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Ahmed NI, Khandelwal N, Anderson AG, Oh E, Vollmer RM, Kulkarni A, Gibson JR, Konopka G. Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114257. [PMID: 38761373 PMCID: PMC11234887 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factors Foxp1 and Foxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN-specific loss of Foxp1, Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type-specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral-mediated re-expression of Foxp1 into the double knockouts is sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles between Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the D1-SPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newaz I Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily Oh
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Rachael M Vollmer
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jay R Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA.
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Heim F, Scharff C, Fisher SE, Riebel K, Ten Cate C. Auditory discrimination learning and acoustic cue weighing in female zebra finches with localized FoxP1 knockdowns. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:950-963. [PMID: 38629163 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00228.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare disruptions of the transcription factor FOXP1 are implicated in a human neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by autism and/or intellectual disability with prominent problems in speech and language abilities. Avian orthologues of this transcription factor are evolutionarily conserved and highly expressed in specific regions of songbird brains, including areas associated with vocal production learning and auditory perception. Here, we investigated possible contributions of FoxP1 to song discrimination and auditory perception in juvenile and adult female zebra finches. They received lentiviral knockdowns of FoxP1 in one of two brain areas involved in auditory stimulus processing, HVC (proper name) or CMM (caudomedial mesopallium). Ninety-six females, distributed over different experimental and control groups were trained to discriminate between two stimulus songs in an operant Go/Nogo paradigm and subsequently tested with an array of stimuli. This made it possible to assess how well they recognized and categorized altered versions of training stimuli and whether localized FoxP1 knockdowns affected the role of different features during discrimination and categorization of song. Although FoxP1 expression was significantly reduced by the knockdowns, neither discrimination of the stimulus songs nor categorization of songs modified in pitch, sequential order of syllables or by reversed playback were affected. Subsequently, we analyzed the full dataset to assess the impact of the different stimulus manipulations for cue weighing in song discrimination. Our findings show that zebra finches rely on multiple parameters for song discrimination, but with relatively more prominent roles for spectral parameters and syllable sequencing as cues for song discrimination.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In humans, mutations of the transcription factor FoxP1 are implicated in speech and language problems. In songbirds, FoxP1 has been linked to male song learning and female preference strength. We found that FoxP1 knockdowns in female HVC and caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) did not alter song discrimination or categorization based on spectral and temporal information. However, this large dataset allowed to validate different cue weights for spectral over temporal information for song recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heim
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics,Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics,Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carel Ten Cate
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Schijven D, Soheili-Nezhad S, Fisher SE, Francks C. Exome-wide analysis implicates rare protein-altering variants in human handedness. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2632. [PMID: 38565598 PMCID: PMC10987538 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46277-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Handedness is a manifestation of brain hemispheric specialization. Left-handedness occurs at increased rates in neurodevelopmental disorders. Genome-wide association studies have identified common genetic effects on handedness or brain asymmetry, which mostly involve variants outside protein-coding regions and may affect gene expression. Implicated genes include several that encode tubulins (microtubule components) or microtubule-associated proteins. Here we examine whether left-handedness is also influenced by rare coding variants (frequencies ≤ 1%), using exome data from 38,043 left-handed and 313,271 right-handed individuals from the UK Biobank. The beta-tubulin gene TUBB4B shows exome-wide significant association, with a rate of rare coding variants 2.7 times higher in left-handers than right-handers. The TUBB4B variants are mostly heterozygous missense changes, but include two frameshifts found only in left-handers. Other TUBB4B variants have been linked to sensorineural and/or ciliopathic disorders, but not the variants found here. Among genes previously implicated in autism or schizophrenia by exome screening, DSCAM and FOXP1 show evidence for rare coding variant association with left-handedness. The exome-wide heritability of left-handedness due to rare coding variants was 0.91%. This study reveals a role for rare, protein-altering variants in left-handedness, providing further evidence for the involvement of microtubules and disorder-relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick Schijven
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sourena Soheili-Nezhad
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clyde Francks
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Koene S, Ropers FG, Wieland J, Rybak T, Wildschut F, Berghuis D, Morgan A, Trelles MP, Scheepe JR, Bökenkamp R, Peeters-Scholte CMPCD, Braden R, Santen GWE. Clinical phenotype of FOXP1 syndrome: parent-reported medical signs and symptoms in 40 individuals. J Med Genet 2024; 61:399-404. [PMID: 38123995 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first studies on patients with forkhead-box protein P1 (FOXP1) syndrome reported associated global neurodevelopmental delay, autism symptomatology, dysmorphic features and cardiac and urogenital malformations. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of congenital abnormalities in an unbiased cohort of patients with FOXP1 syndrome and to document rare complications. METHODS Patients with FOXP1 syndrome were included, mostly diagnosed via whole-exome sequencing for neurodevelopmental delay. A parent-report questionnaire was used to assess medical signs and symptoms, including questions about features rated as most burdensome by patients and their family. RESULTS Forty individuals were included, 20 females and 20 males. The mean age at assessment was 13.2 years (median 8.5 years; range 2-54 years; ≥18 years n = 7). Seven adults were included. All patients had developmental problems, including cognitive, communication, social-emotional and motor delays. The most prevalent medical signs and symptoms include delayed bladder control, sleeping problems, hypermetropia, strabismus, sacral dimple, undescended testes, abnormal muscle tone and airway infections. The most burdensome complaints for patients with FOXP1 syndrome, as perceived by parents, include intellectual disability, impaired communication, behaviour problems, lack of age-appropriate self-reliance, attention problems and anxiety. According to parents, patients have quite similar reported symptoms, although incontinence, obsessions and a complex sensory profile have a higher ranking. CONCLUSION The results of this study may be used to further guide medical management and identify patient priorities for future research targeted on those features of FOXP1 syndrome that most impair quality of life of patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Koene
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Jannelien Wieland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tamara Rybak
- 's Heeren Loo Zorggroep, Amersfoort, Netherlands
| | - Floor Wildschut
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University Clinical and Adolescent Child Studies, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dagmar Berghuis
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Angela Morgan
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service and Speech and Language, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Pilar Trelles
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Regina Bökenkamp
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Ruth Braden
- Speech and Language, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gijs W E Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Kolimi N, Ballard J, Peulen T, Goutam R, Duffy FX, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Babul J, Medina E, Sanabria H. DNA controls the dimerization of the human FoxP1 forkhead domain. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2024; 5:101854. [PMID: 38585429 PMCID: PMC10997372 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences and gating access to genes. Even when the binding of TFs and their cofactors to DNA is reversible, indicating a reversible control of gene expression, there is little knowledge about the molecular effect DNA has on TFs. Using single-molecule multiparameter fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and biochemical assays, we find that the monomeric form of the forkhead (FKH) domain of the human FoxP1 behaves as a disordered protein and increases its folded population when it dimerizes. Notably, DNA binding promotes a disordered FKH dimer bound to DNA, negatively controlling the stability of the dimeric FoxP1:DNA complex. The DNA-mediated reversible regulation on FKH dimers suggests that FoxP1-dependent gene suppression is unstable, and it must require the presence of other dimerization domains or cofactors to revert the negative impact exerted by the DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendar Kolimi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Jake Ballard
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Thomas Peulen
- Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum – Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Haus D15, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg Germany
| | - Rajen Goutam
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Francis X. Duffy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge Babul
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Casilla 653, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Casilla 653, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Hugo Sanabria
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Lead contact
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Wang B, Vartak R, Zaltsman Y, Naing ZZC, Hennick KM, Polacco BJ, Bashir A, Eckhardt M, Bouhaddou M, Xu J, Sun N, Lasser MC, Zhou Y, McKetney J, Guiley KZ, Chan U, Kaye JA, Chadha N, Cakir M, Gordon M, Khare P, Drake S, Drury V, Burke DF, Gonzalez S, Alkhairy S, Thomas R, Lam S, Morris M, Bader E, Seyler M, Baum T, Krasnoff R, Wang S, Pham P, Arbalaez J, Pratt D, Chag S, Mahmood N, Rolland T, Bourgeron T, Finkbeiner S, Swaney DL, Bandyopadhay S, Ideker T, Beltrao P, Willsey HR, Obernier K, Nowakowski TJ, Hüttenhain R, State MW, Willsey AJ, Krogan NJ. A foundational atlas of autism protein interactions reveals molecular convergence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.03.569805. [PMID: 38076945 PMCID: PMC10705567 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.03.569805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Translating high-confidence (hc) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes into viable treatment targets remains elusive. We constructed a foundational protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in HEK293T cells involving 100 hcASD risk genes, revealing over 1,800 PPIs (87% novel). Interactors, expressed in the human brain and enriched for ASD but not schizophrenia genetic risk, converged on protein complexes involved in neurogenesis, tubulin biology, transcriptional regulation, and chromatin modification. A PPI map of 54 patient-derived missense variants identified differential physical interactions, and we leveraged AlphaFold-Multimer predictions to prioritize direct PPIs and specific variants for interrogation in Xenopus tropicalis and human forebrain organoids. A mutation in the transcription factor FOXP1 led to reconfiguration of DNA binding sites and altered development of deep cortical layer neurons in forebrain organoids. This work offers new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and describes a powerful platform to develop and test therapeutic strategies for many genetically-defined conditions.
