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Shan S, Xu F, Brenig B. Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Neurological Genes for Dog Herding, Predation, Temperament, and Trainability Traits. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:693290. [PMID: 34368281 PMCID: PMC8335642 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.693290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) using dog breed standard values as phenotypic measurements is an efficient way to identify genes associated with morphological and behavioral traits. As a result of strong human purposeful selections, several specialized behavioral traits such as herding and hunting have been formed in different modern dog breeds. However, genetic analyses on this topic are rather limited due to the accurate phenotyping difficulty for these complex behavioral traits. Here, 268 dog whole-genome sequences from 130 modern breeds were used to investigate candidate genes underlying dog herding, predation, temperament, and trainability by GWAS. Behavioral phenotypes were obtained from the American Kennel Club based on dog breed standard descriptions or groups (conventional categorization of dog historical roles). The GWAS results of herding behavior (without body size as a covariate) revealed 44 significantly associated sites within five chromosomes. Significantly associated sites on CFA7, 9, 10, and 20 were located either in or near neuropathological or neuronal genes including THOC1, ASIC2, MSRB3, LLPH, RFX8, and CHL1. MSRB3 and CHL1 genes were reported to be associated with dog fear. Since herding is a restricted hunting behavior by removing killing instinct, 36 hounds and 55 herding dogs were used to analyze predation behavior. Three neuronal-related genes (JAK2, MEIS1, and LRRTM4) were revealed as candidates for predation behavior. The significantly associated variant of temperament GWAS was located within ACSS3 gene. The highest associated variant in trainability GWAS is located on CFA22, with no variants detected above the Bonferroni threshold. Since dog behaviors are correlated with body size, we next incorporate body mass as covariates into GWAS; and significant signals around THOC1, MSRB3, LLPH, RFX8, CHL1, LRRTM4, and ACSS3 genes were still detected for dog herding, predation, and temperament behaviors. In humans, these candidate genes are either involved in nervous system development or associated with mental disorders. In conclusion, our results imply that these neuronal or psychiatric genes might be involved in biological processes underlying dog herding, predation, and temperament behavioral traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Shan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fangzheng Xu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Bellia F, Vismara M, Annunzi E, Cifani C, Benatti B, Dell'Osso B, D'Addario C. Genetic and epigenetic architecture of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: In search of possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:554-571. [PMID: 33213890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a prevalent and severe clinical condition whose hallmarks are excessive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The onset of symptoms generally occurs during pre-adult life and typically affects subjects in different aspects of their life's, compromising social and professional relationships. Although robust evidence suggests a genetic component in the etiopathogenesis of OCD, the causes of the disorder are still not completely understood. It is thus of relevance to take into account how genes interact with environmental risk factors, thought to be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. We here provide an overview of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of OCD, focusing on the modulation of key central nervous system genes, in the attempt to suggest possible disease biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bellia
- Faculty of Bioscience, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Eugenia Annunzi
- Faculty of Bioscience, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milano, Italy; CRC "Aldo Ravelli", University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milano, Italy; CRC "Aldo Ravelli", University of Milan, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Manning EE, Ahmari SE. How can preclinical mouse models be used to gain insight into prefrontal cortex dysfunction in obsessive-compulsive disorder? Brain Neurosci Adv 2018; 2:2398212818783896. [PMID: 32166143 PMCID: PMC7058260 DOI: 10.1177/2398212818783896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that is characterised by perseverative thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive and affective disturbances play a central role in this illness, and it is therefore not surprising that clinical neuroimaging studies have demonstrated widespread alterations in prefrontal cortex functioning in patients. Preclinical mouse experimental systems provide the opportunity to gain mechanistic insight into the neurobiological changes underlying prefrontal cortex dysfunction through new technologies that allow measurement and manipulation of activity in discrete neural populations in awake, behaving mice. However, recent preclinical research has focused on striatal dysfunction, and has therefore provided relatively little insight regarding the role of the prefrontal cortex in obsessive-compulsive disorder–relevant behaviours. Here, we will discuss a number of translational prefrontal cortex–dependent paradigms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder–relevant tasks that produce compulsive responding, and how they can be leveraged in this context. Drawing on recent examples that have led to mechanistic insight about specific genes, cell types and circuits that mediate prefrontal cortex contributions to distinct aspects of cognition, we will provide a framework for applying similar strategies to identify neural mechanisms underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder–relevant behavioural domains. We propose that research using clinically relevant paradigms will accelerate translation of findings from preclinical mouse models, thus supporting the development of novel therapeutics targeted to specific pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne E Ahmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Alexander J, Potamianou H, Xing J, Deng L, Karagiannidis I, Tsetsos F, Drineas P, Tarnok Z, Rizzo R, Wolanczyk T, Farkas L, Nagy P, Szymanska U, Androutsos C, Tsironi V, Koumoula A, Barta C, Sandor P, Barr CL, Tischfield J, Paschou P, Heiman GA, Georgitsi M. Targeted Re-Sequencing Approach of Candidate Genes Implicates Rare Potentially Functional Variants in Tourette Syndrome Etiology. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:428. [PMID: 27708560 PMCID: PMC5030307 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the genetic basis of Tourette Syndrome (TS) remains unclear, several candidate genes have been implicated. Using a set of 382 TS individuals of European ancestry we investigated four candidate genes for TS (HDC, SLITRK1, BTBD9, and SLC6A4) in an effort to identify possibly causal variants using a targeted re-sequencing approach by next generation sequencing technology. Identification of possible disease causing variants under different modes of inheritance was performed using the algorithms implemented in VAAST. We prioritized variants using Variant ranker and validated five rare variants via Sanger sequencing in HDC and SLITRK1, all of which are predicted to be deleterious. Intriguingly, one of the identified variants is in linkage disequilibrium with a variant that is included among the top hits of a genome-wide association study for response to citalopram treatment, an antidepressant drug with off-label use also in obsessive compulsive disorder. Our findings provide additional evidence for the implication of these two genes in TS susceptibility and the possible role of these proteins in the pathobiology of TS should be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Alexander
