1
|
Song X, Hu Q, Xu X, Pan W. Protein kinase C beta relieves autism-like behavior in EN2 knockout mice via upregulation of the FTO/PGC-1α/UCP1 axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23236. [PMID: 36239013 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that disruption of neuron activity contributes to the autistic phenotype. Thus, we aimed in this study to explore the role of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) in the regulation of neuron activity in an autism model. The expression of PKCβ in the microarray data of autism animal models was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Then, mice with autism-like behavior were prepared in EN2 knockout (-/- ) mice. The interaction between PKCβ on fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) as well as between PGC-1α and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) were characterized. The effect of FTO on the N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) modification level of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) was assayed. Following transfection of overexpressed PKCβ and/or silenced UCP1, effects of PKCβ and UCP1 in autism-like behaviors in EN2-/- mice were analyzed. Results showed that PKCβ was downregulated in EN2-/- mouse brain tissues or neurons. PKCβ promoted the expression and stability of FTO, which downregulated the m6A modification level of PGC-1α to promote its expression. Moreover, PGC-1α positively targeted the expression of UCP1. PKCβ knockdown enhanced sociability and spatial exploration ability, and reduced neuron apoptosis in EN2-/- mouse models of autism, which was reversed by UCP1 overexpression. Collectively, PKCβ overexpression leads to activation of the FTO/m6A/PGC-1α/UCP1 axis, thus inhibiting neuron apoptosis and providing neuroprotection in mice with autism-like behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qibo Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoheng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thongkorn S, Kanlayaprasit S, Panjabud P, Saeliw T, Jantheang T, Kasitipradit K, Sarobol S, Jindatip D, Hu VW, Tencomnao T, Kikkawa T, Sato T, Osumi N, Sarachana T. Sex differences in the effects of prenatal bisphenol A exposure on autism-related genes and their relationships with the hippocampus functions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1241. [PMID: 33441873 PMCID: PMC7806752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Our recent study has shown that prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) altered the expression of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we further investigated the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on ASD-related genes known to regulate neuronal viability, neuritogenesis, and learning/memory, and assessed these functions in the offspring of exposed pregnant rats. We found that prenatal BPA exposure increased neurite length, the number of primary neurites, and the number of neurite branches, but reduced the size of the hippocampal cell body in both sexes of the offspring. However, in utero exposure to BPA decreased the neuronal viability and the neuronal density in the hippocampus and impaired learning/memory only in the male offspring while the females were not affected. Interestingly, the expression of several ASD-related genes (e.g. Mief2, Eif3h, Cux1, and Atp8a1) in the hippocampus were dysregulated and showed a sex-specific correlation with neuronal viability, neuritogenesis, and/or learning/memory. The findings from this study suggest that prenatal BPA exposure disrupts ASD-related genes involved in neuronal viability, neuritogenesis, and learning/memory in a sex-dependent manner, and these genes may play an important role in the risk and the higher prevalence of ASD in males subjected to prenatal BPA exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surangrat Thongkorn
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songphon Kanlayaprasit
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pawinee Panjabud
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanit Saeliw
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanawin Jantheang
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasidit Kasitipradit
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suthathip Sarobol
- grid.411628.80000 0000 9758 8584Specimen Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Depicha Jindatip
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875SYstems Neuroscience of Autism and PSychiatric Disorders (SYNAPS) Research Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Valerie W. Hu
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Age-Related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Takako Kikkawa
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- grid.412754.10000 0000 9956 3487Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Tewarit Sarachana
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875SYstems Neuroscience of Autism and PSychiatric Disorders (SYNAPS) Research Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Age-Related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Beiranvandi F, Akouchekian M, Javadi GR, Darvish H. The association of CNTNAP2 rs2710102 and ENGRAILED-2 rs1861972 genes polymorphism and autism in Iranian population. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
|
4
|