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Gao C, Zhu H, Gong P, Wu C, Xu X, Zhu X. The functions of FOXP transcription factors and their regulation by post-translational modifications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194992. [PMID: 37797785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box subfamily P (FOXP) of transcription factors, consisting of FOXP1, FOXP2, FOXP3, and FOXP4, is involved in the regulation of multisystemic functioning. Disruption of the transcriptional activity of FOXP proteins leads to neurodevelopmental disorders and immunological diseases, as well as the suppression or promotion of carcinogenesis. The transcriptional activities of FOXP proteins are directly or indirectly regulated by diverse post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, and methylation. Here, we discuss how post-translational modifications modulate the multiple functions of FOXP proteins and examine the implications for tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwen Gao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Chen Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China.
| | - Xuefei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China.
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Coñuecar R, Asela I, Rivera M, Galaz-Davison P, González-Higueras J, Hamilton GL, Engelberger F, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Babul J, Sanabria H, Medina E. DNA facilitates heterodimerization between human transcription factors FoxP1 and FoxP2 by increasing their conformational flexibility. iScience 2023; 26:107228. [PMID: 37485372 PMCID: PMC10362293 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors regulate gene expression by binding to DNA. They have disordered regions and specific DNA-binding domains. Binding to DNA causes structural changes, including folding and interactions with other molecules. The FoxP subfamily of transcription factors in humans is unique because they can form heterotypic interactions without DNA. However, it is unclear how they form heterodimers and how DNA binding affects their function. We used computational and experimental methods to study the structural changes in FoxP1's DNA-binding domain when it forms a heterodimer with FoxP2. We found that FoxP1 has complex and diverse conformational dynamics, transitioning between compact and extended states. Surprisingly, DNA binding increases the flexibility of FoxP1, contrary to the typical folding-upon-binding mechanism. In addition, we observed a 3-fold increase in the rate of heterodimerization after FoxP1 binds to DNA. These findings emphasize the importance of structural flexibility in promoting heterodimerization to form transcriptional complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Coñuecar
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Isabel Asela
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Maira Rivera
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pablo Galaz-Davison
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge González-Higueras
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - George L. Hamilton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Felipe Engelberger
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge Babul
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Hugo Sanabria
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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9
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Cesaroni CA, Pollazzon M, Mancini C, Rizzi S, Cappelletti C, Pizzi S, Frattini D, Spagnoli C, Caraffi SG, Zuntini R, Trimarchi G, Niceta M, Radio FC, Tartaglia M, Garavelli L, Fusco C. Case report: Expanding the phenotype of FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome and hyperkinetic movement disorder in differential diagnosis with epileptic seizures. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1207176. [PMID: 37521304 PMCID: PMC10382204 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1207176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to report on previously unappreciated clinical features associated with FOXP1-related intellectual disability (ID) syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and language delay, with or without autistic features. Methods We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to molecularly characterize an individual presenting with ID, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral problems, and facial dysmorphisms as major features. Results WES allowed us to identify a previously unreported de novo splice site variant, c.1429-1G>T (NM_032682.6), in the FOXP1 gene (OMIM*605515) as the causative event underlying the phenotype. Clinical reassessment of the patient and revision of the literature allowed us to refine the phenotype associated with FOXP1 haploinsufficiency, including hyperkinetic movement disorder and flat angiomas as associated features. Interestingly, the patient also has an asymmetric face and choanal atresia and a novel de novo variant of the CHD7 gene. Conclusion We suggest that FOXP1-related ID syndrome may also predispose to the development of hyperkinetic movement disorders and flat angiomas. These features could therefore require specific management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Cesaroni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marzia Pollazzon
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mancini
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Rizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Camilla Cappelletti
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pizzi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Frattini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giuseppe Caraffi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberta Zuntini
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Trimarchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marcello Niceta
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, Mother-Child Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Li X, Zou S, Tu X, Hao S, Jiang T, Chen JG. Inhibition of Foxp4 Disrupts Cadherin-based Adhesion of Radial Glial Cells, Leading to Abnormal Differentiation and Migration of Cortical Neurons in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1131-1145. [PMID: 36646976 PMCID: PMC10313612 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-01004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous loss-of-function variants of FOXP4 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that exhibit delayed speech development, intellectual disability, and congenital abnormalities. The etiology of NDDs is unclear. Here we found that FOXP4 and N-cadherin are expressed in the nuclei and apical end-feet of radial glial cells (RGCs), respectively, in the mouse neocortex during early gestation. Knockdown or dominant-negative inhibition of Foxp4 abolishes the apical condensation of N-cadherin in RGCs and the integrity of neuroepithelium in the ventricular zone (VZ). Inhibition of Foxp4 leads to impeded radial migration of cortical neurons and ectopic neurogenesis from the proliferating VZ. The ectopic differentiation and deficient migration disappear when N-cadherin is over-expressed in RGCs. The data indicate that Foxp4 is essential for N-cadherin-based adherens junctions, the loss of which leads to periventricular heterotopias. We hypothesize that FOXP4 variant-associated NDDs may be caused by disruption of the adherens junctions and malformation of the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shimin Zou
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shishuai Hao
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, 317500, China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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11
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Ahmed NI, Khandelwal N, Anderson AG, Kulkarni A, Gibson J, Konopka G. Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.546567. [PMID: 37425820 PMCID: PMC10327074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.546567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factors Foxp1 and Foxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN specific loss of Foxp1, Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral mediated re-expression of Foxp1 into the double knockouts was sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles between Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the D1-SPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newaz I. Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Ashley G. Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jay Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Lead Contact
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12
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Yan M, Li J, Yan L, Li X, Chen JG. Transcription factor Foxp1 is essential for the induction of choroidal neovascularization. EYE AND VISION 2022; 9:10. [PMID: 35248156 PMCID: PMC8898411 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-022-00281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The exudative form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, which is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) released from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The angiogenic behaviors of vascular endothelial cells in vitro depend on forkhead box protein P1 (Foxp1), a transcription repressor widely expressed in human and murine tissues during development. In this study, we aimed to determine whether loss of Foxp1 affects laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mouse. Methods Eye-selective deletion of Foxp1 was obtained by crossing Foxp1flox/flox with Six3-Cre mice. Laser photocoagulation was delivered to six- to eight-week-old mice to induce CNV. The expression of Foxp1 and Cre was determined by immunofluorescence in cryostat sections of the eyes. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and B4 isolectin staining were applied to analyze the leakage, bulge height, and area of CNV lesions, respectively. RPE-choroid tissues were isolated for the determination of VEGF and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) by Western blotting. Results Foxp1 was expressed in retinal ganglion cells, RPE, and the choroidal endothelial cells. Laser photocoagulation increased the number of Foxp1+-endothelial cells and induced CNV. Six3-Cre reduced Foxp1 expression in RPE but not the endothelium, leading to a lower level of VEGF in the RPE-choroid. Foxp1 knockout inhibited pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage of the laser-induced CNV lesions. Conclusions Foxp1 regulates the expression of VEGF in the RPE, and inhibition of Foxp1 could potentially be a novel strategy for the prevention and therapy of neovascularization related to AMD.
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13
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Kaminskiy Y, Kuznetsova V, Kudriaeva A, Zmievskaya E, Bulatov E. Neglected, yet significant role of FOXP1 in T-cell quiescence, differentiation and exhaustion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:971045. [PMID: 36268015 PMCID: PMC9576946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.971045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 is ubiquitously expressed in the human body and is implicated in both physiological and pathological processes including cancer. However, despite its importance the role of FOXP1 in T-cells has not been extensively studied. Although relatively few phenotypic and mechanistic details are available, FOXP1 role in T-cell quiescence and differentiation of CD4+ subsets has recently been established. FOXP1 prevents spontaneous T-cell activation, preserves memory potential, and regulates the development of follicular helper and regulatory T-cells. Moreover, there is growing evidence that FOXP1 also regulates T-cell exhaustion. Altogether this makes FOXP1 a crucial and highly undervalued regulator of T-cell homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the biology of FOXP1 with a focus on discoveries made in T-cells in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaroslav Kaminskiy
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SciLifeLab, Solna, Sweden
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Centre for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Varvara Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Centre for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kudriaeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zmievskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Emil Bulatov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- *Correspondence: Emil Bulatov,
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14
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Chen M, Sun Y, Qian Y, Chen N, Li H, Wang L, Dong M. Case report: FOXP1 syndrome caused by a de novo splicing variant (c.1652+5 G>A) of the FOXP1 gene. Front Genet 2022; 13:926070. [PMID: 35991577 PMCID: PMC9388729 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.926070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and language delay, with or without autistic features. Several splicing variants have been reported for this condition, but most of them lack functional evidence, and the actual effects of the sequence changes are still unknown. In this study, a de novo splicing variant (c.1652 + 5 G>A) of the FOXP1 gene was identified in a patient with global developmental delay, mild intellectual disability, speech delay, and autistic features. Assessed by TA-cloning, the variant promoted the skipping of exon 18 and a premature stop codon (p.Asn511*), resulting in a predicted truncated protein. This variant, that is lacking the forkhead-box DNA-binding domain and nuclear localization signal 2, may disrupt the protein function and thus cause FOXP1 syndrome-related symptoms. Our study extends the phenotypic and allelic spectra of the FOXP1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yixi Sun
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeqing Qian
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Chen
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongge Li
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minyue Dong
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women’s Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Minyue Dong,
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15
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Mountford HS, Braden R, Newbury DF, Morgan AT. The Genetic and Molecular Basis of Developmental Language Disorder: A Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9050586. [PMID: 35626763 PMCID: PMC9139417 DOI: 10.3390/children9050586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Language disorders are highly heritable and are influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Despite more than twenty years of research, we still lack critical understanding of the biological underpinnings of language. This review provides an overview of the genetic landscape of developmental language disorders (DLD), with an emphasis on the importance of defining the specific features (the phenotype) of DLD to inform gene discovery. We review the specific phenotype of DLD in the genetic literature, and the influence of historic variation in diagnostic inclusion criteria on researchers' ability to compare and replicate genotype-phenotype studies. This review provides an overview of the recently identified gene pathways in populations with DLD and explores current state-of-the-art approaches to genetic analysis based on the hypothesised architecture of DLD. We will show how recent global efforts to unify diagnostic criteria have vastly increased sample size and allow for large multi-cohort metanalyses, leading the identification of a growing number of contributory loci. We emphasise the important role of estimating the genetic architecture of DLD to decipher underlying genetic associations. Finally, we explore the potential for epigenetics and environmental interactions to further unravel the biological basis of language disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley S. Mountford
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (H.S.M.); (D.F.N.)