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Hera Potamianou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Li Deng
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Iordanis Karagiannidis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Fotis Tsetsos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Petros Drineas
- Computer Science Department, Purdue University West Lafayette, USA
| | - Zsanett Tarnok
- Vadaskert Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Tomasz Wolanczyk
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luca Farkas
- Vadaskert Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Nagy
- Vadaskert Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Budapest, Hungary
| | - Urszula Szymanska
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christos Androutsos
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica Athens, Greece
| | - Vaia Tsironi
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Koumoula
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica Athens, Greece
| | - Csaba Barta
- Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Institute of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Paul Sandor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cathy L Barr
- Genetics and Development Division, Krembil Research Institute, University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada; Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jay Tischfield
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Peristera Paschou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Gary A Heiman
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA; Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Marianthi Georgitsi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of ThraceAlexandroupoli, Greece; Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of ThessalonikiThessaloniki, Greece
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Analysis of SLITRK1 in Japanese patients with Tourette syndrome using a next-generation sequencer. Psychiatr Genet 2015; 25:256-8. [DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder commonly occur together. Family studies indicate shared genetic risk factors. SLITRK5, one of a family of six SLITRK genes, has been suggested as a possible candidate gene contributing towards obsessive-compulsive disorder on the basis of the mouse knockout model that shows excessive grooming behaviours that are alleviated with fluoxetine. In this study, we tested the SLITRK5 gene as a candidate for TS in a family-based sample with 377 affected children. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms tagging the gene, we did not find any evidence supporting the association of TS and SLITRK5.
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Kimbrel NA, Morissette SB, Meyer EC, Chrestman R, Jamroz R, Silvia PJ, Beckham JC, Young KA. Effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and quality of life among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2014; 28:456-66. [PMID: 25314020 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2014.973862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and stress are significant problems among returning veterans and are associated with reduced quality of life. DESIGN A correlational design was used to examine the impact of a polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in the serotonin transporter promoter gene on post-deployment adjustment among returning veterans. METHODS A total of 186 returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Symptoms of PTSD, depression, general stress, and anxiety were assessed along with quality of life. RESULTS After controlling for combat exposure, age, sex of the participant, and race, 5-HTTLPR had a significant multivariate effect on post-deployment adjustment, such that S' carriers reported more post-deployment adjustment problems and worse quality of life than veterans homozygous for the L' allele. This effect was larger when the analyses were restricted to veterans of European ancestry. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that veterans who carry the S' allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be at increased risk for adjustment problems and reduced quality of life following deployments to war zones.
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Abstract
Twin and family studies support a significant genetic contribution to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, such as chronic tic disorders, trichotillomania, skin-picking disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and hoarding disorder. Recently, population-based studies and novel laboratory-based methods have confirmed substantial heritability in OCD. Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene association studies have provided information on specific gene variations that may be involved in the pathobiology of OCD, though a substantial portion of the genetic risk architecture remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi A Browne
- OCD and Related Disorders Program, Division of Tics, OCD, and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shannon L Gair
- OCD and Related Disorders Program, Division of Tics, OCD, and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jeremiah M Scharf
- Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, 6254, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, 6254, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Dorothy E Grice
- OCD and Related Disorders Program, Division of Tics, OCD, and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Winther M, Walmod PS. Neural cell adhesion molecules belonging to the family of leucine-rich repeat proteins. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 8:315-95. [PMID: 25300143 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8090-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) are motifs that form protein-ligand interaction domains. There are approximately 140 human genes encoding proteins with extracellular LRRs. These encode cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), proteoglycans, G-protein-coupled receptors, and other types of receptors. Here we give a brief description of 36 proteins with extracellular LRRs that all can be characterized as CAMs or putative CAMs expressed in the nervous system. The proteins are involved in multiple biological processes in the nervous system including the proliferation and survival of cells, neuritogenesis, axon guidance, fasciculation, myelination, and the formation and maintenance of synapses. Moreover, the proteins are functionally implicated in multiple diseases including cancer, hearing impairment, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Thus, LRR-containing CAMs constitute a large group of proteins of pivotal importance for the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the nervous system.
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Sequence analysis of SLITRK1 for var321 in Danish patients with Tourette syndrome and review of the literature. Psychiatr Genet 2013; 23:130-3. [PMID: 23528612 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0b013e328360c880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics and is often accompanied by comorbidities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The complex etiology of TS and its co-occurrence with other disorders impedes linking genetic changes with disease segregation. One of the few genes that has been linked to TS is the SLITRK1 (Slit and Trk-like 1) gene, where four variations have been suggested as possible disease-associated changes. One of these variations, which has been reported in six unrelated TS patients, was a noncoding variant (var321) at the 3'-untranslated region of SLITRK1 within a conserved binding site for microRNA has-mir-189. To elucidate the potential role of var321 in disease pathogenesis, a cohort of 112 deeply phenotyped Danish TS patients was investigated for this variation. We could not detect var321 in the present cohort, suggesting that this is not a common variant among Danish TS patients.
