children’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children’s National Health System, 15245 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Karuna Panchapakesan
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiaozhen You
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 306N White-Gravenor Hall, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joseph Devaney
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Susan Knoblach
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine A.W. Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maria Jesus Herrero
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abha R. Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chandan J. Vaidya
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 306N White-Gravenor Hall, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lauren Kenworthy
- Children’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children’s National Health System, 15245 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joshua G. Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
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20
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Kuppili PP, Manohar H, Menon V. Current status of vaccines in psychiatry-A narrative review. Asian J Psychiatr 2018; 31:112-120. [PMID: 29476951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccines are one of the newer therapeutic modalities being researched in psychiatric illnesses with limited role of pharmacological interventions. Preclinical studies on vaccines have shown favorable results in conditions like Substance use Disorders and Alzheimer's Dementia. However, the utility of Mumps Measles Rubella vaccine has been overshadowed by controversy linked to causation of Autism. With this background, the current narrative review aimed to comprehensively and critically evaluate the current status of vaccines in Psychiatric illnesses. METHODS Preliminary literature search using the electronic databases of MEDLINE and Google Scholar between May 1967 and May 2017 using the search terms "Vaccines" and "Psychiatry" was carried out and articles were found in the following areas of research: Substance use, Alzheimer Dementia, Autism, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Papilloma Virus Further, the refined search was done using combinations of search terms "Vaccine", "Nicotine", "Cocaine", "Opioid", "Alzheimer Dementia", "Autism", and "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" and peer - reviewed original articles published in English conducted among human subjects and published in English language were included for review. RESULTS A total of 31 articles found eligible were organized into appropriate sections synthesizing the literature on role of vaccines in specific disorders such as Substance Use Disorders, Alzheimer Dementia and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. DISCUSSION The therapeutic potential of vaccines in Substance Use Disorders and Alzheimer Dementia was found to be limited in comparison to the results from animal studies. Safety profile of the immunogens and the adjuvants in humans is possibly the most important limitation. No causal association between Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine and Autism was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Patnaik Kuppili
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Dhanvantri Nagar, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Harshini Manohar
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Dhanvantri Nagar, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Dhanvantri Nagar, Puducherry, 605006, India.
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21
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Freedman EG, Foxe JJ. Eye movements, sensorimotor adaptation and cerebellar-dependent learning in autism: toward potential biomarkers and subphenotypes. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 47:549-555. [PMID: 28612953 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Because of the wide range of symptoms expressed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their idiosyncratic severity, it is unlikely that a single remedial approach will be universally effective. Resolution of this dilemma requires identifying subgroups within the autism spectrum, based on symptom set and severity, on an underlying neuro-structural difference, and on specific behavioral dysfunction. This will provide critical insight into the disorder and may lead to better diagnoses, and more targeted remediation in these subphenotypes of people with ASD. In this review, we discuss findings that appear to link the structure of the cerebellar vermis and plasticity of the saccadic eye-movement system in people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Differences in cerebellar vermis structure in ASD could critically impact visuo-sensorimotor development in early infancy, which may in turn manifest as the visual orienting, communication and social interaction differences often seen in this population. It may be possible to distinguish a subpopulation of children with vermal hypoplasia, to establish whether this group manifests more severe deficits in visual orienting and in adaptation to persistent visual errors, and to establish whether this putative subphenotype of ASD is associated with a specific and distinct clinical symptom profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward G Freedman
- Department of Neuroscience, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
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22
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Santos M, Marques C, Nóbrega Pinto A, Fernandes R, Coutinho MB, Almeida E Sousa C. Autism spectrum disorders and the amplitude of auditory brainstem response wave I. Autism Res 2017; 10:1300-1305. [PMID: 28371266 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have an increased number of wave I abnormal amplitudes in auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) than age- and sex-matched typically developing children. This analytical case-control study compared patients with ASDs between the ages of 2 and 6 years and children who had a language delay not associated with any other pathology. Amplitudes of ABR waves I and V; absolute latencies (ALs) of waves I, III, and V; and interpeak latencies (IPLs) I-III, III-IV, and I-V at 90 dB were compared between ASD patients and normally developing children. The study enrolled 40 children with documented ASDs and 40 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Analyses of the ABR showed that children with ASDs exhibited higher amplitudes of wave 1 than wave V (35%) more frequently than the control group (10%), and this difference between groups reached statistical significance by Chi-squared analysis. There were no significant differences in ALs and IPLs between ASD children and matched controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case-control study testing the amplitudes of ABR wave I in ASD children. The reported results suggest a potential for the use of ABR recordings in children, not only for the clinical assessment of hearing status, but also for the possibility of using amplitude of ABR wave I as an early marker of ASDs allowing earlier diagnosis and intervention. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1300-1305. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariline Santos