Prata DP, Costa-Neves B, Cosme G, Vassos E. Unravelling the genetic basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with GWAS: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 114:178-207. [PMID: 31096178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review findings of GWAS in schizophrenia (SZ) and in bipolar disorder (BD); and to interpret findings, with a focus on identifying independent replications. METHOD PubMed search, selection and review of all independent GWAS in SZ or BD, published since March 2011, i.e. studies using non-overlapping samples within each article, between articles, and with those of the previous review (Li et al., 2012). RESULTS From the 22 GWAS included in this review, the genetic associations surviving standard GWAS-significance were for genetic markers in the regions of ACSL3/KCNE4, ADCY2, AMBRA1, ANK3, BRP44, DTL, FBLN1, HHAT, INTS7, LOC392301, LOC645434/NMBR, LOC729457, LRRFIP1, LSM1, MDM1, MHC, MIR2113/POU3F2, NDST3, NKAPL, ODZ4, PGBD1, RENBP, TRANK1, TSPAN18, TWIST2, UGT1A1/HJURP, WHSC1L1/FGFR1 and ZKSCAN4. All genes implicated across both reviews are discussed in terms of their function and implication in neuropsychiatry. CONCLUSION Taking all GWAS to date into account, AMBRA1, ANK3, ARNTL, CDH13, EFHD1 (albeit with different alleles), MHC, PLXNA2 and UGT1A1 have been implicated in either disorder in at least two reportedly non-overlapping samples. Additionally, evidence for a SZ/BD common genetic basis is most strongly supported by the implication of ANK3, NDST3, and PLXNA2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Prata
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF, UK; Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Social, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Bernardo Costa-Neves
- Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, Av. do Brasil, 53 1749-002, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Cosme
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Evangelos Vassos
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ong ML, Tuan TA, Poh J, Teh AL, Chen L, Pan H, MacIsaac JL, Kobor MS, Chong YS, Kwek K, Saw SM, Godfrey KM, Gluckman PD, Fortier MV, Karnani N, Meaney MJ, Qiu A, Holbrook JD. Neonatal amygdalae and hippocampi are influenced by genotype and prenatal environment, and reflected in the neonatal DNA methylome. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12576. [PMID: 31020763 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala and hippocampus undergo rapid development in early life. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the establishment of their developmental trajectories has yet to be examined. We performed imaging on neonates and examined how the observed variation in volume and microstructure of the amygdala and hippocampus varied by genotype, and compared with prenatal maternal mental health and socioeconomic status. Gene × Environment models outcompeted models containing genotype or environment only to best explain the majority of measures but some, especially of the amygdaloid microstructure, were best explained by genotype only. Models including DNA methylation measured in the neonate umbilical cords outcompeted the Gene and Gene × Environment models for the majority of amygdaloid measures and minority of hippocampal measures. This study identified brain region-specific gene networks associated with individual differences in fetal brain development. In particular, genetic and epigenetic variation within CUX1 was highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Lyn Ong
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore
| | - Ta A Tuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Imaging research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joann Poh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Imaging research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ai L Teh
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore
| | - Li Chen
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore
| | - Hong Pan
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore.,School of Computer Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yap S Chong
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Kwek
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Duke National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seang M Saw
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter D Gluckman
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore.,Centre for Human Evolution, Adaptation and disease, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marielle V Fortier
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Duke National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Neerja Karnani
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore.,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology at McGill University, Douglas University Mental Health Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anqi Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Imaging research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore
| | - Joanna D Holbrook
- Singapore Institute of Clinical sciences (SICS), A*STAR, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schanze I, Bunt J, Lim JWC, Schanze D, Dean RJ, Alders M, Blanchet P, Attié-Bitach T, Berland S, Boogert S, Boppudi S, Bridges CJ, Cho MT, Dobyns WB, Donnai D, Douglas J, Earl DL, Edwards TJ, Faivre L, Fregeau B, Genevieve D, Gérard M, Gatinois V, Holder-Espinasse M, Huth SF, Izumi K, Kerr B, Lacaze E, Lakeman P, Mahida S, Mirzaa GM, Morgan SM, Nowak C, Peeters H, Petit F, Pilz DT, Puechberty J, Reinstein E, Rivière JB, Santani AB, Schneider A, Sherr EH, Smith-Hicks C, Wieland I, Zackai E, Zhao X, Gronostajski RM, Zenker M, Richards LJ. NFIB Haploinsufficiency Is Associated with Intellectual Disability and Macrocephaly. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:752-768. [PMID: 30388402 PMCID: PMC6218805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor I (NFI) family of transcription factors play an important role in normal development of multiple organs. Three NFI family members are highly expressed in the brain, and deletions or sequence variants in two of these, NFIA and NFIX, have been associated with intellectual disability (ID) and brain malformations. NFIB, however, has not previously been implicated in human disease. Here, we present a cohort of 18 individuals with mild ID and behavioral issues who are haploinsufficient for NFIB. Ten individuals harbored overlapping microdeletions of the chromosomal 9p23-p22.2 region, ranging in size from 225 kb to 4.3 Mb. Five additional subjects had point sequence variations creating a premature termination codon, and three subjects harbored single-nucleotide variations resulting in an inactive protein as determined using an in vitro reporter assay. All individuals presented with additional variable neurodevelopmental phenotypes, including muscular hypotonia, motor and speech delay, attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and behavioral abnormalities. While structural brain anomalies, including dysgenesis of corpus callosum, were variable, individuals most frequently presented with macrocephaly. To determine whether macrocephaly could be a functional consequence of NFIB disruption, we analyzed a cortex-specific Nfib conditional knockout mouse model, which is postnatally viable. Utilizing magnetic resonance imaging and histology, we demonstrate that Nfib conditional knockout mice have enlargement of the cerebral cortex but preservation of overall brain structure and interhemispheric connectivity. Based on our findings, we propose that haploinsufficiency of NFIB causes ID with macrocephaly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Schanze
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Jens Bunt
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Jonathan W C Lim
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Denny Schanze
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Ryan J Dean
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Marielle Alders
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia Blanchet
- INSERM U1183, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Génétique clinique, CHU Montpellier, Université Montpellier, Centre de référence anomalies du développement SORO, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Tania Attié-Bitach
- INSERM U1163, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité and Imagine Institute, Paris 75015, France
| | - Siren Berland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Steven Boogert
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Sangamitra Boppudi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Caitlin J Bridges
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | | | - William B Dobyns
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetics), University of Washington and Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Dian Donnai
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences School of Biological Sciences, and University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Jessica Douglas
- Boston Children's Hospital - The Feingold Center, Waltham, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dawn L Earl
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Timothy J Edwards
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; The Faculty of Medicine Brisbane, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Laurence Faivre
- UMR1231, Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon 21079, France; Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs de l'Interrégion Est et FHU TRANSLAD, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon 21079, France
| | - Brieana Fregeau
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - David Genevieve
- INSERM U1183, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Génétique clinique, CHU Montpellier, Université Montpellier, Centre de référence anomalies du développement SORO, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Marion Gérard
- Service de Génétique, CHU de Caen - Hôpital Clémenceau, Caen Cedex 14000, France
| | - Vincent Gatinois
- INSERM U1183, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Génétique clinique, CHU Montpellier, Université Montpellier, Centre de référence anomalies du développement SORO, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Muriel Holder-Espinasse
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, CHU Lille, Lille 59000, France; Department of Clinical Genetics, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Samuel F Huth
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kosuke Izumi
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bronwyn Kerr
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences School of Biological Sciences, and University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Elodie Lacaze
- Department of genetics, Le Havre Hospital, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Phillis Lakeman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Sonal Mahida
- Department of Neurogenetics, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ghayda M Mirzaa
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetics), University of Washington and Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Sian M Morgan
- All Wales Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Catherine Nowak
- Boston Children's Hospital - The Feingold Center, Waltham, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hilde Peeters
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Florence Petit
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, CHU Lille, Lille 59000, France
| | - Daniela T Pilz
- West of Scotland Genetics Service, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Jacques Puechberty
- INSERM U1183, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Génétique clinique, CHU Montpellier, Université Montpellier, Centre de référence anomalies du développement SORO, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Eyal Reinstein
- Medical Genetics Institute, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba 4428164, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Jean-Baptiste Rivière