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12
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Characterization of SLITRK1 variation in obsessive-compulsive disorder. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70376. [PMID: 23990902 PMCID: PMC3749144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent and intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform. Twin studies, family studies, and segregation analyses provide compelling evidence that OCD has a strong genetic component. The SLITRK1 gene encodes a developmentally regulated stimulator of neurite outgrowth and previous studies have implicated rare variants in this gene in disorders in the OC spectrum, specifically Tourette syndrome (TS) and trichotillomania (TTM). The objective of the current study was to evaluate rare genetic variation in SLITRK1 in risk for OCD and to functionally characterize associated coding variants. We sequenced SLITRK1 coding exons in 381 individuals with OCD as well as in 356 control samples and identified three novel variants in seven individuals. We found that the combined mutation load in OCD relative to controls was significant (p = 0.036). We identified a missense N400I change in an individual with OCD, which was not found in more than 1000 control samples (P<0.05). In addition, we showed the the N400I variant failed to enhance neurite outgrowth in primary neuronal cultures, in contrast to wildtype SLITRK1, which enhanced neurite outgrowth in this assay. These important functional differences in the N400I variant, as compared to the wildtype SLITRK1 sequence, may contribute to OCD and OC spectrum symptoms. A synonymous L63L change identified in an individual with OCD and an additional missense change, T418S, was found in four individuals with OCD and in one individual without an OCD spectrum disorder. Examination of additional samples will help assess the role of rare SLITRK1 variation in OCD and in related psychiatric illness.
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Moya PR, Wendland JR, Rubenstein LM, Timpano KR, Heiman GA, Tischfield JA, King RA, Andrews AM, Ramamoorthy S, McMahon FJ, Murphy DL. Common and rare alleles of the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4, associated with Tourette's disorder. Mov Disord 2013; 28:1263-70. [PMID: 23630162 PMCID: PMC3766488 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the hypothesis that functionally over-expressing alleles of the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene (solute carrier family 6, member 4, SLC6A4) are present in Tourette's disorder (TD), just as we previously observed in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), we evaluated TD probands (N = 151) and controls (N = 858). We genotyped the refined SERT-linked polymorphic region 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and the associated rs25532 variant in the SLC6A4 promoter plus the rare coding variant SERT isoleucine-to-valine at position 425 (I425V). The higher expressing 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 LA allele was more prevalent in TD probands than in controls (χ(2) = 5.75; P = 0.017; odds ratio [OR], 1.35); and, in a secondary analysis, surprisingly, it was significantly more frequent in probands who had TD alone than in those who had TD plus OCD (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.0006; OR, 2.29). Likewise, the higher expressing LAC haplotype (5-HTTLPR/rs25531/rs25532) was more frequent in TD probands than in controls (P = 0.024; OR, 1.33) and also in the TD alone group versus the TD plus OCD group (P = 0.0013; OR, 2.14). Furthermore, the rare gain-of-function SERT I425V variant was observed in 3 male siblings with TD and/or OCD and in their father. Thus, the cumulative count of SERT I425V becomes 1.57% in OCD/TD spectrum conditions versus 0.15% in controls, with a recalculated, family-adjusted significance of χ(2) = 15.03 (P < 0.0001; OR, 9.0; total worldwide genotyped, 2914). This report provides a unique combination of common and rare variants in one gene in TD, all of which are associated with SERT gain of function. Thus, altered SERT activity represents a potential contributor to serotonergic abnormalities in TD. The present results call for replication in a similarly intensively evaluated sample. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo R Moya
- National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Paschou P. The genetic basis of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1026-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Abstract
Several lines of research have found that genes in the serotonergic system may cause susceptibility to eating disorders (EDs). In particular, functional polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) have been suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of eating disorders. Several studies have examined the association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and bulimia nervosa (BN). The results of these investigations have been unclear. The aims of this meta-analysis were to clarify the association between BN and 5-HTTLPR using statistical models not used by previous meta-analyses, and extend upon previous meta-analyses by including new samples. PsychINFO, ISI, and PubMed databases were searched for studies published up to May 2011. Ultimately, six case-control samples were included. Data were pooled using dominant and additive models. Both models showed a nonsignificant association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and BN. However, this does not detract from recent research suggesting that the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be responsible for the phenotypic variability in the psychopathological symptoms observed in patients with BN. Future research should examine the association of BN with 5-HTTLPR using the recently proposed triallelic model.
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Rare missense neuronal cadherin gene (CDH2) variants in specific obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette disorder phenotypes. Eur J Hum Genet 2013; 21:850-4. [PMID: 23321619 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2012.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent finding that the neuronal cadherin gene CDH2 confers a highly significant risk for canine compulsive disorder led us to investigate whether missense variants within the human ortholog CDH2 are associated with altered susceptibility to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette disorder (TD) and related disorders. Exon resequencing of CDH2 in 320 individuals identified four non-synonymous single-nucleotide variants, which were subsequently genotyped in OCD probands, Tourette disorder probands and relatives, and healthy controls (total N=1161). None of the four variants was significantly associated with either OCD or TD. One variant, N706S, was found only in the OCD/TD groups, but not in controls. By examining clinical data, we found there were significant TD-related phenotype differences between those OCD probands with and without the N845S variant with regard to the co-occurrence of TD (Fisher's exact test P=0.014, OR=6.03). Both N706S and N845S variants conferred reduced CDH2 protein expression in transfected cells. Although our data provide no overall support for association of CDH2 rare variants in these disorders considered as single entities, the clinical features and severity of probands carrying the uncommon non-synonymous variants suggest that CDH2, along with other cadherin and cell adhesion genes, is an interesting gene to pursue as a plausible contributor to OCD, TD and related disorders with repetitive behaviors, including autism spectrum disorders.