| | - Ruth Braden
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
| | - Dianne F. Newbury
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (H.S.M.); (D.F.N.)
| | - Angela T. Morgan
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Braden RO, Amor DJ, Fisher SE, Mei C, Myers CT, Mefford H, Gill D, Srivastava S, Swanson LC, Goel H, Scheffer IE, Morgan AT. Severe speech impairment is a distinguishing feature of FOXP1-related disorder. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:1417-1426. [PMID: 34109629 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM To delineate the speech and language phenotype of a cohort of individuals with FOXP1-related disorder. METHOD We administered a standardized test battery to examine speech and oral motor function, receptive and expressive language, non-verbal cognition, and adaptive behaviour. Clinical history and cognitive assessments were analysed together with speech and language findings. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients (17 females, 12 males; mean age 9y 6mo; median age 8y [range 2y 7mo-33y]; SD 6y 5mo) with pathogenic FOXP1 variants (14 truncating, three missense, three splice site, one in-frame deletion, eight cytogenic deletions; 28 out of 29 were de novo variants) were studied. All had atypical speech, with 21 being verbal and eight minimally verbal. All verbal patients had dysarthric and apraxic features, with phonological deficits in most (14 out of 16). Language scores were low overall. In the 21 individuals who carried truncating or splice site variants and small deletions, expressive abilities were relatively preserved compared with comprehension. INTERPRETATION FOXP1-related disorder is characterized by a complex speech and language phenotype with prominent dysarthria, broader motor planning and programming deficits, and linguistic-based phonological errors. Diagnosis of the speech phenotype associated with FOXP1-related dysfunction will inform early targeted therapy. What this paper adds Individuals with FOXP1-related disorder have a complex speech and language phenotype. Dysarthria, which impairs intelligibility, is the dominant feature of the speech profile. No participants were receiving speech therapy for dysarthria, but were good candidates for therapy Features of speech apraxia occur alongside persistent phonological errors. Language abilities are low overall; however, expressive language is a relative strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth O Braden
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Mei
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Orygen and Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Candace T Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather Mefford
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deepak Gill
- TY Nelson Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Lindsay C Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Himanshu Goel
- Hunter Genetics, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Angela T Morgan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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17
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Trelles MP, Levy T, Lerman B, Siper P, Lozano R, Halpern D, Walker H, Zweifach J, Frank Y, Foss-Feig J, Kolevzon A, Buxbaum J. Individuals with FOXP1 syndrome present with a complex neurobehavioral profile with high rates of ADHD, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and sensory symptoms. Mol Autism 2021; 12:61. [PMID: 34588003 PMCID: PMC8482569 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FOXP1 syndrome is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, speech and language delays, and externalizing behaviors. We previously evaluated nine children and adolescents with FOXP1 syndrome to better characterize its phenotype. We identified specific areas of interest to be further explored, namely autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and internalizing and externalizing behaviors.
Methods Here, we assess a prospective cohort of additional 17 individuals to expand our initial analyses and focus on these areas of interest. An interdisciplinary group of clinicians evaluated neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and medical features in participants. We report results from this cohort both alone, and in combination with the previous cohort, where possible.
Results Previous observations of intellectual disability, motor delays, and language deficits were confirmed. In addition, 24% of the cohort met criteria for ASD. Seventy-five percent of individuals met DSM-5 criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and 38% for an anxiety disorder. Repetitive behaviors were almost universally present (95%) even without a diagnosis of ASD. Sensory symptoms, in particular sensory seeking, were common. Limitations As FOXP1 syndrome is a rare disorder, sample size is limited. Conclusions These findings have important implications for the treatment and care of individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Notably, standardized testing for ASD showed high sensitivity, but low specificity, when compared to expert consensus diagnosis. Furthermore, many individuals in our cohort who received diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety disorder were not being treated for these symptoms; therefore, our findings suggest that there may be immediate areas for improvements in treatment for some individuals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00469-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilar Trelles
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tess Levy
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bonnie Lerman
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paige Siper
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Halpern
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Walker
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Zweifach
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yitzchak Frank
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Lin SZ, Zhou XY, Wang WQ, Jiang K. Autism with dysphasia accompanied by mental retardation caused by FOXP1 exon deletion: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:6858-6866. [PMID: 34447835 PMCID: PMC8362507 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) (OMIM: 605515) at chromosomal region 3p14.1 plays an important regulatory role in cell development and functions by regulating genetic expression. Earlier studies have suggested that FOXP1, an oncogene, is capable of initiating tumorigenicity depending on the cell type. FOXP1 also plays an important role in regulating the cell development and functions of the immune system, e.g., regulating B-cell maturation and mononuclear phagocyte differentiation, and in the occurrence and development of various immune diseases. The mRNA of this gene is widely expressed in humans, and its differential expression is related to numerous diseases.
CASE SUMMARY A 5-year-old boy mainly presented with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and developmental retardation accompanied by gait instability and abnormal facial features (low-set ears). DNA samples were extracted from the child’s and his parents’ peripheral blood to detect whole-exome sequences and whole-genome copy number variations. Results revealed heterozygous deletions of exon 6-21 of FOXP1 gene in the child. Physical examination upon admission showed that the child was generally in good condition, had a moderate nutritional status, a slightly slow response to external stimuli, equally large and equally round bilateral pupils, was sensitive to light reflection, and had poor eye contact and joint attention. He had no meaningful utterance and could not pronounce words properly. He was able to use gestures to simply express his thoughts, to perform simple actions, and to listen to instructions. He had no rash, cafe-au-lait macules, or depigmentation spots. He had thick black hair and low-set ears. He had highly sensitive skin, especially on his face and palms. He had no abnormal palm fingerprint. Cardiopulmonary and abdominal examinations revealed no abnormalities. He had normal limb muscle strength and tension. He showed normal tendon reflexes of both knees. His bilateral Babinski and meningeal irritation signs were negative. He had a normal male vulva.