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal, Largo do Prof. Albel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Marques
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal, Largo do Prof. Albel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Nóbrega Pinto
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal, Largo do Prof. Albel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Fernandes
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal, Largo do Prof. Albel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Bebiano Coutinho
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal, Largo do Prof. Albel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cecília Almeida E Sousa
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal, Largo do Prof. Albel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
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Neurotensin stimulates sortilin and mTOR in human microglia inhibitable by methoxyluteolin, a potential therapeutic target for autism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E7049-E7058. [PMID: 27663735 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604992113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We had reported elevated serum levels of the peptide neurotensin (NT) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here, we show that NT stimulates primary human microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, and the immortalized cell line of human microglia-SV40. NT (10 nM) increases the gene expression and release (P < 0.001) of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and CCL5 from human microglia. NT also stimulates proliferation (P < 0.05) of microglia-SV40. Microglia express only the receptor 3 (NTR3)/sortilin and not the NTR1 or NTR2. The use of siRNA to target sortilin reduces (P < 0.001) the NT-stimulated cytokine and chemokine gene expression and release from human microglia. Stimulation with NT (10 nM) increases the gene expression of sortilin (P < 0.0001) and causes the receptor to be translocated from the cytoplasm to the cell surface, and to be secreted extracellularly. Our findings also show increased levels of sortilin (P < 0.0001) in the serum from children with ASD (n = 36), compared with healthy controls (n = 20). NT stimulation of microglia-SV40 causes activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling kinase, as shown by phosphorylation of its substrates and inhibition of these responses by drugs that prevent mTOR activation. NT-stimulated responses are inhibited by the flavonoid methoxyluteolin (0.1-1 μM). The data provide a link between sortilin and the pathological findings of microglia and inflammation of the brain in ASD. Thus, inhibition of this pathway using methoxyluteolin could provide an effective treatment of ASD.
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Cho HS, Kim TW, Ji ES, Park HS, Shin MS, Baek SS. Treadmill exercise ameliorates motor dysfunction through inhibition of Purkinje cell loss in cerebellum of valproic acid-induced autistic rats. J Exerc Rehabil 2016; 12:293-8. [PMID: 27656625 PMCID: PMC5031390 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1632696.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex developmental disorder with impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive behavior and motor skills. Exercise enhances cognitive function, ameliorates motor dysfunction, and provides protective profits against neurodegeneration. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of treadmill exercise on the motor coordination and Purkinje cell loss in relation with reactive astrocytes and microglial activation in the cerebellum using valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism rat model. On the 12th day of pregnancy, the pregnant rats in the VPA-exposed group received intraperitoneal injections of 600-mg/kg VPA. After birth, the rat pups were divided into four groups: the control group, the exercise group, the VPA-treated group, the VPA-treated and exercise group. The rat pups in the exercise groups were forced to run on a treadmill for 30 min once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. In the present results, motor balance and coordination was disturbed by induction of autism, in contrast, treadmill exercise alleviated motor dysfunction in the autistic rats. Purkinje cell loss, reactive astrocytes, and microglial activation were occurred by induction of autism, in contrast, treadmill exercise enhanced survival rate of Purkinje neurons through inhibition of reactive astrocytes and microglia in the autistic rats. The present study showed that exercise may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for the alleviation of motor dysfunction in autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Sam Cho
- Department of Sport & Health Science, College of Natural Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Woon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sang Ji
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye-Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mal-Soon Shin
- School of Sports and Leisure Studies, Korea University, Sejong, Korea
| | - Seung-Soo Baek
- Department of Sport & Health Science, College of Natural Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea
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25