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Alsina FC, Ledda F, Paratcha G. New insights into the control of neurotrophic growth factor receptor signaling: implications for nervous system development and repair. J Neurochem 2012; 123:652-61. [PMID: 22994539 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic growth factors control neuronal development by activating specific receptor tyrosine kinase positive signaling pathways, such as Ras-MAPK and PI3K-Akt cascades. Once activated, neurotrophic factor receptors also trigger a cascade of molecular events, named negative receptor signaling, that restricts the intensity of the positive signals and modulates cellular behavior. Thus, to avoid signaling errors that ultimately could lead to aberrant neuronal physiology and disease, negative signaling mechanisms have evolved to ensure that suitable thresholds of neuronal stimulation are achieved and maintained during right periods of time. Recent findings have revealed that neurotrophic factor receptor signaling is tightly modulated through the coordinated action of many different protein regulators that limit or potentiate signal propagation in spatially and temporally controlled manners, acting at specific points after receptor engagement. In this review, we discuss progress in this field, highlighting the importance of these modulators in axonal growth, guidance, neural connectivity, and nervous system regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando C Alsina
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Cellular Biology and Neuroscience Prof. Dr. E. De Robertis (IBCN)-CONICET, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Replication of association between a SLITRK1 haplotype and Tourette Syndrome in a large sample of families. Mol Psychiatry 2012; 17:665-8. [PMID: 22083730 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2011.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Xu B, Hsu PK, Karayiorgou M, Gogos JA. MicroRNA dysregulation in neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 46:291-301. [PMID: 22406400 PMCID: PMC3329786 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA), a class of non-coding RNAs, are emerging as important modulators of neuronal development, structure and function. A connection has been established between abnormalities in miRNA expression and miRNA-mediated gene regulation and psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders as well as cognitive dysfunction. Establishment of this connection has been driven by progress in elucidating the genetic etiology of these phenotypes and has provided a context to interpret additional supporting evidence accumulating from parallel expression profiling studies in brains and peripheral blood of patients. Here we review relevant evidence that supports this connection and explore possible mechanisms that underlie the contribution of individual miRNAs and miRNA-related pathways to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of these complex clinical phenotypes. The existing evidence provides useful hypotheses for further investigation as well as important clues for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Pei-Ken Hsu
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Joseph A. Gogos
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY
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21
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Proenca CC, Gao KP, Shmelkov SV, Rafii S, Lee FS. Slitrks as emerging candidate genes involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. Trends Neurosci 2012; 34:143-53. [PMID: 21315458 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 01/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Slitrks are a family of structurally related transmembrane proteins belonging to the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) superfamily. Six family members exist (Slitrk1-6) and all are highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Slitrks have been implicated in mediating basic neuronal processes, ranging from neurite outgrowth and dendritic elaboration to neuronal survival. Recent studies in humans and genetic mouse models have led to the identification of Slitrks as candidate genes that might be involved in the development of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Although these system-level approaches have suggested that Slitrks play prominent roles in CNS development, key questions remain regarding the molecular mechanisms through which they mediate neuronal signaling and connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia C Proenca
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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22
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Mercer KB, Orcutt HK, Quinn JF, Fitzgerald CA, Conneely KN, Barfield RT, Gillespie CF, Ressler KJ. Acute and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a prospective gene x environment study of a university campus shooting. ARCHIVES OF GENERAL PSYCHIATRY 2012; 69:89-97. [PMID: 21893641 PMCID: PMC3738299 DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) has been associated with several stress-related syndromes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ability to detect meaningful associations is largely dependent on reliable measures of preexisting trauma. OBJECTIVE To study the association of genetic variants within SLC6A4 with acute and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a civilian cohort with known levels of preexisting trauma and PTSD symptoms collected prior to a shared index traumatic event. DESIGN Ongoing longitudinal study. SETTING On February 14, 2008, a lone gunman shot multiple people on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, killing 5 and wounding 21. As part of an ongoing longitudinal study on that campus, a cohort of female undergraduate students, interviewed prior to the shooting, completed follow-up trauma-related measures including PTSD symptom severity (follow-up survey was launched 17 days postshooting; n = 691). To obtain DNA, salivary samples were collected from a subset of the original study population based on willingness to participate (n = 276). PARTICIPANTS Two hundred four undergraduate women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES SLC6A4 polymorphisms STin2, 5-HTTLPR, and rs25531 were genotyped in 235 individuals. RESULTS We found that although the STin2 variant and 5-HTTLPR alone did not associate with increased PTSD symptoms, rs25531 and the 5-HTTLPR multimarker genotype (combined 5-HTTLPR and rs25531) were associated with significantly increased acute stress disorder symptoms at 2 to 4 weeks postshooting (n = 161; P < .05). This association remained significant when controlling for race and for level of shooting exposure (n = 123; P < .007). The association was most robust with the 5-HTTLPR multimarker genotype and avoidance symptoms (P = .003). CONCLUSION These data suggest that differential function of the serotonin transporter may mediate differential response to a severe trauma. When examined in a relatively homogenous sample with shared trauma and known prior levels of child and adult trauma, the 5-HTTLPR multimarker genotype may serve as a useful predictor of risk for PTSD-related symptoms in the weeks and months following the trauma.