CONCLUSION We report the characteristic features of autism with dysphasia accompanied by mental retardation caused by FOXP1 exon deletion. This study provides a molecular basis for etiological diagnosis and treatment of the child, as well as for genetic counseling for the pedigree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Zhu Lin
- Department of Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Children, First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhou
- Department of Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Children, First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wan-Qi Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Children, First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
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19
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den Hoed J, Devaraju K, Fisher SE. Molecular networks of the FOXP2 transcription factor in the brain. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52803. [PMID: 34260143 PMCID: PMC8339667 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the FOXP2 transcription factor, and its implication in a rare severe human speech and language disorder, has led to two decades of empirical studies focused on uncovering its roles in the brain using a range of in vitro and in vivo methods. Here, we discuss what we have learned about the regulation of FOXP2, its downstream effectors, and its modes of action as a transcription factor in brain development and function, providing an integrated overview of what is currently known about the critical molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joery den Hoed
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- International Max Planck Research School for Language SciencesMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Karthikeyan Devaraju
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
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20
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Lozano R, Gbekie C, Siper PM, Srivastava S, Saland JM, Sethuram S, Tang L, Drapeau E, Frank Y, Buxbaum JD, Kolevzon A. FOXP1 syndrome: a review of the literature and practice parameters for medical assessment and monitoring. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:18. [PMID: 33892622 PMCID: PMC8066957 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations or deletions that disrupt the forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) gene, which encodes a transcription factor important for the early development of many organ systems, including the brain. Numerous clinical studies have elucidated the role of FOXP1 in neurodevelopment and have characterized a phenotype. FOXP1 syndrome is associated with intellectual disability, language deficits, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonia, and congenital anomalies, including mild dysmorphic features, and brain, cardiac, and urogenital abnormalities. Here, we present a review of human studies summarizing the clinical features of individuals with FOXP1 syndrome and enlist a multidisciplinary group of clinicians (pediatrics, genetics, psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, and psychology) to provide recommendations for the assessment of FOXP1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reymundo Lozano
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine Gbekie
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paige M Siper
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shubhika Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Saland
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Children's Heart Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swathi Sethuram
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lara Tang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yitzchak Frank
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Levchenko A, Kanapin A, Samsonova A, Fedorenko OY, Kornetova EG, Nurgaliev T, Mazo GE, Semke AV, Kibitov AO, Bokhan NA, Gainetdinov RR, Ivanova SA. A genome-wide association study identifies a gene network associated with paranoid schizophrenia and antipsychotics-induced tardive dyskinesia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110134. [PMID: 33065217 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a cohort of 505 patients with paranoid schizophrenia (SCZ), of which 95 had tardive dyskinesia (TD), and 503 healthy controls. Using data generated by the PsychENCODE Consortium (PEC) and other bioinformatic databases, we revealed a gene network, implicated in neurodevelopment and brain function, associated with both these disorders. Almost all these genes are in gene or isoform co-expression PEC network modules important for the functioning of the brain; the activity of these networks is also altered in SCZ, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders. The associated PEC network modules are enriched for gene ontology terms relevant to the brain development and function (CNS development, neuron development, axon ensheathment, synapse, synaptic vesicle cycle, and signaling receptor activity) and to the immune system (inflammatory response). Results of the present study suggest that orofacial and limbtruncal types of TD seem to share the molecular network with SCZ. Paranoid SCZ and abnormal involuntary movements that indicate the orofacial type of TD are associated with the same genomic loci on chromosomes 3p22.2, 8q21.13, and 13q14.2. The limbtruncal type of TD is associated with a locus on chromosome 3p13 where the best functional candidate is FOXP1, a high-confidence SCZ gene. The results of this study shed light on common pathogenic mechanisms for SCZ and TD, and indicate that the pathogenesis of the orofacial and limbtruncal types of TD might be driven by interacting genes implicated in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Levchenko
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Alexander Kanapin
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia Samsonova
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Yu Fedorenko
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia; National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elena G Kornetova
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia; Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | | | - Galina E Mazo
- Department of Endocrine Psychiatry, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arkadiy V Semke
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Alexander O Kibitov
- Department of Endocrine Psychiatry, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Saint Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addictions, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Bokhan
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia; Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia; National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana A Ivanova
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia; National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia; Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
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22
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Snijders Blok L, Vino A, den Hoed J, Underhill HR, Monteil D, Li H, Reynoso Santos FJ, Chung WK, Amaral MD, Schnur RE, Santiago-Sim T, Si Y, Brunner HG, Kleefstra T, Fisher SE. Heterozygous variants that disturb the transcriptional repressor activity of FOXP4 cause a developmental disorder with speech/language delays and multiple congenital abnormalities. Genet Med 2021; 23:534-542. [PMID: 33110267 PMCID: PMC7935712 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-01016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heterozygous pathogenic variants in various FOXP genes cause specific developmental disorders. The phenotype associated with heterozygous variants in FOXP4 has not been previously described. METHODS We assembled a cohort of eight individuals with heterozygous and mostly de novo variants in FOXP4: seven individuals with six different missense variants and one individual with a frameshift variant. We collected clinical data to delineate the phenotypic spectrum, and used in silico analyses and functional cell-based assays to assess pathogenicity of the variants. RESULTS We collected clinical data for six individuals: five individuals with a missense variant in the forkhead box DNA-binding domain of FOXP4, and one individual with a truncating variant. Overlapping features included speech and language delays, growth abnormalities, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cervical spine abnormalities, and ptosis. Luciferase assays showed loss-of-function effects for all these variants, and aberrant subcellular localization patterns were seen in a subset. The remaining two missense variants were located outside the functional domains of FOXP4, and showed transcriptional repressor capacities and localization patterns similar to the wild-type protein. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings show that heterozygous loss-of-function variants in FOXP4 are associated with an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder with speech/language delays, growth defects, and variable congenital abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lot Snijders Blok
- Human Genetics Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Arianna Vino
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joery den Hoed
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hunter R Underhill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Danielle Monteil
- Department of Pediatrics, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Francis Jeshira Reynoso Santos
- Department of Genetics, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, FL, USA
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yue Si
- GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Han G Brunner
- Human Genetics Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, MHeNS School of Neuroscience, and GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Human Genetics Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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23
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Moirangthem A, Phadke SR. Novel FOXP1 pathogenic variants in two Indian subjects with syndromic intellectual disability. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:1324-1327. [PMID: 33427368 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We describe two unrelated Indian boys with Mental retardation with language impairment with or without autistic features (OMIM#613670). Novel pathogenic variants c. 593_599 delins AGAAG and c.1556T>C in FOXP1 were identified in Patients 1 and 2, respectively by exome sequencing. The patients shared the cardinal features of significant language impairment, prominent forehead, downslanted palpebral fissures, frontal upsweep of hair, and behavioral abnormalities. Camptodactyly (with pterygia in Patient 2) was an additional feature noted in our study. The phenotype was consistent with previous reports of patients with monogenic defects in FOXP1. The facial features overlap with Sotos syndrome. However, presence of frontal upsweep of hair is a good pointer toward FOXP1 related syndromic intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Moirangthem
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Shubha R Phadke
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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24
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Garcia-Forn M, Boitnott A, Akpinar Z, De Rubeis S. Linking Autism Risk Genes to Disruption of Cortical Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112500. [PMID: 33218123 PMCID: PMC7698947 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and social interaction, and the presence of repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. In the past few years, large-scale whole-exome sequencing and genome-wide association studies have made enormous progress in our understanding of the genetic risk architecture of ASD. While showing a complex and heterogeneous landscape, these studies have led to the identification of genetic loci associated with ASD risk. The intersection of genetic and transcriptomic analyses have also begun to shed light on functional convergences between risk genes, with the mid-fetal development of the cerebral cortex emerging as a critical nexus for ASD. In this review, we provide a concise summary of the latest genetic discoveries on ASD. We then discuss the studies in postmortem tissues, stem cell models, and rodent models that implicate recently identified ASD risk genes in cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garcia-Forn
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.G.-F.); (A.B.); (Z.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrea Boitnott
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.G.-F.); (A.B.); (Z.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zeynep Akpinar
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.G.-F.); (A.B.); (Z.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.G.-F.); (A.B.); (Z.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-241-0179
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25
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Li X, Han X, Tu X, Zhu D, Feng Y, Jiang T, Yang Y, Qu J, Chen JG. An Autism-Related, Nonsense Foxp1 Mutant Induces Autophagy and Delays Radial Migration of the Cortical Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:3193-3208. [PMID: 30124790 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that has a strong genetic component. Disruptions of FOXP1, a transcription factor expressed in the developing cerebral cortex, were associated with ASD. FOXP1(R525X) is a de novo heterozygous mutation found in patients with autism and severe mental retardation. To explore the neuronal basis of FOXP1(R525X) in ASD, we created Foxp1(R521X), a mouse homolog of the human variant. Ectopic expression of Foxp1(R521X) led to cytoplasmic aggregates and activated macroautophagy in neuroblastoma N2a cells and the developing neuronal cells. Cortical neurons expressing Foxp1(R521X) exhibited delayed migration and altered dendritic morphology. As a control, mutant Y435X that was expressed diffusively in the cytoplasm did not induce autophagy and migration delay in the cortex. The embryonic cortical cells had a minimal activity of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as assayed by a splicing-dependent NMD reporter. We hypothesize that the developing neuronal cells use autophagy but not NMD as a safeguard mechanism against nonsense mutant aggregates, resulting in impairment of the cortical development. This study suggests a novel mechanism other than heterozygous loss of FOXP1 for the development of ASD and may advance our understanding of the complex relationships between gene mutation and the related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Dan Zhu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Youping Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
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26
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Co M, Anderson AG, Konopka G. FOXP transcription factors in vertebrate brain development, function, and disorders. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e375. [PMID: 31999079 PMCID: PMC8286808 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