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Carson TB, Wilkes BJ, Patel K, Pineda JL, Ko JH, Newell KM, Bodfish JW, Schubert MC, Radonovich K, White KD, Lewis MH. Vestibulo-ocular reflex function in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2016; 10:251-266. [PMID: 27220548 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sensorimotor processing alterations are a growing focus in the assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex (rVOR), which functions to maintain stable vision during head movements, is a sensorimotor system that may be useful in understanding such alterations and their underlying neurobiology. In this study, we assessed post-rotary nystagmus elicited by continuous whole body rotation among children with high-functioning ASD and typically developing children. Children with ASD exhibited increased rVOR gain, the ratio of eye velocity to head velocity, indicating a possible lack of cerebellar inhibitory input to brainstem vestibular nuclei in this population. The ASD group also showed less regular or periodic horizontal eye movements as indexed by greater variance accounted for by multiple higher frequency bandwidths as well as greater entropy scores compared to typically developing children. The decreased regularity or dysrhythmia in the temporal structure of nystagmus beats in children with ASD may be due to alterations in cerebellum and brainstem circuitry. These findings could potentially serve as a model to better understand the functional effects of differences in these brain structures in ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 251-266. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tana B Carson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bradley J Wilkes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kunal Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jill L Pineda
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ji H Ko
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
| | - Karl M Newell
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - James W Bodfish
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michael C Schubert
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Keith D White
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Mosconi MW, Sweeney JA. Sensorimotor dysfunctions as primary features of autism spectrum disorders. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:1016-23. [PMID: 26335740 PMCID: PMC5304941 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Motor impairments in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have received far less research attention than core social-communication and cognitive features. Yet, behavioral, neurophysiological, neuroimaging and histopathological studies have documented abnormal motor system development in the majority of individuals with ASD suggesting that these deficits may be primary to the disorder. There are several unique advantages to studying motor development in ASD. First, the neurophysiological substrates of motor skills have been well-characterized via animal and human lesion studies. Second, many of the single- gene disorders associated with ASD also are characterized by motor dysfunctions. Third, recent evidence suggests that the onset of motor dysfunctions may precede the emergence of social and communication deficits during the first year of life in ASD. Motor deficits documented in ASD indicate disruptions throughout the neuroaxis affecting cortex, striatum, the cerebellum and brainstem. Questions remain regarding the timing and development of motor system alterations in ASD, their association with defining clinical features, and their potential for parsing heterogeneity in ASD. Pursuing these questions through neurobiologically informed translational research holds great promise for identifying gene-brain pathways associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Mosconi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9086, USA.
| | - John A Sweeney
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9086, USA
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Nakai N, Otsuka S, Myung J, Takumi T. Autism spectrum disorder model mice: Focus on copy number variation and epigenetics. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:976-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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28
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Kazim SF, Cardenas-Aguayo MDC, Arif M, Blanchard J, Fayyaz F, Grundke-Iqbal I, Iqbal K. Sera from children with autism induce autistic features which can be rescued with a CNTF small peptide mimetic in rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118627. [PMID: 25769033 PMCID: PMC4359103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized clinically by impairments in social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication skills as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. It has been hypothesized that altered brain environment including an imbalance in neurotrophic support during early development contributes to the pathophysiology of autism. Here we report that sera from children with autism which exhibited abnormal levels of various neurotrophic factors induced cell death and oxidative stress in mouse primary cultured cortical neurons. The effects of sera from autistic children were rescued by pre-treatment with a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small peptide mimetic, Peptide 6 (P6), which was previously shown to exert its neuroprotective effect by modulating CNTF/JAK/STAT pathway and LIF signaling and by enhancing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Similar neurotoxic effects and neuroinflammation were observed in young Wistar rats injected intracerebroventricularly with autism sera within hours after birth. The autism sera injected rats demonstrated developmental delay and deficits in social communication, interaction, and novelty. Both the neurobiological changes and the behavioral autistic phenotype were ameliorated by P6 treatment. These findings implicate the involvement of neurotrophic imbalance during early brain development in the pathophysiology of autism and a proof of principle of P6 as a potential therapeutic strategy for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faraz Kazim
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Neural and Behavioral Science Graduate Program, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Center for Developmental Neuroscience (CDN), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Maria del Carmen Cardenas-Aguayo
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Arif
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Julie Blanchard
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Fatima Fayyaz
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Inge Grundke-Iqbal
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Center for Developmental Neuroscience (CDN), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Jack A, Morris JP. Neocerebellar contributions to social perception in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2014; 10:77-92. [PMID: 25170555 PMCID: PMC6987881 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work shows cerebellar Crus I supports imitation via interaction with pSTS. Teens with (ASD) and without (TD) autism completed an imitation task in the scanner. Teens with ASD recruited Crus I less strongly during imitation than TD teens. PPI strength between pSTS and Crus I predicted mentalizing in teens with ASD.
Posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) is specialized for interpreting perceived human actions, and disruptions to its function occur in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we consider the role of Crus I of neocerebellum in supporting pSTS function. Research has associated Crus I activity with imitation and biological motion perception, and neocerebellum is theorized to coordinate activity among cerebral sites more generally. Moreover, cerebellar abnormalities have been associated with ASD. We hypothesized that disordered Crus I–pSTS interactions could predict social deficits in ASD. 15 high functioning adolescents with ASD and 15 same-age comparison youth participated in an fMRI imitation paradigm; ratings of mentalizing ability were collected via parent report. We predicted that stronger Crus I–pSTS interactions would be associated with better mentalizing ability. Consistent with these hypotheses, stronger psychophysiological interactions between Crus I and right pSTS were associated with greater mentalizing ability among adolescents with ASD. Whole-brain analyses also indicated that typically developing youth recruited right inferior frontal gyrus, left pSTS, medial occipital regions, and precuneus more strongly during imitation than did youth with ASD. Overall, these results indicate that variability in neocerebellar interactions with key cortical social brain sites may help explain individual differences in social perceptual outcomes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Jack
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
| | - James P Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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The road not taken: social vs. private comparisons in Asperger׳s syndrome and high functioning autism. Psychiatry Res 2014; 216:385-90. [PMID: 24629710 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of the outcomes of our decisions may instigate comparisons of our actual outcome with those of others (social comparisons) or comparisons with alternative outcomes of choices not made (private comparisons). Previous research has suggested a deficit in attention to social information among individuals with autism spectrum disorders. As social comparison involves the processing of social information, here we investigated the orientation towards and sensitivity to social vs. private comparisons in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We compared the sensitivity to social vs. private comparisons among individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism, using a task that entailed monetary rewards. Results showed that while individuals with AS generally demonstrate comparable sensitivity to absolute and relative rewards, they show less sensitivity to social comparison as compared to controls. Furthermore, they are characterized by a higher sensitivity to private rather than social comparison. These results suggest that low sensitivity to social comparisons is an important factor to consider in autism spectrum disorders.
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31
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Wei H, Alberts I, Li X. The apoptotic perspective of autism. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 36:13-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongen Wei
- Central LaboratoryShanxi Provincial People's HospitalAffiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Ian Alberts
- Department of Natural SciencesLaGuardia CC, CUNYNew YorkNY11101USA
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of NeurochemistryNY State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental DisabilitiesNew YorkNY10314USA
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Verly M, Verhoeven J, Zink I, Mantini D, Peeters R, Deprez S, Emsell L, Boets B, Noens I, Steyaert J, Lagae L, De Cock P, Rommel N, Sunaert S. Altered functional connectivity of the language network in ASD: role of classical language areas and cerebellum. Neuroimage Clin 2014; 4:374-82. [PMID: 24567909 PMCID: PMC3930113 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of language, social interaction and communicative skills is remarkably different in the child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Atypical brain connectivity has frequently been reported in this patient population. However, the neural correlates underlying their disrupted language development and functioning are still poorly understood. Using resting state fMRI, we investigated the functional connectivity properties of the language network in a group of ASD patients with clear comorbid language impairment (ASD-LI; N = 19) and compared them to the language related connectivity properties of 23 age-matched typically developing children. A verb generation task was used to determine language components commonly active in both groups. Eight joint language components were identified and subsequently used as seeds in a resting state analysis. Interestingly, both the interregional and the seed-based whole brain connectivity analysis showed preserved connectivity between the classical intrahemispheric language centers, Wernicke's and Broca's areas. In contrast however, a marked loss of functional connectivity was found between the right cerebellar region and the supratentorial regulatory language areas. Also, the connectivity between the interhemispheric Broca regions and modulatory control dorsolateral prefrontal region was found to be decreased. This disruption of normal modulatory control and automation function by the cerebellum may underlie the abnormal language function in children with ASD-LI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Verly
- Department of Neurosciences, Exp ORL, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judith Verhoeven
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAURES) Consortium, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Zink
- Department of Neurosciences, Exp ORL, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK
- Department of Heath Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuro- and Psychophysiology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ronald Peeters
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sabine Deprez
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Louise Emsell
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Leuven Autism Research (LAURES) Consortium, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Noens
- Leuven Autism Research (LAURES) Consortium, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Jean Steyaert
- Leuven Autism Research (LAURES) Consortium, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul De Cock
- Leuven Autism Research (LAURES) Consortium, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Developmental Disabilities, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Rommel