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Xu B, Karayiorgou M, Gogos JA. MicroRNAs in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain Res 2010; 1338:78-88. [PMID: 20388499 PMCID: PMC2883644 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.03.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in microRNA (miRNA)-mediated gene regulation have been observed in a variety of human diseases, especially in cancer. Here, we provide an account of newly emerging connections between miRNAs with various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent findings of miRNA dysregulation in the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, a well-established genetic risk factor for schizophrenia. miRNAs appear to be components of both the genetic architecture of these complex phenotypes as well as integral parts of the biological pathways that mediate the effects of primary genetic deficits. Therefore, they may contribute to both genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic variation of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders and could serve as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Joseph A. Gogos
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY
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24
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O’Roak BJ, Morgan TM, Fishman DO, Saus E, Alonso P, Gratacòs M, Estivill X, Teltsh O, Kohn Y, Kidd KK, Cho J, Lifton RP, State MW. Additional support for the association of SLITRK1 var321 and Tourette syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2010; 15:447-50. [PMID: 20351724 PMCID: PMC3292207 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2009.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BJ O’Roak
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Program on Neurogenetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - TM Morgan
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - DO Fishman
- Program on Neurogenetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - E Saus
- CIBERESP (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública), Genes and Disease Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Alonso
- OCD Clinical and Research Unit, Psychiatry Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Gratacòs
- CIBERESP (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública), Genes and Disease Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Estivill
- CIBERESP (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública), Genes and Disease Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain,Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - O Teltsh
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Y Kohn
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - KK Kidd
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J Cho
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - RP Lifton
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - MW State
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Program on Neurogenetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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25
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Beaubien F, Cloutier JF. Differential expression of Slitrk family members in the mouse nervous system. Dev Dyn 2010; 238:3285-96. [PMID: 19924824 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Slitrk family of transmembrane proteins is composed of six members that are highly expressed in the nervous system. To date, the function of Slitrks during development of the nervous system has yet to be defined. The high homology between the extracellular region of Slitrks and the repulsive axon guidance molecules Slits suggests that Slitrks may regulate axon outgrowth during development. To begin to evaluate their role during development, we have examined the expression of the Slitrk genes in the developing murine nervous system using in situ hybridization. Here, we show that despite some overlap in expression, the Slitrks display distinct patterns of expression in the olfactory system, the eye, forebrain structures, the cerebellum, the spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. These diverse patterns of expression suggest that Slitrk family members may have different functions during development of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Beaubien
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Centre for Neuronal Survival, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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26
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O’Rourke JA, Scharf JM, Yu D, Pauls DL. The genetics of Tourette syndrome: a review. J Psychosom Res 2009; 67:533-45. [PMID: 19913658 PMCID: PMC2778609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article summarizes and evaluates recent advances in the genetics of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). METHODS This is a review of recent literature focusing on (1) the genetic etiology of GTS; (2) common genetic components of GTS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); (3) recent linkage studies of GTS; (4) chromosomal translocations in GTS; and (5) candidate gene studies. RESULTS Family, twin, and segregation studies provide strong evidence for the genetic nature of GTS. GTS is a heterogeneous disorder with complex inheritance patterns and phenotypic manifestations. Family studies of GTS and OCD indicate that an early-onset form of OCD is likely to share common genetic factors with GTS. While there apparently is an etiological relationship between GTS and ADHD, it appears that the common form of ADHD does not share genetic factors with GTS. The largest genome wide linkage study to date observed evidence for linkage on chromosome 2p23.2 (P=3.8x10(-5)). No causative candidate genes have been identified, and recent studies suggest that the newly identified candidate gene SLITRK1 is not a significant risk gene for the majority of individuals with GTS. CONCLUSION The genetics of GTS are complex and not well understood. The Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) design can hopefully overcome the limitations of linkage and candidate gene studies. However, large-scale collaborations are needed to provide enough power to utilize the GWAS design for discovery of causative mutations. Knowledge of susceptibility mutations and biological pathways involved should eventually lead to new treatment paradigms for GTS.