- UMR1231, Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon 21079, France; Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs de l'Interrégion Est et FHU TRANSLAD, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon, Dijon 21079, France; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Avni B Santani
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anouck Schneider
- INSERM U1183, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Génétique clinique, CHU Montpellier, Université Montpellier, Centre de référence anomalies du développement SORO, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Ilse Wieland
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Elaine Zackai
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaonan Zhao
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard M Gronostajski
- Department of Biochemistry, Program in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
| | - Linda J Richards
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine Brisbane, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carratala-Marco F, Andreo-Lillo P, Martinez-Morga M, Escamez-Martínez T, Botella-López A, Bueno C, Martinez S. Clinical Phenotypes Associated to Engrailed 2 Gene Alterations in a Series of Neuropediatric Patients. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:61. [PMID: 30147646 PMCID: PMC6095973 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The engrailed homeobox protein (EN) plays an important role in the regionalization of the neural tube. EN distribution regulates the cerebellum and midbrain morphogenesis, as well as retinotectal synaptogenesis. In humans, the EN1 and EN2 genes code for the EN family of transcription factors. Genetic alterations in the expression of EN2 have been related to different neurologic conditions and more particularly to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We aimed to study and compare the phenotypes of three series of patients: (1) patients with encephalic structural anomalies (ESA) and abnormalities in the genomic (DNA) and/or transcriptomic (RNAm) of EN2 (EN2-g), (2) ESA patients having other gene mutations (OG-g), and (3) ESA patients free of these mutations (NM-g). Subjects and Methods: We have performed a descriptive study on 109 patients who suffer from mental retardation (MR), cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy (EP), and behavioral disorders (BD), showing also ESA in their encephalic MRI. We studied genomic DNA and transcriptional analysis (cDNA) on EN2 gene (EN2), and in other genes (OG): LIS1, PTAFR, PAFAH1B2, PAFAH1B3, FGF8, PAX2, D17S379, D17S1866, and SMG6 (D17S5), as a routine genetic diagnosis in ESA patients. Results: From 109 patients, fifteen meet the exclusion criteria. From the remaining 94 patients, 12 (12.8%) showed mutations in EN2 (EN2-g), 20 showed mutations in other studied genes (OG-g), and 62 did not showed any mutation (NM-g). All EN2-g patients, suffered from MR, nine EP, seven BD and four CP. The proportions of these phenotypes in EN2-g did not differ from those in the OG-g, but it was significantly higher when comparing EN2-g with NM-g (MR: p = 0.013; EP: p = 0.001; BD: p = 0.0001; CP: p = 0.07, ns). Groups EN2-g and OG-g showed a 100 and a 70% of comorbidity, respectively, being significantly (p = 0.04) greater than NM-group (62.9%). Conclusion: Our series reflects a significant effect of EN2 gene alterations in neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated to ESA. Conversely, although these EN2 related anomalies might represent a predisposition to develop brain diseases, our results did not support direct relationship between EN2 mutations and specific clinical phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Martinez-Morga
- Neuroscience Institute UMH-CSIC, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Alicante, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Bueno
- Neuroscience Institute UMH-CSIC, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Alicante, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Impaired Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Lacking the Engrailed-2 Gene. Neuroscience 2018; 386:137-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
9
|
Ma T, Zhang A. Reconstructing context-specific gene regulatory network and identifying modules and network rewiring through data integration. Methods 2017; 124:36-45. [PMID: 28529066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Reconstructing context-specific transcriptional regulatory network is crucial for deciphering principles of regulatory mechanisms underlying various conditions. Recently studies that reconstructed transcriptional networks have focused on individual organisms or cell types and relied on data repositories of context-free regulatory relationships. Here we present a comprehensive framework to systematically derive putative regulator-target pairs in any given context by integrating context-specific transcriptional profiling and public data repositories of gene regulatory networks. Moreover, our framework can identify core regulatory modules and signature genes underlying global regulatory circuitry, and detect network rewiring and core rewired modules in different contexts by considering gene modules and edge (gene interaction) modules collaboratively. We applied our methods to analyzing Autism RNA-seq experiment data and produced biologically meaningful results. In particular, all 11 hub genes in a predicted rewired autistic regulatory subnetwork have been linked to autism based on literature review. The predicted rewired autistic regulatory network may shed some new insight into disease mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianle Ma
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260-2500, United States.