- Department of Neurosciences, Exp ORL, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Sunaert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAURES) Consortium, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Noriega DB, Savelkoul HFJ. Immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Pediatr 2014; 173:33-43. [PMID: 24297668 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-013-2183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and severe neuro-developmental disorder in early childhood which is defined by social and communication deficits and repetitive and stereotypic behaviours. The aetiology of ASD remains poorly understood. Susceptibility to development of ASD has significant environmental components, in addition to the profound genetic heritability. Few genes have been associated to the risk for ASD development. There is substantial evidence implicating chronic neurological inflammation and immune dysregulation leading to upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the ASD brain, probably due to altered blood-brain barrier function. The immune system is characterized by excessive and skewed cytokine responses, modulated T cell reactivity, decreased regulation and production of immunosuppressive cytokines, modified NK function and increased autoantibody production. CONCLUSION The perinatal environment generates vulnerability to chronic neuro-inflammation in the brain associated with profound modulation and dysregulation in the immune system leading to the rapid development of ASD in genetically susceptible children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Briceno Noriega
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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McFadden K, Minshew NJ. Evidence for dysregulation of axonal growth and guidance in the etiology of ASD. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:671. [PMID: 24155705 PMCID: PMC3804918 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Current theories concerning the cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have converged on the concept of abnormal development of brain connectivity. This concept is supported by accumulating evidence from functional imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and high definition fiber tracking studies which suggest altered microstructure in the axonal tracts connecting cortical areas may underly many of the cognitive manifestations of ASD. Additionally, large-scale genomic studies implicate numerous gene candidates known or suspected to mediate neuritic outgrowth and axonal guidance in fetal and perinatal life. Neuropathological observations in postmortem ASD brain samples further support this model and include subtle disturbances of cortical lamination and subcortical axonal morphology. Of note is the relatively common finding of poor differentiation of the gray–white junction associated with an excess superficial white matter or “interstitial” neurons (INs). INs are thought to be remnants of the fetal subplate, a transient structure which plays a key role in the guidance and morphogenesis of thalamocortical and cortico-cortical connections and the organization of cortical columnar architecture. While not discounting the importance of synaptic dysfunction in the etiology of ASD, this paper will briefly review the cortical abnormalities and genetic evidence supporting a model of dysregulated axonal growth and guidance as key developmental processes underlying the clinical manifestations of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn McFadden
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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35
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Travers BG, Powell PS, Klinger LG, Klinger MR. Motor difficulties in autism spectrum disorder: linking symptom severity and postural stability. J Autism Dev Disord 2013; 43:1568-83. [PMID: 23132272 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1702-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Postural stability is a fundamental aspect of motor ability that allows individuals to sustain and maintain the desired physical position of one's body. The present study examined postural stability in average-IQ adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Twenty-six individuals with ASD and 26 age-and-IQ-matched individuals with typical development stood on one leg or two legs with eyes opened or closed on a Wii balance board. Results indicated significant group differences in postural stability during one-legged standing, but there were no significant group differences during two-legged standing. This suggests that static balance during more complex standing postures is impaired in average-IQ individuals with ASD. Further, current ASD symptoms were related to postural stability during two-legged standing in individuals with ASD. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.
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Trophoblast inclusions are significantly increased in the placentas of children in families at risk for autism. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:204-11. [PMID: 23623455 PMCID: PMC3755347 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestation is a critical window for neurodevelopmental vulnerability. This study examined whether the presence of trophoblast inclusions (TIs) in the placenta could serve as a predictor for children at elevated risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Placentas were obtained from 117 births in the MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) cohort of families who have one or more previous biological children with ASD, placing their newborn at elevated risk for neurodevelopmental compromise. Control samples were obtained from 100 uncomplicated term pregnancies of multiparous women with one or more typically developing biological children. Frequency of TIs was compared across the two groups. RESULTS Placentas from at-risk pregnancies had an eightfold increased odds of having two or more TIs compared with control samples (odds ratio: 8.0, 95% confidence interval: 3.6-18.0). The presence of≥2 TIs yielded a sensitivity of 41% and a specificity of 92% for predicting ASD risk status, whereas≥4 TIs yielded a sensitivity of 19%, a specificity of 99.9%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 242 and conservatively predicted an infant with a 74% probability of being at risk for ASD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the placentas from women whose fetuses are at elevated risk for autism are markedly different from control placentas. These differences are manifested histologically as TIs. Their identification has the possibility of identifying newborns at risk for ASD who might benefit from targeted early interventions aimed at preventing or ameliorating behavioral symptoms and optimizing developmental outcomes.