FOXP transcription factors are an evolutionarily ancient protein subfamily coordinating the development of several organ systems in the vertebrate body. Association of their genes with neurodevelopmental disorders has sparked particular interest in their expression patterns and functions in the brain. Here, FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXP4 are expressed in distinct cell type-specific spatiotemporal patterns in multiple regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum. These varied sites and timepoints of expression have complicated efforts to link FOXP1 and FOXP2 mutations to their respective developmental disorders, the former affecting global neural functions and the latter specifically affecting speech and language. However, the use of animal models, particularly those with brain region- and cell type-specific manipulations, has greatly advanced our understanding of how FOXP expression patterns could underlie disorder-related phenotypes. While many questions remain regarding FOXP expression and function in the brain, studies to date have illuminated the roles of these transcription factors in vertebrate brain development and have greatly informed our understanding of human development and disorders. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Co
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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27
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den Hoed J, Fisher SE. Genetic pathways involved in human speech disorders. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:103-111. [PMID: 32622339 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rare genetic variants that disrupt speech development provide entry points for deciphering the neurobiological foundations of key human capacities. The value of this approach is illustrated by FOXP2, a transcription factor gene that was implicated in speech apraxia, and subsequently investigated using human cell-based systems and animal models. Advances in next-generation sequencing, coupled to de novo paradigms, facilitated discovery of etiological variants in additional genes in speech disorder cohorts. As for other neurodevelopmental syndromes, gene-driven studies show blurring of boundaries between diagnostic categories, with some risk genes shared across speech disorders, intellectual disability and autism. Convergent evidence hints at involvement of regulatory genes co-expressed in early human brain development, suggesting that etiological pathways could be amenable for investigation in emerging neural models such as cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joery den Hoed
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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28
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Price KM, Wigg KG, Feng Y, Blokland K, Wilkinson M, He G, Kerr EN, Carter TC, Guger SL, Lovett MW, Strug LJ, Barr CL. Genome-wide association study of word reading: Overlap with risk genes for neurodevelopmental disorders. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12648. [PMID: 32108986 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reading disabilities (RD) are the most common neurocognitive disorder, affecting 5% to 17% of children in North America. These children often have comorbid neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The genetics of RD and their overlap with other disorders is incompletely understood. To contribute to this, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for word reading. Then, using summary statistics from neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders, we computed polygenic risk scores (PRS) and used them to predict reading ability in our samples. This enabled us to test the shared aetiology between RD and other disorders. The GWAS consisted of 5.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two samples; a family-based sample recruited for reading difficulties in Toronto (n = 624) and a population-based sample recruited in Philadelphia [Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC)] (n = 4430). The Toronto sample SNP-based analysis identified suggestive SNPs (P ~ 5 × 10-7 ) in the ARHGAP23 gene, which is implicated in neuronal migration/axon pathfinding. The PNC gene-based analysis identified significant associations (P < 2.72 × 10-6 ) for LINC00935 and CCNT1, located in the region of the KANSL2/CCNT1/LINC00935/SNORA2B/SNORA34/MIR4701/ADCY6 genes on chromosome 12q, with near significant SNP-based analysis. PRS identified significant overlap between word reading and intelligence (R2 = 0.18, P = 7.25 × 10-181 ), word reading and educational attainment (R2 = 0.07, P = 4.91 × 10-48 ) and word reading and ADHD (R2 = 0.02, P = 8.70 × 10-6 ; threshold for significance = 7.14 × 10-3 ). Overlap was also found between RD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as top-ranked genes were previously implicated in autism by rare and copy number variant analyses. These findings support shared risk between word reading, cognitive measures, educational outcomes and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Price
- Genetics and Development Division, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen G Wigg
- Genetics and Development Division, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu Feng
- Genetics and Development Division, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirsten Blokland
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret Wilkinson
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gengming He
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth N Kerr
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tasha-Cate Carter
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon L Guger
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maureen W Lovett
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa J Strug
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cathy L Barr
- Genetics and Development Division, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Mossa A, Manzini MC. Molecular causes of sex-specific deficits in rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neurosci Res 2019; 99:37-56. [PMID: 31872500 PMCID: PMC7754327 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder consistently show a male bias in prevalence, but it remains unclear why males and females are affected with different frequency. While many behavioral studies of transgenic NDD models have focused only on males, the requirement by the National Institutes of Health to consider sex as a biological variable has promoted the comparison of male and female performance in wild-type and mutant animals. Here, we review examples of rodent models of NDDs in which sex-specific deficits were identified in molecular, physiological, and/or behavioral responses, showing sex differences in susceptibility to disruption of genes mutated in NDDs. Haploinsufficiency in genes involved in mechanisms such as synaptic function (GABRB3 and NRXN1), chromatin remodeling (CHD8, EMHT1, and ADNP), and intracellular signaling (CC2D1A and ERK1) lead to more severe behavioral outcomes in males. However, in the absence of behavioral deficits, females can still present with cellular and electrophysiological changes that could be due to compensatory mechanisms or differential allocation of molecular and cellular functions in the two sexes. By contrasting these findings with mouse models where females are more severely affected (MTHFR and AMBRA1), we propose a framework to approach the study of sex-specific deficits possibly leading to sex bias in NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Mossa
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - M Chiara Manzini
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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30
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Differential Song Deficits after Lentivirus-Mediated Knockdown of FoxP1, FoxP2, or FoxP4 in Area X of Juvenile Zebra Finches. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9782-9796. [PMID: 31641053 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1250-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factors FOXP1 and FOXP2 are associated with speech impairments. FOXP1 is additionally linked to cognitive deficits, as is FOXP4. These FoxP proteins are highly conserved in vertebrates and expressed in comparable brain regions, including the striatum. In male zebra finches, experimental manipulation of FoxP2 in Area X, a striatal song nucleus essential for vocal production learning, affects song development, adult song production, dendritic spine density, and dopamine-regulated synaptic transmission of striatal neurons. We previously showed that, in the majority of Area X neurons FoxP1, FoxP2, and FoxP4 are coexpressed, can dimerize and multimerize with each other and differentially regulate the expression of target genes. These findings raise the possibility that FoxP1, FoxP2, and FoxP4 (FoxP1/2/4) affect neural function differently and in turn vocal learning. To address this directly, we downregulated FoxP1 or FoxP4 in Area X of juvenile zebra finches and compared the resulting song phenotypes with the previously described inaccurate and incomplete song learning after FoxP2 knockdown. We found that experimental downregulation of FoxP1 and FoxP4 led to impaired song learning with partly similar features as those reported for FoxP2 knockdowns. However, there were also specific differences between the groups, leading us to suggest that specific features of the song are differentially impacted by developmental manipulations of FoxP1/2/4 expression in Area X.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We compared the effects of experimentally reduced expression of the transcription factors FoxP1, FoxP2, and FoxP4 in a striatal song nucleus, Area X, on vocal production learning in juvenile male zebra finches. We show, for the first time, that these temporally and spatially precise manipulations of the three FoxPs affect spectral and temporal song features differentially. This is important because it raises the possibility that the different FoxPs control different aspects of vocal learning through combinatorial gene expression or by acting in different microcircuits within Area X. These results are consistent with the deleterious effects of human FOXP1 and FOXP2 mutations on speech and language and add FOXP4 as a possible candidate gene for vocal disorders.
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31
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Han L, Chen M, Wang Y, Wu H, Quan Y, Bai T, Li K, Duan G, Gao Y, Hu Z, Xia K, Guo H. Pathogenic missense mutation pattern of forkhead box genes in neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e00789. [PMID: 31199603 PMCID: PMC6625093 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are a family of transcription factors. Mutations of three FOX genes, including FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXG1, have been reported in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). However, due to the lack of site‐specific statistical significance, the pathogenicity of missense mutations of these genes is difficult to determine. Methods DNA and RNA were extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes. The mutation was detected by single‐molecule molecular inversion probe‐based targeted sequencing, and the variant was validated by Sanger sequencing. Real‐time quantitative PCR and western blot were performed to assay the expression of the mRNA and protein. To assess the pattern of disorder‐related missense mutations of NDD‐related FOX genes, we manually curated de novo and inherited missense or inframeshift variants within FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXG1 that co‐segregated with phenotypes in NDDs. All variants were annotated by ANNOVAR. Results We detected a novel de novo missense mutation (NM_001244815: c.G1444A, p.E482K) of FOXP1 in a patient with intellectual disability and severe speech delay. Real‐time PCR and western blot revealed a dramatic reduction of mRNA and protein expression in patient‐derived lymphocytes, indicating a loss‐of‐function mechanism. We observed that the majority of the de novo or transmitted missense variants were located in the FOX domains, and 95% were classified as pathogenic mutations. However, 10 variants were located outside of the FOX domain and were classified as likely pathogenic or variants of uncertain significance. Conclusion Our study shows the pathogenicity of missense and inframeshift variants of NDD‐related FOX genes, which is important for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling. Functional analysis is needed to determine the pathogenicity of the variants with uncertain clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Han
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meilin Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yazhe Wang
- Center of Children Psychology and Behavior, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huidan Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingting Quan
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiqin Duan
- Center of Children Psychology and Behavior, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Child Psychobehavioural Rehabilitation Department, Shenzhen Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Information Research, Central South University, Changsha, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligences Technology (CEBSIT), Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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32
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Yamamoto-Shimojima K, Okamoto N, Matsumura W, Okazaki T, Yamamoto T. Three Japanese patients with 3p13 microdeletions involving FOXP1. Brain Dev 2019; 41:257-262. [PMID: 30424912 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXP1 is known as the gene responsible for neurodevelopmental delay associated with language impairment. Broad clinical findings also include feeding difficulty, muscular hypotonia, and distinctive features. These findings are common between patients with loss-of-function mutations in FOXP1 and 3p13 microdeletion involving FOXP1. Thus, "FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome" is now recommended. METHODS After obtaining informed consent, chromosomal microarray testing was performed for patients with unknown etiology. RESULTS We identified three Japanese patients with 3p13 microdeletions involving FOXP1. One of the patients showed an additional 1q31.3q32.1 deletion as de novo, which was rather considered as a benign copy number variant. CONCLUSION This is the first report of patients with 3p13 microdeletions from Japan. All patients showed growth delay, moderate to severe developmental delay, hearing loss, and distinctive facial features including prominent forehead and mid facial hypoplasia. In addition, "square shaped face" commonly observed in all three patients may be a characteristic finding undescribed previously. From the obtained findings, "FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome" was considered to be clinically recognizable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Yamamoto-Shimojima
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Tokyo Women's Medical University Institute of Integrated Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Wataru Matsumura
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Okazaki
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Tokyo Women's Medical University Institute of Integrated Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.