| | - Aidong Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260-2500, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rodríguez-Tornos FM, Briz CG, Weiss LA, Sebastián-Serrano A, Ares S, Navarrete M, Frangeul L, Galazo M, Jabaudon D, Esteban JA, Nieto M. Cux1 Enables Interhemispheric Connections of Layer II/III Neurons by Regulating Kv1-Dependent Firing. Neuron 2016; 89:494-506. [PMID: 26804994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal subtype-specific transcription factors (TFs) instruct key features of neuronal function and connectivity. Activity-dependent mechanisms also contribute to wiring and circuit assembly, but whether and how they relate to TF-directed neuronal differentiation is poorly investigated. Here we demonstrate that the TF Cux1 controls the formation of the layer II/III corpus callosum (CC) projections through the developmental transcriptional regulation of Kv1 voltage-dependent potassium channels and the resulting postnatal switch to a Kv1-dependent firing mode. Loss of Cux1 function led to a decrease in the expression of Kv1 transcripts, aberrant firing responses, and selective loss of CC contralateral innervation. Firing and innervation were rescued by re-expression of Kv1 or postnatal reactivation of Cux1. Knocking down Kv1 mimicked Cux1-mediated CC axonal loss. These findings reveal that activity-dependent processes are central bona fide components of neuronal TF-differentiation programs and establish the importance of intrinsic firing modes in circuit assembly within the neocortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos G Briz
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Linnea A Weiss
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Sebastián-Serrano
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saúl Ares
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Matemáticas Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos (GISC), 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Navarrete
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Frangeul
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Maria Galazo
- HSCRB Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - José A Esteban
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Nieto
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Genestine M, Lin L, Durens M, Yan Y, Jiang Y, Prem S, Bailoor K, Kelly B, Sonsalla PK, Matteson PG, Silverman J, Crawley JN, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Engrailed-2 (En2) deletion produces multiple neurodevelopmental defects in monoamine systems, forebrain structures and neurogenesis and behavior. Hum Mol Genet 2015. [PMID: 26220976 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many genes involved in brain development have been associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders, but underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain undefined. Human genetic and mouse behavioral analyses suggest that ENGRAILED-2 (EN2) contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. In mouse, En2 exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal expression in embryonic mid-hindbrain regions where monoamine neurons emerge. Considering their importance in neuropsychiatric disorders, we characterized monoamine systems in relation to forebrain neurogenesis in En2-knockout (En2-KO) mice. Transmitter levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) were dysregulated from Postnatal day 7 (P7) to P21 in En2-KO, though NE exhibited the greatest abnormalities. While NE levels were reduced ∼35% in forebrain, they were increased 40 -: 75% in hindbrain and cerebellum, and these patterns paralleled changes in locus coeruleus (LC) fiber innervation, respectively. Although En2 promoter was active in Embryonic day 14.5 -: 15.5 LC neurons, expression diminished thereafter and gene deletion did not alter brainstem NE neuron numbers. Significantly, in parallel with reduced NE levels, En2-KO forebrain regions exhibited reduced growth, particularly hippocampus, where P21 dentate gyrus granule neurons were decreased 16%, suggesting abnormal neurogenesis. Indeed, hippocampal neurogenic regions showed increased cell death (+77%) and unexpectedly, increased proliferation. Excess proliferation was restricted to early Sox2/Tbr2 progenitors whereas increased apoptosis occurred in differentiating (Dcx) neuroblasts, accompanied by reduced newborn neuron survival. Abnormal neurogenesis may reflect NE deficits because intra-hippocampal injections of β-adrenergic agonists reversed cell death. These studies suggest that disruption of hindbrain patterning genes can alter monoamine system development and thereby produce forebrain defects that are relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Genestine
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Lulu Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Madel Durens
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yiqin Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Kunal Bailoor
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Kelly
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia K Sonsalla
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Paul G Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jill Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA and