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Zeidán-Chuliá F, Rybarczyk-Filho JL, Salmina AB, de Oliveira BHN, Noda M, Moreira JCF. Exploring the Multifactorial Nature of Autism Through Computational Systems Biology: Calcium and the Rho GTPase RAC1 Under the Spotlight. Neuromolecular Med 2013; 15:364-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-013-8224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Motor difficulties in autism spectrum disorder: linking symptom severity and postural stability. J Autism Dev Disord 2012. [PMID: 23132272 DOI: 10.1007/s10803‐012‐1702‐x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
Postural stability is a fundamental aspect of motor ability that allows individuals to sustain and maintain the desired physical position of one's body. The present study examined postural stability in average-IQ adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Twenty-six individuals with ASD and 26 age-and-IQ-matched individuals with typical development stood on one leg or two legs with eyes opened or closed on a Wii balance board. Results indicated significant group differences in postural stability during one-legged standing, but there were no significant group differences during two-legged standing. This suggests that static balance during more complex standing postures is impaired in average-IQ individuals with ASD. Further, current ASD symptoms were related to postural stability during two-legged standing in individuals with ASD. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are classified as neurological developmental disorders. Several studies have been carried out to find a candidate biomarker linked to the development of these disorders, but up to date no reliable biomarker is available. Mass spectrometry techniques have been used for protein profiling of blood plasma of children with such disorders in order to identify proteins/peptides that may be used as biomarkers for detection of the disorders. Three differentially expressed peptides with mass-charge (m/z) values of 2020 ± 1, 1864 ± 1 and 1978 ± 1 Da in the heparin plasma of children with ASD that were significantly changed as compared with the peptide pattern of the non-ASD control group are reported here. This novel set of biomarkers allows for a reliable blood-based diagnostic tool that may be used in diagnosis and potentially, in prognosis of ASD.
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40
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High complement factor I activity in the plasma of children with autism spectrum disorders. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2012:868576. [PMID: 22928102 PMCID: PMC3420436 DOI: 10.1155/2012/868576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental and behavioural syndromes affecting social orientation, behaviour, and communication that can be classified as developmental disorders. ASD is also associated with immune system abnormality. Immune system abnormalities may be caused partly by complement system factor I deficiency. Complement factor I is a serine protease present in human plasma that is involved in the degradation of complement protein C3b, which is a major opsonin of the complement system. Deficiency in factor I activity is associated with an increased incidence of infections in humans. In this paper, we show that the mean level of factor I activity in the ASD group is significantly higher than in the control group of typically developed and healthy children, suggesting that high activity of complement factor I might have an impact on the development of ASD.
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are pervasive developmental disorders that frequently involve a triad of deficits in social skills, communication and language. For the underlying neurobiology of these symptoms, disturbances in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity have been discussed. The physiological development, regulation and survival of specific neuronal populations shaping neuronal plasticity require the so-called 'neurotrophic factors' (NTFs). These regulate cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and integrity, which are also affected in ASD. Therefore, NTFs have gained increasing attention in ASD research. This review provides an overview and explores the key role of NTFs in the aetiology of ASD. We have also included evidence derived from neurochemical investigations, gene association studies and animal models. By focussing on the role of NTFs in ASD, we intend to further elucidate the puzzling aetiology of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Goines P, Haapanen L, Boyce R, Duncanson P, Braunschweig D, Delwiche L, Hansen R, Hertz-Picciotto I, Ashwood P, Van de Water J. Autoantibodies to cerebellum in children with autism associate with behavior. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:514-23. [PMID: 21134442 PMCID: PMC3039058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2010.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a heterogeneous disorder with a poorly understood biological basis. Some children with autism harbor plasma autoantibodies that target brain proteins. Similarly, some mothers of children with autism produce antibodies specific to autism that target pairs of fetal brain proteins at 37/73 and 39/73 kDa. We explored the relationship between the presence of brain-specific autoantibodies and several behavioral characteristics of autism in 277 children with an autism spectrum disorder and 189 typically developing age-matched controls. Further, we used maternal autoantibody data to investigate potential familial relationships for the production of brain-directed autoantibodies. We demonstrated by Western blot that autoantibodies specific for a 45 kDa cerebellar protein in children were associated with a diagnosis of autism (p=0.017) while autoantibodies directed towards a 62 kDa protein were associated with the broader diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (p=0.043). Children with such autoantibodies had lower adaptive (p=0.0008) and cognitive function (p=0.005), as well as increased aberrant behaviors (p<0.05) compared to children without these antibodies. No correlation was noted for those mothers with the most specific pattern of anti-fetal brain autoantibodies and children with the autoantibodies to either the 45 or 62 kDa bands. Collectively, these data suggest that antibodies towards brain proteins in children are associated with lower adaptive and cognitive function as well as core behaviors associated with autism. It is unclear whether these antibodies have direct pathologic significance, or if they are merely a response to previous injury. Future studies are needed to determine the identities of the protein targets and explore their significance in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Goines
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
| | - Lori Haapanen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
| | - Robert Boyce