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27
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Sakurai T, Reichert J, Hoffman EJ, Cai G, Jones HB, Faham M, Buxbaum JD. A large-scale screen for coding variants in SERT/SLC6A4 in autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2009; 1:251-7. [PMID: 19360675 DOI: 10.1002/aur.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the current study we explored the hypothesis that rare variants in SLC6A4 contribute to autism susceptibility and to rigid-compulsive behaviors in autism. We made use of a large number of unrelated cases with autism spectrum disorders (approximately 350) and controls (approximately 420) and screened for rare exonic variants in SLC6A4 by a high-throughput method followed by sequencing. We observed no difference in the frequency of such variants in the two groups, irrespective of how we defined the rare variants. Furthermore, we did not observe an association of rare coding variants in SLC6A4 with rigid-compulsive traits scores in the cases. These results do not support a significant role for rare coding variants in SLC6A4 in autism spectrum disorders, nor do they support a significant role for SLC6A4 in rigid-compulsive traits in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Sakurai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, the Seaver Autism Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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28
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Miranda DM, Wigg K, Kabia EM, Feng Y, Sandor P, Barr CL. Association of SLITRK1 to Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2009; 150B:483-6. [PMID: 18698576 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Previously the Slit and Trk-like family member 1 (SLITRK1) gene was identified as a candidate gene for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) based on a patient that carried a chromosomal inversion on 13q, as well as the identification of two rare DNA variants in the SLITRK1 gene. Since that report, studies have tested for the two rare variants in GTS and either did not find them, or when found, they did not segregate with the disorder in families, casting doubt on the relationship of this gene to GTS. We tested for these two rare variants and genotyped three polymorphisms that tag the currently identified major haplotypes of this gene in a sample of 154 nuclear families with GTS. In addition, the entire coding region was screened for novel DNA variants. We did not find the two reported rare variants in any of the probands or siblings in these families. We did however find significant evidence for association of a single polymorphism and of haplotypes of the three tagging polymorphisms. These findings provide the first support for the original finding indicating SLITRK1 as a susceptibility gene for GTS and indicate that further study of this gene in GTS is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora M Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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29
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Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Jessen TN, Thompson BJ, Carter M, Prasad HC, Steiner JA, Sutcliffe JS, Blakely RD. Modeling rare gene variation to gain insight into the oldest biomarker in autism: construction of the serotonin transporter Gly56Ala knock-in mouse. J Neurodev Disord 2009; 1:158-71. [PMID: 19960097 PMCID: PMC2786076 DOI: 10.1007/s11689-009-9020-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in peripheral and central indices of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) production, storage and signaling have long been associated with autism. The 5-HT transporter gene (HTT, SERT, SLC6A4) has received considerable attention as a potential risk locus for autism-spectrum disorders, as well as disorders with overlapping symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, we review our efforts to characterize rare, nonsynonymous polymorphisms in SERT derived from multiplex pedigrees carrying diagnoses of autism and OCD and present the initial stages of our effort to model one of these variants, Gly56Ala, in vivo. We generated a targeting vector to produce the Gly56Ala substitution in the Slc6a4 locus by homologous recombination. Following removal of a neomycin resistance selection cassette, animals exhibiting germline transmission of the Ala56 variant were bred to establish a breeding colony on a 129S6 background, suitable for initial evaluation of biochemical, physiological and behavioral alterations relative to SERT Gly56 (wild-type) animals. SERT Ala56 mice were achieved and exhibit a normal pattern of transmission. The initial growth and gross morphology of these animals is comparable to wildtype littermate controls. The SERT Ala56 variant can be propagated in 129S6 mice without apparent disruption of fertility and growth. We discuss both the opportunities and challenges that await the physiological/behavioral analysis of Gly56Ala transgenic mice, with particular reference to modeling autism-associated traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
- Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - Tammy N. Jessen
- Departments of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - Brent J. Thompson
- Departments of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - Michelle Carter
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - Harish C. Prasad
- Departments of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - Jennifer A. Steiner
- Departments of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - James. S. Sutcliffe
- Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
- Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
| | - Randy D. Blakely
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
- Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548 USA
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30
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Wendland JR, Moya PR, Timpano KR, Anavitarte AP, Kruse MR, Wheaton MG, Ren-Patterson RF, Murphy DL. A haplotype containing quantitative trait loci for SLC1A1 gene expression and its association with obsessive-compulsive disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 66:408-16. [PMID: 19349310 DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Recent evidence from linkage analyses and follow-up candidate gene studies supports the involvement of SLC1A1, which encodes the neuronal glutamate transporter, in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OBJECTIVES To determine the role of genetic variation of SLC1A1 in OCD in a large case-control study and to better understand how SLC1A1 variation affects functionality. DESIGN A case-control study. SETTING Publicly accessible SLC1A1 expression and genotype data. PATIENTS Three hundred twenty-five OCD probands and 662 ethnically and sex-matched controls. INTERVENTIONS Probands were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and the Saving Inventory-Revised. Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. Multiple testing corrections for single-marker and haplotype analyses were performed by permutation. RESULTS Gene expression of SLC1A1 is heritable in lymphoblastoid cell lines. We identified 3 SNPs in or near SLC1A1 that correlated with gene expression levels, 1 of which had previously been associated with OCD. Two of these SNPs also predicted expression levels in human brain tissue, and 1 SNP was further functional in reporter gene studies. Two haplotypes at 3 SNPs, rs3087879, rs301430, and rs7858819, were significantly associated with OCD after multiple-testing correction and contained 2 SNPs associated with expression levels. In addition, another SNP correlating with SLC1A1 gene expression, rs3933331, was associated with an OCD-hoarding subphenotype as assessed by 2 independent, validated scales. CONCLUSIONS Our case-control data corroborate previous smaller family-based studies that indicated that SLC1A1 is a susceptibility locus for OCD. The expression and genotype database-mining approach we used provides a potentially useful complementary approach to strengthen future candidate gene studies in neuropsychiatric and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens R Wendland
- Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Sequence analysis of the complete SLITRK1 gene in Austrian patients with Tourette's disorder. Psychiatr Genet 2009; 18:308-9. [PMID: 19018236 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0b013e3283060f6f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene SLITRK1 (Slit and Trk-like 1) have been reported in patients with Tourette's disorder (TD). We sequenced the entire SLITRK1 gene including the coding region the 5' and 3' untranslated region in 92 Austrian patients with TD. No nucleotide changes within the protein-coding region were identified. One patient was found to carry a variant within the 3' untranslated region (3383g>a), which was absent in 192 control individuals and which segregated in two additional family members with tic symptoms. In conclusion, our results provide no evidence for SLITRK1 playing a major role in TD.