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Signaling classically involves the secretion of diverse molecules that bind specific cell-surface receptors and engage intracellular transduction cascades. Some exceptions-namely, lipophilic agents-can cross plasma membranes to bind intracellular receptors and be carried to the nucleus to regulate transcription. Homeoprotein transcription factors are among the few proteins with such a capacity. Here, we review the signaling activities of homeoproteins in the developing and adult nervous system, with particular emphasis on axon/cell migration and postnatal critical periods of cerebral cortex plasticity. We also describe homeoprotein non-cell-autonomous mechanisms and explore how this "novel" signaling pathway impacts emerging research in brain development and physiology. In this context, we explore hypotheses on the evolution of signaling, the role of homeoproteins as early morphogens, and their therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
|
13
|
Reduced phosphorylation of synapsin I in the hippocampus of Engrailed-2 knockout mice, a model for autism spectrum disorders. Neuroscience 2014; 286:122-30. [PMID: 25463523 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mice lacking the homeodomain transcription factor Engrailed-2 (En2(-/-) mice) are a well-characterized model for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). En2(-/-) mice present molecular, neuropathological and behavioral deficits related to ASD, including down-regulation of ASD-associated genes, cerebellar hypoplasia, interneuron loss, enhanced seizure susceptibility, decreased sociability and impaired cognition. Specifically, impaired spatial learning in the Morris water maze (MWM) is associated with reduced expression of neurofibromin and increased phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) in the hippocampus of En2(-/-) adult mice. In the attempt to better understand the molecular cascades underlying neurofibromin-dependent cognitive deficits in En2 mutant mice, we investigated the expression and phosphorylation of synapsin I (SynI; a major target of neurofibromin-dependent signaling) in the hippocampus of wild-type (WT) and En2(-/-) mice before and after MWM. Here we show that SynI mRNA and protein levels are down-regulated in the hippocampus of naïve and MWM-treated En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT controls. This down-regulation is paralleled by reduced levels of SynI phosphorylation at Ser549 and Ser553 residues in the hilus of mutant mice, before and after MWM. These data indicate that in En2(-/-) hippocampus, neurofibromin-dependent pathways converging on SynI phosphorylation might underlie hippocampal-dependent learning deficits observed in En2(-/-) mice.
Collapse
|
14
|
Peredo J, Villacé P, Ortín J, de Lucas S. Human Staufen1 associates to miRNAs involved in neuronal cell differentiation and is required for correct dendritic formation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113704. [PMID: 25423178 PMCID: PMC4244161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA-binding proteins are key elements in the intracellular localization of mRNA and its local translation. Staufen is a double-stranded RNA binding protein involved in the localised translation of specific mRNAs during Drosophila early development and neuronal cell fate. The human homologue Staufen1 forms RNA-containing complexes that include proteins involved in translation and motor proteins to allow their movement within the cell, but the mechanism underlying translation repression in these complexes is poorly understood. Here we show that human Staufen1-containing complexes contain essential elements of the gene silencing apparatus, like Ago1-3 proteins, and we describe a set of miRNAs specifically associated to complexes containing human Staufen1. Among these, miR-124 stands out as particularly relevant because it appears enriched in human Staufen1 complexes and is over-expressed upon differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells in vitro. In agreement with these findings, we show that expression of human Staufen1 is essential for proper dendritic arborisation during neuroblastoma cell differentiation, yet it is not necessary for maintenance of the differentiated state, and suggest potential human Staufen1 mRNA targets involved in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Peredo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Villacé
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Ortín
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (JO); (SdL)
| | - Susana de Lucas
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (JO); (SdL)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cubelos B, Briz CG, Esteban-Ortega GM, Nieto M. Cux1 and Cux2 selectively target basal and apical dendritic compartments of layer II-III cortical neurons. Dev Neurobiol 2014; 75:163-72. [PMID: 25059644 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A number of recent reports implicate the differential regulation of apical and basal dendrites in autism disorders and in the higher functions of the human brain. They show that apical and basal dendrites are functionally specialized and that mechanisms regulating their development have important consequences for neuron function. The molecular identity of layer II-III neurons of the cerebral cortex is determined by the overlapping expression of Cux1 and Cux2. We previously showed that both Cux1 and Cux2 are necessary and nonredundant for normal dendrite development of layer II-III neurons. Loss of function of either gene reduced dendrite arbors, while overexpression increased dendritic complexity and suggested additive functions. We herein characterize the function of