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
| | - Paul Duncanson
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
| | - Daniel Braunschweig
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
| | - Lora Delwiche
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis
- Children’s Center for Environmental Health
| | - Robin Hansen
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
- Children’s Center for Environmental Health
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis
- Children’s Center for Environmental Health
| | - Paul Ashwood
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis
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Huang HS, Cheung I, Akbarian S. RPP25 is developmentally regulated in prefrontal cortex and expressed at decreased levels in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2011; 3:153-61. [PMID: 20632321 DOI: 10.1002/aur.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of cerebral cortex in autism is thought to involve alterations in inhibitory neurotransmission. Here, we screened, in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 15 subjects diagnosed with autism and 15 matched controls the expression of 44 transcripts that are either preferentially expressed in gamma-aminobutyric acidergic interneurons of the mature cortex or important for the development of inhibitory circuitry. Significant alterations in the autism cohort included decreased expression (-45%) of RPP25 (15q24.1), which is located within the autism susceptibility locus, 15q22-26. RPP25, which encodes the 25 kDa subunit of ribonuclease P involved in tRNA and pre-ribosomal RNA processing, was developmentally regulated in cerebral cortex with peak levels of expression during late fetal development (human) or around birth (mouse). In the PFC, RPP25 chromatin showed high levels of histone H3-lysine 4 trimethylation, an epigenetic mark associated with transcriptional regulation. Unexpectedly, and in contrast to peripheral tissues, levels of RPP25 protein remained undetectable in fetal and adult cerebral cortex. Taken together, these findings suggest a potential role for the RPP25 gene transcript in the neurobiology of developmental brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Sung Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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44
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Groen WB, Buitelaar JK, van der Gaag RJ, Zwiers MP. Pervasive microstructural abnormalities in autism: a DTI study. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2011; 36:32-40. [PMID: 20964953 PMCID: PMC3004973 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.090100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have reported abnormal functional connectivity patterns in the brains of people with autism that may be accompanied by decreases in white matter integrity. Since autism is a developmental disorder, we aim to investigate the nature and location of decreases in white and grey matter integrity in an adolescent sample while accounting for age. METHODS We used structural (T1) imaging to study brain volumetrics and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate white and grey matter integrity in people with autism. We obtained magnetic resonance images for adolescents aged 12-18 years with high-functioning autism and from matched controls. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, as well as grey and white matter volumetrics were analyzed. RESULTS There were 17 participants with autism and 25 matched controls included in this study. Participants with autism had lower fractional anisotropy in the left and right superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculus, but this effect was not significant after adjusting for age and intelligence quotient (IQ). The kurtosis of the white matter fractional anisotropy probability distribution was higher in this participant group, with and without adjustment for age and IQ. Most notably, however, the mean diffusivity levels were markedly increased in the autism group throughout the brain, and the mean diffusivity probability distributions of both grey and white matter were shifted toward a higher value, particularly with age and IQ adjustment. No volumetric differences in grey and white matter were found. LIMITATIONS We corrected for age and IQ using a linear model. The study was also limited by its sample size, investigated age range and cross-sectional design. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that autism is characterized by a generalized reduction of white matter integrity that is associated with an increase of interstitial space. The generalized manifestation of the white matter abnormalities provides an important new perspective on autism as a connectivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter B. Groen
- Correspondence to: Dr. W.B. Groen, Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands;
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McAlonan GM, Li Q, Cheung C. The timing and specificity of prenatal immune risk factors for autism modeled in the mouse and relevance to schizophrenia. Neurosignals 2010; 18:129-39. [PMID: 21042002 DOI: 10.1159/000321080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a highly heritable condition, but there is strong epidemiological evidence that environmental factors, especially prenatal exposure to immune challenge, contribute to it. This evidence is largely indirect, and experimental testing is necessary to directly examine causal mechanisms. Mouse models reveal that prenatal immune perturbation disrupts postnatal brain maturation with alterations in gene and protein expression, neurotransmitter function, brain structure and behavioral indices reminiscent of, but not specific to, autism. This likely reflects a neurodevelopmental spectrum in which autism and schizophrenia share numerous genetic and environmental risk factors for difficulties in social interaction, communication, emotion processing and executive function. Recent epidemiological studies find that early rather than late pregnancy infection confers the greater risk of schizophrenia. The autism literature is more limited, but exposures in the 2nd half of pregnancy may be important. Mouse models of prenatal immune challenge help dissect these observations and show some common consequences of early and late gestational exposures, as well as distinct ramifications potentially relevant to schizophrenia and autism. Although nonspecificity of immune-stimulated mouse models could be considered a disadvantage, we propose a broadened perspective, exploiting the possibility that advances made investigating a target condition can contribute towards the understanding of related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gráinne M McAlonan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- G Robert DeLong
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
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47