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33
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Castells-Nobau A, Eidhof I, Fenckova M, Brenman-Suttner DB, Scheffer-de Gooyert JM, Christine S, Schellevis RL, van der Laan K, Quentin C, van Ninhuijs L, Hofmann F, Ejsmont R, Fisher SE, Kramer JM, Sigrist SJ, Simon AF, Schenck A. Conserved regulation of neurodevelopmental processes and behavior by FoxP in Drosophila. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211652. [PMID: 30753188 PMCID: PMC6372147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP proteins form a subfamily of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors involved in the development and functioning of several tissues, including the central nervous system. In humans, mutations in FOXP1 and FOXP2 have been implicated in cognitive deficits including intellectual disability and speech disorders. Drosophila exhibits a single ortholog, called FoxP, but due to a lack of characterized mutants, our understanding of the gene remains poor. Here we show that the dimerization property required for mammalian FOXP function is conserved in Drosophila. In flies, FoxP is enriched in the adult brain, showing strong expression in ~1000 neurons of cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic nature. We generate Drosophila loss-of-function mutants and UAS-FoxP transgenic lines for ectopic expression, and use them to characterize FoxP function in the nervous system. At the cellular level, we demonstrate that Drosophila FoxP is required in larvae for synaptic morphogenesis at axonal terminals of the neuromuscular junction and for dendrite development of dorsal multidendritic sensory neurons. In the developing brain, we find that FoxP plays important roles in α-lobe mushroom body formation. Finally, at a behavioral level, we show that Drosophila FoxP is important for locomotion, habituation learning and social space behavior of adult flies. Our work shows that Drosophila FoxP is important for regulating several neurodevelopmental processes and behaviors that are related to human disease or vertebrate disease model phenotypes. This suggests a high degree of functional conservation with vertebrate FOXP orthologues and established flies as a model system for understanding FOXP related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ilse Eidhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jolanda M. Scheffer-de Gooyert
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sheren Christine
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa L. Schellevis
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kiran van der Laan
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Quentin
- Genetics, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa van Ninhuijs
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Falko Hofmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Radoslaw Ejsmont
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute of Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jamie M. Kramer
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan J. Sigrist
- Genetics, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne F. Simon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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34
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Estruch SB, Graham SA, Quevedo M, Vino A, Dekkers DHW, Deriziotis P, Sollis E, Demmers J, Poot RA, Fisher SE. Proteomic analysis of FOXP proteins reveals interactions between cortical transcription factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1212-1227. [PMID: 29365100 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP transcription factors play important roles in neurodevelopment, but little is known about how their transcriptional activity is regulated. FOXP proteins cooperatively regulate gene expression by forming homo- and hetero-dimers with each other. Physical associations with other transcription factors might also modulate the functions of FOXP proteins. However, few FOXP-interacting transcription factors have been identified so far. Therefore, we sought to discover additional transcription factors that interact with the brain-expressed FOXP proteins, FOXP1, FOXP2 and FOXP4, through affinity-purifications of protein complexes followed by mass spectrometry. We identified seven novel FOXP-interacting transcription factors (NR2F1, NR2F2, SATB1, SATB2, SOX5, YY1 and ZMYM2), five of which have well-estabslished roles in cortical development. Accordingly, we found that these transcription factors are co-expressed with FoxP2 in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and also in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, suggesting that they may cooperate with the FoxPs to regulate neural gene expression in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that etiological mutations of FOXP1 and FOXP2, known to cause neurodevelopmental disorders, severely disrupted the interactions with FOXP-interacting transcription factors. Additionally, we pinpointed specific regions within FOXP2 sequence involved in mediating these interactions. Thus, by expanding the FOXP interactome we have uncovered part of a broader neural transcription factor network involved in cortical development, providing novel molecular insights into the transcriptional architecture underlying brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Estruch
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Graham
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Martí Quevedo
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Arianna Vino
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H W Dekkers
- Center for Proteomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Pelagia Deriziotis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Elliot Sollis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Demmers
- Center for Proteomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond A Poot
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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35
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A set of regulatory genes co-expressed in embryonic human brain is implicated in disrupted speech development. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1065-1078. [PMID: 29463886 PMCID: PMC6756287 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic investigations of people with impaired development of spoken language provide windows into key aspects of human biology. Over 15 years after FOXP2 was identified, most speech and language impairments remain unexplained at the molecular level. We sequenced whole genomes of nineteen unrelated individuals diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, a rare disorder enriched for causative mutations of large effect. Where DNA was available from unaffected parents, we discovered de novo mutations, implicating genes, including CHD3, SETD1A and WDR5. In other probands, we identified novel loss-of-function variants affecting KAT6A, SETBP1, ZFHX4, TNRC6B and MKL2, regulatory genes with links to neurodevelopment. Several of the new candidates interact with each other or with known speech-related genes. Moreover, they show significant clustering within a single co-expression module of genes highly expressed during early human brain development. This study highlights gene regulatory pathways in the developing brain that may contribute to acquisition of proficient speech.
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36
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Characterization of a recurrent missense mutation in the forkhead DNA-binding domain of FOXP1. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16161. [PMID: 30385778 PMCID: PMC6212433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of Forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1), a highly conserved transcription factor, leads to developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, speech delay, and dysmorphic features. Most of the reported FOXP1 mutations occur on the C-terminus of the protein and cluster around to the forkhead domain. All reported FOXP1 pathogenic variants result in abnormal cellular localization and loss of transcriptional repression activity of the protein product. Here we present three patients with the same FOXP1 mutation, c.1574G>A (p.R525Q), that results in the characteristic loss of transcription repression activity. This mutation, however, represents the first reported FOXP1 mutation that does not result in cytoplasmic or nuclear aggregation of the protein but maintains normal nuclear localization.
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37
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Functional characterization of TBR1 variants in neurodevelopmental disorder. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14279. [PMID: 30250039 PMCID: PMC6155134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent de novo variants in the TBR1 transcription factor are implicated in the etiology of sporadic autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Disruptions include missense variants located in the T-box DNA-binding domain and previous work has demonstrated that they disrupt TBR1 protein function. Recent screens of thousands of simplex families with sporadic ASD cases uncovered additional T-box variants in TBR1 but their etiological relevance is unclear. We performed detailed functional analyses of de novo missense TBR1 variants found in the T-box of ASD cases, assessing many aspects of protein function, including subcellular localization, transcriptional activity and protein-interactions. Only two of the three tested variants severely disrupted TBR1 protein function, despite in silico predictions that all would be deleterious. Furthermore, we characterized a putative interaction with BCL11A, a transcription factor that was recently implicated in a neurodevelopmental syndrome involving developmental delay and language deficits. Our findings enhance understanding of molecular functions of TBR1, as well as highlighting the importance of functional testing of variants that emerge from next-generation sequencing, to decipher their contributions to neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.
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38
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Zombor M, Kalmár T, Maróti Z, Zimmermann A, Máté A, Bereczki C, Sztriha L. Co-occurrence of mutations in FOXP1 and PTCH1 in a girl with extreme megalencephaly, callosal dysgenesis and profound intellectual disability. J Hum Genet 2018; 63:1189-1193. [PMID: 30181650 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-018-0508-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heterozygous disruptions in FOXP1 are responsible for developmental delay, intellectual disability and speech deficit. Heterozygous germline PTCH1 disease-causing variants cause Gorlin syndrome. We describe a girl with extreme megalencephaly, developmental delay and severe intellectual disability. Dysmorphic features included prominent forehead, frontal hair upsweep, flat, wide nasal bridge, low-set, abnormally modelled ears and post-axial cutaneous appendages on the hands. Brain MRI showed partial agenesis of the corpus callosum and widely separated leaves of the septum pellucidum. Exome sequencing of a gene set representing a total of 4813 genes with known relationships to human diseases revealed an already known heterozygous de novo nonsense disease-causing variant in FOXP1 (c.1573C>T, p.Arg525Ter) and a heterozygous novel de novo frameshift nonsense variant in PTCH1 (c.2834delGinsAGATGTTGTGGACCC, p.Arg945GlnfsTer22). The composite phenotype of the patient seems to be the result of two monogenic diseases, although more severe than described in conditions due to disease-causing variants in either gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Zombor
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kalmár
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Maróti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alíz Zimmermann
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Máté
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bereczki
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Sztriha
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
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39
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Foxp2 regulates anatomical features that may be relevant for vocal behaviors and bipedal locomotion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8799-8804. [PMID: 30104377 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721820115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundamental human traits, such as language and bipedalism, are associated with a range of anatomical adaptations in craniofacial shaping and skeletal remodeling. However, it is unclear how such morphological features arose during hominin evolution. FOXP2 is a brain-expressed transcription factor implicated in a rare disorder involving speech apraxia and language impairments. Analysis of its evolutionary history suggests that this gene may have contributed to the emergence of proficient spoken language. In the present study, through analyses of skeleton-specific knockout mice, we identified roles of Foxp2 in skull shaping and bone remodeling. Selective ablation of Foxp2 in cartilage disrupted pup vocalizations in a similar way to that of global Foxp2 mutants, which may be due to pleiotropic effects on craniofacial morphogenesis. Our findings also indicate that Foxp2 helps to regulate strength and length of hind limbs and maintenance of joint cartilage and intervertebral discs, which are all anatomical features that are susceptible to adaptations for bipedal locomotion. In light of the known roles of Foxp2 in brain circuits that are important for motor skills and spoken language, we suggest that this gene may have been well placed to contribute to coevolution of neural and anatomical adaptations related to speech and bipedal locomotion.