Cux1 and Cux2 in the development of apical and basal dendrites. By in vivo loss and gain of function analysis, we show that while the expression level of either Cux1 or Cux2 influences both apical and basal dendrites, they have distinct effects. Changes in Cux1 result in a marked effect on the development of the basal compartment whereas modulation of Cux2 has a stronger influence on the apical compartment. These distinct effects of Cux genes might account for the functional diversification of layer II-III neurons into different subpopulations, possibly with distinct connectivity patterns and modes of neuron response. Our data suggest that by their differential effects on basal and apical dendrites, Cux1 and Cux2 can promote the integration of layer II-III neurons in the intracortical networks in highly specific ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cubelos
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, UAM-CSIC, Nicolás Cabrera, 1, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Choi J, Ababon MR, Soliman M, Lin Y, Brzustowicz LM, Matteson PG, Millonig JH. Autism associated gene, engrailed2, and flanking gene levels are altered in post-mortem cerebellum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87208. [PMID: 24520327 PMCID: PMC3919719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous genetic studies demonstrated association between the transcription factor ENGRAILED2 (EN2) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Subsequent molecular analysis determined that the EN2 ASD-associated haplotype (rs1861972-rs1861973 A-C) functions as a transcriptional activator to increase gene expression. EN2 is flanked by 5 genes, SEROTONIN RECEPTOR5A (HTR5A), INSULIN INDUCED GENE1 (INSIG1), CANOPY1 HOMOLOG (CNPY1), RNA BINDING MOTIF PROTEIN33 (RBM33), and SONIC HEDGEHOG (SHH). These flanking genes are co-expressed with EN2 during development and coordinate similar developmental processes. To investigate if mRNA levels for these genes are altered in individuals with autism, post-mortem analysis was performed. Methods qRT-PCR quantified mRNA levels for EN2 and the 5 flanking genes in 78 post-mortem cerebellar samples. mRNA levels were correlated with both affection status and rs1861972-rs1861973 genotype. Molecular analysis investigated whether EN2 regulates flanking gene expression. Results EN2 levels are increased in affected A-C/G-T individuals (p = .0077). Affected individuals also display a significant increase in SHH and a decrease in INSIG1 levels. Rs1861972-rs1861973 genotype is correlated with significant increases for SHH (A-C/G-T) and CNPY1 (G-T/G-T) levels. Human cell line over-expression and knock-down as well as mouse knock-out analysis are consistent with EN2 and SHH being co-regulated, which provides a possible mechanism for increased SHH post-mortem levels. Conclusions EN2 levels are increased in affected individuals with an A-C/G-T genotype, supporting EN2 as an ASD susceptibility gene. SHH, CNPY1, and INSIG1 levels are also significantly altered depending upon affection status or rs1861972-rs1861973 genotype. Increased EN2 levels likely contribute to elevated SHH expression observed in the post-mortem samples
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Choi
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Myka R. Ababon
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mai Soliman
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Yong Lin
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Linda M. Brzustowicz
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Paul G. Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - James H. Millonig
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Brielmaier J, Senerth JM, Silverman JL, Matteson PG, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E, Crawley JN. Chronic desipramine treatment rescues depression-related, social and cognitive deficits inEngrailed-2knockout mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 13:286-298. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - E. DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; New Brunswick NJ USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Griesi-Oliveira K, Sunaga DY, Alvizi L, Vadasz E, Passos-Bueno MR. Stem cells as a good tool to investigate dysregulated biological systems in autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2013; 6:354-61. [PMID: 23801657 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is hampered by their genetic heterogeneity; however, the different genetic alterations leading to ASD seem to be implicated in the disturbance of common molecular pathways or biological processes. In this scenario, the search for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ASD patients and controls is a good alternative to identify the molecular etiology of such disorders. Here, we employed genome-wide expression analysis to compare the transcriptome of stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) of idiopathic autistic patients (n = 7) and control samples (n = 6). Nearly half of the 683 identified DEGs are expressed in the brain (P = 0.003), and a significant number of them are involved in mechanisms previously associated with ASD such as protein synthesis, cytoskeleton regulation, cellular adhesion and alternative splicing, which validate the use of SHEDs to disentangle the causes of autism. Autistic patients also presented overexpression of genes regulated by androgen receptor (AR), and AR itself, which in turn interacts with CHD8 (chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8), a gene recently shown to be associated with the cause of autism and found to be upregulated in some patients tested here. These data provide a rationale for the mechanisms through which CHD8 leads to these diseases. In summary, our results suggest that ASD share deregulated pathways and revealed that SHEDs represent an alternative cell source to be used in the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in the etiology of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Griesi-Oliveira