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Toal F, Daly EM, Page L, Deeley Q, Hallahan B, Bloemen O, Cutter WJ, Brammer MJ, Curran S, Robertson D, Murphy C, Murphy KC, Murphy DGM. Clinical and anatomical heterogeneity in autistic spectrum disorder: a structural MRI study. Psychol Med 2010; 40:1171-1181. [PMID: 19891805 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709991541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by stereotyped/obsessional behaviours and social and communicative deficits. However, there is significant variability in the clinical phenotype; for example, people with autism exhibit language delay whereas those with Asperger syndrome do not. It remains unclear whether localized differences in brain anatomy are associated with variation in the clinical phenotype. METHOD We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate brain anatomy in adults with ASD. We included 65 adults diagnosed with ASD (39 with Asperger syndrome and 26 with autism) and 33 controls who did not differ significantly in age or gender. RESULTS VBM revealed that subjects with ASD had a significant reduction in grey-matter volume of medial temporal, fusiform and cerebellar regions, and in white matter of the brainstem and cerebellar regions. Furthermore, within the subjects with ASD, brain anatomy varied with clinical phenotype. Those with autism demonstrated an increase in grey matter in frontal and temporal lobe regions that was not present in those with Asperger syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Adults with ASD have significant differences from controls in the anatomy of brain regions implicated in behaviours characterizing the disorder, and this differs according to clinical subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Toal
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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Careaga M, Van de Water J, Ashwood P. Immune dysfunction in autism: a pathway to treatment. Neurotherapeutics 2010; 7:283-92. [PMID: 20643381 PMCID: PMC5084232 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex and clinically heterogeneous disorder with a spectrum of symptoms. Clinicians, schools, and service agencies worldwide have reported a dramatic increase in the number of children identified with autism. Despite expanding research, the etiology and underlying biological processes of autism remain poorly understood, and the relative contribution from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors remains unclear. Although autism affects primarily brain function (especially affect, social functioning, and cognition), it is unknown to what extent other organs and systems are disrupted. Published findings have identified widespread changes in the immune systems of children with autism, at both systemic and cellular levels. Brain specimens from autism subjects exhibit signs of active, ongoing inflammation, as well as alterations in gene pathways associated with immune signaling and immune function. Moreover, many genetic studies have indicated a link between autism and genes that are relevant to both the nervous system and the immune system. Alterations in these pathways can affect function in both systems. Together, these reports suggest that autism may in fact be a systemic disorder with connections to abnormal immune responses. Such immune system dysfunction may represent novel targets for treatment. A better understanding of the involvement of the immune response in autism, and of how early brain development is altered, may have important therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at Davis, 95817 Sacramento, California
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, 2805 50th Street, 95817 Sacramento, CA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 95817 Sacramento, California
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at Davis, 95817 Sacramento, California
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, 2805 50th Street, 95817 Sacramento, CA
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Hitoglou M, Ververi A, Antoniadis A, Zafeiriou DI. Childhood autism and auditory system abnormalities. Pediatr Neurol 2010; 42:309-14. [PMID: 20399382 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Revised: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hearing disorders are common among children with autism, ranging from peripheral and sensorineural hearing deficit or loss to auditory hypersensitivity with bizarre reactions to sounds. The auditory abnormalities and consequent sensory deprivation exacerbate the communication deficit of autism, and early auditory assessment holds an important place in the planning of intervention and the overall prognosis of patients. Physiologic, pathologic, imaging, and neurochemical studies have revealed an array of aberrations in the perception and processing of the audiologic stimuli, including (among others) maturational defects, atypical lateralization, and serotonin dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Hitoglou
- Unit of Communication Disabilities, 1st ENT Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54622 Thessaloniki, Greece
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50
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Taurines R, Dudley E, Conner AC, Grassl J, Jans T, Guderian F, Mehler-Wex C, Warnke A, Gerlach M, Thome J. Serum protein profiling and proteomics in autistic spectrum disorder using magnetic bead-assisted mass spectrometry. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2010; 260:249-55. [PMID: 19784855 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-009-0066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is not fully understood and there are no diagnostic or predictive biomarkers. Proteomic profiling has been used in the past for biomarker research in several non-psychiatric and psychiatric disorders and could provide new insights, potentially presenting a useful tool for generating such biomarkers in autism. Serum protein pre-fractionation with C8-magnetic beads and protein profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) were used to identify possible differences in protein profiles in patients and controls. Serum was obtained from 16 patients (aged 8-18) and age-matched controls. Three peaks in the MALDI-ToF-MS significantly differentiated the ASD sample from the control group. Sub-grouping the ASD patients into children with and without comorbid Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD (ASD/ADHD+ patients, n = 9; ASD/ADHD- patients, n = 7), one peak distinguished the ASD/ADHD+ patients from controls and ASD/ADHD- patients. Our results suggest that altered protein levels in peripheral blood of patients with ASD might represent useful biomarkers for this devastating psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Taurines
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Institute of Life Science, The School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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