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40
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Braccioli L, Vervoort SJ, Adolfs Y, Heijnen CJ, Basak O, Pasterkamp RJ, Nijboer CH, Coffer PJ. FOXP1 Promotes Embryonic Neural Stem Cell Differentiation by Repressing Jagged1 Expression. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 9:1530-1545. [PMID: 29141232 PMCID: PMC5688236 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in FOXP1 have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disability and autism; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate with RNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing that FOXP1 directly regulates genes controlling neurogenesis. We show that FOXP1 is expressed in embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs), and modulation of FOXP1 expression affects both neuron and astrocyte differentiation. Using a murine model of cortical development, FOXP1-knockdown in utero was found to reduce NSC differentiation and migration during corticogenesis. Furthermore, transplantation of FOXP1-knockdown NSCs in neonatal mice after hypoxia-ischemia challenge demonstrated that FOXP1 is also required for neuronal differentiation and functionality in vivo. FOXP1 was found to repress the expression of Notch pathway genes including the Notch-ligand Jagged1, resulting in inhibition of Notch signaling. Finally, blockade of Jagged1 in FOXP1-knockdown NSCs rescued neuronal differentiation in vitro. Together, these data support a role for FOXP1 in regulating embryonic NSC differentiation by modulating Notch signaling. FOXP1 promotes astrocyte and neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vitro FOXP1 promotes neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vivo FOXP1 transcriptionally regulates pro-neural genes and represses Notch pathway genes FOXP1 promotes neuronal differentiation by limiting Jagged1 expression
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Braccioli
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, the Netherlands; Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Onur Basak
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Cora H Nijboer
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands.
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Vuillaume ML, Cogné B, Jeanne M, Boland A, Ung DC, Quinquis D, Besnard T, Deleuze JF, Redon R, Bézieau S, Laumonnier F, Toutain A. Whole genome sequencing identifies a de novo 2.1 Mb balanced paracentric inversion disrupting FOXP1 and leading to severe intellectual disability. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 485:218-223. [PMID: 29969624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The FOXP1 gene, located on chromosome 3p13, encodes the Forkhead-box protein P1, one of the four forkhead transcription factors which repress transcription by forming active homo- and heterodimers and regulate distinct patterns of gene expression crucial for embryogenesis and normal development. FOXP1 mutations, mostly truncating, have been described in patients with mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and speech and language impairment (MIM #613670). Here, we report a small de novo heterozygous balanced inversion of 2.1 Mb located at 3p14.1p13 identified by Whole Genomic Sequencing (WGS) and disrupting the genes FAM19A4 and FOXP1. This inversion was found in a patient with severe ID, ASD, seizures and very unusual vascular anomalies which were never described in the clinical spectrum of FOXP1 mutations. We show that the neurodevelopmental phenotype observed in the patient most likely results from FOXP1 haploinsufficiency as this heterozygous inversion leads to a 60 to 85% decrease of FOXP1 mRNA levels and to the complete absence of FOXP1 full-length protein. These findings, in addition to expanding the molecular spectrum of FOXP1 mutations, emphasize the emerging role of WGS in identifying small balanced chromosomal rearrangements responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders and not detected by conventional cytogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-L Vuillaume
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - B Cogné
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France; INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - M Jeanne
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - A Boland
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine (CNRGH), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale, CEA, Evry, France
| | - D-C Ung
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - D Quinquis
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France
| | - T Besnard
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France
| | - J-F Deleuze
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine (CNRGH), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Direction de La Recherche Fondamentale, CEA, Evry, France
| | - R Redon
- INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - S Bézieau
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France; INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - F Laumonnier
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - A Toutain
- Service de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
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42
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Breslow DK, Hoogendoorn S, Kopp AR, Morgens DW, Vu BK, Kennedy MC, Han K, Li A, Hess GT, Bassik MC, Chen JK, Nachury MV. A CRISPR-based screen for Hedgehog signaling provides insights into ciliary function and ciliopathies. Nat Genet 2018; 50:460-471. [PMID: 29459677 PMCID: PMC5862771 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia organize Hedgehog signaling and shape embryonic development, and their dysregulation is the unifying cause of ciliopathies. We conducted a functional genomic screen for Hedgehog signaling by engineering antibiotic-based selection of Hedgehog-responsive cells and applying genome-wide CRISPR-mediated gene disruption. The screen can robustly identify factors required for ciliary signaling with few false positives or false negatives. Characterization of hit genes uncovered novel components of several ciliary structures, including a protein complex that contains δ-tubulin and ε-tubulin and is required for centriole maintenance. The screen also provides an unbiased tool for classifying ciliopathies and showed that many congenital heart disorders are caused by loss of ciliary signaling. Collectively, our study enables a systematic analysis of ciliary function and of ciliopathies, and also defines a versatile platform for dissecting signaling pathways through CRISPR-based screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Breslow
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Sascha Hoogendoorn
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adam R Kopp
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David W Morgens
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brandon K Vu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Margaret C Kennedy
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kyuho Han
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amy Li
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gaelen T Hess
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James K Chen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Maxence V Nachury
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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43
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Rodenas-Cuadrado PM, Mengede J, Baas L, Devanna P, Schmid TA, Yartsev M, Firzlaff U, Vernes SC. Mapping the distribution of language related genes FoxP1, FoxP2, and CntnaP2 in the brains of vocal learning bat species. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:1235-1266. [PMID: 29297931 PMCID: PMC5900884 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Genes including FOXP2, FOXP1, and CNTNAP2, have been implicated in human speech and language phenotypes, pointing to a role in the development of normal language‐related circuitry in the brain. Although speech and language are unique to humans a comparative approach is possible by addressing language‐relevant traits in animal systems. One such trait, vocal learning, represents an essential component of human spoken language, and is shared by cetaceans, pinnipeds, elephants, some birds and bats. Given their vocal learning abilities, gregarious nature, and reliance on vocalizations for social communication and navigation, bats represent an intriguing mammalian system in which to explore language‐relevant genes. We used immunohistochemistry to detail the distribution of FoxP2, FoxP1, and Cntnap2 proteins, accompanied by detailed cytoarchitectural histology in the brains of two vocal learning bat species; Phyllostomus discolor and Rousettus aegyptiacus. We show widespread expression of these genes, similar to what has been previously observed in other species, including humans. A striking difference was observed in the adult P. discolor bat, which showed low levels of FoxP2 expression in the cortex that contrasted with patterns found in rodents and nonhuman primates. We created an online, open‐access database within which all data can be browsed, searched, and high resolution images viewed to single cell resolution. The data presented herein reveal regions of interest in the bat brain and provide new opportunities to address the role of these language‐related genes in complex vocal‐motor and vocal learning behaviors in a mammalian model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodenas-Cuadrado
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Mengede
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Baas
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias A Schmid
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Michael Yartsev
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720.,Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, 306 University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Uwe Firzlaff
- Department Tierwissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Zoologie, TU München, München, 85354, Germany
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, 6500 AH, The Netherlands.,Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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44
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Urreizti R, Damanti S, Esteve C, Franco-Valls H, Castilla-Vallmanya L, Tonda R, Cormand B, Vilageliu L, Opitz JM, Neri G, Grinberg D, Balcells S. A De Novo FOXP1 Truncating Mutation in a Patient Originally Diagnosed as C Syndrome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:694. [PMID: 29330474 PMCID: PMC5766530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo FOXP1 mutations have been associated with intellectual disability (ID), motor delay, autistic features and a wide spectrum of speech difficulties. C syndrome (Opitz C trigonocephaly syndrome) is a rare and genetically heterogeneous condition, characterized by trigonocephaly, craniofacial anomalies and ID. Several different chromosome deletions and and point mutations in distinct genes have been associated with the disease in patients originally diagnosed as Opitz C. By whole exome sequencing we identified a de novo splicing mutation in FOXP1 in a patient, initially diagnosed as C syndrome, who suffers from syndromic intellectual disability with trigonocephaly. The mutation (c.1428 + 1 G > A) promotes the skipping of exon 16, a frameshift and a premature STOP codon (p.Ala450GLyfs*13), as assessed by a minigene strategy. The patient reported here shares speech difficulties, intellectual disability and autistic features with other FOXP1 syndrome patients, and thus the diagnosis for this patient should be changed. Finally, since trigonocephaly has not been previously reported in FOXP1 syndrome, it remains to be proved whether it may be associated with the FOXP1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Urreizti
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sarah Damanti
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione Ca'Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Esteve
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Franco-Valls
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Castilla-Vallmanya
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raul Tonda
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bru Cormand
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluïsa Vilageliu
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John M Opitz
- Pediatrics Medical Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Giovanni Neri
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Balcells
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, IBUB, IRSJD, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
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45