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
A multi-platform draft de novo genome assembly and comparative analysis for the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao). PLoS One 2013; 8:e62415. [PMID: 23667475 PMCID: PMC3648530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Data deposition to NCBI Genomes: This Whole Genome Shotgun project has been deposited at DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under the accession AMXX00000000 (SMACv1.0, unscaffolded genome assembly). The version described in this paper is the first version (AMXX01000000). The scaffolded assembly (SMACv1.1) has been deposited at DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under the accession AOUJ00000000, and is also the first version (AOUJ01000000). Strong biological interest in traits such as the acquisition and utilization of speech, cognitive abilities, and longevity catalyzed the utilization of two next-generation sequencing platforms to provide the first-draft de novo genome assembly for the large, new world parrot Ara macao (Scarlet Macaw). Despite the challenges associated with genome assembly for an outbred avian species, including 951,507 high-quality putative single nucleotide polymorphisms, the final genome assembly (>1.035 Gb) includes more than 997 Mb of unambiguous sequence data (excluding N's). Cytogenetic analyses including ZooFISH revealed complex rearrangements associated with two scarlet macaw macrochromosomes (AMA6, AMA7), which supports the hypothesis that translocations, fusions, and intragenomic rearrangements are key factors associated with karyotype evolution among parrots. In silico annotation of the scarlet macaw genome provided robust evidence for 14,405 nuclear gene annotation models, their predicted transcripts and proteins, and a complete mitochondrial genome. Comparative analyses involving the scarlet macaw, chicken, and zebra finch genomes revealed high levels of nucleotide-based conservation as well as evidence for overall genome stability among the three highly divergent species. Application of a new whole-genome analysis of divergence involving all three species yielded prioritized candidate genes and noncoding regions for parrot traits of interest (i.e., speech, intelligence, longevity) which were independently supported by the results of previous human GWAS studies. We also observed evidence for genes and noncoding loci that displayed extreme conservation across the three avian lineages, thereby reflecting their likely biological and developmental importance among birds.
Collapse
|
20
|
Brielmaier J, Matteson PG, Silverman JL, Senerth JM, Kelly S, Genestine M, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E, Crawley JN. Autism-relevant social abnormalities and cognitive deficits in engrailed-2 knockout mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40914. [PMID: 22829897 PMCID: PMC3400671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ENGRAILED 2 (En2), a homeobox transcription factor, functions as a patterning gene in the early development and connectivity of rodent hindbrain and cerebellum, and regulates neurogenesis and development of monoaminergic pathways. To further understand the neurobiological functions of En2, we conducted neuroanatomical expression profiling of En2 wildtype mice. RTQPCR assays demonstrated that En2 is expressed in adult brain structures including the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus and brainstem. Human genetic studies indicate that EN2 is associated with autism. To determine the consequences of En2 mutations on mouse behaviors, including outcomes potentially relevant to autism, we conducted comprehensive phenotyping of social, communication, repetitive, and cognitive behaviors. En2 null mutants exhibited robust deficits in reciprocal social interactions as juveniles and adults, and absence of sociability in adults, replicated in two independent cohorts. Fear conditioning and water maze learning were impaired in En2 null mutants. High immobility in the forced swim test, reduced prepulse inhibition, mild motor coordination impairments and reduced grip strength were detected in En2 null mutants. No genotype differences were found on measures of ultrasonic vocalizations in social contexts, and no stereotyped or repetitive behaviors were observed. Developmental milestones, general health, olfactory abilities, exploratory locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviors and pain responses did not differ across genotypes, indicating that the behavioral abnormalities detected in En2 null mutants were not attributable to physical or procedural confounds. Our findings provide new insight into the role of En2 in complex behaviors and suggest that disturbances in En2 signaling may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders marked by social and cognitive deficits, including autism spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brielmaier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|