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Laurin N, Wigg KG, Feng Y, Sandor P, Barr CL. Chromosome 5 and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: Linkage in a large pedigree and association study of six candidates in the region. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2009; 150B:95-103. [PMID: 18454440 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by both motor and vocal tics. In our previous genome scan for TS we identified evidence for linkage to the centromeric region of chromosome 5 in a single large family of 32 individuals with 10 family members with TS or chronic multiple tics (CMT). In this paper we report further analyses of the 5p-centromeric region in this pedigree. An additional 11 family members were identified and screened for TS. Using a set of 14 microsatellite markers we refined the linked region to a approximately 28 Mb interval between the markers D5S1506 and D5S76. A set of six candidate genes located in this region were selected to be tested for genetic association with TS. These genes were GDNF, ITGA1, ISL1, FGF10, HCN1 and SLC1A3. The TDT statistic was used for the association tests in a sample of 171 independent nuclear families with 241 affected children with TS. We found no evidence for an association between TS and markers in these genes in this sample of families. This study represents the first efforts to narrow the linkage region in the extended pedigree and the first tests of candidate genes in the chromosome 5 region linked to TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Laurin
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, ON, Canada
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33
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Murphy DL, Fox MA, Timpano KR, Moya PR, Ren-Patterson R, Andrews AM, Holmes A, Lesch KP, Wendland JR. How the serotonin story is being rewritten by new gene-based discoveries principally related to SLC6A4, the serotonin transporter gene, which functions to influence all cellular serotonin systems. Neuropharmacology 2008; 55:932-60. [PMID: 18824000 PMCID: PMC2730952 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2008] [Revised: 08/15/2008] [Accepted: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Discovered and crystallized over sixty years ago, serotonin's important functions in the brain and body were identified over the ensuing years by neurochemical, physiological and pharmacological investigations. This 2008 M. Rapport Memorial Serotonin Review focuses on some of the most recent discoveries involving serotonin that are based on genetic methodologies. These include examples of the consequences that result from direct serotonergic gene manipulation (gene deletion or overexpression) in mice and other species; an evaluation of some phenotypes related to functional human serotonergic gene variants, particularly in SLC6A4, the serotonin transporter gene; and finally, a consideration of the pharmacogenomics of serotonergic drugs with respect to both their therapeutic actions and side effects. The serotonin transporter (SERT) has been the most comprehensively studied of the serotonin system molecular components, and will be the primary focus of this review. We provide in-depth examples of gene-based discoveries primarily related to SLC6A4 that have clarified serotonin's many important homeostatic functions in humans, non-human primates, mice and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis L Murphy
- Laboratory of Clinical Science, NIMH Intramural Research Program, NIH, Building 10, Room 3D41, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1264, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder consisting of obsessions and compulsions. Over the past two decades, it has been suggested that OCD might be related to the functioning of brain serotonin systems, mainly because of the antiobsessional efficacy of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although the efficacy of SSRIs suggests a role of the serotonergic system in OCD, the exact function of serotonin is still unclear. Is the serotonergic system implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD, or is it implicated in the treatment effect in OCD? Do SSRIs compensate for a fundamental abnormality of the serotonergic system, or do SSRIs modulate an intact serotonergic system to compensate for another neurotransmitter mechanism? This review summarizes evidence supporting a role for the serotonin transporter and serotonin receptor subtypes in the pathophysiology and treatment of OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addy van Dijk
- University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Klompmakers
- University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Damiaan Denys
- University of Amsterdam, PA.2–179, PO Box 75867, 1070 AW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is currently classified as an anxiety disorder. However, there is growing interest in the concept of an obsessive-compulsive spectrum of disorders (OCSDs). The relationship between anxiety disorders and OCSDs has been questioned. The psychobiology of anxiety disorders and OCSDs is briefly reviewed in this article. While there appear to be several distinct contrasts in the underlying psychobiology of these conditions, there is also evidence of overlapping mechanisms. In addition, there are crucial gaps in our current database, confounding nosological decision-making. Conceptualizing various anxiety disorders and putative OCSDs as lying within a broader spectrum of emotional disorders may be useful. However, clinicians must also recognize that individual anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions, including disorders characterized by body-focused repetitive behaviors, have distinct psychobiological underpinnings and require different treatment approaches.
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36
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Scharf JM, Moorjani P, Fagerness J, Platko JV, Illmann C, Galloway B, Jenike E, Stewart SE, Pauls DL. Lack of association between SLITRK1var321 and Tourette syndrome in a large family-based sample. Neurology 2008; 70:1495-6. [PMID: 18413575 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000296833.25484.bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J M Scharf
- Psychiatric Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Center for Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Miranda DM, Wigg K, Feng Y, Sandor P, Barr CL. Association study between Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome and two genes in the Robo-Slit pathway located in the chromosome 11q24 linked/associated region. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147B:68-72. [PMID: 17671968 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of motor and phonic tics. Previous genetic studies have identified linkage and association between GTS and the 11q24 chromosomal region. We selected for study, within this region, two possible susceptibility genes for GTS, the ROBO3 and ROBO4 genes. These two genes were selected because of the recent identification of SLITRK1 as a potential susceptibility gene for GTS based on a translocation breakpoint and the further finding of two mutations in the SLITRK1 gene in three patients with GTS. While thus far, the SLITRK1 gene appears to account for only a few cases of GTS, these findings, if confirmed, point to other genes in these pathways that may contribute to GTS. Based on this, we examined two genes in the Slit-Robo pathway involved in cell migration, axonal pathfinding, and/or neuronal differentiation because of their location in 11q24, a region previously identified as linked and associated with GTS. We selected six haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for ROBO3 and four for ROBO4 and genotyped them in our sample of trios and sibpair families diagnosed with GTS. Based on 155 nuclear families with 255 affected children, we did not find evidence for association between GTS and either the ROBO3 or ROBO4 genes. Thus, these two genes are unlikely to be the susceptibility genes contributing to GTS on 11q24.