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Herrero MJ, Gitton Y. The untold stories of the speech gene, the FOXP2 cancer gene. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:11-38. [PMID: 29725501 PMCID: PMC5931254 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2 encodes a transcription factor involved in speech and language acquisition. Growing evidence now suggests that dysregulated FOXP2 activity may also be instrumental in human oncogenesis, along the lines of other cardinal developmental transcription factors such as DLX5 and DLX6 [1-4]. Several FOXP familymembers are directly involved during cancer initiation, maintenance and progression in the adult [5-8]. This may comprise either a pro-oncogenic activity or a deficient tumor-suppressor role, depending upon cell types and associated signaling pathways. While FOXP2 is expressed in numerous cell types, its expression has been found to be down-regulated in breast cancer [9], hepatocellular carcinoma [8] and gastric cancer biopsies [10]. Conversely, overexpressed FOXP2 has been reported in multiple myelomas, MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance), several subtypes of lymphomas [5,11], as well as in neuroblastomas [12] and ERG fusion-negative prostate cancers [13]. According to functional evidences reported in breast cancer [9] and survey of recent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of different tumor biopsies, we postulate that FOXP2 dysregulation may play a main role throughout cancer initiation and progression. In some cancer conditions, FOXP2 levels are now considered as a critical diagnostic marker of neoplastic cells, and in many situations, they even bear strong prognostic value [5]. Whether FOXP2 may further become a therapeutic target is an actively explored lead. Knowledge reviewed here may help improve our understanding of FOXP2 roles during oncogenesis and provide cues for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Herrero
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yorick Gitton
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS, Vision Institute Research Center, Paris, France
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46
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Abstract
The post-genomic era is an exciting time for researchers interested in the biology of speech and language. Substantive advances in molecular methodologies have opened up entire vistas of investigation that were not previously possible, or in some cases even imagined. Speculations concerning the origins of human cognitive traits are being transformed into empirically addressable questions, generating specific hypotheses that can be explicitly tested using data collected from both the natural world and experimental settings. In this article, I discuss a number of promising lines of research in this area. For example, the field has begun to identify genes implicated in speech and language skills, including not just disorders but also the normal range of abilities. Such genes provide powerful entry points for gaining insights into neural bases and evolutionary origins, using sophisticated experimental tools from molecular neuroscience and developmental neurobiology. At the same time, sequencing of ancient hominin genomes is giving us an unprecedented view of the molecular genetic changes that have occurred during the evolution of our species. Synthesis of data from these complementary sources offers an opportunity to robustly evaluate alternative accounts of language evolution. Of course, this endeavour remains challenging on many fronts, as I also highlight in the article. Nonetheless, such an integrated approach holds great potential for untangling the complexities of the capacities that make us human.
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47
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Usui N, Araujo DJ, Kulkarni A, Co M, Ellegood J, Harper M, Toriumi K, Lerch JP, Konopka G. Foxp1 regulation of neonatal vocalizations via cortical development. Genes Dev 2017; 31:2039-2055. [PMID: 29138280 PMCID: PMC5733496 DOI: 10.1101/gad.305037.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Usui et al. show that deletion of Foxp1 in the developing forebrain leads to impairments in neonatal vocalizations as well as neocortical cytoarchitectonic alterations via neuronal positioning and migration. Sumoylation of Foxp1 affects neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. The molecular mechanisms driving brain development at risk in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain mostly unknown. Previous studies have implicated the transcription factor FOXP1 in both brain development and ASD pathophysiology. However, the specific molecular pathways both upstream of and downstream from FOXP1 are not fully understood. To elucidate the contribution of FOXP1-mediated signaling to brain development and, in particular, neocortical development, we generated forebrain-specific Foxp1 conditional knockout mice. We show that deletion of Foxp1 in the developing forebrain leads to impairments in neonatal vocalizations as well as neocortical cytoarchitectonic alterations via neuronal positioning and migration. Using a genomics approach, we identified the transcriptional networks regulated by Foxp1 in the developing neocortex and found that such networks are enriched for downstream targets involved in neurogenesis and neuronal migration. We also uncovered mechanistic insight into Foxp1 function by demonstrating that sumoylation of Foxp1 during embryonic brain development is necessary for mediating proper interactions between Foxp1 and the NuRD complex. Furthermore, we demonstrated that sumoylation of Foxp1 affects neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. Together, these data provide critical mechanistic insights into the function of FOXP1 in the developing neocortex and may reveal molecular pathways at risk in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Division of Development of Mental Functions, Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daniel J Araujo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ashwinikumar Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Marissa Co
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Matthew Harper
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kazuya Toriumi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Project for Schizophrenia Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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48
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Siper PM, De Rubeis S, Trelles MDP, Durkin A, Di Marino D, Muratet F, Frank Y, Lozano R, Eichler EE, Kelly M, Beighley J, Gerdts J, Wallace AS, Mefford HC, Bernier RA, Kolevzon A, Buxbaum JD. Prospective investigation of FOXP1 syndrome. Mol Autism 2017; 8:57. [PMID: 29090079 PMCID: PMC5655854 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haploinsufficiency of the forkhead-box protein P1 (FOXP1) gene leads to a neurodevelopmental disorder termed FOXP1 syndrome. Previous studies in individuals carrying FOXP1 mutations and deletions have described the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, intellectual disability, language impairment, and psychiatric features. The goal of the present study was to comprehensively characterize the genetic and clinical spectrum of FOXP1 syndrome. This is the first study to prospectively examine the genotype-phenotype relationship in multiple individuals with FOXP1 syndrome, using a battery of standardized clinical assessments. Methods Genetic and clinical data was obtained and analyzed from nine children and adolescents between the ages of 5–17 with mutations in FOXP1. Phenotypic characterization included gold standard ASD testing and norm-referenced measures of cognition, adaptive behavior, language, motor, and visual-motor integration skills. In addition, psychiatric, medical, neurological, and dysmorphology examinations were completed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians. A comprehensive review of reported cases was also performed. All missense and in-frame mutations were mapped onto the three-dimensional structure of DNA-bound FOXP1. Results We have identified nine de novo mutations, including three frameshift, one nonsense, one mutation in an essential splice site resulting in frameshift and insertion of a premature stop codon, three missense, and one in-frame deletion. Reviewing prior literature, we found seven instances of recurrent mutations and another 34 private mutations. The majority of pathogenic missense and in-frame mutations, including all four missense mutations in our cohort, lie in the DNA-binding domain. Through structural analyses, we show that the mutations perturb amino acids necessary for binding to the DNA or interfere with the domain swapping that mediates FOXP1 dimerization. Individuals with FOXP1 syndrome presented with delays in early motor and language milestones, language impairment (expressive language > receptive language), ASD symptoms, visual-motor integration deficits, and complex psychiatric presentations characterized by anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits, attention deficits, and externalizing symptoms. Medical features included non-specific structural brain abnormalities and dysmorphic features, endocrine and gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, and sinopulmonary infections. Conclusions This study identifies novel FOXP1 mutations associated with FOXP1 syndrome, identifies recurrent mutations, and demonstrates significant clustering of missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain. Clinical findings confirm the role FOXP1 plays in development across multiple domains of functioning. The genetic findings can be incorporated into clinical genetics practice to improve accurate genetic diagnosis of FOXP1 syndrome and the clinical findings can inform monitoring and treatment of individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-017-0172-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Siper
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Maria Del Pilar Trelles
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Allison Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Informatics, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - François Muratet
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Yitzchak Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Morgan Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Friedman Brain Institute, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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49
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Myers A, du Souich C, Yang CL, Borovik L, Mwenifumbo J, Rupps R, Study C, Lehman A, Boerkoel CF. FOXP1 haploinsufficiency: Phenotypes beyond behavior and intellectual disability? Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:3172-3181. [PMID: 28884888 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors have roles in development, carcinogenesis, metabolism, and immunity. In humans FOXP1 mutations have been associated with language and speech defects, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, facial dysmorphisms, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. In mice, Foxp1 plays critical roles in development of the spinal motor neurons, lymphocytes, cardiomyocytes, foregut, and skeleton. We hypothesized therefore that mutations of FOXP1 affect additional tissues in some humans. Supporting this hypothesis, we describe two individuals with novel variants of FOXP1 (NM_032682.5:c.975-2A>C and NM_032682.5:c.1574G>A) and additional features. One had a lung disease resembling neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI), and the second had a skeletal disorder with undertubulation of the long bones and relapsing-remitting fevers associated with flushing and edema. Although attribution of these traits to mutation of FOXP1 requires ascertainment of additional patients, we hypothesize that the variable expression of these additional features might arise by means of stochastic developmental variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota and Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Christèle du Souich
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Connie L Yang
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, and Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lior Borovik
- Department of Genetic Counseling, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Jill Mwenifumbo
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rosemarie Rupps
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Causes Study
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cornelius F Boerkoel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota and Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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50
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Deriziotis P, Fisher SE. Speech and Language: Translating the Genome. Trends Genet 2017; 33:642-656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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