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Wendland JR, Kruse MR, Cromer KR, Cromer KC, Murphy DL. A large case-control study of common functional SLC6A4 and BDNF variants in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:2543-51. [PMID: 17375136 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Both serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes have shown positive associations with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and some other psychiatric disorders, but these results have not been consistently replicated. To explore the hypothesis that this variability might result from the effects of differing combinations of overlooked variants within SLC6A4 together with small OCD and control sample sizes, we studied three common functional polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR, STin2, and the newly discovered SNP, rs25531) in the largest sample size of OCD patients (N=347) and controls (N=749) ever investigated. During methods development, we found evidence for potential SLC6A4 genotyping problems with earlier methodology, a third possible contributor to variability in earlier studies. A fourth possible explanation might be SLC6A4 x BDNF interactions, which prompted us to investigate combined genotypes of BDNF V66M with the three SLC6A4 loci. Except for a nominal association with rs25531 alone, which did not survive correction for multiple comparisons, we found no evidence for any of these other variants being associated alone or together with OCD, and we therefore also examined clinical OCD subtypes within the sample to evaluate clinical heterogeneity. Subgroups based on the age of OCD onset, gender, familiality, factor analysis-derived symptom dimensions, or comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders failed to identify SLC6A4- or BDNF-associated phenotypes, with one exception of overall number of comorbid anxiety disorders being significantly associated with 5-HTTLPR/rs25531. We conclude that despite their attractiveness as candidate genes in OCD, our data provide no support for association in this large OCD patient sample and point toward the need to examine other genes as candidates for risk determinants in OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens R Wendland
- Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Erst in den letzten Jahren wird auch in der Forschung vermehrtes Augenmerk auf die Überschneidung von Tic- und Zwangsstörungen gerichtet. Während in Übersichtsarbeiten zum gemeinsamen Auftreten von Tic- und Zwangsstörungen die zahlreichen Befunde zu Phänomenologie, begleitender Psychopathologie, Epidemiologie und daraus resultierenden Therapieimplikationen breiten Raum einnehmen, sind die Untersuchungsergebnisse hinsichtlich ätiologischer und pathophysiologischer Gemeinsamkeiten in entsprechenden Arbeiten unterrepräsentiert. Daher wird mit dieser Arbeit ein Überblick über den aktuellen neurobiologischen Forschungsstand zu den Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschieden von Tic- und Zwangsstörungen gegeben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Roessner
- Universität Göttingen, Abteilung für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie/Psychotherapie
| | - Aribert Rothenberger
- Universität Göttingen, Abteilung für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie/Psychotherapie
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40
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Fabbrini G, Pasquini M, Aurilia C, Berardelli I, Breedveld G, Oostra BA, Bonifati V, Berardelli A. A large Italian family with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: Clinical study and analysis of theSLITRK1 gene. Mov Disord 2007; 22:2229-34. [PMID: 17712845 DOI: 10.1002/mds.21697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to report the clinical characteristics and to investigate the role of SLITRK1 gene in a large Italian family with Tourette syndrome (TS). The diagnosis of TS and chronic motor tics (CMT) was made according to "The Tourette Syndrome Classification Study Group" (1993). Psychiatric diagnoses were made by administering the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Genetic study included direct sequencing and copy number analysis of the SLITRK1 gene, and haplotype analysis. We found tics or other behavioral manifestations in 15 subjects. Of these, 5 received a diagnosis of definite TS, 5 were classified as having definite CMT, 2 had definite nonspecific tic disorder, and 3 patients had obsessive-compulsive disorder without motor or phonic tics. Tics mainly involved the craniocervical district. Many patients with tics had coexisting psychiatric disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder, performed poorly at school and had social problems. Direct sequencing and copy number analysis of the SLITRK1 gene, and haplotype analysis suggested that the SLITRK1 locus was not involved in this family. In conclusion, the distinctive clinical features in this family are the motor tics mainly involving the face and the neck and the severe coexisting psychiatric disorders. The negative results of the SLITRK1 analysis point to genetic heterogeneity in TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Fabbrini
- Department of Neurological Sciences and Neuromed Institute, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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Keen-Kim D, Mathews CA, Reus VI, Lowe TL, Herrera LD, Budman CL, Gross-Tsur V, Pulver AE, Bruun RD, Erenberg G, Naarden A, Sabatti C, Freimer NB. Overrepresentation of rare variants in a specific ethnic group may confuse interpretation of association analyses. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 15:3324-8. [PMID: 17035247 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddl408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare sequence variants may be important in understanding the biology of common diseases, but clearly establishing their association with disease is often difficult. Association studies of such variants are becoming increasingly common as large-scale sequence analysis of candidate genes has become feasible. A recent report suggested SLITRK1 (Slit and Trk-like 1) as a candidate gene for Tourette Syndrome (TS). The statistical evidence for this suggestion came from association analyses of a rare 3'-UTR variant, var321, which was observed in two patients but not observed in more than 2000 controls. We genotyped 307 Costa Rican and 515 Ashkenazi individuals (TS probands and their parents) and observed var321 in five independent Ashkenazi parents, two of whom did not transmit this variant to their affected child. Furthermore, we identified var321 in one subject from an Ashkenazi control sample. Our findings do not support the previously reported association and suggest that var321 is overrepresented among Ashkenazi Jews compared with other populations of European origin. The results further suggest that overrepresentation of rare variants in a specific ethnic group may complicate the interpretation of association analyses of such variants, highlighting the particular importance of precisely matching case and control populations for association analyses of rare variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Keen-Kim
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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